::: ministry of justice :::

Book Dedicated to Juvenile Socialization Problems

The office of the OSCE mission to Georgia hosted presentation of the book “Rehabilitation of Detainees in Georgia”- Part II published by the Training Center of Penitentiary and Probation Service. Gia Kavtaradze Minister of Justice and his Deputy attended the event.
Maia Khasia, head of the Division of Penal Reform and Monitoring of the Department of Penitentiary System Reform, Medical Supervision and Monitoring of the Ministry of Justice.
The publication funded by the OSCE mission covers basis and outcomes of juvenile offence in Georgia.
Ms Khasia made special survey in juvenile detention facilities using tests approved by psychologists and experts.
Part I of the book published by the Ministry of Justice with financial support of the OSCE featured women involvement in crime and their rehabilitation.
The author currently works on Part III, exploring causes of grave crime and social rehabilitation.

New Employees have Served 500 Citizens Today

First working day was successful for the new employees of the Tbilisi Registration Office of the National Agency of Public Registry. They served about 500 citizens today.
The Agency dismissed 65 employees of Tbilisi Office on October 27; as alternative new qualified personnel were accepted.
Those dismissed were accused of strike organization and halting daily activity of the Office. They protested against restrictions and newly adopted HR policy.

UNICEF Presents for Juvenile Inmates

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) presented to Juvenile Educational Facility blankets, pillows, mattresses and bed linen.
Similar presents will be distributed through juvenile prisoners of #5 Facility; the project is aimed to provide juveniles with warm bed clothes for winter season.
The arrangement was joint initiative of the Department Monitoring, Penal Reform and Medical Supervision of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia.

Complains on Hotline

297 citizens called the hotline of the Tbilisi Registration Office of the National Agency of Public Registry during 3 months. People required information but there were complains as well.
The questions concerned issues as: registration procedures, privatization, individual house-building, registration of illegal plots and etc.
Complains about personnel referred to the Tbilisi Registration Office activity.
91 13 55 hotline of the National Agency of Public Registry and is declared in every territorial office of the Agency.

French Guests in the Ministry

Henry Plagnol former State Minister of Reforms of France and Anna Clue Attaché of Cooperation issues of the Embassy of France in Georgia met the Minister of Justice of Georgia.
Parties discussed ongoing reforms. The special attention was paid to human rights issues in Georgia. Mr Kavtaradze has emphasized the Criminal Justice Reform Strategy, which was prepared under Minister’s guidance. The task force chaired by the Prime Minister coordinates implementation of the strategy.

Detainee died in the Medical Facility of the DEP

Pridon P. 24, died in the Medical Facility of the Department of Execution of Punishments of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia.
He was hospitalized from #8 Geguti detention facility on October 27, 2006. Mr P suffered from delirium and tuberculosis. According to preliminary report the death was caused by cardiovascular collapse.
Mr P was sentenced to 4 years for thievery.

The Delegation of the Ministry visits Romania

Givi Mikanadze, Deputy Minister ( head of delegation) along with Alexander Arakishvili, head of the Department of Non-custodial Punishment and Probation; Levan Gvidiani, Deputy Head of the National Bureau of Forensic Expertise; and Giorgi Paniashvili, head of the International Relations Coordination Division visits Romania with 5 day official visit.
The visit is aimed to foster bilateral relations between the Ministries of Justice; also advance collaboration in probation, penal and forensic expertise; exchange of information and sharing experience.
The Ministry representatives will meet Monica Macovei, Minister of Justice of Romania.

28 October, 2006

President has Pardoned 8 Convicts

Mikheil Saakashvili President of Georgia has pardoned 8 convicts.
Four prisoners have been released from detention facilities and terms were halved for other four detainees. One pardoned is juvenile, his term has been halved.

Juvenile Inmates Defeated the DEP Squad 6:2

Inmates of the Juvenile facility have defeated 6:2 the football team of the Department of Execution of Punishments of the Ministry of Justice. The game was dedicated to opening ceremony of mini-football stadium in the facility.
Gia Kavtaradze Minister of Justice has attended the friendly. Minister has emphasized to the popularity of football among young prisoners but there was lack of field. Mr Kavtaradze assured inmates to organize friendly with Ministry’s squad.
The stadium was designed with efforts of the Department of Execution of Punishments and juveniles participated in works as well.
Mr Kavtaradze noted that the arrangements within the socialization project framework will continue.

65 Employees of the Tbilisi Registration Office Dismissed

65 employees of the Tbilisi Registration Office of the National Agency of Public Registry of the Ministry of Justice forced to leave their occupations.
Jaba Ebanoidze, chairman of the Agency has held press conference concerning the decision, earlier today.
"The reform in system and human resources management was planned to complete in 2 months, but developments a week earlier sped up the decision" Mr Ebanoidze reported.
On October 19 the Tbilisi Registration Office staff organized strike against restrictions and HR policy elaborated by the administration. The strike interrupted the Office activity.
Mr Ebanoidze explained several circumstances which caused changes in human recourses management. According to the chairman Tbilisi Registration Office administration did not conform to initial policy of the Agency. Therefore the dates and procedures were violated and caused problems for citizens as well.
The structural reform discovered corruption schemes linked to private companies.
The Agency targeted corruption by implementation of innovative technologies and procedure facilitation. New software allows quick, flexible and transparent service for citizens.
"New methods imply innovative approach, but unfortunately for some employees of the Tbilisi Office the developments appeared to be unacceptable. Also the reform caused problems to external forces involved in corruption" Mr Ebanoidze said.
Dismissed employees were organizers of strike. The vacancies are already filled with qualified personnel.

