Systematic Torture During UNM Administration Condemned by Parliamentary Commission
In a damning report, a Temporary Investigation Commission has unveiled widespread and systematic human rights violations under the United National Movement (UNM) government, particularly between 2004 and 2012. The commission's findings provide a detailed account of the abuse in Georgia's law enforcement and prison systems during this period.
The report documents daily use of cruel methods of torture, psychological evaluations of former prisoners conducted by the Levan Samkharauli National Forensics Bureau revealing long-term moral and psychological damage, and numerous forms of abuse such as harsh living conditions, inadequate nutrition and medical care in prisons, violations of personal and family life, denial of legal defense, and suppression of information regarding violence.
Up to 2,000 new cases of tuberculosis were recorded annually, with healthy and infected prisoners deliberately housed together to inflict harm. The deliberate obstruction of Hepatitis C treatment and testing kept its spread hidden from the public.
The commission's findings conclude that the UNM's "zero tolerance" criminal policy led to systematic and systemic torture and inhumane treatment. These practices were not the actions of isolated individuals but part of an organized system of terror.
Political officials, including Mikheil Saakashvili, elevated these acts to the level of state policy. A culture of impunity was prevalent, with individuals involved in torture or overseeing violent systems often rewarded with presidential orders. The Prosecutor's Office, instead of investigating human rights abuses, often failed to act or was complicit.
The commission's report also highlights the role of state-controlled media in refusing to report on these abuses. The Public Defender's Office remained the sole state institution addressing complaints and calling for action against torture during this period.
The commission recommends that the current President review awards issued between 2004 and 2013 to identify cases involving crimes against humanity. Specific examples of abuse were documented in the report, yet the search results do not contain information about specific individuals accused in the investigation report regarding systematic torture and inhumane treatment within the Georgian police and prison systems from 2003 to 2012.
The judicial branch largely ignored the violations, contravening both Georgian law and international norms, including the European Convention on Human Rights. These revelations underscore the urgent need for reform and accountability in Georgia's justice system.
Tea Tsulukiani, chair of the Temporary Investigation Commission, presented these findings about Georgia's ruling regime activities from 2003 to 2012, offering a stark reminder of the past and a call for a brighter, more just future.
Read also:
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Uncovering Political Ad Transparency: A Guide to Investigating opponent's Political Advertisements in the Digital Realm
- Elon Musk praises JD Vance's debate performance against Tim Walz
- Right-wing Israeli minister supports controversial plan for West Bank settlement expansion
