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2 July, 2009

The Session of the Criminal Justice Reform Inter Agency Coordinating Council

On 2 July, 2009 the Ministry of Justice hosted the third session of the Criminal Justice Reform Inter-Agency Coordinating Council co-chaired by the Miniser of Justice – Zurab Adeishvili and the Minister of Corrections and Legal Assistance – Dimitri Shashkin. The Council session was attended by the representatives of EC Delegation to Georgia as well as representatives of legislative and governmental bodies of Georgia, non-governnmental and international organizations.

During its third session the Council adopted revised criminal justice Strategy and Action Plan which includes the following parts: Legal Aid Service, Juvenile Justice, Penitentiary, Probation, Criminal Procedure Legislation, Administrative Violations Code, Judiciary, Prosecution, Police and Legal Education.

Furthermore, the Council has instructed the Secretariat of the Inter-Agency Coordination Council to monitor the implementation of the Strategy and Action Plan on permanent basis.

 

The Session of the Criminal Justice Reform Inter Agency Coordinating Council

The Session of the Criminal Justice Reform Inter Agency Coordinating Council

On 18 May, 2009 the session of the Criminal Justice Reform Inter-Agency Coordinating Council was held at the Ministry of Justice of Georgia, attended by the Miniser of Justice – Zurab Adeishvili, Minister of Corrections and Legal Aid – Dimitri Shashkin, Head of the EC delegation to Georgia – H.E. Per Eklund, as well as representatives of legislative and governmental bodies of Georgia, nongovernnmental and international organizations.
 

The stretegies on Juvenile Justice, Penal System Reform and Probation were adopted at the Council session. The Council also discussed on the Integrated Case Management System project elaborated by the Workling Group on Statistics. The Criminal Justice Reform Coordination Council will continue working in the field of criminal justice reform development in order to update the whole Strategy.

Draft Strategies on Juvenile Justice, Penitentiary and Probation

7 May, 2009

7 May, 2009

The Meeting with the Ministry of Justice and EC Delegation

On 6 May, 2009, the meeting with the Minister of Justice of Georgia Zurab Adeishvili and Head of the EC Delegation in Georgia Ambassador Per Eklund was held at the Ministry of Justice of Georgia. The meeting was attended by the Minster of Corrections and Legal Aid Issues Dimitri Shashkin and other representatives of EC Delegation and Ministry of Justice of Georgia.

The meeting was dedicated to a new EU-funded project “Capacity Building in Support of Rule of Law in Georgia” (implementation organization – Hulla & Co Human Dynamics KG) launched on 6 May, 2009 in Tbilisi. This project is the continuation of the EU support to the justice sector reforms in Georgia. The duration of the project will be 30 months with total value of Euros 2.7 m. It will continue the support provided through the past 2,5 years by another the EU-funded project “Support to the Reform of the Ministry of Justice”.

The overall objective of the project is to support the Georgian Ministry of Justice as well as the Ministry of Corrections and Legal Aid Issues in conducting and implementing the criminal justice reform programme, reforming probation and legal aid system countrywide. In order to achieve this goal the project and its 6 Key Experts will implement a series of activities including provision of legal and management expertise, sharing know-how, training and various study tours. The Civil Registry will benefit from further support in introduction of electronic passport system.

The specific objectives of the project’s two components are:

Component 1: Capacity Building of the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Corrections and Legal Aid Issues to ensure implementation of the Strategy of the Reform of the Criminal Legislation of Georgia, endorsed by the government and President in 2005.

Component 2: Strengthen capacities of the Ministry of Justice for better implementation of international Obligations of Georgia.

During the meeting the Minister emphasized importance of the project as it represents a continuation of the successful partnership between the Government of Georgia (particularly the Ministry of Justice) and the EC Delegation within the context of the general support in legal and administrative reforms:”The Criminal Justice remains a priority for the Government; respectively strengthening/capacity building of relevant governmental agencies would be an asset in this direction”.

27 February, 2009

Contest for Vacant Position in Lagodekhi Office of the CRA

The Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia has announced a contest for a vacant position of a head of the Division of Civil Acts Registration of Lagodekhi office.
Requirements of the contest: the higher education, 2-3 years of working experience, computer skills, knowledge of legislation regulating the CRA activity.
Interested persons should submit the documents to HR Management Division of the Civil Registry Agency (67a Tsereteli Avenue, Tbilisi) until March 12, 2009.
Additional Information may be received on the website of the Agency: www.cra.gov.ge , or on the following telephone numbers: 35 79 20; 35 79 21; 35 79 22; 35 79 23.

26 February, 2009

414 Persons Named Shio Reside in Georgia

According to the information provided by the Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice, 414 persons named Shio reside in Georgia. 3 of them were born this year and 15 of them in 2008.
On February 26, the Orthodox Church of Georgia celebrates commemoration day of Shio Mghvimeli (VI century).
With respect to this day, Information and Analytical Division of the CRA has conducted survey on the basis of issued identification documents.
Such surveys became possible after creation of integrated electronic database at the Civil Registry agency.

25 February, 2009

Boundaries of Registration Zones of Tbilisi and Mtskheta Has Changed

The National Agency of Public Registry of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia has changed the boundaries of Tbilisi and Mtskheta registration zones.
Since the administrative boundaries of Tbilisi have widened, problems connected to registration zones occurred frequently.
Changes, accomplished by the National Agency of Public Registry, are part of the process of determination of administrative and registration boundaries of Mtskheta.
At the moment boundaries of Tbilisi registration zone cover the whole territory of Dighomi including village Dighomi.
Aforesaid change will not impact the owners of immovable property located on the territory of Dighomi, they can apply for ownership right registration as the registration office of Tbilisi, so the registration office of Mtskheta.
The National Agency of Public Registry continues activities to determine boundaries of all registration zones throughout Georgia.

24 February, 2009

Contest for the Position of Lecturer of Customer Service Skills

The Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia has announced the contest for the position of lecturer of customer service skills.
Requirements of the contest: the higher education, at least two years of training experience (desirably in the related field), computer skills.
Interested persons should submit the documents to HR Management Division of the Civil Registry Agency (67a Tsereteli Avenue, Tbilisi) until 6th of March.
Additional information may be received on the website of the Agency: www.cra.gov.ge  , or on the following telephone number: 35 79 21.

23 February, 2009

Public Registry Does Not Register Ownership Right to Deceased

The National Agency of Public Registry reminds the population that it does not register ownership right to deceased.
For registration of bequeathed property of deceased, heir should submit the bequest, issued by a notary, along with other registration documentation in order the fact of succession to be determined.
It is noteworthy, that in case of commencement of succession by notary, reference-description from the Archives of Technical Inventory and documents confirming property ownership right of deceased is not obligatory.
In aforesaid cases inheriting has become possible since the amendment was introduced to the Law on “Ownership right registration of immovable property” (2007).
Before the amendment, in case of death of the testator the property should be registered on the deceased and afterwards on the heir.
Along with facilitation of the procedure, the registration fee for inherited property has decreased noticeably due to the amendment.

