Georgian Ombudsman’s representative in Imereti region Giorgi Mshvenieradze has filed complaint to the Prosecutor General’s office accusing Kutaisi Patrol Police of beating seven servicemen of the Georgian Army’s Commando battalion.

Privates Zurab Gabashvili, Akaki Tvalabeshvili, Eremia Akhaladze, Ucha Akhaladze, Zviad Chkhaidze, Vakhtang Dumbadze and Paata Gograchadze were detained by Kutaisi police and charged with assaulting Police officers in drunken condition. The detainees’ lawyers Temur Cheishvili and Mzia Bochorishvili suggest argument between police officers and the servicemen developed upon an offending remark by the former. As a result, all seven were detained and transferred to nearby police station where, according to defense, they were beaten.

Imereti representative of the Georgian Ombudsman’s Office Mshvenieradze also claims the detainees were subjected to beating with batons and rifle rears. He informed that medical examination of the servicemen revealed multiple light injuries.

“In addition, the battalion commander Leri Gelkhauri also confirmed that upon arrival at the police station, he witnessed fact of beating. We will file this evidence to the Prosecutor General’s Office,” Mshvenieradze said.

Kutaisi Police officials have denied the allegation and claimed all injuries, including those of the police officers involved, were inflicted at the moment of detention.

On October 29, Kutaisi City Court sentenced the seven servicemen to three-month pre-trial detention. According to the defendants’ lawyers, the ruling will be appealed in Kutaisi Circuit Court.