“I categorically deny the allegations we’ve been hearing over the past two days suggesting that violence occurred in the penitentiary system and that its representatives were involved. This is absolutely ruled out,” the Justice Minister of Georgia, Paata Salia, told journalists regarding the death of the prisoner Ioseb Gorgadze and expressed his condolences to Gorgadze’s family.

According to Salia, recently released video footage clearly shows that the patient had no facial injuries upon arrival.

“The serious head injury, which was likely the result of a fall, is under investigation and will be examined through the appropriate procedures. This injury, unfortunately, proved fatal. The Ministry released the footage so the public could see what was recorded inside the penitentiary and at Vivamedi Clinic during the patient’s admission. It clearly shows no violence from penitentiary staff,” he stated.

Salia also responded to claims by Gorgadze’s family that he had up to 30 fractures in the head and face.

“I understand the family is in deep distress. However, the footage shows no visible signs of multiple facial injuries. Emergency medical staff documented only one facial injury, sustained accidentally when the patient struck his head on an object in the ambulance. Other injuries were discovered later through a CT scan and further examination,” he explained.

He noted that the full set of materials had been handed over to investigators and was available to the family for review.

“These materials will undergo forensic examination. I hope this will put an end to baseless claims that the evidence was fabricated or that prison staff or inmates inflicted violence on the deceased,” Salia said.

He emphasized that the Ministry of Justice and the Penitentiary Service had released all relevant information and called for patience as the investigation continued.

“Unfortunately, radical groups are using this case to stir public unrest by suggesting systemic violence in prisons. But the public can see for themselves the significant improvements in the penitentiary system. There is no systemic violence. Anyone interested can review the released material and draw their own conclusions. In my view, and likely that of the investigators, no violence occurred,” Salia concluded.

The Ministry of Justice released selected video footage related to Gorgadze’s death, stating that it shows no signs of pressure or violence against him.