Monitoring Groups Set up to Inspect Penitentiary System

Georgian Ombudsman Sozar Subeliani and incoming Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili signed, on December 23, a memorandum envisaging the setting up of special monitoring groups to observe human rights in the penitentiary system.

“Monitoring groups are set up in different parts of Georgia and their activity in monitoring detention cells will cover almost the entire country. We have already conducted trainings for the members of these monitoring groups, with the assistance of the EU and several non-governmental organizations,” Public Defender Sozar Subeliani said after signing the memorandum.

“By this decision the Georgian government has expressed its will to eradicate human rights abuses in the law enforcement agencies. The monitoring groups will be able to inspect each and every police department or detention center throughout Georgia,” Vano Merabishvili, the incoming Interior Minister, said.

Sozar Subeliani said that the monitoring groups will partially be financed by the government. “Particularly, communication and transportation expenses,” he added.

According to Georgian human rights groups, the number of cases of torture in the preliminary detention centers has increased in 2004, as compared to last year.