27 October, 2006

511 Cases Investigated in the Ministry of Justice

511 cases have been brought against suspects concerning abuses in detention facilities during 9 months of 2006. The East Georgia Division of Investigation brought 393 cases and 118 the West one.
The majority of violations (220) regard to illegal shift of restricted subjects to the penal facilities.
Nine employees of the penitentiary system were instituted to criminal proceedings due to power abuse and violation of regulations. Since January 2006 the Department of Investigation has sent 168 criminal cases to the Court. 34 cases were forwarded to other bodies due to different subordination.

The Ministry Delegation to Visit Romania

Givi Mikanadze, Deputy Minister ( head of delegation) along with Alexander Arakishvili, head of the Department of Non-custodial Punishment and Probation; Levan Gvidiani, Deputy Head of the National Bureau of Forensic Expertise; and Giorgi Paniashvili, head of the International Relations Coordination Division to leave for Romania with 5 day official visit on October 30, 2006.
The visit is aimed to foster bilateral relations between the Ministries of Justice; also advance collaboration in probation, penal and forensic expertise; exchange of information and sharing experience.
The Ministry representatives will meet Monica Macovei, Minister of Justice of Romania.

Public Attorneys Reach Success

The pilot project of Public Attorneys for socially unsecured citizens is successful according to the figures of Tbilisi and Zestaponi bureaus.
The Public Attorney Service managed to quit criminal prosecution towards 4 defendants.
Tbilisi bureau attorney David Arabuli was involved in Andrey K’s defense after investigator’s demand. Mr K was accused of thievery. After Tbilisi City Court sentenced 2 months of prison, Mr Arabuli appealed to Court of Apellate Jurisdiction. The Court failed to reveal Mr K’s guilt and uncharged him.
Zaza N was accused of illegal bullet storage of so called “Geko” weapon. Gela Siordia, attorney from Zestaponi bureau defended Mr N. After special procedures the investigation failed to identify that exhibits uncovered in Mr N’s department were his property. Therefore the investigation was terminated.

4004 Georgian citizens got documents for international marriage

The Civil Register Agency issued documents for international marriage of 4004 Georgian citizens according to 9 month data of 2006.
3611 citizens were issued documents to register conjugality abroad, and 393 marriages were registered in Georgia.
Russia, Greece, the USA, Israel and Turkey lead the list of most frequently registered marriages the Civil Register Agency reported. Also the documents are inquired for wedlock in UK, Azerbaijan, Ukraine and other countries.

200 Books for Prison Library

“Informational House – Bravo Georgia” has presented 200 books to library of #6 Rustavi prison. Belles-lettres for the prison library was part of the “Bring Book to the Prison” initiative.
Moris Krikheli, head of the “Hileli-Tbilisi” foundation gave special lecture for convicts concerning public unity issues.

Bribery in Women Facility

Ramaz G., head of security division was arrested by the Department of Constitutional Security of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Department of Execution of Punishments of the Ministry of Justice.
He is accused of bribery for transferring USD 500 to the restricted area; Mr G demanded USD 200 for service.

Citizen accused of extortion

Radkhan A. was detained by the Department of Constitutional Security of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the DEP of the Ministry of Justice.
Mr A extorted money from parents of prisoner, while introducing himself as trustee of Pardon Commission; USD 4500 was the price for freedom.
The suspect was arrested while extorting USD 500 from parents. The investigation is underway and is managed by the Department of Constitutional Security of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

“Danelia vs. Georgia” – Human Rights Convention violated

The European Court of Human Rights ruled verdict concerning the case “Daneli vs. Georgia”. The court rendered violations of Articles 3 and 13 (Prohibition of Torture and Right to an Effective Remedy) of the Convention on Human Rights.
David Danelia was on duty on October 1, 2000 when inmates of the Medical Facility of the Department of Execution of Punishments escaped. Mr Danelia was accused of disregarding duties and sentenced to 2 years of prison. Later court changed verdict to conditional sentence.
In 2001 Mr Danelia appealed to the European Court of Human Rights and accused prison keepers of the bull-pen of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in torture and inhuman treatment.
The investigation did not prove torture or inhuman treatment, but the Court resolved the lack of effective investigation, which therefore caused Convention violation. State must repair moral damage and pay EUR 3000 to victim.

The Civil Register Agency to develop IT system

The “IT Consultation Services for the Project Assistance to the Reform of Civil Registration and Identity Documentation” strategy presentation was held in the Ministry of Justice. Gia Kavtaradze, Minister; Giorgi Vashadze, Civil Register Agency chief; OSCE representatives attended the event.
The project is developed by the OSCE mission to Georgia and the Civil Register Agency. The initiative is also supported by USAID, UK Department for International Development, governments of Finland, Ireland, France, Turkey, Norway and Austria.
The IT support of the project was performed by Zoltan Szabo, international expert.
Mr Szabo presented in depth coverage of update strategy. The project implies creation of initial network and special software for the Agency. The innovation will allow the headquarters and territorial entities to work online. The strategy is aimed to facilitate distribution procedure of documents to government agencies.
The reform launched in 2004 implies both operational and administrative renovation. Reconstruction of bureaus, personnel training and digitalization of ID and passport data are planned.

