September 19, 2012 - 15:25 AMT
Georgian prison abuse video officer held at Armenian border

Law enforcers have detained Data Akobia, the officer who has filmed the torture of inmates in Tbilisi Prison No.8.As Akobia’s lawyer Salome Abuladze told media, the officer was held on Armenian-Georgian border, at Sadakhlo customs office, apsny.ge reported.

On Sept 18, protest actions were held in Georgia in connection with videos of abuse of prisoners that were shown by opposition TV channels. Georgian President promised to punish all those who are responsible for the torture of prisoners.

Later, Georgian Minister of Corrections, Probation and Legal Assistance Khatuna Kalmakhelidze has resigned, citing the evidence of prisoner abuses behind her decision.

"I take responsibility for what happened, as such a practice should not be observed. We did everything so that our prison system complied with European standards, but these facts are unacceptable," she said expressing her sympathy and understanding to all the victims of torture.