20 February, 2009

According to Data Provided by the CRA, Fertility Rate Has Noticeably Increased in Georgia

Marriage and fertility rate has noticeably increased in Georgia, which denotes improvement of demographic background.
Head of the Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia, Mr. Giorgi Vashadze discussed the abovementioned issues on today’s press-conference. He introduced statistic analysis of work carried out by the CRA in 2008.
According to his information, the number of marriage and birth registrations was stably increasing during the last years: 41,648 first birth registrations were carried out in 2005, 45,931 in 2006, 48,026 in 2007 and 57,267 in 2008.
In 2005, 18,141 couples registered wedlock in the CRA, 21,876 in 2006, 25,925 in 2007 and 31,318 in 2008.
Increase of percentage rate of marriage and birth registration is as follows: in 2008 the number of birth registrations increased by 19% in comparison with 2007. In comparison with 2005, the number of birth registrations increased by 37% in 2008.
In 2008 the number of marriage registrations increased by 20% in comparison with 2007, while in comparison with 2005, the number of marriage registrations increased by 72% in 2008.
Marriage and birth rate growth continues in 2009: in January 2008 was registered birth of 4,290 babies, while in January 2009 the number increased to 4,750.
In 2008 was registered 2,281 marriages, while in 2009, 2,339 couples registered wedlock in the territorial offices of the Civil Registry Agency.
“It denotes obvious improvement of demographic background. Until 2005, marriage and fertility rate was decreasing, since 2005 it was stably increasing. The biggest growth was fixed in 2008 and it continues in 2009. Information on deteriorated demographic background is spread often. We are ready to share aforesaid information to authors of the information as the statistic data indicates the opposite” – mentioned Giorgi Vashadze.
According to his statement, demographic growth is connected to economic growth. Growth of fertility is also connected to initiative of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia on standing godfather to the 3rd child.
It is noteworthy, that according to statistic data, the CRA served 1,317,023 citizens and organizations in 2008. Last year, 400,458 citizen’s ID cards and 306,483 citizen’s passports were issued by the territorial offices of the Civil Registry Agency.

20 February, 2009

Restoration of the First Printed Books Has Started in the National Archives

In the restoration and microfilming laboratory of the National Archives of the Ministry of Justice has started the restoration of the oldest printed books – the Gospel, printed in 1709, and the Contakion (collection of rules of liturgy and divine service) dated by 1710.
Both books were printed by the King Vakhtang VI in 1709 in the first Georgian printing-house founded in Tbilisi. After the restoration of books, exhibition of the books of virtu will be opened in the National Archives. The exhibition will be dedicated to 300th anniversary of Georgian printing-house foundation.
Ecclesiastical books printed in XVIII-XIX centuries, such as Georgian Alphabet and “Tsigni Sakitkhavi”, in Persian, Arabic, Armenian, Jewish, German, Polish, Russian and French languages, are the most remarkable among printed books kept in the National Archives.
790 manuscript books of virtu are being kept in the National Archives.

19 February, 2009

Survey Dedicated to the Commemoration Day of Solomon II

According to data provided by the Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice, 2,145 boys named Solomon reside in Georgia.
On February 20, the Orthodox Church of Georgia celebrates commemoration day of the King Solomon II (1815). With respect to this day, Information and Analytical Division of the CRA has conducted survey on the basis of issued identification documents.
Such surveys became possible after creation of integrated electronic database at the Civil Registry Agency.

19 February, 2009

Information from the Archives of Technical Inventory is Available via Internet

Receiving information from the Archives of Technical Inventory via internet is available in 15 territorial offices of the National Agency of Public Registry. Those offices are: Tbilisi, Zugdidi, Gardabani, Mtskheta, Gori, Kaspi, Bolnisi, Khobi, Senaki, Marneuli, Khashuri, Akhaltsikhe, Borjomi, Rustavi, Kareli.
Aforesaid service enables citizens to fill in an electronic application, pay the fee for NAPR service, which is set by the Law, by plastic card and send it to the database of the Agency via the NAPR website ( www.reestri.gov.ge ) staying at home or in the office.
Citizens will receive required documents (a reference-description, an inventory plan, information on ownership right to immovable thing and a copy of document from the Archives of Technical Inventory, etc) also via the internet in fixed term.
Although the electronic document does not have a signature of registering clerk and seal of the NAPR, it still has legal effect and can be used by any administrative and private institutions.
The Archives of Technical Inventory was transmitted to the National Agency of Public registry in 2004, and was placed at the registration offices.

18 February, 2009

Justice Sector Donor Coordination Meeting

On February 18, 2009, the Ministry of Justice of Georgia with the assistance of the European Union/Human Dynamics (Support to the Reform of the Ministry of Justice) organized Justice Sector Donor Coordination Meeting at Bazaleti Tourism Complex. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Justice of Georgia – Mr. Zurab Adeishvili, and attended by the Minister of Penitentiary, Probation and Legal Aid – Mr. Dimitry Shashkin, Head of the EC delegation to Georgia – H.E. Per Eklund, as well as representatives of Parliament of Georgia, International Embassies and missions/organizations, including USAID, UNICEF, OSCE, COE, SIDA, OSGF, GTZ, PRI, American Bar Association, the Norwegian Mission of Rule of Law Advisers to Georgia.
The Meeting aimed to coordinate government led and donor supported activities in justice sphere and to provide a forum where the Minister of Justice as well as the Minister of Probation, Penitentiary and Legal could personally interact and discuss all relevant developments and priorities in justice sphere. “I would encourage discussion regarding the future modes of cooperation: we think it is important to identify leading priorities in the justice sphere and direct our combined forces towards well-defined objectives in a time bound and transparent manner. I also hope that this Meeting represents an opportunity to elaborate over new initiatives from the Government side and share those views with the international community for further considerations and possible support”- noted the Minister of Justice.
The meeting started with the presentations of the main projects within the Ministry of Justice, followed by the brief interventions by all invited organizations regarding the programs/projects they either implement or support in the justice sphere in Georgia.
As a result of the meeting, the following priorities were identified for the Ministry of Justice: Implementation of the Draft Criminal Procedure Code and Code on Imprisonment, Integrated Case Management System and Community Prosecution (with the special emphasis on Children in Conflict with Law). The priorities Identified by the Ministry of Penitentiary, Probation and Legal Aid were Rehabilitation Projects within the Penitentiary, Improved Healthcare System within the Penitentiary, Strengthening Probation System. The Ministry of Justice hopes that the meeting was reciprocally productive and will serve as a good basis for further successful cooperation.

18 February, 2009

CRA Announced Internship Contest

An internship contest was announced in the Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of justice. Receiving documents of interested persons will begin on February 19.
Persons with higher education and students of last faculty can take part in the contest.
Contest will be held by three stages: testing, computer skills (Windows, Word, Excel), interview.
Interested persons should submit necessary documentation to HR Division of the Civil Registry Agency until March 6, 2009.
Additional information may be received on the website of the CRA: www.cra.gov.ge  or on the following telephone numbers: 35 79 20; 35 79 21; 35 79 22; 35 79 23.

18 February, 2009

Recognition of Ownership Right on Land Plot in 10 Working Days

Before the enactment of legislative amendment term for this service was set to 6 months. Service fee for ownership right registration is set by the law and it amounts to GEL 300. It comprises:

• Fee for registration of creation of right in immovable thing – GEL 300;

• Fee for issuance of reference-description from the Archives of Technical Inventory;

• Fee for public law restriction and tax lien/hypothec;

• Fee for issuance of reference on legal condition;

It is noteworthy, that by the amendment, physical persons are released from fee for recognition of ownership right to a legally used land plot, which used to be paid to state budget.
For registration of ownership right, a customer legally using a land plot must present an application, a document confirming use of land, a cadastral drawing, a receipt confirming payment of registration fee and other documentation prescribed by laws.
The National Agency of Public Registry reminds population that based on the legislative amendments introduced by the Parliament of Georgia in December, 2008, recognition of ownership right to a legally used land plot is being carried out by the NAPR. Until then the aforesaid function was accomplished by the standing commission of the local self-governing authorities.
Additional information may be received on the following telephone numbers: 48 12 48; 48 12 49.

18 February, 2009

2,741 Persons Named Arseni Reside in Georgia

According to data provided by the Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice, 2,741 persons named Arseni reside in Georgia.
On February 19 the Orthodox Church of Georgia celebrates commemoration day of ecclesiastic Arsen from Ikalto (1127).
With respect to this day, Information and Analytical Division of the CRA has conducted survey on the basis of issued identification documents.
Such surveys became possible after creation of integrated electronic database at the Civil Registry Agency.

