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Thursday, 10 October , 2024
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Unique Opportunity for Female Prisoners: Convicts Showcase Their Own Fashion Creations

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.

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Strasbourg Court Confirms Davit Kezerashvili’s Guilt in Embezzling Georgian Army Funds, Rejects Claims of Political Persecution

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has issued its decision in the case of Davit Kezerashvili v. Georgia. At a briefing, Justice Minister Anri Okhanashvili discussed the ruling, which upheld the verdict against Kezerashvili.

“The Court concluded that, while serving as Defense Minister shortly before the August 2008 war, Davit Kezerashvili embezzled €5,060,000 (approximately 15 million GEL at today's exchange rate) intended for the Georgian army. It also determined there was no political persecution involved in his prosecution. The Supreme Court of Georgia's verdict finding Kezerashvili guilty was deemed well-founded, and no violation of the presumption of innocence was found,” Okhanashvili stated.

Okhanashvili outlined the fraudulent activities carried out by Kezerashvili:

"During his tenure as Defense Minister, Kezerashvili unlawfully signed a fictitious agreement with an offshore company in a single day to provide combat training for the Georgian army. This agreement bypassed the General Staff of the Defense Forces. In reality, no training occurred, and the €5,060,000 allocated for the Georgian army was deliberately misappropriated."

Anri Okhanashvili emphasized that the Court also dismissed Kezerashvili’s demand for €15,000 in moral damages. Kezerashvili, who enriched himself by defrauding the Georgian army, sought additional compensation for moral damage. The Strasbourg Court firmly rejected this claim. It confirmed the seriousness of Kezerashvili’s crime and upheld the Supreme Court of Georgia's ruling as lawful.

The Justice Minister congratulated the Georgian state and armed forces on their success in the European Court and acknowledged those who defended Georgia’s interests:


“I congratulate the Georgian state, army, and people on this significant victory. I extend my gratitude to the Ministry of Justice staff and the Prosecutor’s Office for their dedicated work. We now look forward to seeing how our European partners, particularly those who previously characterized Kezerashvili as a media advocate, respond to this decision affirming his guilt,” Okhanashvili remarked.