Number of applicants to the Public Attorney Service increased

Number of socially unsecured citizens applying to the Public Attorney Service has increased.
Hundreds of citizens have applied to the Tbilisi and Zestaponi bureaus since January 2006. 442 of them got qualified legal assistance; in case of 324 criminal actions the Public Attorney’s Service arranged legal defense.
The Public Attorney Service managed to quit criminal prosecution towards 4 defendants, 75 plea bargainings and 27 favorable legal resolutions came into force.
Currently 147 cases are underway, 27 defendants are juveniles.
On July 1, 2005 two territorial bureaus of Public Attorney Service – Tbilisi and Zestaponi were launched within the pilot project in order to provide socially unsecured citizens with qualified legal assistance. The project to become nationwide in nearest future.

Torben Holtze, head of the European Commission delegation to Georgia visited Minister of Justice. Special envoy is leaving Georgia after 5 years of activity. Mr Kavtaradze appreciated guest for collaboration and support of reforms in the Ministry.
Several projects have been funded by the Commission in the Ministry and currently two programs are underway: the “Support of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia” and the “Penitentiary and Probation Reform in Georgia”.

35 838 Newborn Children Registered

35 838 newborn children registered during 9 months of 2006, the territorial bureaus of the Civil Register Agency reported. According to the same source 15 776 couples registered their marriages and 1 893 have divorced.
For instance: 49 850 newborn infants registered during the 2005; while the marriage figure for the same period was 18 715. According to the Agency data 2027 couples divorced in 2005.

Gia Kavtaradze Has Met the Ambassador of Finland

Terhi Hakala, Roving Ambassador to Georgia met the Minister of Justice.
Bilateral legal cooperation and Georgian-Russian relations were at the top of the agenda.
Mr Kavtaradze informed Her Excellency about Levan Mamasakhlisi case, who is the Dranda (Abkhazia) prison detainee.
On August 4, 2003 Levan and Dinara Mamasakhlisi appealed to the European Court of Human Rights. Despite health deteriorations prison administration did not provide Mr Mamasakhlisi with medical treatment.
The Court gave direction to governments of Georgia and the Russian Federation to enforce the administration of Dranda prison to provide Mr Mamasakhlisi with medical treatment.
Mr Kavtaradze noted the lack of Georgian authorities to arrange effective control. Therefore the government addresses the international community to support Georgia to enforce the direction of the European Court of Human Rights.

The National Agency of Public Registry Hosted Donor Meeting

Donors Coordination Meeting was held in the National Agency of Public Registry. David Giorgadze, Director of USAID Land Market Development Project, made presentation about project activities. The program is actively involved in the privatization process of state owned land, assists local governments to accomplish the task; therefore the project implies facilitation of privatization procedures.
Other ongoing projects were also discussed during the meeting.

Zugdidi Probationers Obtained Computer Skills

Probationers registered in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti bureau of the Department of Non-custodial Punishments and Probation have obtained certificates of software awareness.
The training was organized by the Department and NGO “Atinati” according to the agreement from July 31, 2006. The goal of the initiative was to foster socialization of non-custodial detainees.
The program is to move to new phase and will provide training in business management skills.

The Tbilisi Registration Bureau Continues Activity

The Tbilisi Registration Bureau of the National Agency of Public Registry returned to normal activity after strike of employees interrupted schedule. The agency staff protested against new appointment. Murman Tsertsvadze was assigned as deputy head of Tbilisi Registration Bureau. The situation calmed after Jaba Ebanoidze, head of the Agency met strikers. He surveyed their demands and dismissed Mr Tsertsvadze; who is to continue his activity in central office of the Agency.
The incident and causes of the conflict are to be investigated by special bodies according to Mr Ebanoidze.

Legal Reforms Task Force Meeting

Probation and penitentiary issues were key points at the Legal Reforms Task force meeting on October 18, 2006 chaired by PM Zurab Nogaideli.
The draft code on “Imprisonment” and draft law on “Non-custodial Punishment and Probation” were discussed during the meeting. The draft projects are part of Criminal Justice Reform Strategy.
Bacho Akhalaia, head of the Department of Execution of Punishments reported on 9 months results. Koba Glonti, head of Department of Penitentiary and Probation Service also reported to task force members. According to his information 956 employees of the penal and 71 of probation service system were trained since January 2006. Currently, trainings are held for 145 employees of penitentiary system.
The task force members noted that the “Code on Imprisonment” has been sent to Directorate General of Legal Affairs of the Council of Europe.

Inmate died in the Medical Facility of the DEP

Givi G., 77; has died in the Medical Facility of the Department of Execution of Punishments of the Ministry of Justice.
He was hospitalized on September 2. Mr G suffered from cirrhosis, hypertension, heart ischemia, cardio sclerosis and cardiac decompensation.
Mr G was accused in illegal bearing of weapons and was sentenced to 5 years of jail.

Inmate - victim of cardiopulmonary decompensation

Givi B., 48; has died in the Medical Facility of the Department of Execution of Punishments of the Ministry of Justice on October 18.
He was hospitalized on June 6, 2006 from #5 prison. Mr B suffered from heart ischemia, cardio sclerosis, pulmonary disease and cardiopulmonary decompensation.
Mr B was arrested for fraud and was sentenced to 3 years of jail.

19 October, 2006

Juvenile Probationers to Acquire Profession

New phase of juvenile socialization project presentation was held in the Ministry of Justice of Georgia. The project implies employment and socialization of non-custodial juvenile detainees. The Department of Probation is involved in the process.
The partner organizations are “The Center for Protection of Constitutional Rights”; “Prison Reform International” (PRI) and “Norwegian Mission of Rule of Law in Georgia” (NORLAG).
During the roundtable meeting Gia Kavtaradze, Minister of Justice of Georgia noted the importance of social integration especially of women and juvenile probationers. Minister has emphasized the special relations with the Federation of Businessmen of Georgia, joint employment projects are to be launched in nearest future.
“The project goal is psycho-social rehabilitation and elaboration of educational programs”- Mamuka Eliava, representative of the Center for Protection of Constitutional Rights said. Also the program plans to research professional interests of probationers.
Fuad Kamaev, 17; juvenile probationer was shooting the meeting. The cameraman was his dream profession.
According to Mr Eliava the project involves 8 juvenile probationers. The initiative got positive evaluation from Mary Murphy PRI representative and Henry Nielsen of NORLAG.

