Public Defender Requests to Investigate Bakhutov’s Case

Public Defender of Georgia requests the chief prosecutor of Georgia to investigate the case of Aleksi Bakhutov.

Telavi district policemen arrested Bakhutov under charge of Lasha Chopkashvili’s murder on June 27, 2007. Law enforcement officers tortured him to get testimony from him. Telavi District Court sentenced him to 6 years in prison; he named several people who were charged for having taken part in the crime and they signed plea bargain. Gauarashvili, Tsotsiashvili and Khechoshvili paid thousands of lari to the budget. Later Lasha Chopikashvili turned out alive. However, Bakhutov was not released from prison. Kakheti regional Prosecutor’s Office changed the qualification of the crime and accused Bakhutov in attempted murder of Lasha Chopikashvili. Teleavi District Court found him guilty and sentenced him to 1 year detention.

Public Defender’s Office sent case materials to the prosecutor’s office and requested them to start investigation not only on the torture of Bakhutov, but on abusing power by law enforcement officers. The investigation began, but this case was not investigated yet and the prosecutor‘s office did not detain anybody.

“It must be noted that as usually Chief Prosecutor’s Office does not investigate this kind of cases quickly and effectively. Most of cases from previous years are not investigated and it makes everything clear. The investigation on Bakhutov’s case continues for 2 years. Above mentioned facts demonstrate, that law enforcement officers have not investigated violation of law and very often it lasts for years”, it is said in the report of Public Defender.

Source: Kakheti News Centre