Ombudswoman says convicted archpriest Giorgi Mamaladze needs better medical care

Georgian Public Defender Nino Lomjaria who visited convicted archpriest Giorgi Mamaladze in prison hospital yesterday, said the latter has made a decision to temporarily stop his hunger strike due to health problems. 

• Family of convicted archpriest vows to release evidence of crimes against top clerics

Lomjaria told journalists after the visit that Mamaladze needs good medical care, which is not being made available to him while he is in custody. 

Following my request the archpriest confirmed that he is temporarily suspending the hunger strike”, Lomjaria stated.

She said Mamaladze’s condition is worsening and the archpriest needs treatment. 

Brother of archpriest Mamaladze warned the family will begin releasing crime evidence against top Georgian clerics following President's refusal to give amnesty.

Archpriest Giorgi Mamaladze, who was detained for allegedly plotting the murder of a high-ranking clergy member of the Georgian Orthodox Church, was sentenced to nine years in 2017.

• Archpriest found guilty for plotting murder, sentenced to 9 years

Less then a week ago Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili pardoned five inmates for Christmas. However, the convicted archpriest was not included despite the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate’s request.