The Ministry of Justice of Georgia appealed to foreign diplomats

The concerns regarding the human rights violations in Abkhazia were featured during Gia Kavtaradze’s meeting with foreign diplomats and representatives of international organizations. Minister asked them to provide assistance in case of combating the violations.
On August 3, 2004 representatives of Levan and Dinara Mamasakhlisi lodged the claim in the European Court of Human Rights against Georgia and the Russian Federation. The claim envisaged illegal imprisonment of Levan Mamasakhlisi. Mr Mamasakhlisi was detained by de-facto authorities and despite the health deterioration he is still inmate of Dranda prison.
On August 29, 2006 the Court according to Article 39 of the regulation gave direction to governments of Georgia and the Russian Federation to enforce the administration of Dranda prison to provide Mr Mamasakhlisi with medical treatment. The Court recommends parties to involve international organizations, for instance the United Nations representation in Georgia to press the de-facto government.
Konstantine Korkelia Deputy Minister noted the lack of Georgian authorities to arrange effective control. Therefore he addressed the guests to support Georgian government to enforce the direction of the European Court of Human Rights.

24 income statements inquired since October 1

58 citizens demanded income statements of 24 government officials from the Information Bureau of Public Officials’ Property and Financial Declarations since October 1, 2006.
For instance, the interest has decreased in comparison with September; when 80 inquiries were submitted.

Recommendations of the Conference on International Law

The regional conference “International Law in National and Judiciary Law in South Caucasus Region” supported by the Ministry of Justice of Georgia and German Agency of Technical Cooperation (GTZ) on October 16-17 in Tbilisi gave several recommendations to South Caucasus republics. The recommendations aim to foster implementation of international rules in judicial system.
Konstantine Korkelia Deputy Minister of Justice has emphasized the growing number of international treaties in the region; stressed the importance of law harmonization and implementation.
Participants agreed that in case of law harmonization the permanent control of local legal system is important. Trainings and workshops must be organized for judges, attorneys and prosecutors, also for natural persons and legal entities; furthermore syllabuses for lawyers and judges must be developed emphasizing on practice of the European Court of Human Rights. The conference strongly recommends publishing of brochures about implementation of practice of the European Court of Human Rights in Georgian judiciary system.

Monitoring of Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti Bureaus completed

The Enforcement Department of the Ministry of Justice has completed monitoring of entities in Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti.
Germane Maglakelidze, deputy head of Department; Gigi Jankirashvili, head of West Georgia Division and Nino Gogelashvili Department councilor visited Racha-Lechkhumi on October 12, for check up of law enforcement procedures.
Mr Maglakelidze has evaluated activity as acceptable, but marked several stretched out cases. The deputy head of the Department noted the lack of climate; weather conditions hinder enforcement procedures especially in winter.

17 October, 2006

The Training for Penitentiary System Personnel Completed

The Training center for Penitentiary and Probation Service of the Ministry of Justice has completed training of penal system personnel.
The special course was held by Georgian and foreign experts for 25 employees of the system. Koba Glonti, Center Director has granted special certificates to participants.
The event was part of “Atlantis” program of rehabilitation and treatment of inmates and was supported by Polish Bator foundation.

17 October, 2006

The Meeting Concerning Penal Reform Held in the Ministry of Justice

Gia Kavtaradze, Minister of Justice has held meeting with ambassadors of the EU member states, the US and international organizations. During the meeting featuring problems of penal reform and perspectives of participation of donor organizations were discussed.
“The system has been regressing for decades” Mr Kavtaradze noted “and the rehabilitation plan is ambitious; therefore the support of the European Union is decisive”.
Bacho Akhalaia, head of the Department of Execution of Punishments has introduced the ongoing activity report. The main achievement according to Mr Akhalaia is decrease of corruption rate. So called “thugs” have been extorting money from convicts instead of preferences while the “income” was shared with prison administration. The “authorities” were isolated and personnel accused in the alliance with criminals have been dismissed.
Mr Akhalaia has marked upcoming projects: Modern prison and medical facility to be completed in Gldani; also new penal complex for 1500 inmates to be built in West Georgia. Meanwhile, the authorities actively work on “Penal Code” and “Code of Ethics”; the initiative will improve prisons and allow meeting international standards.
Mirek Novak, the expert considered that the corruption rate significantly declined. But the major problem facing the system, are overloaded wards in prisons of Tbilisi.

17 October, 2006

Austrian delegation visited the Ministry of Justice

The delegation headed by Herman Vimer, Vice Mayor of Wels, Austria visited the Training Center for Justice. The municipality of Wels permanently supports the center to arrange various trainings for structural entities of the Ministry. The parties agreed plans for future cooperation.
On November 3-4 the Center with support of the Austrian party will arrange training for human resources and normative acts registration departments of the Civil Register Agency, Sulkhan Gamkrelidze, Center Director reported.

17 October, 2006

Seminar for employees of archives

The employees of the Department of State Archives Management and Proceedings are to shape up qualification. They will attend 5 day seminar “Main Rules for State Archives Proceedings”.

