The Minister of Justice of Georgia, Rati Bregadze, hosted a delegation from the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) of the Council of Europe during their 7th periodic visit. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing reforms in Georgia's penitentiary system and showcase the innovations introduced in response to recommendations from previous visits.

During the meeting, Minister Bregadze highlighted key advancements, including the adoption of the new Penal Code in 2023, which strengthens protections for the rights of convicts and accused persons, while also enhancing working conditions for penitentiary staff. He introduced the delegation to several innovative initiatives, including the Digital University, a project enabling inmates to pursue higher education remotely through daily interaction with lecturers. The Digital University was recently recognized as one of the top three projects by the European Organization of Prison and Penitentiary Systems (Europris).

The Minister also presented the Public Service Hall initiative within penitentiary institutions. This project provides up to 50 essential public services to inmates in seven facilities (Nos. 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 12, and 16). Additionally, he introduced the online clinic service, which ensures swift and effective access to medical care for inmates, and the Saakadze Training Base, which offers specialized training for staff across the Penitentiary Service, Probation Agency, National Bureau of Enforcement, and General Inspectorate.

Significant infrastructural advancements were also noted, including the opening of a modern penitentiary facility in the Laituri district in 2023, with another small-scale facility slated to open in Rustavi in early 2025. These upgrades align with the implementation of the penitentiary system’s Sports Strategy, aimed at enhancing physical and mental well-being within the facilities.

Minister Bregadze also emphasized the success of rehabilitation and resocialization programs for inmates, such as the Re-market project, which provides a platform for selling handicrafts made by convicts, fostering both skill development and economic opportunities.

The Minister highlighted a key achievement: since 2012, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has not received a single case originating from Georgia’s penitentiary system—a testament to the country’s progress in ensuring the humane treatment of detainees.

The CPT delegation is set to meet with representatives from the Ministries of Internal Affairs and Health, the Special Investigation Service, and the Public Defender’s Office. They will also visit closed penitentiary and psychiatric institutions, as well as temporary detention facilities.

Deputy Minister of Justice Beka Dzamashvili, Director General of the Special Penitentiary Service, Nika Tshvarashvili, Head of the Department of International Relations and Legal Cooperation of the Ministry of Justice, Ketevan Sarajishvili and Head of the Medical Department of the Special Penitentiary Service, Malkhaz Urtkhmelidze were also present at the meeting.

The members of the commission were briefed by representatives of the Central Election Commission on ongoing election disputes within the general courts and the election administration.

The meeting of the Interagency Task Force for Free and Fair Elections (IATF) was chaired by the Minister of Justice, Rati Bregadze. It was attended by heads of public agencies that are part of the commission, along with representatives from international and local monitoring organizations, as well as political parties.

The IATF, established under the Election Code, aims to prevent violations of election legislation by civil servants and to respond to any reported infractions. The task force is led by Minister of Justice Rati Bregadze.

Individuals can share information relevant to the commission's responsibilities via email at iatf@justice.gov.ge or through the hotline at (+995) 599 85 00 11.

The task force will conclude its operations after the Central Election Commission officially publishes the final election results.

The 7th Ministerial Conference of the Budapest Process took place in Budapest, Hungary, where participating countries adopted a ministerial declaration and a 2025-2030 action plan for implementation.

Georgia’s delegation, led by First Deputy Minister of Justice Tamar Tkeshelashvili, participated in the conference. Tkeshelashvili addressed issues outlined in the ministerial declaration, underscoring the importance of collaboration among nations in migration management at both global and regional levels.

Also representing Georgia was Ambassador Tamar Liluashvili, alongside officials from Georgia's Ministries of Justice and Internal Affairs.

The ministerial declaration and action plan address key topics, including the prevention of illegal migration, capacity-building for legal migration, migrant return and reintegration, leveraging migration’s positive impacts on development, and enhancing international protection and integration.

These documents result from the collaborative efforts of over 50 participating countries and 10 partner international organizations within the Budapest Process. The adopted action plan establishes priority areas for the region over the next five years.

The Ministry of Justice has announced a new grant competition aimed at encouraging civil society engagement in the ministry's operations and supporting civil initiatives.

The program’s key priorities include:

• Promoting innovative services within the Ministry of Justice system;
• Strengthening human rights protections;
• Enhancing legal security.

A total of 500,000 GEL has been allocated for the program, with a maximum of 30,000 GEL available for each approved project.

Eligible participants—non-commercial legal entities and individuals—must submit their grant applications electronically to grant@justice.gov.ge.

Applications opened on November 11 , and the submission deadline is December 1.

This annual competition has funded 48 projects from 2021 to 2024, totaling 1,080,619 GEL.

Ministry representatives provide ongoing monitoring and support to ensure the successful implementation of each project.