13 February, 2009

“Tamar” is Second Most Popular Feminine Name

According to the data provided by the Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia, “Tamar” is second most popular feminine name. “Nino” remains the most popular feminine name.
On February 13 the Orthodox Church of Georgia celebrates commemoration day of the Queen Tamar. With respect to this day, Information and Analytical Division of the Civil Registry Agency has conducted survey on the basis of issued documents. The survey revealed that overall 76,310 girls named Tamar live in Georgia.
The survey comprises as the name Tamar, so the other forms of it, such as: Tamari, Tamara, Tamuna, Tamriko, Tako, etc. It is noteworthy, that the popularity of name Tamar noticeably increased in 80s.
Such surveys became possible after creation of integrated electronic database at the Civil Registry Agency.

12 February, 2009

Recognition of Property Right on Land Plot in NAPR

Since December 2008, the legitimation of owned land plot is being carried out by the National Agency of Public Registry on the basis of legislative amendments introduced by the Parliament of Georgia. Until then the given function was accomplished by the standing commission of the local self-governing bodies.
Terms of service have also revised: the National Agency of Public Registry to make a decision on whether to carry over a land plot to private property or not in ten working days instead of six months.
Person, who has no documents confirming property, is also recognized as an owner on the basis of legislative amendment, though in the Archives of Technical Inventory one is registered as willful user until 1994.
Currently, there are 911 applications on receiving property right on land plot, 150 of them are satisfied. About 60 citizens apply the National Agency of Public Registry on abovementioned issue daily.
Additional information can be received on the following telephone numbers: 48 12 48; 48 12 49.

11 February, 2009

Information on Lien and Tax Lien/Hypothec Can Be Obtained via Internet from Thirteen Territorial Registration Offices of NAPR

The National Agency of Public Registry under the Ministry of Justice continues improvement of customer service. Now it is already possible to obtain information on lien and tax lien/hypothec via internet from Tbilisi, Gardabani, Telavi, Mtskheta, Rustavi, Gori, Kutaisi, Batumi, Khelvachauri, Zugdidi, Poti, Kaspi and Ozurgeti registration offices.
The electronic registry of lien and tax lien/hypothec ( www.napr.gov.ge ) enables a customer to see the data concerning applications (contents, their status, decisions made by NAPR concerning the applications, etc. and registered lien and tax lien/hypothec.
This service significantly facilitates activities of private companies, which often need to present references on lien to different organizations (for instance, to participate in a tender). It is possible to fill in an electronic application for receiving a reference on lien and information on tax lien/hypothec, and send the filled application to the database of the public registry via internet. A registration office will prepare appropriate document within the term determined by law and the customers may receive it electronically.

11 February, 2009

Document Issuance Continues in Zugdidi

About 5,000 ID Cards were issued for pupils of Zugdidi region within the framework of pupil registration programme.
According to the information provided by Zugdidi Territorial Office of the Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice, issuance of ID Cards has completed in schools of 30 villages of Zugdidi region. At the moment ID cards are being issued to pupils of Zugdidi schools.
Within the next few days documents will be transmitted to 470 pupils of Akaki Tsereteli Public School №1.
The pupil registration project is being implemented by the Civil Registry Agency and the Ministry of Education and Science.
Within the framework of abovementioned programme, ID Cards are being issued to all pupils aged 14 and older, those pupils who have not turned 14 are registered at the place of residence of their parents and are given personal numbers.
Since April 14, 2008, citizens of Georgia aged 14 and older are obliged to receive ID cards. Receiving ID cards by citizens who have not reached 14 is optional.
The school number and grade is also indicated while registering pupils at school.
The fact of upcoming online access of the Ministry of Education and Science to registration based database of the Civil Registry is rather important.
The registration is free of charge; photo base of pupils is being created during the process. Employees of the Territorial Office of the CRA are going to schools, which releases children from necessity to go to the Territorial Office for the personal number.
The end of pupil registration process at schools is scheduled for May.

10 February, 2009

Index of Enforced Cases Increases

According to the data provided by the Division of Statistics and Analysis of the National Enforcement Bureau of the Ministry of Justice, index of enforced cases of January has increased in comparison with December 2008.
2,367 cases enforced in January 2009 and GEL 545,238.72 transferred to the state budget. The number of cases enforced in December 2008 amounted to 2,258.
According to the data provided by the National Enforcement Bureau, 1,571 cases were enforced and GEL 200,484.78 transferred to the state budget by the Bureaus of eastern Georgia in January 2009. Bureaus of western Georgia enforced 796 cases and transferred GEL 344,753.94.

10 February, 2009

The Restoration of Photo Albums of the National Archives is Completed

Three photo albums of the XIX century have been restored in the laboratory of the document restoration of the National Archives of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia.
Two albums, unifying 758 (first album) and 544 (second album) photopositives, of famous photographer N. Sagharadze are among restored documents. Photos are taken in 1880-1917.
Photo album of lithographic works was also restored. It includes lithographic photos of such famous artists as Gr. Gagarin, V. Tim, D. Grimm, Teixel and 35 unknown authors. Russian-Turkish war, churches and monasteries of Kiev, Kurds, residing in Karsi, Hindus and views of Karsi and Akhalkalaki are depicted on the photos. The album is dated by 1849-1858.
In the laboratory of the restoration stains have been removed from photopositives; each photo and album sheet was processed by chemical and technical methods. The album was bound and covered again.

10 February, 2009

About 1,500 Citizens Applied NAPR for Accelerated Registration Service

In January 2009, 1,323 citizens applied the National Agency of Public Registry of the Ministry of justice for accelerated registration service. 1,036 of them received an extract on the day of submitting an application.
Accelerated registration service has become possible to citizens since December 27, 2008 on the basis of Law on “Fee for Service Rendered by the National Agency of Public Registry”. Legislative amendments determined new terms and fee rates for accelerated registration service:
 

• Registration of creation of right in immovable thing or change in the registered right in immovable thing: 4 working days – GEL 50, 1 working day – GEL 150, the day of submitting an application – GEL 200.

• Property right registration of legal ownership on land: 10 working days – Gel 300; registration of pledge on movable thing and intangible property, or registration of change in the registered pledge on movable thing or intangible property: 3 working days – GEL 30, the day of submitting an application – GEL 200, 1 working day – GEL 150.

• Registration of issuance of mortgage certificate, change in or addition of legal comments to it: 3 working days – GEL 50.

• Registration of change in the registered lien on thing and intangible property: 3 working days – GEL 20.

• Immediate attesting of signature from the agreement – GEL 5.

• Issuance of an extract from the Registry of Rights in Immovable Things: 1 working day – GEL 15, the day of submitting an application – GEL 50.

• Issuance of an extract from the Registry of Rights in Movable Things and Intangible Property: 1 working day – GEL 15.

• Issuance of cadastral plan: 2 working days – GEL 5.

• Issuance of cadastral map: 4 working days – one page of paper version – GEL 10, digital version: 10,000 sq. m. (1 hectare) – GEL 5.

• Issuance of a reference on lien: 1 working day – GEL 7.

• Issuance of information regarding data, kept at the Public Registry at the moment of request, on rights in thing or intangible property, lien or/and tax lien/hypothec: 4 working days – GEL 10, the day of submitting an application – GEL 30, 1 working day – GEL 20.

• Issuance of information regarding the right in an immovable from the Archives of Technical Inventory: 4 working days – GEL 7, the day of submitting an application – GEL 20, 1 working day – GEL 15.

• Issuance of an inventory plan from the Archives of Technical Inventory: 4 working days – GEL 5, the day of submitting an application – GEL 20, 1 working day – GEL 15.

• Issuance of reference-description from the Archives of Technical Inventory: 4 working days – GEL 5, the day of submitting an application – GEL 30, 1 working day – GEL 20.

• Issuance of a copy of Archives document: 4 working days – 1 page – GEL 0.50, the day of submitting an application – additional GEL 5.

• Issuance of ortho-photo: 4 working days – one page of paper version – GEL 10, digital version: 10,000 sq. m. (1 hectare) – GEL 5.