41 representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia also will take part in the training.

The issues of filing; nomenclature; document expertise rules and organization of archives’ activity are in the workshop agenda.

The next seminar to take place in February 2007

17 October, 2006

Volume III of “Constitutions of Foreign Countries” is published

“Tbilisi Marriott” hotel has hosted the presentation of new book “Constitutions of Foreign Countries”.
The head of the editorial board is Dr. Vasil Gonashvili, head of Lawmaking Division of the Ministry of Justice; the board includes lawyers: Akaki Veltauri, Mikheil Margvelashvili, Giorgi Gvasalia, Shalva Khutsishvili, Paata Keshelava, Tamar Macharashvili, Vakhtang Zhvania and David Kashia. The book was published under the aegis of “Lawyers for Legal State”.
Diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia, international organizations and government officials of Georgia have attended the event.
Mr Gonashvili introduced the book. Scholar articles about constitutions of 12 democratic states are collected in the edition including: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Germany, Spain, Estonia, Turkey, Canada, Norway, Romania, Ukraine, Hungary, Kazakhstan and Croatia. The book features history of constitutionalism and peculiarities. Also Georgian versions of constitutions are given in the book.
Dr. Gonashvili appreciated the OSCE mission to Georgia for provided financial assistance.
Gia Kavtaradze, Minister of Justice emphasized the importance of the book and noted the book to be interesting for lawyers, students and all people involved in constitutional law. The above mentioned book is third volume of edition, I and II parts were published in 2004-2005.
The author hopes to publish two or three additional volumes of the book.

16 October, 2006

New academic year in juvenile prison

The new academic year has begun in the Juvenile facility of the DEP of the Ministry of Justice.

The imprisoned pupils will study in renovated and newly equipped classes. Along with teachers singer Nato Gelashvili congratulated the children.

16 October, 2006

Female inmates to learn stylistics

The hairdressing saloon was launched in Women and Juvenile prison of the DEP of the Ministry of Justice.

The learning program is supported by NORLAG.

4 groups of 60 candidates are to pass 1 month course. The successful candidates will receive qualification certificates and get permission to teach the craft to other detainees.

16 October, 2006

146 employees of penal system to pass trainings

The Training Center for Penitentiary and Probation Service has launched training for 114 employees of #10 Avchala facility. Givi Mikanadze, Deputy Minister and Koba Glonti, Center Director have opened first day of training, the participants got almanacs of legal acts in penal system.

The special program would also be launched for recently assigned 32 employees of #1, #5 and #7.

The final tests to be held and successful candidates will receive qualification certificates.

16 October, 2006

Detainee died at the Medical Facility of the DEP

Tengiz S 35, died at the Medical Facility of the Department of Execution of Punishments of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia. He was hospitalized from #3 Batumi prison on October 11, 2006. The cause of death was multiple organ failure. Inmate suffered from HIV/AIDS.

Mr S was detained for drug trafficking and illegal bearing of weapons.

16 October, 2006

Registration figures have increased

The National Agency of Public Registry announced growth in real property registration figures. The major boost is in Samtskhe-Javakheti, Kvemo-Kartli and Imereti regions.

According to the Agency the reason of acceleration in Samtskhe-Javakheti is BTC pipeline, and joint stock company “Eleqtrokavshiri” in both Samtskhe-Javakheti and Kvemo-Kartli, which launched privatization of cables.

The registration activity has increased also in Zestaponi and Kutaisi. The growth in Zestaponi is caused by mortgage credits, product introduced by private bank branch.

In Kutaisi the increase in activity of both state and private sector is significant.

16 October, 2006

IT staff training

IT staff of the National Agency of Public Registry has passed 3 day training within the “Registration and Land-survey Management Training Program in Georgia”. The seminar was aimed to introduce Configuration Management and Version Control system to Informational Technology specialists of the Agency.

The training was funded by Swedesurvey and SIDA (Swedish International Development Agency).

Minister of Justice returned from his Yerevan trip

Russian xenophobia was the focal point of Gia Kavtaradze’s speech at the annual meeting of the Ministers of Justice of the Council of Europe in Yerevan.
46 member states participated in the CoE’s conference. Minister emphasized human rights violations of ethnic Georgians in Russia, their massive deportation; also expelled Georgian pupils from Russian schools.
Mr Kavtaradze met Ministers of Justice of Lithuania, Ukraine, Estonia, Poland, Bulgaria, Moldova and Armenia. He discussed problems of export of Georgian wine within the Ministry’s competence; European counterparts assured legal support of Georgian winemakers.

16 October, 2006

Conference Dedicated to International Law

The regional conference "International Law in National and Judiciary Law in South Caucasus Region” has been opened in Courtyard Marriott hotel in Tbilisi. The event is organized by the Ministry of Justice of Georgia and German Agency of Technical Cooperation (GTZ).
Guests from Armenia and Azerbaijan, scholars and lawyers participate in the conference.
Deputy Minister of Justice Konstantine Korkelia and GTZ Georgia office head Heinrich-Jurgen Schilling addressed the audience.
Mr korkelia has emphasized the growing number of international treaties in the region; stressed the importance of law harmonization and implementation.
The conference is aimed to elaborate recommendations in order to facilitate implementation of international regulations in judiciary law.
Mr Korkelia noted that the Supreme and Constitutional Courts of Georgia are most frequent practitioners of international regulations.

