Commissioned by Georgia's Ministry of Justice, the survey was conducted by the consortium Ipsos France in collaboration with Professor Jan van Dijk. The study involved two components: a survey of the general population and a separate study targeting legal professionals. Between July 14 and August 9, 2024, 2,000 citizens across Georgia were interviewed in person.

The results revealed that 61% of respondents considered the justice system's independence as either "very good" or "mostly good." This represents a 10% increase since 2018 and surpasses the European Union average of 53%, as indicated by the 2023 Eurobarometer survey.

In addition to the public survey, interviews with legal professionals—such as judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and members of the High Council of Justice— positively assessed the reforms implemented in recent years.

About the consortium: Ipsos, the world’s third-largest market research firm, was founded in 1975 in Paris, France, and operates in 90 countries globally.

Professor Jan van Dijk, Professor Emeritus at Tilburg University, served as the Director of the Department of Strategic Planning at the Ministry of Justice in the Netherlands for four years. He also established a victim support center in the Netherlands and has been a visiting professor at the University of Oxford. A globally recognized expert in criminal law, Professor van Dijk has published over 200 academic papers and was awarded the Stockholm Prize in Criminology in 2012.

The detailed findings of the research are presented in the attached reports:

1. Results of Assessments in 2018 and 2024 by Judges, Prosecutors, Attorneys, Members of High Council of Justice of Georgia, Court Users and the Public (Prof Jan van Dijk) [in Georgian]

2.Results of Assessments in 2018 and 2024 by Judges, Prosecutors, Attorneys, Members of High Council of Justice of Georgia, Court Users and the Public (Prof Jan van Dijk) [in English]

3.Public Perception of the Judicial System in Georgia; Georgian Population Survey [in Georgian]

4.Public Perception of the Judicial System in Georgia; Georgian Population Survey [in English]

The Ministry of Justice has unveiled yet another innovative project: the Holographic Museum of Georgian Law, officially opened today by Minister Rati Bregadze. The event was attended by young professionals from the government internship program, who were also involved in the project.

This groundbreaking museum is a unique Georgian innovation, offering visitors an immersive journey through the centuries-old evolution of Georgian law. What sets this museum apart is its use of cutting-edge holographic and digital displays, making it the first of its kind in the country.

The museum presents a chronological exhibition of the major milestones in the development of Georgian law, spotlighting historical figures who played a pivotal role in shaping the legal system. It also showcases ancient legal monuments, educational centers, and other elements that reflect the distinctiveness of Georgia’s legal heritage.

Visitors can explore a wealth of information, not only about the legal history of Georgia but also about the country’s broader cultural legacy.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister of Justice, heads of the State Public Prosecutor’s Offices, legal experts, and distinguished guests.

The Ministry of Justice of Georgia, the Georgian Training Center of Justice, and the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), in close collaboration with the Interagency Coordination Council for Actions Against Human Trafficking and with financial support from the EU Delegation in Georgia, are organizing the Giorgi Margiani Mock Trial on Human Trafficking.

This project is part of the 2023-2024 Action Plan to combat human trafficking and aims to raise awareness among students in Tbilisi and other regions about human trafficking issues. Additionally, it seeks to enhance students' legal representation skills and foster connections among participants.

Competition Timeline:

October 18 - November 3, 2024: Registration period for teams;

• October 23, 2024, 7:00 p.m.: Online presentation of the project;
• November 4, 2024: Distribution of preparatory materials and case information to registered teams;

- November 4-10, 2024: Teams submit clarifying questions regarding the case;

- November 4-27, 2024: Preparation of written arguments for both defense and prosecution;

- November 7-13, 2024: Training sessions for registered teams;

- November 27, 2024 - 11:59 p.m.: Deadline for submission of written arguments by teams;

- December 2, 2024: Announcement of teams progressing to the oral rounds;

- December 2-15, 2024: Preparation period for oral round participants;

- December 16-18, 2024: Oral rounds of the mock trial.

