Justice Minister: Comprehensive investigation underway into convict Davitadze’s case; state holds responsibility to protect both prisoners and corrections officers

“A comprehensive criminal investigation is currently underway regarding allegations raised by convicted prisoner Giorgi Davitadze,” Minister of Justice Paata Salia confirmed on Monday, stressing the importance of awaiting the official findings of prosecutors.

Addressing the circumstances surrounding Davitadze’s transfer to a de-escalation cell, Salia explained that statutory regulations mandate a thorough physical security search before placement, a standard procedure that the inmate actively resisted.

“First and foremost, I wish to emphasise that the Ministry of Justice and the Special Penitentiary Service respond immediately and appropriately to every such claim. Inmate Davitadze’s case did not originate today; late last year he alleged rights violations, making very grave assertions, and an inquiry was launched. A comprehensive investigation involving numerous procedural actions is taking place to establish precisely what transpired during that incident,” Salia stated.

The Minister noted that released CCTV footage followed public calls, including from the Public Defender, for transparency regarding the inmate’s transfer to the de-escalation cell, where Mr Davitadze claimed a sexual offence had occurred.

“The decision to move him to a de-escalation cell stemmed from a preceding disturbance, where prison authorities determined he required a controlled environment to restore calm. Concerns were raised over the number of personnel deployed. However, the law strictly mandates a physical search before cell placement. The released footage clearly demonstrates that he physically resisted this search, prompting officers to apply lawful physical restraint. The presence of multiple officers does not inherently imply violence or illegal acts; the prisoner was actively protesting and preventing officers from discharging their statutory duties,” Salia added.

The Minister reaffirmed that prosecutors are evaluating whether the force applied during the search was strictly proportionate.

“The investigation will determine whether proportionate force was used and whether any rights were infringed. The Prosecutor’s Office possesses all relevant recordings. The state bears equal responsibility to protect both individuals housed in correctional facilities and the officers who serve in the penitentiary system. To date, none of the grave allegations aired, including those reviewed independently by the Public Defender, have been substantiated by the evidence,” the Justice Minister concluded.