Prosecutor's Office launches investigation into alleged violence committed by police officers against activist Sergi Kancheli

The Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into alleged violence committed by police officers against activist Sergi Kancheli.

According to the agency, the investigation was initiated based on the alleged use of violence while exceeding official authority.

"An investigation has been launched by the Investigative Division of the Tbilisi Prosecutor's Office regarding the alleged violence committed by employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs against Sergi Kancheli. The case concerns the exceeding of official authority involving violence—an offense punishable under Article 333, Part 3, Sub-paragraph 'b' of the Criminal Code of Georgia. All necessary investigative and procedural actions regarding the criminal case will be carried out, and the public will be further informed of the results," reads the statement.

For context, activist Sergi Kancheli accuses Georgian police officers of physical assault, threatening him with a weapon, and attempting to force him into sexual intercourse. In a social media post, the activist states that he has already filed a complaint against the individuals involved to ensure they are located and prosecuted.

According to him, he was out for a run on September 27 when police officers—six individuals in total—stopped him, took him to a cemetery, and physically assaulted him; they cut his face with a knife and threatened him by holding a gun against him. He further alleges that they attempted to force him into sexual intercourse and that "this torture" lasted for approximately 50 minutes.