List of grant documentation

At the tenth session of the Interagency Task Force for Free and Fair Elections (IATF), the Deputy Chairperson of the IATF, Giorgi Sharabidze, presented a detailed analysis of potential violations of election legislation that occurred during the voting process. The session addressed concerns regarding the secrecy of voting, the functionality of the verification system, adherence to marking rules, the free expression of the voter’s will at the polling station, and the repeated casting of votes in the name of others.

The session also included a presentation on the IATF’s response to the issues raised through media monitoring.

Minister of Justice Rati Bregadze presided over the session, which was attended by representatives of public agencies, international and local monitoring organizations, and political parties.

The Interagency Task Force for Free and Fair Elections (IATF), established in accordance with the Election Code, is tasked with preventing violations of election legislation by civil servants and responding to such violations. The task force is headed by Minister of Justice Rati Bregadze.

The public is encouraged to report matters within the IATF’s jurisdiction through email at iatf@justice.gov.ge or by calling the hotline at (+995) 599 85 00 11.

The IATF will conclude its activities upon the official announcement of election results by the Central Election Commission (CEC).

Access to public and private sector services continues to expand. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Minister of Justice Rati Bregadze inaugurated the 123rd branch of the Public Service Hall in Terjola today. Member of Parliament Mamuka Mdinaradze also addressed the event’s attendees.

The Terjola Public Service Hall will provide citizens with over 500 services in a modern and comfortable environment. A dedicated space will be available for wedding ceremonies. The branch is fully accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Approximately 15 local residents are employed at the new Public Service Hall. Additionally, the branch houses the offices of the LEPL units responsible for governance within the Ministry of Justice.

The Ministry of Justice prioritizes the accessibility of state services, which are provided by the Public Service Hall throughout Georgia. By 2028, the number of Public Service Halls will reach 133, ensuring that citizens residing in remote areas will be adequately served. The innovative Mobile Public Service Hall will operate in 90 villages across the country.

Currently, there are 26 Public Service Halls directly within the Imereti region, while the Mobile Public Service Hall covers 15 villages of the region.

Furthermore, the Public Service Hall operates in Kutaisi Penitentiary No. 2, introducing a Georgian innovation that has no comparable counterparts globally.

The opening ceremony was attended by members of the legislative authority, Minister of Defense Irakli Chikovani, Deputy Ministers of Justice, heads of LEPLs, state trustee in the Imereti region, representatives of local government and the patriarchate, and invited guests.

The National Agency of Public Registry, under the Ministry of Justice, has introduced a cutting-edge service: the Smart Contract system.

This system redefines traditional transaction processes, allowing payment and property registration to happen simultaneously. Buyers and sellers can now finalize sales agreements remotely by signing them digitally through any internet-connected device. Additionally, the Smart Contract enables users to register a mortgage using the same method.

This innovative solution holds particular significance for Georgian expatriates, as it allows them to purchase real estate in Georgia directly—without requiring intermediaries or powers of attorney.

Citizens interested in using this service can schedule a virtual meeting with an agency representative via the official website at www.napr.gov.ge.

Justice Minister Rati Bregadze recently introduced the Smart Contract system to members of the executive branch, the National Bank president, and financial sector representatives. During the event, David Devidze, Chairperson of the National Agency of Public Registry, presented a comprehensive demonstration of the new system.

Prominent attendees included Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Levan Davitashvili, Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili, National Bank President Natia Turnava, Parliament members, the Public Defender, the Business Association president, and representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the National Agency of Public Registry, and other distinguished guests. Key stakeholders in the Smart Contract initiative, such as commercial banks, real estate developers, and World Bank members, were also present.

In the lead-up to the October 26, 2024, parliamentary elections in Georgia, the Interagency Task Force for Free and Fair Elections (IATF) under the Ministry of Justice is closely monitoring reports of potential violations of electoral law, including incidents such as the confiscation of voter identity cards. To counter disinformation, ensure a fair and transparent election environment, effectively prevent legal violations, and respond appropriately, the IATF urges all election stakeholders to:

Share information on potential electoral violations only if supported by specific facts rather than vague or unsubstantiated claims;

Cooperate fully with the IATF to report and address any possible breaches of election law, as outlined in the Task Force’s mandate.

The Interagency Task Force for Free and Fair Elections (IATF) held its 9th and final session to review responses to issues identified through media monitoring.

Minister of Justice Rati Bregadze chaired the meeting, which was attended by heads of public agencies on the commission, as well as representatives from international and local monitoring organizations and political parties.

The IATF, established in accordance with the Election Code, is tasked with preventing and addressing violations of election laws by civil servants. It is led by Minister of Justice Rati Bregadze.

The public can report matters within the IATF’s purview by email at iatf@justice.gov.ge or by calling the hotline at (+995) 599 85 00 11.

The IATF will conclude its activities once the Central Election Commission (CEC) officially announces the election results.