GYLA responds to today’s incident in Batumi and expresses grave concern over actions of Valerian Telia, Head Adjara Internal Affairs Department, who abused GYLA’s employees both physically and verbally. The Interior Ministry must be acting as a champion of dignity and rights of citizens, which is why it has been set up in the first place. The foregoing actions of the police official is in conflict with Georgian legislation and his high responsibilities. In this light, physical and verbal abuse of citizens and in this particular case, employees of GYLA is completely unacceptable. Valerian Telia perpetrated these actions by stressing his official capacity and threatening to use his power against the citizens, which is in absolute conflict with his official responsibilities. It is deeply regrettable that a police official has not realized his role and legal obligations.
This morning in Batumi, at Griboedovi Street, Head of Adjara’s Internal Affairs Main Department Valerian Telia verbally insulted three employees of GYLA and exerted physical violence against one. In particular, Valerian Telia, who was driving an SUV refusing to make way rudely addressed employees of GYLA also driving in a car. He reminded them of his official position, made a threat and threw a cigarette butt at them. He tried to force Roin Partenadze into a car, tearing his clothes off.
GYLA also responds to the statement of MIA released in relation to the incident, saying that GYLA’s employee was driving under the influence and violated traffic rules. We believe that the issue needs to be further examined. However, even if the allegation proves to be true, it will not justify illegal actions of a high-level police official. Regrettably, MIA’s statement does not make any mention of Valerian Telia’s actions, which indisputably is even greater violence (and possibly a crime) than actions indicated in the statement. Further, we have learned that it is impossible to obtain video surveillance material from the time of the incident. We would also like to note that it was GYLA’s employee who called the police and not Valerian Telia, meaning that V.Telia was not acting in legal response to a traffic violation.
GYLA believes that MIA must immediately act upon today’s incident. Considering that there are signs of a crime, GYLA demands timely, effective and objective investigation. Further, Valerian Telia must be held officially liable.