13 October, 2006

The Training Center for Justice to hold seminars

The Training Center for Justice is to hold seminars on “Legal Aspects of Labor Relations” for human resources and legal departments of executive power. The seminar will take start on October 14-15 in Stepantsminda and continue in Tbilisi. Government officials from Stepantsminda and Tbilisi to participate in the workshop. The discussions to be held concerning such issues as: Labor right; equality in public service; guarantees and status of government official, human resources management strategy. Qualified legal experts Lali Lazarashvili and Giorgi Gogiashvili are invited along with UNDP program consultant Vazha Gurgenidze.
Sulkhan Gamkrelidze, the Center Director emphasized that the OSCE is funding the seminar.

13 October, 2006

Training for social workers of the DEP

The training of social workers of the Department of Execution of Punishments has started in the Training Center for Penitentiary and Probation Service.
About 20 employees of the penal system are attending 5 day course. Both Georgian and foreign experts are involved in teaching process.
The seminar is supported by Polish Bator foundation within special penitentiary system rehabilitation program “Atlantis”.

12 October, 2006

HIV/AIDS tests in Kutaisi

The Penitentiary System Reform, Medical Supervision and Monitoring Department of the Ministry of Justice along with National Center for Clinical Immunology and HIV/AIDS tests inmates of #2 Kutaisi Prison.
Inmates of #5 Women and Juvenile Prison and Medical Facility have been already tested. The next stage of examination would be held in #10 Avjala detention facility.
The examination to continue until October 15, overall 2000 convicts are to take part in the action.

12 October, 2006

Courier service launched in Mtskheta-Mtianeti region

The courier service has been launched in Mtskheta-Mtianeti bureaus of the Civil Register Agency of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia.
The similar service is already available for residents of Kakheti, Imereti, Samegrelo, Ajara, Guria, Shida and Kvemo Kartli regions. Citizens can receive their documents locally.
The idea of service implementation belongs to Gia Kavtaradze, Minister of Justice.
Primarily, service was available for Kakheti residents in April 2006.

12 October, 2006

Enforcement Department continues to monitor territorial entities

The Enforcement Department of the Ministry of Justice continues inspection of territorial bureaus. Gigi Jankirashvili, head of Western Georgia Division and Nino Gogelashvili Department councilor have gone to Racha-Lechkhumi for check up of law enforcement procedures.
For instance, Kakheti and other bureaus of West Georgia were inspected in September.

12 October, 2006

638 temporarily residence permissions issued

The Citizens and Migration Department of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia has issued 638 temporarily and 210 permanent residence permissions.
The new rule was launched on July 1, 2006. The visa extension was abolished; therefore foreign citizens whose stay in Georgia exceeds 90 days must get residence permission cards. The permissions are issued in the Civil Reception of the Ministry of Justice; also the Vake, Saburtalo (Tbilisi) and Batumi branches of the Civil Register Agency are eligible to issue the document.

12 October, 2006

Minister of Justice of Georgia participating in the CoE Conference

Gia Kavtaradze, Minister of Justice of Georgia left for Yerevan to take part in the 27th Conference of European Ministers of Justice. “Victims: place, rights and assistance” is at the top of the agenda.

Ministers from 46 member states participate in the two day event, the president of Armenia Robert Kocharian and the Council of Europe's Director General of Legal Affairs, Guy de Vel, to address guests.

The existing standards and practices in member states to be discussed. The Ministers will also sign a number of the Council of Europe’s treaties.

Juvenile Convicts Attend Football Match

Ten juvenile prisoners are attending match Georgia vs. Italy at the Boris Paichadze stadium.
The initiative of the Ministry of Justice and Department of Execution of Punishments was supported by the Georgian Football Federation and “Dinamo Invest”.
Gia Kavtaradze, Minister of Justice presented t-shirts “We are the Single Team” to juvenile convicts.
Mr Kavtaradze noted the importance of such arrangements in case to foster socialization of prisoners.

The Justice Employee Day celebrated

The special ceremony was held in the Ministry of Justice of Georgia to celebrate the recently established professional holiday. The day was approved by the President of Georgia. Nino Burjanadze, Parliament Chairperson; Konstantine Kublashvili, the Supreme Court Chairman, Giorgi Papuashvili, the Constitutional Court Chairman; former Ministers of Justice, MPs and scholars gathered to congratulate the Ministry.
“October 11 was chosen due to law of October 11 of 1918; which is to be the founding date of the Codification Division of the Ministry of Justice of Democratic Republic of Georgia” Mr Kavtaradze noted. The Division was responsible for law codification and publishing almanac of government orders, also registration and publication of normative acts and by-laws. The exhibition of ancient legal records was especially dedicated to the event; the law of October 11 of 1918 was among displays.
Regarding the date honorable employees of the Ministry were awarded special diplomas, and everyone has got bonus. The employees under disciplinary liability were pardoned.
Mr Kavtaradze made surprise for juvenile prisoners; 10 of them are to attend today’s international match Georgia vs. Italy.
The Minister informed public about innovation which implies service facilitation for citizens. So called on-site service is to provide citizens with limited capacities.
Ms Burjanadze congratulated the Ministry and marked its key role in process of democratization. Father Michael Botkoveli read congratulation letter of Ilia II Catholicos-Patriach of All Georgia. Mr Khetsuriani former Minister of Justice and Mr Khubua rector of the Tbilisi State University also addressed the audience. Givi Intskirveli memorial was opened in the gallery of famous Georgian lawyers.

Enforcement Department continues to monitor territorial entities

The Enforcement Department of the Ministry of Justice continues inspection of territorial bureaus. Gigi Jankirashvili, head of Western Georgia Division and Nino Gogelashvili Department councilor to visit Racha-Lechkhumi on October 12, for check up of law enforcement procedures.
For instance, Kakheti and other bureaus of West Georgia were inspected in September.

