The Georgian Minister of Justice, Paata Salia, has met with Alan Mitchell, President of the CoE’s European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT).

According to the Ministry of Justice, Paata Salia provided the delegation with a detailed overview of ongoing and planned reforms within the system, the protection of the rights of accused and convicted persons, and various educational, vocational, and healthcare programmes.

“Particular attention was paid to the construction and development of smaller, modern-standard facilities, which facilitate effective management and create an environment focused on the rehabilitation of convicts.
The two sides discussed completed and ongoing projects aimed at improving the accessibility and quality of medical services within the penitentiary system. It was noted that accused and convicted individuals are provided with all necessary medical services on a 24/7 basis and, where required, also have access to specialised civilian clinics.

The parties strongly emphasised the importance of the CPT’s recommendations in further improving the penitentiary system.

The delegation’s visit aims to assess the conditions in penitentiary institutions and to familiarise itself with ongoing reforms.

The meeting was also attended by the First Deputy Minister of Justice, Beka Dzamashvili; the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Shalva Tadumadze; the Director General of the Special Penitentiary Service, Giorgi Pataridze; and other representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Special Penitentiary Service,” the Ministry’s statement read.