Penitentiary Service refutes solitary confinement claims: Tamaz Elizbarashvili housed in designated hunger strike cell per regulations

The Special Penitentiary Service of Georgia has released an official statement refuting claims made by defence counsel for detainee Tamaz Elizbarashvili, clarifying that he is held in a cell designated for inmates on hunger strike rather than in solitary confinement.

The Service issued the clarification to counter false reports alleging that Elizbarashvili had been transferred to isolation.

“The Special Penitentiary Service is responding to inaccurate information circulated by the lawyer of the accused, Tamaz Elizbarashvili, alleging that he has been placed in solitary confinement within the penitentiary institution.

To inform the public accurately, we clarify that Tamaz Elizbarashvili, as an individual undertaking a hunger strike, is housed not in solitary confinement, but in a cell specifically designated for hunger-striking detainees, in full accordance with internal penitentiary regulations.

Furthermore, as the defendant is a former employee of a law enforcement agency, he is housed in the wing allocated for former law enforcement personnel. Because no other inmates in this specific wing of Penitentiary Facility No. 8 are currently on a hunger strike, Mr Elizbarashvili occupies the designated hunger strike cell alone,” the official statement read.

The Penitentiary Service further confirmed that the detainee underwent comprehensive medical evaluation immediately upon admission.

“Presently, as a hunger-striking inmate, he remains under continuous medical supervision and will receive all necessary healthcare services as required. Additionally, he has been provided with the required medication for his chronic condition and will receive it strictly according to prescription.

The cell is fitted with an electric cooling fan. His defence lawyer’s claims that he lacks this equipment are factually incorrect. Regarding access to a television, as applies to any accused or convicted individual, the item must be purchased directly by the detainee from the facility shop in accordance with established procedures.

The Special Penitentiary Service urges all interested parties and media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified, inaccurate information and to report only verified, objective facts,” the statement concluded.