Georgian protesters demand prosecutions for abuse

Georgian protesters demand prosecutions for abuse

TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — Thousands of Georgians have demanded the prosecution of top Georgian officials fired over the prison abuse scandal that threatens to unseat the ruling pro-Western party in a parliamentary election 10 days away.

The protests were sparked by graphic videos showing guards brutally beating prisoners and raping them with truncheons and broom handles. The pro-Western Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has sought to contain the damage by firing his ministers and reshuffling prison personnel.

But despite his attempts to placate critics, protests continued in the capital for the third day today and were also held in other towns, piling up pressure on Saakashvili.

An opposition victory in the Oct. 1 vote would make its leader, Bidzina Ivanishvili, Georgia’s prime minister. Ivanishvili’s coalition has cautioned its supporters against rallies fearing government provocations.