Enforcement figures boost up

68 601 law enforcement lists have been transmitted to the Enforcement Department of the Ministry of Justice since January 2006. 18 960 law enforcement procedures have been performed; the state budget revenue was GEL 5 592 062.
The number of enforced cases has increased significantly in comparison with 2005. For example the Department performed 6 303 law enforcements and transferred GEL 1 022 598 to budget; during 2004 7 515 law enforcements fulfilled and GEL 1 400 627 transferred to the budget.

Meeting with Donors

Gia Kavtaradze, Minister of Justice has met the representatives of donor organizations. Penal reform and its perspectives were discussed during the meeting. Representatives of American Bar Association, British Council, European Commission, World Bank, International Red Cross Committee, Council of Europe, OSCE and other organizations participated in the event. Bacho Akhalaia made report concerning ongoing penal reform.
The main achievement according to Mr Akhalaia is neutralization of influence of so called “thugs”. They extorted money from convicts instead of preferences while the “income” was shared with prison administration. The corruption rate has decreased since the criminal authorities were isolated and qualification of personnel improved.
Progress was made in case of human rights and social affairs. Wards in basement and lockups are abolished in Tbilisi detention facilities; iron shutters are removed from windows and food and health expenses have significantly increased.
Mr Akhalaia has marked upcoming projects: Modern prison and medical facility to be completed in Gldani; also new penal complex for 1500 inmates to be built in Western Georgia. According to his information the authorities actively work on “Penal Code”; the code will improve prisons and allow to meet international standards.
Ms Durmisheva and Ms Frids emphasized the importance of two projects: “Penitentiary and Probation System Reform in Georgia” and “Support of the Reform of the Ministry of Justice”.
Mr Kavtaradze noted to stable dynamic of penal reform which is to reap positive results soon.

11 October is the Justice Employee Day

President of Georgia has signed order to launch October 11 the Justice Employee Day. The order is dedicated to the special contribution of the Ministry to the development of Georgian state. The date is to be marked annually.
October 11 is chosen due to law of October 11 of 1918; which is to be the founding date of the Codification Division of the Ministry of Justice of Democratic Republic of Georgia. The Division was responsible for law codification and publishing almanac of government orders. The registration and publication of normative acts and by-laws remains one of major functions of the Ministry.
Several arrangements are planned on October 11: former Ministers, Parliament Chairperson, Prime Minister and other officials are invited to the Ministry. Gia Kavtaradze, Minister of Justice is to open the event. The exhibition of ancient legal records; award ceremony of honorable employees and opening of Givi Intskirveli memorial in the gallery of famous Georgian lawyers are in the agenda.
Regarding the Day all employees under disciplinary liability to be pardoned. Therefore, all employees will get bonuses.

564 838 IDs and 218 545 passports issued since January

564 838 IDs and 218 545 passports issued during the 9 months period of 2006. In comparison with 2005 data passport figures have increased on 35 078 while the number of IDs decreased on 107 329.
The overall figures during 2005-2006 have accelerated. In 1995-2004 9 months data did not exceed 95 000 passports and 200 000 IDs.
The boost of figures is caused by facilitation of procedures in the Civil Register Agency. Therefore, since July 2005 the state levy had been abolished; since February 2006 the short-terms for passports have been implemented. Later this year the courier service was arranged in several regions and territorial restrictions cancelled as well.

Prisoner - victim of tuberculosis

Rostom Zhvania 29, died at medical facility of consumptives of the Department of Execution of Punishments of the Ministry of Justice.
Mr Zhvania suffered from disseminated tuberculosis and cavern of lung. The cardiopulmonary decompensation was the cause of death.
He was arrested on September 9, 2003 for thievery and was sentenced to 4 years of jail.

9 October, 2006

Detainee died in #1 Tbilisi prison

Romanoz Urushadze 53, died in #1 Tbilisi prison of the Department of execution of Punishments.
According to preliminary information cardiovascular collapse was the cause of death.
Mr Urushadze was arrested for drug abuse in July 2006 and was sentenced to 6 months of prison.

Zemo Abkhazia residents satisfied with Palace of Justice

Gia Kavtaradze, Minister of Justice; Gia Kheviashvili, Minister of Refugees and Settlement; Zinaida Bestaeva, State Minister and Members of Parliament of Georgia visited Azhara, administrative center of Zemo Abkhazia. The Palace of Justice was launched there 3 weeks ago.
Offices of four entities of the Ministry of Justice are located in Azhara. Bureaus of the Civil Register Agency, the National Agency of Public Registry, the Normative Acts Registration Service and Notary are coordinated in the Palace.
The Palace of Justice already has issued birth and marriage certificates; rights registration acts and IDs. The Ministry of Justice is ready to launch the bureaus of the Enforcement Department and Probation Service as well.
During the meeting with Mr Kavtaradze the residents of highland assessed the Palace activity and expressed their contentment.
The office equipment for the Palace was sent from the Ministry of Justice of Georgia.

Deputy Minister Met ABA Representative

Dimitri Dzagnidze, Deputy Minister of Justice and Robert Leventhal, representative of American Bar Association discussed current legal reforms in Georgia.
Mr Dzagnidze emphasized the Ministry’s priorities concerning relations with donor organizations including: legal education; capacity building for the Enforcement Department; assistance in lawmaking, arrangement of seminars and trainings for employees; design of e-version of the “Sakanonmdeblo Matsne” (Legal Bulletin); modification of infrastructure of the State Archive; publication of conventions and international acts with comments within mutual legal assistance framework. Mr Dzagnidze talked about seminars for employees of the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the Prosecutor General, the High Council of Justice and judges as well.
Mr Leventhal assured the issues of fostering bilateral collaboration to be discussed in ABA in nearest future.

