GYLA Calls on the Investigating Authorities to Publish Evidence in Deprivation of Solomon Kimeridze’s Life

GYLA extends condolences to the deceased Solomon Kimeridze’s family and offers appropriate legal assistance if desired. With respect to Solomon Kimeridze’s case, GYLA calls for effectual and accountable investigation by the authorities. Specifically,

According to the Interior Ministry’s official statement, Solomon Kimeridze fell from the stair railing in the building of the police department Khashuri district and died while interrogated as a defendant on February 27, 2012. Later open sources reported information that triggered reasonable suspicions about MIA’s official version, including the information released by the office of the Public Defender of Georgia, which revealed that during the interrogation on February 27, 2012, S. Kimeridze had been neither formally charged nor detained. On March 2, 2012, internet-publication tspress.ge released photos that show serious and grave bodily injuries inflicted to S. Kimeridze, including injuries around his eye socket and on his right wrist.

GYLA tried to receive additional information from the deceased’s family about the deprivation of S. Kimeridze’s life but they refused to communicate in any way about the case.

In view of the reports about the case, GYLA believes that substantiated answers must be provided to the following questions: could S. Kimeridze have suffered the injuries as a result of falling from the stairs? What was the cause of death? Further, did the deceased’s body display any signs of physical violence, when were they inflicted and what was their nature? In view of the high public interest in the case, GYLA calls on the investigating authorities to publicize corresponding evidence, including 1. Forensic report of S. Kimeridze’s dead body; 2. Video footage from cameras in the police department Khashuri district; 3. Photo material from the scene.

GYLA notes that the deprivation of life occurred when S. Kimeridze was under the effective control of the police where the authorities have the responsibility to protect life and health of an individual. Further, the burden to prove that the death did not result from ill-treatment or use of force by the police rests with the state. Additionally, under Articles 2 and 3 of the ECHR, the state is responsible to ensure effectual, objective and accountable investigation.

Further, GYLA disapproves of the fact that restriction of liberty and interrogation of Solomon Kimeridze occurred without granting him the adequate procedural status for him and therefore, he lacked access to adequate procedural guarantees, including the right to a lawyer.

GYLA remains hopeful that the decision of Kimeridze’s family to refrain from any communication with media or human rights organizations is not the result of pressure by the authorities.

GYLA will continue monitoring with respect to deprivation of Solomon Kimeridze’s life.