Ongoing reforms in Georgia’s penitentiary system, including efforts aimed at ensuring accessible education and digital university for inmates, were discussed on Wednesday in a meeting between the country’s Justice Minister Rati Bregadze and heads of the United States Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The Ministry cited Bregadze as saying protection of human rights and implementation of “high-level standards” in prisons was the Government’s “priority”, and noting the country’s penitentiary system was “committed” to a balance between security and effective rehabilitation and re-socialisation programmes.
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— Justice Ministry GEO (@Justice_geo) December 13, 2023
Rati Bregadze spoke about the ongoing reforms in the penitentiary system at a meeting in Washington.
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He also pointed out completed reforms, including the opening of Public Service Hall venues in penitentiary institutions to enable convicts and employees to receive services, and Re-Market, an online store selling items handcrafted by prisoners.
The Minister also noted the importance of educational and practical training courses provided by the Training Centre of Justice for professional development of penitentiary employees.
Bregadze expressed his gratitude to the US for its contribution to the reform process and expressed hope the existing cooperation would be further deepened, before the sides agreed to “greatly strengthen” the ties.