Georgia’s Minister of Justice, Paata Salia, met with Irakli Kandashvili, Chair of the Georgian Bar Association. The meeting focused on issues related to lawyers’ work in penitentiary institutions, including the procedures governing the removal from these institutions of notes made by lawyers during meetings with inmates.

During the meeting, the Minister emphasized the obligation of the Special Penitentiary Service to ensure security and maintain order in penitentiary institutions, as well as to enforce the restrictions established by law.

The Minister noted that freedom to practice law and the confidentiality of communication between lawyers and inmates are rights guaranteed by law. At the same time, it is important to ensure that these guarantees are not used to circumvent security rules or other statutory restrictions applicable within penitentiary institutions.

The parties discussed current practices in detail, exchanged legal arguments and considered possible mechanisms for resolving the issue.

The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere. Both parties underscored the importance of finding a legal and practical solution that safeguards lawyers’ professional rights while taking into account the security interests of penitentiary institutions.

To reach a final resolution of the matter, the Georgian Bar Association will continue consultations with the Special Penitentiary Service.