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Minister of Justice Congratulates Special Penitentiary Service Employees on Professional Day

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Tuesday, 10 September, 2024
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Minister of Justice Congratulates Special Penitentiary Service Employees on Professional Day

Rati Bregadze extended his gratitude to each employee of the Special Penitentiary Service, recognizing their dedication and hard work. During the ceremony, 21 employees were honoured with special awards and certificates for their exemplary performance. Minister Bregadze highlighted the crucial role the Special Penitentiary Service plays in maintaining state security and law and order, and commended the agency for its effective execution of this vital mission.

The Minister took the opportunity to present the achievements of the Special Penitentiary Service to the event's guests. He emphasized that one of the Ministry of Justice’s primary concerns is the well-being of those responsible for executing sentences. Improving working conditions for employees remains a top priority.

Over the past decade, significant advancements have been made, including a 118% increase in salaries. Employees now benefit from free meals, health insurance, safe transportation, modern sports facilities, and training spaces. Additionally, ongoing retraining and professional development programs are actively implemented.

Minister Bregadze reflected on the state of the penitentiary system before 2012, noting that the era of systemic abuse and inhumane treatment is now a thing of the past. Today, Georgian prisons are considered among the best in Europe, showcasing the human-centered approach of the current government.

According to Rati Bregadze, one of the most accurate examples of the human face of the current government is the penitentiary institutions.

The Minister also expressed gratitude to prisoners who have set positive examples through successful re-socialization.

The Minister of Justice highlighted the unique educational opportunities available in prisons, such as higher education through the Digital University—recognized as one of the top innovative projects by EuroPris—vocational training in marketable skills, and participation in various sports activities. Additionally, prisoners have access to government services through the Public Service Hall, a global innovation.

Significant progress has been made in penitentiary healthcare, including the eradication of tuberculosis and the implementation of a Hepatitis C elimination program. An innovative online clinic service now allows prisoners to consult with external specialists remotely.

The infrastructure of penitentiary institutions has also seen improvements, such as the opening of Laituri prison, which meets European standards and CPT recommendations, and the nearing completion of a new small penitentiary facility in Rustavi.

A new penitentiary code has been enacted to enhance the working conditions of Special Penitentiary Service employees and improve the legal status of individuals in penitentiary institutions. According to Minister Bregadze, the benefits of the new Penal Code are already evident to all prisoners.

The Head of the Special Penitentiary Service, Nika Tsvarashvili, also spoke, emphasizing the vital role of ordinary employees in the system's success.

The event took place at the Saakadze Training Base of the Justice Training Center, a unique regional facility for universal and specialized training courses. Attendees included the Deputy Minister of Justice, Heads of the Special Penitentiary Service and the Ministry

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19.05.2026
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According to the Strasbourg Court, Publicly Made Insulting, Obscene, and Degrading Statements Fall Outside the Scope of Freedom of Expression

The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg upheld the position of the Ministry of Justice in the case of Miladze v. Georgia, confirming that publicly made insulting, obscene, and degrading statements directed at public officials are not protected under the right to freedom of expression.

The case concerned a video published on the social media platform TikTok in 2022, in which the applicant, civil activist Irakli Miladze, used obscene and insulting language toward the Mayor of Tbilisi, City Hall employees, and police officers. As a result, the national courts imposed a fine of 500 GEL, the minimum penalty provided for by law.

The Strasbourg Court unanimously held that the applicant’s statements did not amount to political criticism or the expression of views on a matter of public interest. According to the Court’s assessment, the language used was intended primarily to humiliate and insult public officials.

The Court also agreed with the reasoning of the national courts, noting that they had properly distinguished between harsh political criticism, which is protected in a democratic society, and personal insults, which are not. The judgment further emphasized that the sanction imposed on the applicant was minimal and proportionate, as he received only the lowest fine available under the law.

Today’s ruling by the Strasbourg Court reaffirmed an important principle: freedom of expression is one of the fundamental values of a democratic society and protects even strong and offensive criticism; however, it does not extend to humiliating or personally insulting statements directed at others, including public officials and civil servants.

The judgment further underscores that the state is entitled to protect political officials and public servants from unjustified verbal abuse and insults, ensuring that they are able to perform their duties in an environment free from attacks that undermine their dignity.

The Court’s assessment once again highlights the fundamental importance of freedom of expression, while clearly establishing that the exercise of this right — particularly on the internet and social media platforms — must not infringe upon the dignity and rights of others.
19.05.2026