The Special Penitentiary Service has issued a statement regarding the death of a prisoner at the Vivamed Clinic, expressing condolences to the family and condemning what they describe as manipulation of the incident by certain media outlets for political purposes.
According to the statement, the accused I.G. was placed in Penitentiary Facility No. 8 per legal requirements. From the day of his admission, the defendant was under medical supervision and underwent initial medical examinations and appropriate tests upon arrival.
“We unequivocally note that neither the accused I.G. nor his legal representative filed any complaints of rights violations against the Penitentiary Service or the administration of the penitentiary facility No. 8 throughout his entire period of detention,” the statement reads.
The Penitentiary Service reports that on January 23, 2025, the health condition of the accused I.G. deteriorated. The facility administration immediately called an emergency medical team, which transferred the defendant to a civilian multidisciplinary medical facility. Despite being under constant medical supervision in the critical care department, I.G. passed away on May 4, 2025.
The Ministry of Justice and the Special Penitentiary Service maintained active communication with the defendant’s family and the Public Defender’s Office. The statement emphasizes that the Ministry of Justice’s relevant department immediately launched an investigation into the incident, with intensive investigative actions ongoing. The investigation reportedly does not confirm any facts of fighting or violence.
Currently, the Special Investigation Service is also involved in the investigation. The public will be informed of the results after the investigation is completed. The Ministry of Justice has expressed readiness to provide any legally defined information to the family members of the accused and his legal defenders, taking into account the interest of conducting the investigation effectively and thoroughly.
Medical Director’s Statement
Dr Zurab Chkhaidze, Clinical Director of Vivamedi Clinic, commented on the prisoner’s death, stating that the prisoner was admitted to the clinic on January 23 in an unconscious state with multiple injuries.
“The prisoner was brought to us on January 23 in an unconscious condition with multiple injuries. He underwent various types of medical treatments, but despite this, unfortunately, a fatal outcome occurred on May 4 at 8:00 p.m. I cannot discuss other details as this is now the prerogative of the medical department of the penitentiary institution,” Chkhaidze noted.
Public Defender’s Office Investigation
The Public Defender’s Office has announced it will thoroughly investigate the case to identify and assess the causes of the prisoner’s death at Vivamed Clinic.
The statement reminds the public that the fact of placing the prisoner with severe injuries in the clinic became public on January 29, 2025. The Public Defender’s Office has been involved in examining the issue since then.
A representative of the Public Defender visited the clinic to verify the prisoner’s condition and speak with medical personnel. To gather necessary information, the Public Defender’s representative also met with prisoners and administration representatives from the penitentiary institution from which the injured defendant was transferred.
“Unfortunately, a personal conversation with the prisoner was not possible due to his health condition,” the statement explains.
The Public Defender’s Office examined relevant information and video recordings of the corridor adjacent to the cell. It was determined that video surveillance was not conducted directly inside the cell. The prisoner’s medical records reveal multiple injuries. The statement emphasizes that “it is essential that the investigation and forensic medical examination provide exhaustive answers to questions about their origin.”
The Public Defender’s Office will continue to study the case within its authority and maintain communication with investigative agencies for monitoring purposes.
