GYLA expresses extreme concern over alleged police violence against Lawyer Giorgi Mdinaradze on November 8, and urges the Office of the Prosecutor to ensure prompt, comprehensive and objective investigation and prosecution of the incident. It has been reported that Lawyer Mdinaradze, who was at the fifth department of Vake-Saburtalo Police to represent his juvenile client, was allegedly subjected to physical violence by police officers. Based on representatives of the Public Defender, Mr. Mdinaradze was injured during the incident - he has hemorrhaging and bruising around his right eye, scratches on scratches on his left jaw, and a bruising on the right side of his neck.
Taking of prompt investigating actions are of the essence, including questioning of all persons who may have witnessed the fact. In addition, in view of the high public interest, the Office of the Prosecutor should keep public informed about the course of the investigation and its outcomes.
GYLA would like to remind the law enforcement authorities that interference or disruption of lawyer’s work in any way or form, and especially violence, is unacceptable. UN’s Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers recognizes lawyer’s right to perform professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference, and obligates the states to ensure adequate protection and promotion of the said rights.
