Ombudsman: Garibashvili raised no complaints over detention conditions; extra visit was agreed but subsequently cancelled

The Public Defender of Georgia, Levan Ioseliani, has visited former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili at the penitentiary facility where he is currently detained.

Speaking to journalists upon leaving the facility, Ioseliani stated that he inspected Garibashvili’s detention conditions and discussed matters concerning his healthcare, nutrition, and visitation rights.

According to the Public Defender, Garibashvili raised no grievances regarding his detention conditions or his treatment by prison administration.

However, Ioseliani noted that Garibashvili claimed an incentive long-term visit had previously been agreed upon but was subsequently cancelled.

The Public Defender added that he had also sought the prison administration’s view on the scheduling of the visit.

“I visited Irakli Garibashvili in his cell and inspected his living conditions. We discussed all relevant matters, including his health and nutrition, and I received comprehensive information. Regarding the issue of the visit, Irakli Garibashvili stated that an incentive long-term visit had been agreed upon and later cancelled. Granting such visits falls under the discretionary authority of the prison administration. According to Garibashvili, a promise had been made which was subsequently altered.

I also spoke with the prison administration and heard their stance. They harbour no particular negative or hostile attitude towards the inmate. Their position is that the incentive policy applied to Garibashvili, and to inmates generally, should continue on their part.

The prison administration explained that the visit could not be scheduled during that period due to ongoing infrastructure works and renovations in the meeting areas. Consequently, they stated that accommodating the visit was not feasible at that time, noting that the inmate had previously been granted regular reward visits.

We did not discuss the letters published by Irakli Garibashvili. He did not raise them, nor did I ask questions regarding that matter. If information regarding a crime is circulated, it should be of interest to investigative authorities. When investigative bodies fail to identify or investigate an issue within a reasonable timeframe, standard practice dictates appealing to the Public Defender, who then looks into the reasons for the delay. The relevant authorities must address any questions regarding alleged criminal acts. We automatically launch an inquiry whenever issues within a penitentiary facility come to light, provided, of course, that the matters raised relate to offences or alleged offences committed inside the prison. As for his detention conditions and treatment by the administration, he expressed no complaints whatsoever. Had such issues existed, rest assured I would have been the first to bring them to light,” Levan Ioseliani stated.