Representatives of the Public Defender of Georgia visited 14 citizens placed in temporary isolation cells and 2 citizens hospitalized due to physical injuries received during the rally.

“Of the 16 persons visited by the representatives of the Ombudsman, 10 are victims of alleged ill-treatment or excessive force.

The Public Defender’s Office responded accordingly and called on the Special Investigation Service to immediately start and conduct an effective investigation - to identify all responsible persons. In addition, the Public Defender’s Office provided the Special Investigation Service with publicly disseminated information and footage relating to the alleged use of excessive force by the police and interference in the activities of journalists.

The Public Defender’s Office will monitor the course of the investigation in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the response to the human rights violations”, - reads the statement.