Drug-Crime Accused Artem Gribul Speaks Out About Prison Abuse
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Artem Gribul, one of the defendants in an ongoing drug-related trial, has spoken out about the physical abuse he allegedly faced in prison, during a hearing held today.
Gribul, along with Anastasia Zinovkina, is facing charges of possessing 16 grams of Alpha-PVP for distribution. The accused deny the charges, claiming that the drugs were planted on them in retaliation for their involvement in Tbilisi protests.
Gribul's lawyer, Shota Tutberidze, revealed that Gribul was transferred to a new cell without his consent, where he was placed with long-term inmates known for violent behavior. According to Tutberidze, these convicts had been physically abused the previous day in front of cameras. "I am sure the prison administration knew exactly where they were sending him and why they were sending him there," said Tutberidze.
After the assault, Gribul was removed from the cell, and another defendant, Anton Chechin - arrested during the protests - was transferred into the same cell. Lawyer Giorgi Chkheidze, representing Chechin, confirmed the abuse his client experienced. "After he was beaten, he was moved to another cell. He also mentioned that a political prisoner arrested on a false charge was placed in one of these 'beating' cells," said Tutberidze.
The Special Penitentiary Service confirmed that an investigation is underway and the relevant results will be determined.
The next trial session is scheduled for March 13, during which both parties will present their introductory speeches. Chkheidze, meanwhile, has filed complaints with both the Penitentiary Service and the Public Defender of Georgia regarding the treatment of his clients.
Gribul and Zinovkina, both Russian citizens, have been detained on drug charges related to the possession of 16 grams of Alpha-PVP with intent to distribute. They maintain their innocence, asserting that the drugs were planted on them by the police as part of a crackdown on their political activities during the protests.
