GYLA is critical of Mariana Choloyan's release from serving the sentence

The information spread by the media today about the early release of Mariana Choloyan was a heavy surprise for Luka Siradze's family and GYLA. In the conditions when the use of the mechanism of parole in Georgia is usually going on without justification, without taking into account the individual circumstances and protracted, it arises a sense of injustice and causes fair criticism towards the release of Mariana Choloyan from serving her sentence using this very mechanism.

As it is known to the public, Luka Siradze was summoned to the police station in December 2019 for an interview because of the graffiti on the walls of the Green School. The interview, conducted by Mariana Choloyan, however, involved other police officers, was conducted under psychological violence. Following the interview, he attempted suicide and died on December 17, 2019, as a result of the injuries received.

GYLA is representing the interests of the family of the deceased Luka Siradze in the ongoing criminal case, in the framework of which the Tbilisi City Court delivered a conviction of the investigator Mariana Choloyan on September 7, 2020. She was sentenced by a court of the first instance to 3 years in prison for coercion to testify, however, the case has been appealed to the Court of Appeals and there is a possibility of aggravation of the sentence. The next court hearing is scheduled for August 9. It should also be noted that the State Inspector's Investigative Unit is still investigating the alleged crime committed by other police officers. Also, an investigation is underway into the commission of an alleged crime under Article 115 of the Criminal Code, which involves inciting another person to commit suicide.

At a time when there are still many unanswered questions in the case of Luka Siradze and the family is waiting for a complete, fair investigation of the case, the release of the convicted investigator leads to distrust in the process. This turn of events gives the impression that state institutions are tolerant of the crimes committed by law enforcement, which has led to the greatest tragedy.

GYLA addresses the relevant agencies on behalf of the family today and requests full documentation regarding the release of Mariana Choloyan, after which it will provide a detailed assessment to the public.


ჯ. კახიძის #15, თბილისი, საქართველო, 0102 ; ტელ: (995 32) 95 23 53; ფაქსი: (995 32) 92 32 11; ელ-ფოსტა: gyla@gyla.ge; www.gyla.ge
15, J. Kakhidze str. 0102, Tbilisi, Georgia. Tel: (995 32) 95 23 53; Fax: (995 32) 92 32 11; E-mail: gyla@gyla.ge; www.gyla.ge