Public Defender’s Office: Ombudsman representatives visit convict Giorgi Davitadze and three inmates protesting prison treatment

Representatives of the Public Defender of Georgia visited Prison No. 6 on 3–4 October to meet with convict Giorgi Davitadze and three fellow inmates protesting against prison authorities’ handling of Davitadze’s case, the Public Defender’s Office announced on Monday.

“It is publicly known that on 4 October 2026, Giorgi Davitadze demonstratively swallowed several small unidentified objects. During his meeting with the Ombudsman’s representative, Davitadze clarified that he felt well, but actively refused transfer to a civilian hospital,” the Public Defender’s statement read.

According to the Ombudsman’s Office, Davitadze stated that his refusal forms part of an ongoing protest, affirming he will not consent to being transferred to a clinic until fellow prisoners placed in de-escalation cells for supporting him are returned to their standard prison cells.

Ombudsman representatives also spoke with the three inmates who voiced support for Davitadze, discussing the grounds for their protest and conditions inside the establishment. The Public Defender’s Office confirmed it will continue to monitor the protection of Giorgi Davitadze’s rights.

Meanwhile, the Special Penitentiary Service confirmed that the inmate had manifestly swallowed unidentified small objects. The Service added that prison medical staff are closely monitoring Davitadze’s health on-site after he refused to be admitted to the Vivamedi civilian clinic.