7 October, 2006

Training for Probation Officers

The Department of Non-custodial Punishments and Probation Service of the Ministry of Justice is to hold training on October 7. The two day event is to take place in Department’s Center of Medical Rehabilitation for Victims of Torture.
Socialization of non-custodial detainees and psychological aspects of probation activity are in the agenda.12 probation officers to participate in the training.

6 October, 2006

3834 acts registered so far this year

The Systematization of Normative Acts and Relations with Local Bodies Department has registered 3834 acts from 3956 applied so far this year.
1209 acts have received approvals, 2625 acts have been returned to adoption bodies due to law violations.
For instance, the number of registered acts has increased due to reduction of procedural errors in applied normative acts. For example, in 2003 the Ministry of Justice of Georgia registered 1643 acts of local government, in 2004 the figure rose to 2664 and in 2005 was 5444.
Imereti and Samtskhe-Javakheti regions lead the rejected list in 2006.
All 87 acts submitted from Tbilisi authorities received registration.
The number of acts rejected per region: Imereti – 29; Samtskhe-Javakheti – 24; Guria – 15; Kakheti – 14; Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti – 4; Shida Kartli – 2; and Kvemo Kartli also 2.
The rejection of registration is caused by violation of the law on “Normative Acts”; the necessary qualifications (signature of entitled person, date of reception, type of normative act, title and etc.) are not maintained and submission dates are violated.
3834 registered acts during 2006 include: 87 Tbilisi local authority acts, 68 of them were approved; 129 from Ajara (15 approved); 728 from Imereti (269 approved); 400 from Kakheti (32 approved); 544 from Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti (226 approved); 259 from Guria (91 approved); 511 from Shida Kartli (133 approved); 476 from Kvemo Kartli (163 approved); 279 from Mtskheta-Mtianeti (158 approved); 264 from Samtskhe-Javakheti (46 approved); 161 from Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti (8 approved).
All other registered acts were returned with remarks and recommendations to adoption bodies. The Ministry is obliged to register acts even violating normative acts. The Ministry returns the acts to applicant body with remarks. 19 remarks were submitted to Tbilisi local authorities; 114 to Ajara; 459 to Imereti; 368 to Kakheti; 318 to Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti; 168 to Guria; 378 to Shida Kartli; 313 to Kvemo Kartli; 121 Mtskheta-Mtianeti; 218 Samtskhe-Javakheti; 153 to Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti.

6 October, 2006

New drug test excludes fraud

The National Bureaus of Forensic Expertise has implemented new drug tests. The tests already are distributed nationwide. The innovation has been purchased in the USA.

The disposable containers can identify every drug available in Georgia.

According to Mr Mamaladze the new test is immediate and excludes fraud, therefore facilitates investigation process.

5 October, 2006

210 detained prisoners have cast their votes

210 prisoners from detention facilities of the Department of Execution of Punishments of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia have cast their votes.
68 voters were in Tbilisi #5 prison; 101 in Kutaisi #2 prison; 37 in Zugdidi Prison and 4 in Batumi facility.
Only the prisoners whose location concurred with registration address participated in elections.

4 October, 2006

Vintage for the National Agency of Public Registry employees

The National Agency of Public Registry distributed 12 tons of "Rkatsiteli” among employees of Central and Tbilisi registration offices. Grapes were purchased in village Manavi, near Sagarejo. The initiative was aimed to support Kakheti region in realization of the vintage and was surprise for Agency employees.
The Civil Register Agency arranged similar event on September 27, and distributed grapes among 600 employees of the Ministry of Justice.

4 October, 2006

52 income statements inquired in September

88 citizens demanded 52 income statements from the Information Bureau of Public Officials’ Property and Financial Declarations during September 2006. 8 inquiries were submitted to the Bureau concerning 20 officials since September 18 up to September 30.
For instance, the interest has increased in comparison with August; while 24 inquiries were submitted.

2 October, 2006

Minister of Justice met Notaries from Estonia

Reforms and priorities of the notary system in Georgia were discussed at the meeting of the Minister of Justice and Estonian notaries.

The Chamber of Notary of Georgia intents to become member of the International Organization of Notaries; thereof Mr Kavtaradze expects Estonia’s support. The harmonization of law is underway, and is aimed to advance freedom of notaries and improve service of citizens. The Estonian counterparts expressed their readiness to support Georgia’s membership in the International Organization of Notaries.

The legal system of Georgia and the Ministry functions were also discussed during the meeting.

Estonian notaries arrived to Georgia within 5 day visit on September 29.

2 October, 2006

Labor Party vs. Georgia

The European Court of Human Rights has responded to Mr Natelashvili’s appeal. The Ministry of Justice received the back-up of the letter.

The original version is available here.

2 October, 2006

Joint seminar opened

Merab Berdzenishvili International Cultural Center “Muza” is hosting joint seminar of Georgian and Estonian notaries.
Ms Khoperia, chairperson of the Chamber of Notary of Georgia has opened the event. She expressed hope the visit to foster bilateral relations; support sharing the experience and promote co-operation. The following issues are in the seminar agenda: legal development of laws in Estonia and Georgia; Civil and Civil Procedural Code reform in Georgia; legal education in Georgia and organization of studies; Public Registry in Estonia and Georgia; implementation of modern informational technologies in notary; and probate register and vehicle register.