Georgian Prison Videos Cause Protests

Georgian Prison Videos Cause Protests
By: Jonathan Hays, Europe News, September 25, 2012

Georgian citizens protest after prison videos leak

Videos have leaked in Georgia of prison guards abusing and violently beating inmates at Gldani Number 8 penitentiary. Gldani Number 8 is referred to as one of the most violent and problematic prison facilities in Georgia, but these videos take that title to a whole new level. In the video, viewers can see inmates being violently kicked, beaten by police batons, and even one getting raped by a broomstick.

Majority of the identified prison guards abusing the inmates have been arrested while others are being pursued currently by the police. The country’s interior minister has released a statement blaming certain prison employees for the gruesome treatments and violating of human rights. She ended up resigning from her job a few days later.

The Us embassy released a statement saying, "Abuse of prisoners is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. We urge that the government conduct this investigation in a thorough and transparent manner and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice as soon as possible."

            With only a few weeks until the Parliamentary Elections, this scandal has become a major issue against the Georgian Government. Riots fill the streets while the government rushes to try and ease the problem, and calm down the community. It looks like the Georgian government was sentenced to community service.

Sources:

Miriam Welder, "Georgia prison guards 'captured on video torturing prisoner'," Guardian News, September 19, 2012, accessed September 21, 2012, http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/19/georgia-prison-guards-torture-video.

CNN Wire Staff, "Purported prison abuse videos prompt outrage in Georgia," Cable News Network, September 20, 2012, accessed September 21, 2012, http://edition.cnn.com/2012/09/19/world/europe/georgia-prison-videos/index.html?hpt=ieu_c2.