6 February, 2009

Georgia Submitted an Inter-State application Against the Russian Federation to the European Court of Human Rights

On February 6, 2009 the Government of Georgia submitted an inter-state application against Russian Federation to the European Court of Human Rights (Strasbourg) on massive breaches of human rights accomplished by the Russian Government on the territory of Georgia. The Application comprises breaches of the European Convention on Human Rights and its Protocols by the Russian Federation under the following provisions:
 

• Breach of the Article 2 of the Convention for Right to Life relating air bombardment as well as activities accomplished by the infantry and separatists under control of Russia.

• Article 3 of the Convention for Prohibition of Torture relating facts on torture and inhuman attitude towards peaceful populace accomplished as by Russian troops, so by the Ossetian separatists.

• Article 5 of the Convention for Right to Liberty and Security relating hostage taking of peaceful populace.

• Article 8 of the Convention for Right to Respect for Private and Family Life relating forcing peaceful populace to forsake their accommodations.

• Massive breaches of the Article 13 of the Convention for Right to an Effective Remedy and Article 1 of Protocol No. 1 of the Convention for Protection of Property by the Russian Federation.

• Breach of Article 2 of Protocol of the Convention for Right to Education.

• Breach of Article 2 of Protocol No. 4 of the Convention for Freedom of Movement.

Abovementioned application to the European Court of Human Rights against the Russian Federation represents consecutive sequel of the proceeding triggered on August 11, 2008.
On August 11, 2008 the Government of Georgia applied the European Court of Human Rights to indicate interim measures to the Russian Federation.
On August 12, 2008 the European Court obliged the Russian Federation to act in full compliance with the Convention and to avoid any facts exposing to danger life and health of the population.
Since no actions have been taken by the Russian Federation in order to protect the human rights, the European Court of Human Rights has adjourned the interim measure for several times in order to indicate the obligation for the protection of human rights.
It is particularly noteworthy that it is the first precedent when the European Court has involved in an inter-state dispute in such a manner.

6 February, 2009

More Than 80,000 People Named David Live in Georgia

According to data provided by the Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice, 81,706 people named David live in Georgia. This name is second most popular masculine name in Georgia.
On February 8 the Orthodox Church of Georgia celebrates commemoration day of the king David the Builder. With respect to this day, Information and Analytical Division of the CRA has conducted survey.
The survey included as the name David, so the other forms of it, such as: Dato, Datuna, Data, etc. It is noteworthy that name David keeps its popularity since 60s of previous century.
Top five masculine names of all ages in Georgia are as follow: Giorgi, David, Zurab, Levan and Aleksandre.

6 February, 2009

95 Notaries Use the Web-Based Software of NAPR

The web-based software for rights and applications, developed by the National Agency of Public Registry of the Ministry of Justice is used by 95 notaries throughout Georgia. They conducted the Memorandum on Cooperation with the NAPR and as authorized users of the software, they can search for information stored in the database throughout the NAPR website: www.reestri.gov.ge.
This software also allows notaries to deal with registration offices on behalf of their customers, submit documents for registration and obtain the needed documents. With this software the notaries save their time and offer fast and inexpensive service to customers.
Notaries also faced difficulties because of fraud references on arrested property. Currently, they can verify validity of a reference through the web-based software.
About 300 private companies, along with notaries, are the authorized users of the web-based software of the National Agency of Public Registry throughout Georgia.

5 February, 2009

Swedish Experts are on a Working Visit in NAPR

Swedish experts, Mr. Clifford Skareng, Tobias Lundberg and Christian Oswaldsson are on a working visit in the National Registry of Public Registry.
The purpose of the visit is to conduct the research and analysis for the establishment of the back-up system at NAPR, identify the need of support to NAPR in this area and provide recommendations.
The working visit is financed by the SIDA-founded project “Capacity Building and Improved Client Service at NAPR”.

5 February, 2009

Uznadze Marriage Bureau Has Become Popular

Marriage Bureau, situated in 2 Uznadze str. in Tbilisi, has become popular, 105 couples got married there during this year and 127 more are planning to get married in February.
Marriage Bureau, situated in Uznadze Str. was opened on 26 November, 2008. 38 couples applied the Bureau during November-December, 2008.
The building, which after 18 year pause has returned to its previous functions, was maintained with the support of Greek Government. The Marriage Bureau comprises two ceremonial halls of various designs.
The Marriage Bureau was opened on August 30, 1964 at the Uznadze Street and had been functioning till 1990. Marriages of 125,429 couples were registered throughout this period. In 1991 former building of the Marriage Bureau was transferred to one non-governmental organization for temporary exploitation, while in 2006 the Government came to a decision to restore previous functions of a building, situated in 2 Uznadze Street, and transferred it to the Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice.

4 February, 2009

400,458 ID Cards and 306,483 Passports Issued in 2008

Territorial Offices of the Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice issued 400,458 ID Cards and 306,483 passports during 2008.
In 2008, dynamics of ID Cards’ supply decreased in comparison with previous years. 419,410 ID cards were issued in 2007.
It is noteworthy that each citizen aged 14 and over is obliged to receive ID card. The document is issued free of charge on tenth day after submitting the application.
As regards the dynamics of supply of Georgian citizen’s passport, it has increased thousands of times in comparison with 2007.
For your information, passports are issued without age limit.
The dynamics of supply of ID Cards of Georgian citizens in 1994-2008 is as follows:
40% of total amount of issued ID Cards was issued in 1994-2003 and 60% in 2004-2008.
As regards the passports, 44% of total amount of issued passports was issued in 1994-2003 and 56% in 2004-2008.

3 February, 2009

New Hotline Number of the Civil Registry Agency

The Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice has a new hotline number – 40 10 10.
Citizens inform the Internal Control and Audit Division on possible violations in the Territorial Offices of the CRA via hotline, the Division takes appropriate measures.
Citizens also apply the CRA hotline in order to receive the information, particularly to receive information on issuing ID card, passports and/or other documents, etc.
The CRA hotline is active since September, 2006.
New hotline number of the CRA is posted in the prominent places of the Territorial Offices.

2 February, 2009

A Wanted Citizen Detained

A wanted citizen has been detained In Samgori Territorial Office of the Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice.
According to the information of the Internal Control and Audit, 58 year old Iurek O. applied Samgori Office for receiving ID car instead of lost one.
The verification revealed that Iurek O. has been wanted by Mtatsminda Division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
First sub-division of Isani-Samgori Devision of the Ministry of Internal Affairs was informed on abovementioned fact; employees of the sub-division conveyed the wanted citizen to the police division.

30 January, 2009

Civil Registry Agency Is Three Years old

Today was held an event dedicated to the third anniversary of the Civil Registry Agency where the Head of the CRA Giorgi Vashadze discussed the novelties implemented during 2008.
Journalists who worked on the CRA matters during 2008 were thanked on the meeting. Various offices and staff members were tendered thanks for exceptional work in 2008.
The presentation of Agency’s anthem was also held today; the author of the anthem is Ms. Megi katsitadze, employee of the Isani Office of the CRA.
As stated by the Head of the CRA Giorgi Vashadze, multitude of novelties was implemented in the CRA in order to advance citizen service:
Submitting documents on attesting property is no longer necessary while registration. The CRA receives necessary information from the database of the National Agency of Public Registry via internet;
Consent of only one parent or legal representative is necessary for 16 year old and over to receive passport;
Authorized representative can already receive passport of a person who is abroad;
Information-address inquiries can be received in Territorial Offices;
ID card issuing age reduced to 14 years;
Registration of pupils has started;
Integrated electronic photo database has been implemented;
State institutions have got an access to integrated database of the CRA;
Online registration and printing of civil acts has started;
Indicating the personal number while birth registration has started;
The function of determination of jural facts such as birth registration and death registration has been transmitted to the CRA from the Court. Verification procedure reduced from 5 months to 1 month. State levy (GEL 50) has been cancelled;
Following offices, complying modern standards, have been opened in 2008: Marriage Bureau situated in 2 Uznadze str., Tbilis; Isani Territorial Office; Tbilisi Archives; Zugdidi Office and Marriage Bureau; Buildings of Chkhorotsku and Tskaltubo Territorial Offices have been maintained and Saburtalo Office and Marriage Bureau “Konka” have been equipped according to modern standards.
As regards media, following TV companies were handed deeds of gratitude: Imedi, Rustavi 2, Alania, Pirveli Arkhi, Kavkasiaa and Ajara. Radios: Sazogadoebrivi Radio, Fortuna, Kavkas-Press, Interpressnews and GHN. Newspapers: “24 Saati” and “Akhali Taoba”.