Participation in the competition and eligibility criteria:

A team consisting of undergraduate and graduate students of any faculty of authorized public or private higher educational institutions in Georgia can participate in the simulated court trial. It is possible for one or more teams to register from one university.

A team member can only be a person who has the status of a student at the moment of the competition and is at the bachelor's or master's level. Also, the team member should not have participated in the oral round of the project.

Each team can include between 2 to 4 students.

Stages of mock trial:

The mock trial will consist of two stages: a written round and an oral round.

Each team must present both defense and prosecution arguments in the written and oral stages.

The top 8 teams from the written round will proceed to the oral round.

Language of the Competition:

The mock trial will be conducted in Georgian, including all written submissions, correspondence, and oral presentations. However, participants are encouraged to use foreign-language literature to support their arguments, if necessary.

Prizes and Recognition:

Prizes will be awarded to members of the finalist teams;

All participants in the oral round will receive a certificate of participation.

To register your team, please complete the following [registration link]

To attend the online project presentation, please fill out the [registration link]

Competition rules

For more information, feel free to contact:

Shota Chitanava (+995) 577 41 93 99; shchitanava@justice.gov.ge

Mariam Chilashvili (+995) 511 33 16 77; mchilashvili@tcj.gov.ge

Today, the Justice Auditorium at Caucasus International University hosted a public lecture by the Ministry of Justice. During the event, students were introduced to the ongoing and completed reforms of the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR).

The lecture provided comprehensive insights into the agency's systematic land registration efforts. Students learned about the reform's impressive progress, including the measurement of over 1.5 million land plots and the registration of ownership rights for more than 1 million of these plots. As a result, over 1 million citizens—roughly 30% of the country's population—are now officially registered landowners.

In addition to land registration, students were briefed on other significant projects such as "Addressed Georgia" and the "Law on Entrepreneurs of Georgia."

The discussion also covered the agency's innovative digital initiative, the "Smart Contract" project, which enables parties to complete purchase and sale agreements online and securely register property electronically, eliminating the need to visit the Public Registry in person. This project will soon be presented to the public by the Ministry of Justice.

The event was led by David Devidze, Chairperson of the NAPR. Students showed great interest in both the current reforms and employment opportunities within the agency. At the conclusion of the session, David Devidze spoke about future collaboration with Caucasus International University and wished the students success in their endeavors.

This lecture is part of a larger initiative launched at Caucasus International University on March 14, 2024. The Justice Auditorium aims to engage students and raise awareness on legal issues, promote student projects, and support public service. It also seeks to involve the civil sector, academia, and future legal professionals in the activities of the Ministry of Justice, aligning with one of the agency's core priorities.

Residents of Orpiri will soon gain access to approximately 500 state and private sector services in a comfortable, modern environment, as the construction of a new Public Service Hall is set to begin in the village. Currently, the community is served by a Mobile Public Service Hall.

Deputy Minister of Justice Erekle Gvinianidze, along with Deputy State Commissioner of the Imereti Region Levan Kiknavelidze, visited the allocated construction site, accompanied by local residents.

Expanding access to state services is a top priority for the Ministry of Justice. Since 2012, the number of Public Service Halls has increased from 12 to 121, with 24 of these located in the Imereti region. The Mobile Public Service Hall initiative was also introduced, offering services to residents of 90 remote villages, including 15 in Imereti.

In addition to the planned Orpiri branch, new Public Service Halls in Terjola and Shrosha are expected to open in the coming days. By 2028, the number of branches nationwide is projected to rise to 133.

Chairperson of the Public Service Hall, Lasha Lobjanidze and Mayor of Tkibuli Municipality, Davit Cherkezishvili were also present at the Orpiri construction site.

The Interagency Task Force for Free and Fair Elections (IATF) convened to review reports from representatives of the Central Election Commission (CEC) regarding the registration process of election candidates and the establishment of polling stations in other countries.

During the session, relevant agencies also provided updates on their responses to issues identified through media monitoring. The commission sought further clarification about a statement made by Salome Zurabishvili, which proposed the creation of a coordination platform within the Presidential Administration on Election Day, October 26. However, since the President's representative was not present at the meeting, the commission plans to invite him to the next session for additional discussion.

