On 13 March, information was disseminated regarding a report prepared by a representative of the Public Defender of Georgia, according to which convicted individual Denis Kulanin is being held in conditions that may amount to inhuman or degrading treatment at Penitentiary Establishment No. 8. The report, dated 7 March, notes the presence of cockroaches in the cell, severely deteriorated sanitary facilities, and pillows described as “extremely dirty.”

According to the report, on 8 February Kulanin was transferred from his cell to solitary confinement without being provided with any explanation. He stated that for a certain period he was held without a bed and without access to basic hygienic conditions, including a shower and dental care items. It is further indicated that for a period of time he was not allowed to contact his lawyer or a representative of the Public Defender’s Office.

The report also states that since 3 March Kulanin has been held in a so-called quarantine cell, where, according to his account, sanitary conditions remain poor and he does not have access to his personal belongings or documents.

According to information disseminated on 10 March, activists Zurab Menteshashvili and Denis Kulanin were placed in solitary confinement, where, according to their statements, they were held in conditions that may amount to inhuman or degrading treatment. In a statement issued on 11 March, the Penitentiary Service responded to allegations related to Kulanin’s hunger strike, stating that the convicted individual has been consuming food both provided by the institution and purchased within the facility. The authority did not address the conditions described by the Ombudsperson’s representative.