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.

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.