State Inspector's Service launches investigation into the case of fire breaking out in Rustavi 17th Penitentiary Facility

The State Inspector's Office will carry out all necessary investigative and procedural actions in order to ensure an effective investigation into the fire that broke out in the 17th penitentiary facility in Rustavi, the agency said in a statement.

"On October 14, 2021, the Investigative Department of the State Inspector's Office immediately launched an investigation into possible violations of fire safety rules and possible non-compliance or improper enforcement of an established rule by an employee of the Special Penitentiary Service or a person equal to him/her, which resulted in death of two prisoners.

The investigation was launched on the basis of a notification received from the Special Penitentiary Service on the grounds of signs of a crime under Article 243, Part 3 and Article 342, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Georgia.

Intensive investigative actions are being carried out on the criminal case: The location was inspected; A medical examination was appointed; With the participation of relevant experts, the site of the fire is inspected, after which a fire-technical examination will be appointed; The persons involved in the case are being interviewed; A request was made to the Special Penitentiary Service to archive the recordings of the video surveillance cameras of 17th facility located on the inner and outer perimeter of the institution, in order to request the recordings on the basis of a judge's decision.

The State Inspector's Service will carry out all necessary investigative and procedural actions in order to ensure an effective investigation", - the State Inspector's Service said in a statement.