**Concerns Over Treatment of Detainees in Georgia**
Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Georgia have spoken out against the treatment of detainees during recent protests. A joint statement highlights serious concerns about the criminal procedures against detained individuals.
According to the report, over 30 people have been detained on criminal charges, with many facing harsh preventive measures like imprisonment. However, no law enforcement officials have been arrested for their alleged role in violence, torture, and inhuman treatment of protesters and journalists.
CSO leaders claim that detainees were subjected to severe psychological and physical abuse, as well as judicial bias. They point out that members of an informal gang accused of abusing youth were released on bail by the court, while protesters were not given the same leniency.
Some detainees reported being ill-treated by police officers during and after detention. They also spoke of severe psychological pressure and physical punishment, citing examples such as Saba Skhvitaridze, Revaz Kiknadze, Nika Katsia, Aleko Elisashvili, and others.
The protesters are being prosecuted under various articles of the Criminal Code, which provide for imprisonment or life imprisonment. CSOs claim that there were procedural violations in the judicial process, including identical indictments without individual culpability, errors in arrest records, and detention condition violations.
**Calls for Accountability**
CSOs have called for immediate accountability and an independent investigation into alleged abuses. They also demand measures to ensure a fair and transparent judicial process.
Specifically, they are asking for:
* Immediate accountability for law enforcement officials accused of violence, torture, and inhuman treatment
* An independent investigation into alleged abuses
* Measures to ensure a fair and transparent judicial process
**Key Figures Identified**
The joint statement names several judges who are suspected of acting under political influence. These judges include Tamar Mchedlishvili, Irakli Khuskivadze, Davit Kurtanidze, Lela Maridashvili, Levan Kolbaia, Nana Shamatava, and Davit Mgeliashvili.
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