Ill-treatment in Temporary Detention Facilities or Penitentiary Institutions

Conditions of imprisonment of Zviad Ratiani have been made more restrictive

The conditions of imprisonment of poet Zviad Ratiani, who has been in prison since June 23, 2025 and is serving a sentence of deprivation of liberty in Gldani N8 Penitentiary Institution, have been made more restrictive; his regime has been changed from semi-open to closed. A semi-open regime allows a prisoner to serve the sentence in an open-type custodial setting, whereas a closed regime entails full isolation, including a significant reduction in the number of visits. According to Ratiani, he has in fact been held under closed conditions since the day of his arrest and has been placed in a solitary cell for six months.

Ratiani writes that on April 6 the penitentiary institution informed him that he is classified as a convict posing an “increased risk of danger,” on the basis of which his regime was changed. According to his explanation, in reality he has already for months been held in practically closed conditions, including in a solitary cell.

“As it appears, the aim was to further reduce my already limited visits… but what ‘increased risk of danger’ means in my case is the main question,” Ratiani writes. According to him, he has not had any conflict either with other prisoners or with the staff of the institution. The “risk assessment” cited as the basis for the decision relies on a “minutes of a closed session.” Zviad Ratiani addressed an open letter to the Minister of Justice, Paata Salia, and the leadership of the penitentiary system, in which he requests clarification on what grounds he was classified as a person of “increased risk.”

Zviad Ratiani was arrested on June 23, 2025 for slapping a police officer. On October 9, Judge Giorgi Gelashvili sentenced him to 2 years of imprisonment.

Civil activist Mariam Melikishvili was subjected to 2 days of administrative detention for standing on a pavement

Civil activist Mariam Melikishvili was subjected to 2 days of administrative detention for standing on a pavement. The decision was delivered by Judge Manuchar Tsatsua. The Ministry of Internal Affairs alleged that, on 18 December 2025, Melikishvili obstructed pedestrian movement on the pavement.

On 31 March, civic activist Mariam Melikishvili reported a on social media that, in the context of serving a 2-day administrative detention imposed on 27 March, she was requested to fully undress prior to her placement in a temporary detention facility. According to her account, following her transfer from the courtroom to a temporary holding cell, a female police officer instructed her to fully undress. The activist further stated that she was informed that, in case of refusal, the same procedure would be carried out by male officers upon her transfer to another facility. Despite this, she refused to comply with the request.

It is noteworthy that multiple detainees have reported similar practices. The Public Defender of Georgia has stated that, during full-body searches, individuals should not be required to undress different parts of their body simultaneously, and that such practices may amount to degrading and humiliating treatment.On 5 February 2025, the Public Defender filed a constitutional complaint before the Constitutional Court of Georgia, challenging the regulations governing penitentiary institutions that required detainees to fully undress during searches. Subsequently, on 10 June 2025, amendments were introduced by order of the Minister of Justice, abolishing the requirement for detainees to fully undress simultaneously during such procedures.

Administrative proceedings against citizens in relation to sidewalk protests commenced following legislative amendments adopted by Georgian Dream on 12 December 2025. The amendments were adopted following accelerated parliamentary consideration over a three-day period. As a result of these amendments, protest activity on sidewalks was, in effect, also prohibited. For a first violation, the legislation provides for administrative detention for a period of up to 15 days (up to 20 days in the case of an organizer), while a repeated violation may result in the imposition of criminal liability. According to the assessment of Transparency International Georgia, “the detention of an individual for standing on a sidewalk, even under administrative procedure, let alone the imposition of criminal punishment cannot withstand any criticism when assessed against the standards of freedom of assembly guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia and by international human rights instruments.”

Conditions of imprisonment tightened for Artem Gribuli and Anastasia Zinovkina

According to Artem Gribuli’s lawyer, Daria Samodurova, the regime of deprivation of liberty of her client has been changed from a semi-open to a closed regime. The relevant order was served on Gribuli prior to the lawyer’s arrival and, according to the lawyer, is based on a classified session record. Placement in a closed-type penitentiary institution entails significant restrictions on telephone communication and the number of visits. The lawyer indicated that the decision will be appealed.

According to Samodurova, the decision was preceded by an incident involving a penitentiary employee referred to as “Makho”, during which Gribuli was subjected to verbal abuse and threatened with placement in a disciplinary cell and the fabrication of a new criminal case. She stated that the conflict initially arose between the employee and another detainee, after which the threats were also directed at Gribuli.

