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Former Officer of the 8th Prison Provided Convicts’ Torture Videos to the TV9

September 19, 2012

Media.ge

Former employee of the Gldani 8th Prison Vladimir Bedukadze, wanted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs is the person who has provided the videos of prisoners’ torture to the TV 9.

The TV-company stated that Bedukadze, who is currently hiding in Europe, gave the videos to Giorgi Popkhadze, their correspondent in Brussels.  Popkhadze has already showed the video-materials to the representatives of the European Commission and the European Parliament.

The TV-Company aired the video-materials of the torture and inhuman treatment of convicts (including criminal “authorities”) in 18 September evening newscast.  The TV-Company also aired Vladimer Bedukidze’s commentary recorded via Skype.

“Very high ranking officials, employees of the correction department abuse and beat convicts.  There are attempts of raping, group beating,” Bedukadze stated.

According to him, he was filming the facts of torture secretly; other employees of the 8th Prison also filmed the inhuman treatment of convicts in order to use the video-materials to oppress other convicts.
Bedukadze also stressed that the Prison employees received orders directly from Bacho Akhalaia (former Defense Minister and current Interior Minister.)

Earlier in the evening Maestro TV aired the videos showing torture of convicts.  Program presenter Shalva Ramishvili did not reveal the source that provided the materials to the channel.

Earlier same evening the Ministry of Internal Affairs aired the video-facts showing inhuman treatment of convicts.  The MIA stressed that Gldani 8th Prison employees were bating and filming for material compensation for discrediting the department of corrections.  MIA has already detained several employees.

Later in the evening TV 9 aired the video filmed in May 2011, and it resulted in great excitement in social networks. On 18 September night protest rallies were organized in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi and Poti.  Several different groups plan to organize protest rallies on 19 September also.  Last night the Public Defender called on the Prosecutor General’s Office for reaction and requested responsibility of the Minister of Corrections, Probation and Legal Assistance.  Last night President Mikheil Saakashvili also made a statement and promised the public to “most strictly” punish those guilty.  According to the President the investigation will go on under his personal control.

On 19 September Khatuna Kalmakhelidze turned in the statement for resignation to the Prime Minister. On September 18evening, after the scandalous videos were released the Minister fired Head of Penitentiary Department David Chakua.

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