The session was chaired by the Minister of Justice, Rati Bregadze, and attended by Deputy Minister Beka Dzamashvili, along with heads of various public agencies, IATF members, representatives of international and local monitoring organizations, and political parties

The IATF, established under the Election Code, aims to prevent violations of election legislation by public officials and respond to any infractions. It is led by Minister Rati Bregadze.

For inquiries regarding the commission’s activities, the IATF can be contacted via email at iatf@justice.gov.ge or through the hotline: (+995) 599 85 00 11.

Minister of Justice, Rati Bregadze joined local residents today to lay a symbolic capsule at the site where a new Public Service Hall will soon rise in Chala Village.

This new branch will provide residents with access to nearly 500 different public services, all within a modern and comfortable setting.

Expanding access to state services is a key priority for the Ministry of Justice. Currently, 121 Public Service Halls operate throughout Georgia, and plans are in place to open 12 more branches, including in Terjola, Akhmeta, Sagarejo, Khelvachauri, Tbilisi (Gldani), Mtskheta, Chala, Zoti, Toli, Shrosha, Tsaishi, and Orpiri. In addition, Mobile Public Service Halls are serving citizens in 90 villages, ensuring that even those in remote areas have access to essential services.

In the Imereti region alone, 24 Public Service Halls are operational. The branches in Terjola and Shrosha have been completed and are set to open in the coming days, while mobile units currently provide services to residents in 15 villages.

Joining Minister Bregadze at the Chala construction site were Deputy Minister of Justice Erekle Gvinianidze, MP Paata Kvizhinadze (representing Kharagauli, Sachkhere, and Chiatura), Deputy State Commissioner of Imereti Levan Kiknavelidze, and Chairperson of the Public Service Hall Lasha Lobjanidze.

As part of ongoing efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle, a new stadium and training facility, built to modern standards, have been established at Penitentiary Institution No. 17. The Minister of Justice, Rati Bregadze, visited the site alongside Head of the Special Penitentiary Service, Nika Tsvarashvili to review the completed work.

The newly constructed stadium, featuring an artificial surface, is designed for football and basketball. Improvements to the surrounding area were also made to enhance the overall environment.

In addition to the sports field, a new training area equipped with modern exercise machines has been built within the facility. This space provides inmates with opportunities to use their free time more productively by engaging in physical activity.

Promoting a healthy lifestyle within penitentiary institutions is a priority for the Ministry of Justice. Since 2022, a sports management strategy has been in place, offering inmates the chance to participate in various sports festivals. Additionally, a range of sports programs and training courses are available, allowing inmates to pursue certifications as professional trainers or fitness instructors. Efforts to modernize and expand sports infrastructure within these institutions are ongoing.

Female convicts at Penitentiary No. 5 have unveiled their own clothing designs and handmade accessories in a public presentation alongside professional models. This initiative was made possible through the Fashion Design Program, offered free of charge by Bidisi Academy and the Leader Women's Society. The event, supported by these organizations and the Ministry of Justice, highlighted the creativity and skills of the inmates.

First Deputy Minister of Justice, Tamar Tkeshelashvili, along with senior officials from the Penitentiary Service, attended the presentation. Tkeshelashvili emphasized the significance of offering educational and vocational programs to inmates, noting that such initiatives help prisoners spend their time constructively and foster self-realization. She also highlighted that these programs promote re-socialization, increase employment opportunities, enhance income potential, and reduce the risk of repeat offenses after release.

Earlier this year, in June, some of the women inmates had the chance to showcase their work at Venice International Fashion Week, where they presented designs featuring unique accessories made from materials such as leather and felt. At today’s event, the convicts unveiled a new collection to the public.

The presentation also featured an exhibition and sale of products from the Re-Market store, showcasing items made by prisoners from various penitentiary institutions. Attendees had the opportunity to purchase clothing and accessories, with proceeds directly benefiting the inmates.

The event ended on a particularly emotional note, as it was announced that one of the participating convicts had been released from prison under the amnesty law.