MIA must abandon the practice of unlawful restriction of human rights

Lasha Katsia, who discloses the fact of verbal and physical offense committed by the police against him is summoned in the same police station where the mentioned policemen are working. GYLA`S lawyer, who will advocate for Lasha Katsia`s interests, was informed by the police that Lasha Katsia must appear in Gldani-Nadzaladevi police station on May 7, since the police presumably intend to draw up an administrative violation protocol against him based on Article 173^rd. (disobedience to a lawful order of the police or verbal abuse).

According to Lasha Katsia, on March 9, 2018 three policemen detained him at the entrance of his own house and forcibly put him into the car, where he was insulted physically and verbally. The investigation on the fact launched on March 9, 2018. During this time a number of investigative actions have been carried out, Lasha Katsia was interrogated several times, and in the framework of recognition conducted Lasha identified the violent policemen. However, despite the above mentioned, criminal liability has not been imposed on the policemen yet and running parallel with this the status of victim is not granted to Lasha Katsia till present. GYLA has also appealed detention of Lasha Katsia by the administrative procedure, however, the Ministry of Internal Affair (MIA) has not taken any decision on the issue as well.

Based on available evidences, Lasha Katsia`s actions do not reflect the fact of administrative offense. Respectively, drawing up an administrative offense protocol in the police station in which the employees are accused of physical and verbal abuse, will be illegal.

GYLA addresses the Ministry of Internal Affairs to abandon the practice of unlawful restrictions of human rights by applying unconstitutional code of administrative offenses.