30 January, 2009

New Office of the Legal Aid Bureau Opened in Kutaisi

Today, in the Justice House situated in Kutaisi was opened new office of Imereti-Kutaisi Office of the Legal Aid Service of the Ministry of Justice. Presentation was attended by the representatives of the local Government, Court, Prosecutor’s Office, Apparatus of Public Defender, Norwegian Mission of Rule of Law Adviser (NORLAG) and press.
The event was opened by the Director of the Legal Aid Service Ms. Rusudan Tabatadze. Head of the Imereti-Kutaisi Legal Aid Bureau Mr. Gela Sidamonidze discussed the outcomes of the previous year and future plans.
Imereti-Kutaisi Legal Aid Bureau was maintained and reconstructed in July-December, 2008, with financial support of NORLAG. Furthermore, the Bureau was equipped with modern furniture and latest office inventory due to assistance of fund “Open Society – Georgia”.
As stated by Rusudan Tabatadze, equipping offices is one of the main priorities of the Legal Aid Service. Widening the scopes of free legal service will continue in future and such service will be even more accessible for insolvent citizens.
The legal Aid Service of the Ministry of Justice provides citizens with free attorney and legal advice. Last year attorneys of the Legal Aid Bureau defended insolvent citizens in 2,665 criminal cases. More than 300 citizens received free legal advice.
There are 10 Bureaus and 2 Legal Advice Offices of the LAS in Tbilisi and regions of Kakheti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Kvemo Kartli, Shida Kartli, Imereti (Zestafoni, Kutaisi), Racha-Lechkhumi, Samegrelo (Zugdidi, Foti), Guria and Ajara.

30 January, 2009

Chancellery Software Activated in 40 Registration Offices of NAPR

The National Agency of Public Registry of the Ministry of Justice implemented new chancellery software in order to improve workflow procedures and document management.
During 2008 abovementioned software was implemented in 40 Registration Offices. From February 2, 2009, the implementation of the upgraded version of the software will begin in all Registration Offices of the NAPR.
The software supports efficient document management, timely delivery of documents to the NAPR, management and distribution to structural divisions, storage and retrieval of information, regulation of workflow, collection of statistical data on performed and unperformed tasks, etc.
The integrated database has been created on the basis of chancellery software; essential procedures have become improved and efficient for the NAPR and its chancellery.
At the same time digitalization and storing in the integrated database of the chancellery archives is under way.
In the nearest future it is planned to make the software available via internet using the NAPR website ( www.reestri.gov.ge ) and the customers will be able to send letters and to receive answers electronically.

30 January, 2009

Prisoner Died

Prisoners Nikoloz M. and Asanov A. died at the medical facility of the Penitentiary Department. According to initial diagnosis of doctors, death was caused by cardiovascular collapse progressed after tuberculous intoxication.
Asanov A. was detained for offend against Article 177, Section II and Article 178, Section I of Criminal Code of Georgia.
Nikoloz M. was detained for offend against Article 260, Section II, para “a”, Article 2231, Section II, Article 378, Sections I-III, Article 3782, Section I, Article 59 of Criminal Code of Georgia; he was sentenced to 7 years of imprisonment.

29 January, 2009

CRA to Review Issues on Citizenship and Migration

From February 1, 2009 issues on citizenship and migration will be added to functions of the Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice. Those issues had been reviewed by the Central Office of the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Head of the CRA Giorgi Vashadze has held the press-conference dedicated to the abovementioned issues.
According to his statement, at this stage citizens will be able to submit documents on submission and ascertainment of citizenship, withdrawal from citizenship, deportation and immigration to thirteen Territorial Offices of the CRA. Those offices include: Vake, Saburtalo, Isani, Didube-Chughureti in Tbilisi an also Batumi, Kutaisi, Bolnisi, Akhaltsikhe, Rustavi, Zugdidi, Gurjaani, Gori and Tsalka. This service will be even more widened in future; citizens to receive information periodically. Formerly, citizens had to apply Central Office of the Ministry of Justice on citizenship and migration issues, which caused problems to residents of regions. From February 1, citizens will be served by one window principle.
Citizens can receive additional information via the hotline of the Civil Registry Agency: 172222 and 401010.
As stated by Vashadze, 3,000 cases on citizenship and migration are being reviewed at present. From February, it will not be necessary to apply the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; citizens can directly apply the abovementioned Territorial Offices of the CRA.
As mentioned on the press-conference, special program was created for citizenship and migration recordkeeping. The Application of any interested person will automatically be forwarded to the state institution examining the person as soon as the application enters the Territorial Office of the CRA (or consular service and diplomatic representatives). The procedure will improve information base.
Territorial Offices of the Civil Registry Agency will also receive applications on dual citizenship, this used to be realized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Georgian citizens living abroad will still apply the consular services and diplomatic representatives on citizenship and migration issues.

National Enforcement Bureau and American Bar Association Signed the Memorandum

National Enforcement Bureau of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia and American Bar Association have signed the memorandum. According to the memorandum ABA provides the Enforcement Bureau with multilateral assistance.
At this stage partner organization will deliver special rating program for interns’ testing to Georgian bailiffs.
Contest in the National Enforcement Bureau is planned to be held in March, 2009. Lawyers and Students of the last course can take part in the contest.

28 January, 2009

Juveniles Were Handed ID Cards in Dmanisi

Head of the Civil Agency Registry Mr. Giorgi Vahsadze handed the ID cards to children of local inhabitants in the Territorial Agency of Dmanisi. He has also visited a family residing in the village Vake, region of Dmanisi, and personally delivered ID cards to the members of the family. The representatives of local government, non-government organizations realizing project and donor organizations took part in the event. Delivering ID cards to more than 30 juveniles has become possible due to “prevention of documenting and birth registration problem for Shida Kartli residents”. The project is implemented by the initiative of the Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice and with financial support of non-governmental organization – “Legal Development and Consulting Group”, UNICEF and UNHCR.
As declared by the Head of the Civil Registry Agency Giorgi Vashadze, project provides legal assistance for juveniles and members of their families having no documents confirming registration, such as birth certificate and ID card. He mentioned that the main goal of the project is prevention of birth registration problem.
The project solves as the problems of registration of children so of their parents, for in most cases problems of registration of children is caused by absence of documents of their parents. “Those children who were handed ID cards today, are full members of society and from now on they are given possibility to get education and other social activeness” – stated Giorgi Vashadze. The representatives of local self-governing bodies and attorneys of villages take active part in realization of the project along with Territorial Offices. Lawyers of “Legal Development and Consulting Group” are assisting residents of Kvemo Kartli region in solving problems connected to having no registration, birth certificate and ID card; they also assist in collecting documents necessary for defining birth fact.

