October 4 Protest Defendant Accuses Prison Officials of Beatings and Degrading Treatment
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Nana Sander, a defendant in the October 4 protest case, alleged during a court hearing that she has been subjected to physical violence, degrading treatment, and sexual harassment since being transferred to prison.
"A criminal offense was committed against me from the moment I was taken to prison," Sander told the court. "As far as I know, degrading treatment of human dignity is punishable by up to three years in prison. Add to this sexual harassment by demanding that I undress."
Sander said at least five people were involved in the alleged abuse, including the prison director and deputy director. "I am an innocent political prisoner. This is my torture," she said.
The defendant also said she ended a hunger strike due to a serious deterioration in her health. She told the court that she began the hunger strike on January 13 after her health-related demands were not met. "My sugar level was falling so quickly that the doctor on duty told me I could end up in a coma," Sander said. "I did not want to be in a coma, so on the fourth day I stopped the hunger strike."
According to Sander, her condition worsened after she returned to prison. She alleged that she is being beaten several times a day and that she has been unable to sleep due to pain. "There is not a single part of my body that doesn't hurt," she said. "I have been waking up with a swollen face for two days, and I am told that I am putting on a show and that nothing bothers me."
Sander also criticized the prison administration over medical care, saying that her health problems were not properly documented and that most of her medical complaints had not been recorded. She said a doctor visited her during the hunger strike but that responsibility was instead placed on her rather than on medical staff.
"I didn't think there was such inhuman treatment in prisons in Georgia," Sander said.
The Special Penitentiary Service rejected the allegations, saying it does not confirm the facts presented by the defendant and considers the claims an attempt to discredit the institution.
In a statement, the service said that detainees are searched upon admission by an officer of the same sex and that full undressing is not permitted during examinations. The agency added that an official inspection will be launched into Sander's allegations.
"If violations of the rights of the accused are confirmed, appropriate liability measures will be applied," the statement said. "The Special Penitentiary Service will inform both the accused and the public about the results of the inspection."
