Public Defender: Our representatives met with 16 persons detained during the May 15 rally - 3 of them indicated use of excessive force/ill-treatment by the police - Lazare Grigoriadis has visual signs of scratches, swelling and redness

Representatives of the Public Defender visited three detention centers in Tbilisi throughout the night and met with 16 persons detained under administrative rules during the May 15 rally.­

According to the statement, released by the Public Defender’s Office, three of them indicated use of excessive force/ill-treatment by the police. The Public Defender’s Office immediately provided the above information to the Special Investigation Service for the purpose of conducting an effective investigation.

“Ill-treatment was indicated by Lazare Grigoriadis as well, who has visual signs of scratches, swelling and redness.

The Public Defender’s Office will monitor the investigation.

The Office is trying to get information about the location of other detainees as well, in order to visit them and identify their rights violations”, the Office reports.