28 January, 2009

Judgment of European Court of Human Rights on Case of Ramishvili and Kokhreidze v. Georgia

On January 27, 2009 the European Court of Human Rights delivered final judgment on the case of Ramishvili and Kokhreidze v. Georgia. According to judgment Georgian Government is to pay EUR 6,000 to each applicant in respect of non-pecuniary damages and EUR 14,694 to the applicants, jointly, in respect of costs and expenses.
Applicants complained the violation of following Articles of the European Convention on Human Rights: Article 3 (prohibition of torture), 5 (Right to liberty and security), 6 (Right to a fair trial), 8 (Right to respect for private and family life), 10 (Freedom of expression), 13 (Right to an effective remedy), 14 (Prohibition of discrimination) and 18 (Limitation on use of restriction on rights). Second applicant indicated on alleged violation of Article 1 of additional Protocol No. 1.
After discussions the European Court held that there has been no violation of Article 5.4 of the Convention on account of the applicants’ inability to have early access to evidences.
European Court held that there has been a violation of the Article 3 of the Convention on account of Ramishvili’s confinement in punishment cell at Tbilisi No. 5 Prison. Court also held that there has been a violation of the Article 3 of the Convention on account of the second applicant’s detention in an overcrowded cell at Tbilisi No. 5 Prison. Court held that there has been a violation of Article 3 of the Convention on account of the applicants’ treatment in the courthouse on September 2, 2005.
The European Court held that there has been a violation of Article 5.1 of the Convention on account of the absence of a valid court order authorizing the applicants’ detention between November 27, 2005 and January 13, 2006.
As regards the oral hearing of September 2, 2006, the Court mentioned that abovementioned process was not brought in accordance with fundamental criteria on court hearing.
It is noteworthy that in 2007 the Prison No. 5 was abolished by enactment of the Minister of Justice. It is also important to notice that the most part of courts were maintained and equipped according to modern standards; iron cells are no longer being used at the courthouses. Furthermore, as a result of amendment of Criminal Code of Practice (Article 162, Section 8) the Court is obliged to make a decision on legality of plea-bargain within 24 hours.

28 January, 2009

The National Agency of Public Registry Has New Chairman

Soso Tsikarishvili was appointed as the Chairman of the National Agency of Public Registry of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia. He worked as the Head of Registration and Cadastre Office of the Agency.
Soso Tsikarishvili was born on November 17, 1973. In 1995 he graduated from the Ivane Javakhishvili State University of Tbilisi, the Faculty of Journalism.
In 1995-2001 he worked at City Hall as Chief Specialist and as Advisor to City Mayor.
In 2001-2007 Tsikarishvili worked at the Association for Protection of Landowners’ Rights first as Coordinator of Public Relations and later on as Manager of Regional Projects.
From 2007 he worked at the National Agency of Public Registry first as Deputy Head of Registration and Cadastre Office and later on as the Head of the same office.

28 January, 2009

Official Detained for Abuse of Authority

On January 28, 2009 was detained Head of the Provisions Safety, Veterinary Science and Plant Protection Service of the Ministry of Agriculture Levan Orkoshneli. Detainment was resulted by joint investigation of investigatory powers of the Chief Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia and Zemo Svaneti Regional Prosecutor’s Office.
Levan Okroshneli was detained as a suspect of multiple abuse of authority – drawing up of an agreement with Ltd. “Melkalin” breaking the law and awarding other illegal privileges; government damage, caused by the agreement, amounted to GEL 122,000.
On May 15, 2007 Levan Okroshneli, being the chairman of tender board, along with other employees favored private entrepreneur “levan Zenaishvili” breaking the law, in spite of the fact that private entrepreneur violated tender demands; by the fact he assisted manufacture-use of fraud documents and embezzlement of GEL 151,000 from state budget.
Levan Zenaishvili is detained for defalcation of large amount of money and manufacture-use of official documents.

28 January, 2009

Jaba Ebanoidze Appointed As Deputy Minister of Justice

Former Chairman of the National Agency of Public Registry Mr. Jaba Ebanoidze was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Justice.
Jaba Ebanoidze was burn on 31 October, 1971. He graduated from Georgian Technical University, the Faculty of Engineering Geodesy; he was also junior research officer of the same faculty.
In 1995-1996 he worked in the Center of Diagnostics and Monitoring of Buildings, in 1997-1998 he was Head of Measurers’ Group and Chief Manager in Ltd. “Neo” and Ltd. “Geo”.
From 1998 until 2006 he was Director, Manager and Head of Monitoring Group to various projects financed by donor organizations.
In 1999 Jaba Ebanoidze was appointed as the Head of Association for Protection of Landowners’ Rights.
From 2006 until appointment as the Deputy Minister of Justice he worked as Chairman of the National Agency of Public Registry.

27 January, 2009

100,000th Nino Burn Today

Celebrating the commemoration day of Saint Nino, Head of the Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice Mr. Giorgi Vashadze handed the birth certificate and presents to 100,000th Nino living in Georgia burn in Shalva (David) Koridze Maternity Hospital this morning.
On January 27, the Orthodox Church celebrates commemoration day of Saint Nino. With respect to this day, Information and Analytical Division of the CRA has conducted survey, which revealed that overall 100,000 girls named Nino live in Georgia. The Survey included as the name Nino, so the other forms of it, such as: Nina, Nini and Ninutsa.
In Georgia name Nino was most popular in 80s of the previous century. For example: in 1983, 2,586 girls were named Nino.
It is noteworthy that name Nino is popular in all generations and it is always in top five feminine names.
Here are top five feminine names of all ages in Georgia: Tamar, Nino, Natela (also Natia), Nana and Maia (also Maiko).
Such surveys became possible after creation of integrated electronic database at the Civil Registry Agency.

26 January, 2009

Renovated Legal Aid Office Opened in Zestafoni

Today, in the administration building of Zestafoni was opened renovated Imereti-Zestafoni Legal Aid Office of the Ministry of Justice. The presentation was attended by representatives of the local Government, Court, Prosecutor’s Office, Police, Apparatus of Public Defender, Young Lawyers Association and press.
Imereti-Zestafoni Legal Aid Bureau was maintained and reconstructed in November-December, 2008. The Bureau was equipped with modern furniture and latest office inventory. Employees of the Legal Aid Service Bureau joined the integrated computer cell, which makes communication between the offices of the Service even more simplified.
4 public attorneys and 2 consultant-specialists of Imereti-Zestafoni Bureau, so as other public attorneys of the Legal Aid Service, serve citizens free of charge. In 2008, they defended citizens in 262 criminal cases; more than 300 citizens received free legal advice.
“Reform of the free legal advice service in Georgia is connected exactly to Zestafoni Bureau. In July, 2005, in Zestafoni was activated Bureau of “the Service of Public Attorney”. After the establishment of the Legal Aid Service, the Bureau continued its activity as Zestafoni branch of Imereti Legal Aid Service; it was named Imereti-Zestafoni Legal Aid Bureau since July 2008”, - declared Director of the Legal Aid Service Ms. Rusudan Tabatadze.
There are 10 Bureaus and 2 Legal Advice Offices of the LAS in Tbilisi and regions of Kakheti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Kvemo Kartli, Shida Kartli, Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi, Samegrelo, Guria and Ajara. Pad Construction of the Offices is the main priority of the Legal Aid Service. Opening of new Imereti-Kutaisi Bureau is slated for nearest future.

26 January, 2009

Pupils Were Handed ID Cards

Head of the Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia Mr. Giorgi Vashadze and the Deputy Minister of Education of legitimate Government of Abkhazia Mr. Besik Odisharia handed 84 ID cards to pupils of public school №8 of Abkhazia. This event has started the celebration of week of arrangements dedicated to 3rd anniversary of the CRA, which continues until January 31, announced Giorgi Vashadze.
Pupil registration project is being implemented by the CRA and the Ministry of Education and Science. According to the information of Giorgi Vashadze, ID cards will be issued to all pupils aged 14 and over; those pupils who have not turned 14 are registered at the place of residence of their parents and are given personal numbers. From 2008, citizens of Georgia aged 14 and over are obliged to receive ID cards. Receiving ID cards by citizens who have not reached 14 is optional. The number of school and grade is also indicated while registering pupils at school.
The fact of upcoming online access of the Ministry of Education and Science to registration based database of the Civil Registry Agency is rather important. The registration is free of charge; photo base of pupils is being created while the process.
Employees of the Territorial Office of the CRA are going to schools, which releases children from necessity to go the Territorial Office for the personal number. The end of pupil registration process at schools is slated for May. Head of the Civil Registry Agency called on for pupils and their parents to active participation in the process.