The lawyer further indicated that, according to the information available to her, the penitentiary system resorted to various methods to increase the perceived “risk” attributed to Gribuli. In her assessment, these actions may be linked to her active submission of complaints.

She further noted that similar circumstances are observed in the case of Anastasia Zinovkina, in respect of whom the order changing the regime of deprivation of liberty has already been appealed before the court.

A prison monitoring officer is currently examining the incidents and subsequent developments. According to the lawyer, the meeting with her client lasted several hours.

Artem Gribuli and Anastasia Zinovkina were detained on 17 December 2024. The Prosecutor’s Office charged them with the purchase and possession of a particularly large quantity of narcotic substances. On 12 September 2025, the court sentenced them to 8.5 years of imprisonment each. They do not admit the charges and state that their detention is linked to their participation in pro-European protest actions in Georgia.

According to the Ombudsperson’s representative’s report, Denis Kulanin is being held in conditions that may amount to inhuman or degrading treatment

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.

Zurab Menteshashvili and Denis Kulanin Report Inhuman or Degrading Conditions of Detention Following Placement in Solitary Confinement

On 10 March, according to publicly available information, Zurab Menteshashvili and Denis Kulanin were placed in solitary confinement, where, according to their accounts, they are being held in conditions that may amount to inhuman or degrading treatment.

According to Menteshashvili’s legal counsel, Jano Chkadua, Menteshashvili is being held in materially inadequate conditions of detention. He is reportedly deprived of basic necessities, including a towel, toothbrush, and hygiene products, and is not provided with the means to maintain minimum sanitary conditions in his cell. Counsel further indicated that the cell is unsanitary and infested with cockroaches. According to the lawyer, Menteshashvili considers that his placement in solitary confinement may be linked to his hunger strike, as the prison administration had repeatedly requested that he discontinue it.

According to Denis Kulanin, on 3 March he and Menteshashvili were transferred to solitary confinement without being provided with any explanation. He stated that their personal belongings, including documents necessary for court proceedings and personal correspondence, were confiscated. He further indicated that they were denied access to telephone communication, outdoor exercise, and bathing facilities. Kulanin reported that the cell is infested with cockroaches, lacks functioning ventilation, and that they are not provided with essential items necessary to ensure basic hygiene. He also stated that they are not permitted to purchase hygiene products or other essential items. In a letter dated 6 March, Kulanin stated that he and Menteshashvili have been on hunger strike since their placement in solitary confinement and requested a visit from the Public Defender of Georgia. He further indicated that they are seeking clarification of the legal grounds for their placement and allege that they are being effectively isolated from both their legal representatives and the public.

The Penitentiary Service denied the reported allegations, stating that Menteshashvili and Kulanin are not held in solitary confinement but are instead placed in so-called quarantine (internal classification) cells. According to the authority, such placement was carried out in accordance with the Penitentiary Code of Georgia and the institution’s internal regulations. The Penitentiary Service also released video footage which, according to its statement, depicts the individuals consuming food and was made public for the purpose of informing the public.

Denis Kulanin has been convicted in connection with damage to a vehicle belonging to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia. He is a Russian-born activist residing in Georgia who was convicted in relation to an incident during a protest near the Parliament on 28 March 2025, and was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.Zurab Menteshashvili is held in custody under criminal law on charges of repeatedly blocking a roadway. The charges are based on legislative amendments adopted on 16 October 2025, pursuant to which the repeated blocking of a roadway or obstruction of movement during an assembly or demonstration constitutes a criminal offence.

Convicted Prisoner Artem Gribul Accuses a Gldani Prison Officer of Degrading Treatment

Convicted prisoner Artem Gribul has accused a staff member of Gldani Prison, whom inmates reportedly know as “Makho,” of degrading treatment. The information was shared by his lawyer, Daria Samodurova.

According to the lawyer, the first incident occurred on 23 February. She states that the prison officer verbally insulted Gribul, threatened to place him in a disciplinary cell, and told him that he “personally resolves and controls everything in the prison.” Samodurova reports that the incident began after Gribul’s cellmate was taken to a disciplinary cell for requesting to call the Public Defender, while Gribul refused an order to pack his cellmate’s belongings.

