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First Shop of Handmade Items Made by Convicts, Probationers and Ex-prisoners Opens in Georgia
Re-market - a space where it is possible to buy the works made by convicts, probationers and ex-prisoners in the penitentiary institution, opened on Akaki Tsereteli avenue, Tbilisi. Visitors to the store can buy paintings; accessories made of leather, wood, and other materials, handcrafted by convicts.
Re-Market is an innovative project of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia and it was launched with the support of the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). In addition to the fact that the income of convicts will increase with the products sold in the store, this process will help them spend their time in the institution productively and get employed.
A convict in a penitentiary institution who joins the project has the opportunity to continue active cooperation with the store after release and to maintain a stable income even after leaving the institution, which is an important factor for the prevention of repeated crimes.
Customers visiting the store have the opportunity to purchase high-quality leather bags, wallets, bracelets and accessories, which are hand-made by convicts. All kinds of conditions have been created for them in penitentiary institutions. For the purpose of individual employment of convicts, penitentiary institutions have arranged work spaces, the rooms are equipped with a 3D printer and an engraving machine, through which the convicts make accessories of various designs.
The next stage of the store's development is the creation of an online platform through which it will be possible to purchase items remotely. Courier and delivery services will also be launched throughout Tbilisi.
Minister of Justice, Rati Bregadze opened Re-Market today. The event was attended by members of the legislative authority; representatives of the diplomatic corps, international donors and non-governmental organizations; Deputy Ministers of Justice and invited guests.