23 January, 2009

A Wanted Citizen Detained

A wanted citizen, 34 year old Dimitri B., has been detained in the Samgori Office of the Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice.
According to the information of the Internal Control and Audit Division, Dimitri B. applied the Samgori Office for birth registration and certificate today. The verification of citizen’s data in the integrated electronic database of the Civil Registry Agency revealed that Dimitri b. has been wanted for fraud since January 2007.
Dimitri B. was detained by the officers of Isani-Samgori Division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

22 january, 2009

CRA Hotline Served 35,000 Citizens in 2008

In 2008, 35,000 citizens were served by the hotline of Internal Control and Audit Office of the Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia. Questions mostly concerned document submission procedure.
According to the information of Internal Control and Audit Office of the Agency, hotline received only 2 notifications on violation in Territorial Offices. After the involvement of Internal Control and Audit Office, the passport of Georgian citizen and inquiry from Information-Address Bureau was issued in time. It is noteworthy that one employee was reprimanded for violation and two employees were rebuked.
According to the information of the Head of Internal Control and Audit Office, Mr. Levan Darbaidze, the number of citizens’ complaints on violations in Territorial Offices has noticeably declined since hotline activation (2006), which means that permanent and full-fledged work of the hotline contributed to improvement of citizen service.
In 2008, 17 wanted citizens were detained by the law enforcers in the Territorial Offices of the Civil Registry Agency, cases of 22 fraud suspects were sent to investigating agencies for further investigation.

22 January, 2009

Formation of the Registry of Invited Public Attorneys Has Started

The Legal Aid Service of the Ministry of Justice started formation of the registry of invited public attorneys. The registry of invited public attorneys represents the database of the Legal Aid Service where the privet lawyers will be registered voluntarily in order to serve insolvent citizens on the basis of budget wage.
Formation of the registry will consist of two stages. First stage includes submitting documents on qualification confirmation by the lawyers, and the second stage includes interview with them. The registry of invited attorneys will be formed according to regions. Therefore submission of the documents and receiving the additional information is possible in Kakheti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Kvemo Kartli, Shida Kartli, Imereti-Zestafoni, Imereti-Kutaisi, Samegrelo-Zugdidi, Samegrelo-Foti and Ajara Bureaus of the Legal Aid Service, Ozurgeti and Ambrolauri Legal Advice Services and in the reception of the Ministry of Justice.
Attorneys registered in the registry will be invited in case if opposing sides apply the Legal Aid Bureau and the Legal Advice Service for assistance. Under the circumstances attorney of the Bureau will defend one side and the invited public attorney the other side. The Legal Advice Offices will assign lawyers for criminal cases from the registry of public attorneys in regions where the Legal Aid Bureaus do not operate.
Invited public attorney will be paid one-off fixed amount by the Legal Aid Service for each criminal case. Furthermore, each action, realized by the attorney for criminal case, will be reimbursed.

21 January, 2009

Abo Tbileli Namesakes in Georgia

According to the information of the Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice, 85 boys named Abo reside in Georgia. On January 21 the Orthodox Church of Georgia celebrates commemoration day of the Saint Martyr Abo Tbileli. With respect to this day, Information and Analytical Division of the CRA has conducted survey on the basis of issued identity documents.
It is noteworthy that the most aged person with this name is Abo Zurebiani from Mestia born in 1915.
Such surveys became possible after creation of the integrated electronic database at the Civil Registry Agency.

21 January, 2009

Prisoner Died

Prisoner Ioseb B. died at the medical facility of the Penitentiary Department. According to initial diagnosis of doctors, death was caused by acute cardiovascular collapse.
Ioseb B. was detained for theft attempt (Criminal Code of Georgia, Article 19-177, Section II, para “b”, Section III, para “c”) and sentenced to 4 years and 6 months of imprisonment.

20 January, 2009

Employees of the Chief Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia Visited Children’s Community of Ninotsminda

Employees of the Chief Prosecutor’s Office visited Children’s Community due to the Epiphany holiday. They carried sweets, new clothes, mattresses and blankets for children.
“Taking care of them is human and civic duty of each of us, these children should not stay alone with their pain, problems and difficulties. We are responsible for their present and future. We are also responsible for what will they be like five, ten, fifteen years later, which depends on what is Georgian society like towards them today; whether they feel our love and assistance or not” – declared the First Deputy Chief Prosecutor Mr. David Sakvarelidze.

20 January, 2009

The National Enforcement Bureau Summarized the Outcome of Work

Today, in the National Enforcement Bureau of the Ministry of Justice was held a summarizing press-conference. Giorgi Obgaidze, the Head of the Bureau, introduced the outcomes of 2008. Last year has designated by important novelty for the National Enforcement Bureau. From October 1, 2008 the Enforcement Department of the Ministry of Justice has established as the National Enforcement Bureau and became the Legal Entity of Public Law. The new website – www.enforcement.justice.gov.ge has started to function. The hotline works in 24-hour regime – 749 649.
Last year the main priority of the Bureau was enforcement of back payments for organizations under the court decision. 1,770 cases enforced during the year (total amount – GEL 9,808,735.18). While, only 2,367 cases were enforced during four previous years (2004-2007), (total amount – GEL 10,125,851.17).
It has to be mentioned that from 2008 socially unprotected population was given possibility to be served by the Enforcement Bureau free of charge.
The problem of securing Bureau by offices was partly solved. The National Enforcement and Tbilisi Bureaus were endowed with buildings. Imereti, Kvemo Kartli, Samtskhe-Javakheti and Mtskheta-Mtianeti Bureaus have new offices.
Collaboration with foreign colleagues was rather fruitful. Realization of mutual projects with SIDA, ABA and GTZ has started, which makes possible the implementation of system development strategy, organizing trainings for bailiffs, training visits to Sweden and preparing practical manual for bailiffs.
The service of private bailiff is planned to be implemented in 2009.

20 January, 2009

Prisoner Died

Prisoner Teimuraz T. died at the medical facility of the Penitentiary Department. According to initial diagnosis of doctors, death was caused by acute cardiovascular collapse progresses after cancerous intoxication.
Teimuraz T. was detained for manufacture-sale-use of fraud document, seal, stamp or letterhead (Criminal Code of Georgia, Article 180, Section II, para “b,c”, Article 362, Section II, para “b”) and sentenced to 3 years 5 months and 12 days of imprisonment.

20 January, 2009

Prisoner Died

Prisoner Lasha M. died at the medical facility of the Penitentiary Department. According to initial diagnosis of doctors, death was caused by acute cardiovascular collapse progressed after cirrhosis.
Lasha M. was detained for fraud (Criminal Code of Georgia, Article 180, Section II).

16 January, 2009

Prisoner Died

Prisoner Zviad M. died at the medical facility of the Penitentiary Department. According to initial diagnosis of doctors, death was caused by acute cardiovascular collapse progressed after tuberculous intoxication.
Zviad M. was detained for theft (Criminal Code of Georgia, Section III, para “a,b”) and sentenced to 4 years of imprisonment.

15 January, 2009

In 2008 the Number of Visitors of NAPR Website Has Amounted to 221,000

The NAPR website – www.napr.gov.ge  – with new design and interface has been available since April, 2008. From that period until the end of 2008 the number of visitors has amounted to 221,000. The website attracts visitors even from foreign countries, such as: the United States of America, Great Britain, Israel, Germany, Sweden, Greece, Cyprus, Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan, Denmark and Norway.
The website provides information on NAPR activities, procedures for registration of property, relevant laws and legislative acts, etc. One can also access electronic databases of NAPR and apply for renewal of an abstract on registered property via links given on the website. Paying service fee is also possible via website.
Website visitors can also receive the information on ongoing processes of the Agency and activity of employees; familiarize with registration procedures, laws and draft laws.

