Amnesty Says Torture By Georgian Police Widespread
February 03, 2006
3 February 2006 -- The human rights group Amnesty International today said that torture by police in Georgia is still a big problem, two years after massive street protests toppled the former regime.
In a report released today, Amnesty says police in Georgia are still using electric shocks, cigarette burns and other torture methods.
Amnesty says detainees reported having plastic bags put over their heads, being suspended from a pole between two tables, and having the barrel of a gun placed in their mouth with threats to shoot, among other torture methods.
Amnesty said many such cases never come to light because police cover them up and detainees are afraid to complain.
However, Amnesty has noted some progress, including increased monitoring of interior ministry detention facilities and changes in the law to strengthen safeguards against torture and ill-treatment.
(AFP)