Georgian Prison 'Whistle-Blower' Put On Interpol List

Vladimer Bedukadze

Georgian authorities have put a prison guard who filmed videos of inmates being tortured on Interpol's wanted list.

The release of the videos earlier this month sparked days of protests across Georgia in the run-up to the October 1 parliamentary elections.

Authorities say former prison guard Vladimer Bedukadze is wanted for alleged involvement in the prison abuse.

Bedukadze, who has fled to Belgium, says he made the videos in a bid to stop abuses.

Prosecutors say 16 police officers have been detained so far and accused of torturing prisoners, including four police officers detained on September 27.

Two ministers have resigned and President Mikheil Saakashvili has promised a complete overhaul of the prison system.

Saakashvili's ruling party faces a major challenge in the October 1 elections from an opposition bloc led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili.

Based on reporting by AFP, dpa, and Apsny.ge