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

The Minister of Justice of Georgia has signed the Council of Europe’s Convention on Artificial Intelligence, marking the first international legally binding document aimed at balancing the use of AI systems with the protection of human rights.

The convention establishes a legal framework and outlines fundamental principles for the use of artificial intelligence in member states. Its key objective is to ensure that human rights are upheld in the context of AI utilization.

Rati Bregadze, Minister of Justice of Georgia, emphasized that the ministry's priority is twofold: advancing modern technologies in the justice and public service sectors while simultaneously ensuring that the legal regulations governing these technologies align fully with human rights standards. In line with this goal, the Ministry of Justice plans to establish the Artificial Intelligence Legal Center in the near future.

In addition to Georgia, the convention was signed by representatives from the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Andorra, Iceland, Norway, Israel, San Marino, and Moldova.

The conference, focusing on the importance of justice for international crimes, places special emphasis on those committed in Ukraine.

In his speech, Minister Bregadze highlighted the challenges of collecting evidence following the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, emphasizing the importance of timely documentation in such cases. He also addressed the ongoing difficulties of gathering evidence in occupied territories.

The ministerial meeting, organized by the Republic of Lithuania as part of its Presidency of the Council of Europe, is attended by the Georgian delegation led by Minister of Justice Rati Bregadze. The delegation includes Deputy Minister of Justice Beka Dzamashvili and Georgia's Ambassador to Lithuania, Salome Shafakidze.

The Interagency Task Force for Free and Fair Elections (IATF) was established in accordance with the Election Code. Its primary aim is to prevent violations of election legislation by public servants and respond to any infractions. The commission is chaired by Minister of Justice, Rati Bregadze.

During the session, commission members were asked to respond to the information obtained through monitoring.

The session was chaired by Deputy Chairperson of the IATF, Deputy Minister of Justice, Tornike Cheishvili. Representatives from various public agencies also participated in the proceedings.

Additionally, the session included representatives from international monitoring organizations such as the International Republican Institute (IRI), the National Democratic Institute (NDI), and political parties.

The Commission can be reached for information on issues within its competence via email at iatf@justice.gov.ge or through the hotline at (+995) 599 85 00 11.

The Interagency Task Force for Free and Fair Elections (IATF) was established in accordance with the Election Code. Its primary aim is to prevent violations of election legislation by public servants and respond to any infractions. The commission is chaired by Minister of Justice, Rati Bregadze.

The commission reviewed a report by Giorgi Sharabidze, the chairman of the CEC, on the registration of election subjects. Additionally, the session included a discussion on the response to findings from media monitoring.

The session was chaired by Minister of Justice Rati Bregadze, with participation from IATF members including Deputy Ministers of Justice, Internal Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Defense, Regional Development and Infrastructure, Education, Science and Youth, IDPs from Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Protection, as well as heads of the General Prosecutor's Office, the Special Investigation Service, the State Security Service, the City Hall of Tbilisi Municipality, the State Audit Service, and the Central Election Commission.

Minister of Justice Rati Bregadze, alongside Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze and members of the Cabinet, participated in a ceremony honoring the memory of the 17 heroes who sacrificed their lives during the 2008 Russia-Georgia war. The tribute, led by Metropolitan Andria of Gori and Athens, was held with the presence of clergy at the Shindisi memorial.

The memorial commemorates the 17 soldiers of the Second Infantry Brigade of the Georgian Defense Forces who heroically perished on August 11, 2008, near the Shindisi railway station.

Sixteen years have passed since Russia's military intervention in Georgia. The Ministry of Justice continues to uphold Georgia's interests in international courts, laying the legal groundwork for the country's eventual de-occupation.

Notable achievements include:

• Victory in Strasbourg: Georgia won its interstate dispute against Russia concerning the August 2008 war;
• The Russian Federation has been ordered to pay up to 130 million euros in compensation to approximately 24,000 Georgian citizens affected by the conflict;
• All cases related to the August war, totaling up to 3,300, brought against Georgia by residents of the Tskhinvali region under Russian coordination, have been successfully defended;
• Georgia also prevailed in the interstate dispute regarding the so-called "continuous occupation" case;
• The investigation into the Russia-Georgia war case at the Hague Court has been completed. Arrest warrants have been issued for three individuals accused of committing crimes against the Georgian population.

Deputy Minister of Justice Beka Dzamashvili welcomed the Ambassador of India, Mrs. Nilakshi Saha Sinha, and briefed her on the key activities of the Ministry of Justice. Their discussion emphasized the importance of legal cooperation between partner states in civil and criminal law, the implementation of innovative projects for state services, and successful reforms in the penitentiary system.

During the meeting, both parties also explored specific initiatives for future collaboration. Additionally, the Deputy Minister extended an invitation to the Ambassador to attend the UN State Services Forum, which Georgia will host in 2026.

Head of the International Relations and Legal Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Justice, Ketevan Sarajishvili was also present at the meeting.

The Interagency Task Force for Free and Fair Elections (IATF) was established in accordance with the Election Code. Its primary aim is to prevent violations of election legislation by public servants and respond to any infractions. The commission is chaired by Minister of Justice, Rati Bregadze.

The second session of the IATF focused on demonstrating election technologies. Representatives from the CEC presented on the use of electronic technologies in the voting process. Additionally, the session included a discussion on the dissemination of information in the media during the monitoring of the election environment.

During its first session, the commission reviewed a report from the State Services Development Agency concerning the completion of the election lists.

In its efforts to monitor the election environment, the IATF will examine information disseminated by the media, as well as data provided by political unions and monitoring organizations. The IATF will formulate recommendations to address identified incidents, thereby promoting a free and fair election environment.

Citizens can report issues within the IATF's jurisdiction via email at iatf@justice.gov.ge or through the hotline: (+995) 599 85 0011.

The session was chaired by Minister of Justice Rati Bregadze, with participation from IATF members including Deputy Ministers of Justice, Internal Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Defense, Regional Development and Infrastructure, Education, Science and Youth, IDPs from Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Protection, as well as heads of the General Prosecutor's Office, the Special Investigation Service, the State Security Service, the City Hall of Tbilisi Municipality, the State Audit Service, and the Central Election Commission.

The IATF will operate until the Central Election Commission officially publishes the final election results.