Buba Lomuashvili, alongside Deputy Minister of Justice of Lithuania, Rokas Uscila engaged in a discussion on various pioneering initiatives within Georgia's probation and crime prevention system.

Among the topics covered were Georgia's ground-breaking innovation, PROBBOX, aimed at enhancing probation processes. Additionally, Lomuashvili elaborated on the orientation course designed for probationers, the crime prevention curriculum tailored for educators, the efficient operations of the Juvenile Referral Center, ongoing reforms in restorative justice, as well as the introduction of new rehabilitation programs. Discussions also delved into matters concerning house arrest and community service.

The meeting was also attended by Head of the National Agency for Crime Prevention, Execution of Non-custodial Sentences and Probation, Lado Kheladze, and Head of the Probation Service of Lithuania, Romas Ostanavicius.

Furthermore, the delegation had the opportunity to explore the operational intricacies of PROBBOX during their visit to the Tbilisi Public Service Hall.

The Minister of Justice recently convened a working meeting at Kutaisi Public Service Hall, aiming to engage with the employees of various LEPLs under the Ministry of Justice, understand their initiatives and needs, and address existing challenges.

During the session, Minister Rati Bregadze interacted with attendees in a question-answer format, fostering a dialogue that enables swift problem-solving and ensures the efficient functioning of regional offices.

Joining Minister Bregadze were Deputy Minister Erekle Gvinianidze, Executive Director of the Public Service Hall Lasha Lobjanidze, along with representatives from the Public Service Hall, the State Services Development Agency, the National Public Registry Agency, the National Archive, the National Bureau of Enforcement, Crime Prevention, Non-custodial Sentences, the National Probation Agency, and notaries.

Convicts at Kutaisi Penitentiary No. 2 now have access to essential services through the newly inaugurated Public Service Hall branch within the facility itself. Rati Bregadze, alongside officials from the Public Service Hall and the Penitentiary Service, unveiled this initiative aimed at enhancing inmate welfare.

Moreover, the Ministry of Justice introduced another initiative - the Digital University - within the institution. This project enables incarcerated students to pursue comprehensive higher education remotely. They can engage in university studies, attend online lectures, and interact directly with lecturers.

The integration of the Public Service Hall within penitentiary institutions represents a unique Georgian innovation, unparalleled worldwide. Over 50 services are now accessible to inmates through these branches, significantly improving their access to essential resources.

Additionally, Public Service Hall branches extend their services to Penitentiary Service staff.

Previously, individuals in custody had to rely on third-party power of attorney or written correspondence with the Public Service Hall for services, resulting in lengthy and inflexible processes. With the establishment of Public Service Hall branches within the penitentiary system, incarcerated individuals can now access services with the same convenience as any other visitor to the Public Service Hall.

The expansion of the Houses of Justice and the Digital University project will gradually encompass other penitentiary institutions.

On April 25, the Ministry of Justice received notification from the European Court of Human Rights regarding the withdrawal of an appeal by Mikheil Saakashvili. Accompanying the notification was a letter from Saakashvili's legal representative, dated April 18, citing his client's decision to withdraw the appeal. Notably, the letter mentions that Saakashvili's current health condition is not deemed life-threatening.

The European Court has requested the Ministry of Justice to provide comments by May 10, if any.

Today, we have submitted a corresponding response, in which we emphasize that Saakashvili's health condition is not considered life-threatening. This was confirmed by the Strasbourg court itself on May 11, 2023, when Saakashvili's request for transfer to Poland, specifically to a clinic in Warsaw for treatment, was denied. Additionally, we have requested the European Court of Human Rights to inform us of the case's removal from the list of pending cases.