Lazare Maghlakelidze

Apprehended

Tortured

Violence

Prisoner

L. Maghlakelidze

Lazare
Maghlakelidze

Lazare Maglakelidze, a bachelor's degree student at Sapienza University in Applied Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, faced an unfortunate and brutal experience in Tbilisi on December 2, 2024. He was arrested on Rustaveli Avenue during a protest against the government's anti-Western statements and unlawful detentions. The charges against him included petty hooliganism, disobedience to a lawful police order, and insulting a police officer.

Lazare recounts that upon his arrest, he immediately lay down on the ground with his hands covering his head, only to be kicked multiple times. The police seized everything he had in his pockets, including his wallet and phone, and even tore off his backpack, which contained only personal items like clothes, snacks, and a raincoat. After the initial assault, Lazare was transferred to a so-called "torture" microbus designed for prisoner mistreatment. The officers coordinated to ensure they weren't being recorded by cameras, discussing where to take him for further abuse. In the bus, Lazare was brutally beaten, with officers taking turns to hit him, rendering him unconscious at times.

Lazare's severe injuries led to his immediate transfer from the police station to Ingorokva University Clinic, where he was diagnosed with a concussion and required surgery for a broken nose. He also underwent an MRI scan as per the neurologist's orders. Despite his critical condition, Lazare's case proceeded in court.

«When I was arrested, I lay down and covered my head. I was kicked multiple times, and they took everything from my pockets »
—Lazare Maghlakelidze

※Loading...

Judge Manuchar Tsatsua heard Lazare's case, which included testimonies from two police officers who were not his actual arresting officers. The court lacked neutral evidence supporting the charges against Lazare, while his defense presented video footage contradicting the police testimonies. Nevertheless, the court dismissed only one charge and upheld another, issuing a verbal warning to Lazare. This decision highlighted the court's failure to address police misconduct adequately.

The Special Investigative Service launched an inquiry into the possible abuse of authority by the police, as Lazare's treatment could be classified as torture and degrading or inhumane treatment. Witnesses who were with Lazare in the microbus could identify the responsible officers, yet the Special Investigative Service has not yet identified or detained them. Lazare has been granted victim status, but the lack of accountability for the police officers involved underscores systemic issues in addressing such misconduct.

Despite the egregious physical abuse and the clear evidence of police brutality, the judicial system's response has been inadequate. Lazare's case exemplifies the critical need for reform in addressing police violence and ensuring justice for victims. The systemic failures in holding the responsible officers accountable and the court's lenient handling of the case highlight the ongoing challenges in achieving fairness and transparency in the judicial process.