Head of Georgia's Special Penitentiary Service resigns after prosecutors seek his suspension
Giorgi Pataridze, director general of the Special Penitentiary Service, resigned on Monday evening, and the service confirmed he had been dismissed. Earlier that day the Prosecutor's Office had recommended that the Justice Ministry suspend his powers. The case concerns injuries to defendant Davit Feikrishvili in Gldani Prison No. 8; the investigation was moved from the ministry's General Inspection to the prosecution. The Penitentiary Service categorically denies any violence; Speaker Papuashvili said the prosecutors' step does not confirm a beating.
Allegations of violence in custody are under investigation and are denied by the Penitentiary Service; no one has been charged over them. The resignation is reported by OC Media, Civil.ge and Radio Tavisupleba (RFE/RL).
Read the full story at OC Media; Georgia Today; Radio Tavisupleba (RFE/RL) ↗