The lawyer further states that following the incident, Gribul and his cellmate were transferred to another, smaller cell and later moved to so-called quarantine facilities. According to her, the conditions in both the disciplinary cell and quarantine unit were poor, including unsanitary conditions, cockroaches, and an inadequate living environment. Daria Samodurova has indicated that she is preparing a complaint to be submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office, and that the Office of the Public Defender has also been informed of the situation.Artem Gribul and his partner, Anastasia Zinovkina, both Russian citizens, were arrested in Georgia on 17 December 2024. The prosecution charged them with the purchase and possession of a particularly large quantity of narcotic substances. On 12 September 2025, the court sentenced both individuals to 8.5 years of imprisonment. They deny the charges and claim that their arrest was linked to their participation in pro-European protests in Georgia.

Prison Officer Allegedly Verbally Abuses and Threatens Prisoner of Conscience Artem Gribul

According to Daria Samodurova, the lawyer of prisoner of conscience and Russian activist Artem Gribul, her client was verbally abused by a prison officer and threatened with placement in solitary confinement and the fabrication of a new criminal case.

According to Samodurova, the incident began with a dispute between a prison officer, reportedly identified as “Makho,” and Gribul’s cellmate. Following the altercation, the officer transferred the inmate to solitary confinement and instructed Artem Gribul and other inmates in the cell to collect the prisoner’s belongings. The lawyer states that after Gribul refused to do so, the officer verbally insulted him and threatened to place him in solitary confinement. According to Samodurova, other prison staff later attempted to de-escalate the situation.Artem Gribul was arrested together with his partner, Anastasia Zinovkina, on 17 December 2024. The prosecution accused them of the acquisition and possession of a particularly large quantity of narcotic substances. On 12 September 2025, Judge Nino Galustashvili of the Tbilisi City Court sentenced both individuals to eight years and six months’ imprisonment. Gribul and Zinovkina deny the charges and state that they were detained in connection with their participation in pro-European protests in Georgia. Both are Russian citizens who had been residing temporarily in Georgia and had taken part in pro-European demonstrations during the months they lived in Tbilisi.

Civil Activist and Detainee Nana Sander Raises Allegations of Ill-Treatment in Penitentiary Institution

Nana Sander, a civil activist standing trial in connection with the 4 October 2025 case, spoke during a court hearing about alleged inhuman treatment.

According to her statement, she is experiencing health-related problems and has requested appropriate medical care as well as an adequate mattress. She indicated that, despite repeated requests, these issues have not been resolved and that she continues to suffer from pain. Sander further stated: “They are attempting to attribute my pain which is not related to the absence of an orthopaedic mattress to mental health issues,” and alleged that a psychiatrist threatened her with transfer to a psychiatric institution, referring to a similar development in the case of teacher Nino Datashvili.

Sander also reported difficulties related to food provision. She noted that she has specific dietary requirements (being vegan) and, due to the absence of suitable food options in the penitentiary facility, she remained without food for two days. According to her account, she was informed that “your food does not exist.”It should be noted that another detainee, Anastasia Zinovkina, has also raised concerns regarding alleged ill-treatment in detention. Zinovkina reportedly faces similar health-related issues and, rather than having these concerns addressed, was transferred on 15 January to a closed-type penitentiary institution, where restrictions were imposed on the number of permitted telephone calls and visits.

Prisoner of Conscience and Convicted Person Anastasia Zinovkina Transferred to a Closed-Type Penitentiary Facility

Russian civic activist and convicted person Anastasia Zinovkina, detained in connection with pro-European protests, has been transferred to a closed-type penitentiary institution, and the number of telephone calls and family visits permitted to her has been restricted. According to her lawyer, Daria Samodurova, Anastasia Zinovkina had been held in a semi-open penitentiary facility since 12 September 2025. The transfer was ordered on the basis of a decision dated 15 January 2026, which cites a “classified hearing record” as its legal ground. Accordingly, the specific reasons for the change in the type of penitentiary institution applied to Anastasia Zinovkina remain undisclosed. The order of the Director General of the Special Penitentiary Service, circulated by the defense, states that Anastasia Zinovkina is classified as a “convicted person posing an increased security risk.” The lawyer has indicated that the 15 January order will be appealed in the near future.Anastasia Zinovkina is a citizen of the Russian Federation and a participant in protests opposing Vladimir Putin. She arrived in Georgia in late 2022. On 17 December 2024, she was detained together with her friend Artem Gribul.

The Prosecutor’s Office charged them with possession of 16 grams of narcotic substances, and both were sentenced to eight years and six months of imprisonment. Anastasia Zinovkina and Artem Gribul participated in pro-European protests in Tbilisi, where they provided demonstrators with hot beverages. According to them, this activity became the basis for their detention. Anastasia Zinovkina has a serious health condition and accuses the prison administration of failure to provide adequate medical care.