Ombudsman Speaks of Use of Excessive Force by Police

Georgian Public Defender Sozar Subari has expressed concern over the alleged use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies, which resulted in the death of a Tbilisi resident, Alexander Khositashvili.

Khositashvili, 38, died after several police officers in civilian clothes  severely beat him, eyewitnesses and the relatives of the victim have claimed.

?Judging by these statements, police guilt seems to be obvious? although police violence has significantly decreased, such cases still remain and very often they are not investigated properly,? Subari told Imedi Television on April 16.

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry said on April 16 that the police officers, who were allegedly linked to the incident, have been suspended from duty pending the outcome of an investigation. ?If their guilt is established, appropriate action will be taken,? a statement  from the ministry reads.