10 January, 2009

The Civil Registry Agency Summarized the Outcome of Work

Today, in the Hotel “Sheraton Metekhi Palace” Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia was held the summarizing meeting connecting to outcomes of the work of 2008 accomplished by various Offices of the Agency.
Heads of all Territorial Offices took part in the meeting. The goal of the event was evaluation of Agency’s activity and outlining the strategic plan for 2009.
According to the information of the Head of the Civil Registry Agency Mr. Giorgi Vashadze the number of novelties was implemented in 2008 and online registration of civil acts is one of them. Service for citizens is even more improved and facilitated, Territorial Offices of the Agency were equipped according to modern standards, the Agency performed huge work while registering refugees and others.
“In 2009 issues on citizenship and migration will be added to the functions of the CRA. Citizens will be enabled to submit documents for ascertainment and admission of citizenship, as well as migration or other issues to any Territorial Office of the Agency. Furthermore, by the end of 2009 Agency will start to issue the biometric passports. Everything will be done in order to maintain and intensify the image of the CRA as a service oriented organization”- said Giorgi Vashadze.
In January 2006 the Civil Registry Agency was founded as Legal Entity of Public Law in the System of the Ministry of Justice. Procedures of citizens service was improved and facilitated as a result of successful, customer oriented reform that was held in the system. Efficiency of work was increased due to implementation of modern technologies. Development of infrastructure and advanced skills of employees was paid meticulous attention.

10 January, 2009

Prisoner Died

Prisoner Rafael M. died at the medical facility of the Penitentiary Department. According to initial diagnosis of doctors, death was caused by acute cardiovascular collapse progressed after cancerous intoxication.
Rafael M. was detained for fraud (Criminal Code of Georgia, Article 180, Section II, para “c”) and sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment.

9 January, 2009

Fight Against Corruption Inter-Agency Coordinating Council Meeting Was Held in the Ministry of Justice

Today, in the Ministry of Justice of Georgia was held the meeting of Fight Against Corruption Inter-Agency Coordinating Council.
The Council was established under the Ministry of Justice of Georgia on 26 December, 2008 on the basis of the decree of the President of Georgia. The Council is headed by the Minister of Justice Mr. Zurab Adeishvili and the deputy head is the Chief Counsellor of the Prime-Minister of Georgia Mr. Vakhtang Lezhava. The representatives of legislative, judicial and executive branches are members of the Council. Moreover, the representatives of non-governmental organizations take part in the work of Council.
“It is rather important the fight against corruption to continue as in the field of punishment of corruption crime so in its prevention. Accomplishment and the results of an old strategy must be evaluated and we have to discuss its renovation considering the new challenges” – declared the member of the Council Mr. Pavle Kublashvili, the Chairman of Legal Issues Committee of the Parliament, after the meeting.

9 January, 2009

More Than 11,000 Citizens Were Served by the Legal Aid Service

In 2008 more than 11,000 citizens were served by the Legal Aid Service of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia, 432 of them were juveniles. Furthermore, 4,682 citizens applied the Legal Aid Service Bureaus and Legal Advice Offices for legal advice during this period.
The Legal Aid Service widened its activity during 2008 by opening Ozurgeti and Ambrolauri Legal Advice Offices. There are 10 Bureaus and 2 Legal Advice Offices of the LAS in Tbilisi and regions of Kakheti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Kvemo Kartli, Shida Kartli, Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi, Samegrelo, Guria and Ajara.
Reforms in the Legal Aid Service will continue in 2009. On February 1, 2009 the Legal Aid Service will be submitted to the Ministry of Penitentiary, Probation and Legal Aid Issues. Moreover, government regulation will be enacted, according to which each detained, suspect, defendant and convict, belonging at the same time to the family registered in the integrated database of socially unprotected families with rating number 70,000 or less and for people of particular category 100,000 or less, will be provided by attorney free of charge.
Registry of invited public attorneys will be founded in 2009. Registry will give attorneys possibility to accomplish free legal aid and such service will be even more available for insolvent citizens.

8 January, 2009

His Holiness and Beatitude Visited Convicts

Today, His Holiness and Beatitude the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II visited Prison №7 and the Institution for Women and Juvenile of the Penitentiary Department of the Ministry of Justice.
Patriarch visited convicts, blessed them, gifted religious literature, candles, icons, Christmas epistle and brought sweets and products.
“We don’t have people to lose. Those people will farther do multitude of kind things. We sand the President as many intercessions as we can, a large number of them were discharged, though there still is a large amount of convicts, particularly women and juveniles. Convicts, whom are easy to discharge, must be liberated” – said Patriarch.

8 January, 2009

387 Couples Married in Sighnaghi Marriage Bureau Last Year

The number of those willing to register marriage in Sighnaghi Marriage Bureau is large; the reason lies in 24-hour working regime.
387 couples registered wedlock during 2008 in the “City of Love”. Both, citizens and foreigners were among applicants. Couples apply Marriage Bureau even late at night.
Sighnaghi Marriage Bureau was opened on 27 October, 2007. Any interested couple can contact Sighnaghi Marriage Bureau at least an hour ahead from the ceremony on the following phone number –895247777.
The state due for marriage registration in Sighnaghi and certificate of marriage is GEL 9 and fee for service is GEL 50.
Reconstruction of Marriage Bureau, situated in 10 Kostava str. in Sighnaghi was part of city development plan.
The building of the Marriage Bureau was built in the beginning of 19th century and has been listed as a cultural heritage.

6 January, 2009

Notaries Visited New-Born Children’s Community

Today, notaries visited little tenants of New-born Children’s Community, carried gifts and wished them upcoming Merry Christmas.
Charity event was held by the initiative of Administration of the Chamber of Notary.
According to the information of the Chairwoman of the Board of Chamber Mrs. Nino Khoferia, such actions are frequent by means of notaries’ donations.
Notaries have purchased sweets, food and personal use materials. More than 100 babies reside in the New-born Children’s Community as the moment.

6 January, 2009

16,649 People Born on January 7 Reside in Georgia

According to data provided by the Civil Registry Agency of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia, 16,649 people born on January 7 reside in Georgia.
On January 7 Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas. With respect to this day, Information and Analytical Division of the CRA has conducted survey on the basis of the issued identity cards.
The survey exposed that the most popular names for children born on Christmas are: Giorgi, Nino, David, Tamar, Maia, Nana and Aleksandre. The most aged person burn on January 7 is 121 year old lady Surie Zakariadze from village Kakuti of Kobuleti region. In Georgia the highest rate of birth on Christmas was in 1986.
It has to be mentioned that such surveys became possible after creation of the integrated electronic database of citizens at the Civil Registry Agency.

5 January, 2009

628 News Posted on the Website of the Ministry of Justice in 2008

Division of Public Relations of Administration of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia manages official website in order to make transparent ongoing processes of the Ministry. In 2008 the website excelled by diversity of news and efficiency of renovation.
Last year 682 news, concerning activity of departments, Legal Entities of Public law and sub-institutions of the Ministry, were posted on the website of the Ministry of Justice.
Almost 100 per cent of the news was printed in the press. Not less or equal attention was paid by electronic media and multitudes of news concerning the Ministry of Justice were used for television and radio pieces.
85 news posted on the website, concerned the Civil Registry Agency, 75 – the Legal Aid Service, 58 – the Public Registry, 44 – the National Archives and etc.

5 January, 2009

Prisoner Died

Prisoner Vasil M. died at the medical facility of the Penitentiary Department. According to initial diagnosis of doctors, death was caused by multiple organ failure progressed after cancerous and tuberculous intoxication.
Vasil M. was detained for murder attempt (Criminal Code of Georgia, Article 19-108) and sentenced to 7 years of imprisonment.

4 January, 2009

Children’s New Year Party in the Ministry of Justice

On January 3-4 was held children’s New Year party for children of employees of the Ministry of Justice Georgia and its sub-institution – the Chief Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia.
On the party children saw the performance of illusionist Zurab Vadachkoria. They also took part in the musical presentation and various competitions.
After the end of the party children were presented by gifts.

3 January, 2009

Prisoner Died

Prisoner Zaza Ts. died at the mental expertise office of the National Bureau of Forensic Expertise. According to initial diagnosis of doctors, his death was caused by cardiovascular collapse. Zaza Ts. was detained for manufacturing, spreading and/or using of fraud credit card (Criminal Code of Georgia, article 210, Section II, para “a”).