**Former Georgian Official Beaten in Prison, Links Attack to Intimidation and Property Extortion**
Giorgi Bachiashvili, the jailed former head of Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Co-Investment Fund, has claimed that he was beaten in prison in what he describes as a “coordinated activity between the prison administration and criminals.” Bachiashvili, who is serving an 11-year prison sentence for embezzling cryptocurrency from Ivanishvili and laundering it, made the allegations in a letter written on July 14.
According to Bachiashvili’s account, he was attacked by an unidentified man on July 11 while in his cell at the Gldani penitentiary facility in Tbilisi. The man allegedly entered the cell without identifying himself and began verbally abusing and beating Bachiashvili. Bachiashvili claimed that the prison guard allowed the attacker to enter his cell, and only intervened after several minutes of violence.
**Prison Authorities Deny Involvement**
The prison authorities have denied any involvement in the attack, claiming that it was carried out by another inmate who had been placed in Bachiashvili’s cell at his own request. However, Bachiashvili has disputed this version of events, saying that everything “was already clear” because it was the execution of a threat.
**Video Footage and Investigation Demanded**
Bachiashvili has demanded that video footage from his cell should be made available to prove the attack took place. He also called for an investigation into the incident, saying that he met with a representative of the Ombudsman’s Office on July 12 to request one.
**Background to the Incident**
Bachiashvili’s allegations come at a time when he has been embroiled in a number of high-profile disputes with government officials. In May, he claimed that the head of Georgia’s security service was aboard a plane used in his alleged abduction back to Georgia from abroad. Bachiashvili has also faced criticism for his role in the Co-Investment Fund, which is accused of embezzling millions of dollars.
**International Concerns**
The European Parliament adopted a report on Georgia earlier this month, expressing concerns about human rights and the rule of law in the country. The report highlighted a number of issues, including allegations of corruption and intimidation against former officials like Bachiashvili.
As the investigation into Bachiashvili’s beating continues, it remains to be seen whether his allegations will be substantiated or whether they are part of a larger pattern of intimidation and property extortion by government officials.
