The Public Defender of Georgia is echoing the reports, according to which, T.M., 19, was wounded during the search of one of the houses in the Pankisi Gorge on December 26.

According to the State Security Service, T.M. was shot in his head after he tried to resist law enforcers and throw a hand grenade.

Public Defender’s representatives talked with the family members of the wounded at the Telavi hospital, where T.M. is undergoing surgery. The family members say the law enforcers shot T.M. when he was sleeping in his bed as soon as they entered the bedroom. As a result, the bed and the pillow are stained with blood. According to the family members, the grenade belonged to the law enforcers.

Given that the statements of the family and the State Security Service are contradictory, the Public Defender calls on the Prosecutor's Office to quickly investigate the case, found out whether excessive force was used by law enforcement officers and do not leave any legitimate questions of the public unanswered. It is important to protect the rights of citizens, including alleged suspects, during protecting public safety. Unanswered questions cannot raise public trust in law enforcers.

An employee of Public Defender's Kakheti office met with the hospital director as well and got information about the health condition of the wounded. The Public Defender will continue to observe the investigation of the case.