Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Georgian Prisons

From the BBC:
"Georgia prison abuse film prompts staff suspension"

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has suspended the country's entire prison staff, amid protests over video footage showing prisoners apparently being abused by guards. Prisoners are shown being badly beaten, one sexually assaulted with a broom. Several prison officers, including high ranking officials, have been charged and arrested, an official told the BBC. Relatives of inmates have tried to storm the prison where the alleged abuses took place. In an announcement live on national TV, Mr Saakashvili said police would be deployed in all jails. "There must be zero tolerance to any violations of human rights, because we are building a civilised and humane country, rather than discipline based on violence." The film showing abuse in the Gldani prison No. 8 was broadcast on TV on Tuesday. It triggered overnight protests in Tbilisi and also in the southern city of Batumi, Georgian media say.
In the capital, anti-government demonstrations were held in various places, including outside the national broadcaster's headquarters.  Angry protesters have been demanding the resignation of Khatuna Kalmakhelidze, the minister in charge of prisons. On Wednesday, Ms Kalmahelidze said she had decided to step down because her efforts to protect human rights in prisons had "proved insufficient".

^ There should have been more government oversight in their prisions and these incidents should never have happened, but I'm glad that Georgian Government is doing something about this and they seem to take this seriously. Hopefully, all those involved will be punished. ^



http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-19646826

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