Benjamin Limbach, the Minister of Justice of the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia, on Thursday highlighted the role of “open dialogue” between citizens and state institutions for the functioning of a “democratic and law-based state”, in comments during his visit to Georgia.
The German Embassy said Limbach met officials, representatives of the domestic judiciary and non-governmental sector during his trip.
The visiting official held meetings with Georgia’s deputy ministers of Justice, chairs of the Supreme Court, the chair of the Supreme Council of Justice and the head of the Special Penitentiary Service between Sunday and Thursday.
The official also visited Tbilisi State University and had meetings with judges and representatives of non-governmental organisations.
“As a European, I was greatly impressed by the activities of the Georgian civil society to establish European values in Georgia. An open dialogue between citizens and state institutions is necessary for a democratic, law-based state", Limbach said.
The German Minister also visited two penitentiary institutions, where he was briefed about the structure of the facilities and its approach to prisoners.
In his comments, the visiting official highlighted the significance of a successful resocialisation of inmates, and noted the German Government was supporting Georgia in developing a “modern probation and prison system” for the purpose.