Penitentiary Service: Transfer of three inmates at facility No. 6 to de-escalation cells stems from assaults on staff, not solidarity with Giorgi Davitadze

“Claims that three prisoners at Prison No. 6 were transferred to de-escalation cells for expressing solidarity with inmate Giorgi Davitadze are entirely false,” the Special Penitentiary Service stated on Monday, confirming the measures were taken following physical assaults on prison officers.

This clarification was prompted by remarks from Davitadze’s mother outside Prison No. 6, following a meeting with the Public Defender’s Office. According to her, her son will reject any transfer to the Vivamedi civilian clinic until inmates held in de-escalation cells are moved back to standard housing.

“We declare with full responsibility that the information disseminated by inmate Davitadze’s mother is false. In reality, the transfer of inmates to de-escalation cells at Prison No. 6 was not connected to expressions of solidarity toward Giorgi Davitadze. Their placement was executed strictly in accordance with statutory requirements to ensure the safety of both the prisoners themselves and facility staff,” the Special Penitentiary Service said in an official statement released alongside CCTV footage.

The prison authority detailed two specific security incidents precipitating the transfers. On 2 October at 22:14, inmate B.Ch. physically assaulted the Deputy Director of Establishment No. 6, Davit Nikolaishvili, kicking him in the abdomen as officers attempted to enter the cell. On 4 October at 20:22, inmates J.J. and V.T. physically assaulted prison staff while returning from exercise grounds.

“An attack on a penitentiary officer constitutes a grave criminal offence, and the service will not tolerate or overlook any act of violence or assault against its personnel. Every such incident will face appropriate legal assessment and statutory enforcement,” the statement emphasised.

“It was solely due to these violent infractions that the inmates were placed in de-escalation cells. Decisions within correctional facilities are taken strictly in accordance with the Penitentiary Code, facility regulations, and daily operating protocols. Unsubstantiated attempts to link these lawful security measures are wholly unacceptable,” the agency added.