Importance Score: 73 / 100 š“
British Bar Manager Prevented from Leaving Georgia After Imprisonment
A British bar manager, Daniel Travis, 28, has been barred from departing Georgia by border officials, intensifying his apprehension of further detention. This development follows his imprisonment and alleged mistreatment for 12 days in connection with protests in Tbilisi last year. Travis, speaking to a UK news outlet, expressed concern that he could be re-detained if he remains in Georgia beyond his visa expiration in September.
Travel Restrictions and Alleged Harassment
Travis, originally from Liverpool and a former London resident, stated that Georgian authorities, described as pro-government, subjected him to persistent surveillance after his release from jail in December. He believes he has been placed on a ‘no-fly list’, effectively preventing his departure. He recounted being stopped from boarding a flight from Tbilisi to Luton shortly after his release.
Airport Ordeal
āI went through security with all my luggage, everything was cleared. But at passport control, when I attempted to get my exit stamp, I was informed I couldnāt leave,ā Travis explained. āThey told me to āsort your issue outā and provided a phone number.ā
Demands for Payment
According to Travis, the number connected him to a police officer who subsequently stopped him regularly, demanding to see his passport. “He told me I needed to pay him 1000 lari [approximately Ā£275],” Travis stated. “I went to a police station, paid the 1000 lari ā but received no receipt. I’m unsure if the officer pocketed the money. It’s completely absurd.”
Further Border Obstacles
Believing the matter resolved after the payment, Travis attempted to leave Georgia again, this time by bus into Turkey, aiming to meet friends in Istanbul. He recounted his experience trying to cross the Georgian-Turkish border from Batumi.
Bus Border Stop
“When I reached the border, I was stopped. Everyone else was waiting in line,” he said, “and I was told I couldnāt cross.”
“They repeated the same process as in Tbilisi. They made a call and instructed me to contact a specific person and go to a police station to āsort out my issuesā.” Travis claimed that on this occasion, he was asked for 3000 lari, around Ā£840, which he refused, suspecting a “scam.”
Seeking Diplomatic Assistance
“I refused and returned to Batumi. I have since avoided contact with the police officer, suspecting a scam. I’ve contacted the British embassy, and they are currently trying to intervene,” he added.
Context of Georgian Protests and Political Climate
Travisās difficulties coincide with a period of significant unrest in Georgia. The nation, partly occupied by Russia since 2008, experienced widespread protests last year following the government’s decision, perceived as pro-Russia, to postpone European Union membership discussions. Large-scale demonstrations also arose in response to the disputed parliamentary elections in October, which saw victory for the Georgian Dream party, viewed as sympathetic to the Kremlin. Furthermore, Georgia has recently instated a new president, Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former football player turned politician with pro-Russian leanings.
Concerns over Election Integrity and Demonstrations
The parliamentary elections faced condemnation from Western nations. Then-US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cited “vote buying and voter intimidation.” Opposition sources indicate ongoing protests for over 120 consecutive days.
Arrest and Allegations of Mistreatment
Amidst the intense demonstrations in late November 2024, Travis was arrested by “masked police officers.” He was accused of being a “foreign instructor,” a “spy,” and “breaking into” the parliament building.
Account of Arrest
“I was literally walking out of a bar when Georgian police arrested me, and I had no idea what was happening,” he told a news outlet in December. “They took me inside the parliament building, where pro-Russian media interviewed me.”
“They attempted to portray me as having broken into the parliament, which is false. Breaching any parliament building, especially in Georgia with its heavy police presence, is impossible.”
Claims of Violence and Prison Conditions
Travis described brutal treatment following his detention. “I was assaulted inside the Parliament building,ā he alleged. “They hit me on my hip and arms, avoiding my face to evade media attention. They are thugs, absolute thugs.”
In addition to physical violence, Travis claimed he “was denied food for three days” in the Tbilisi prison, a facility he described as “disgusting” and infested with “cockroaches.” “I feared for my life,” he added. Khatia Dekanoidze, a Georgian opposition MP, confirmed speaking with Travis after his release and corroborated that he had been “severely beaten.”
Post-Release Surveillance
Travis’s ordeal continued after his release. “For about three weeks after I left prison, a specific car followed me everywhere. As soon as I left my residence, they would tail me. It was very disconcerting.”
Fears of Re-arrest and Continued Detention
Travis, stating that he still bears bruises from the alleged beatings during detention, fears re-imprisonment and further mistreatment if he cannot leave Georgia before his visa expires on September 22.
Uncertainty and Fear
“I donāt know what the police might do ā they are capable of anything. I fear being imprisoned again. They could arrest me at any time; they already have. They detain people to extort money and similar things. I still have bruises from the initial beating. I am afraid of the police here.”
Opposition Concerns
Georgian opposition MP Khatia Dekanoidze echoed concerns about Travisās potential re-arrest if he overstays his visa. “Anything is possible, absolutely anything. We are in a dire situation under this regime,” she stated.
Crackdown on Protests
She added that pro-democracy demonstrators continue protesting on Rustaveli Avenue, a symbolically important street leading to Parliament, despite growing state authoritarianism. “The repression is immense,” she said. “The police are fining protesters 5000 lari (Ā£1380), which is outrageous. 54 individuals, mostly students, remain imprisoned for non-violent acts.”
Parliamentary and Diplomatic Involvement
Meg Hillier MP, Travisās representative in the UK Parliament, stated: “Iām deeply concerned about Mr Travisās extremely difficult situation and am liaising with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.”
Foreign Office Statement
A Foreign Office Spokesperson commented: “We are providing assistance to a British national in Georgia and are in communication with local authorities.”