The Minister of Justice of Georgia, Anri Okhanashvili, held a meeting today with the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Georgia, Ali Kaan Orbay.

During this introductory meeting, both parties highlighted the strong and effective coordination between the relevant agencies of their countries in the field of law. They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening mutual cooperation in the future.

The meeting took place at the Ministry of Justice and was attended by Deputy Ministers of Justice of Georgia, Beka Dzamashvili and Niko Tatulashvili, as well as Head of the Consular Section of the Turkish Embassy, Boran Kan Kochbogan.

The Minister of Justice of Georgia, Anri Okhanashvili, met today with the Public Defender, Levan Ioseliani, to discuss ongoing cooperation and future initiatives.

During the meeting, both officials highlighted the productive collaboration between the Ministry of Justice and the Ombudsman's Office over the years. They expressed their commitment to maintaining close coordination to address key issues effectively.

Public Defender Levan Ioseliani emphasized the significance of reforms implemented in the penitentiary system, particularly rehabilitation programs. These initiatives play a crucial role in the correction and reintegration of convicts into society, fostering their personal development and reducing recidivism.

The discussion also focused on strengthening human rights protection—a priority for the Ministry of Justice. Both parties reaffirmed their dedication to deepening cooperation in this area, aiming to enhance the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms across the country.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Justice, was attended by Deputy Ministers of Justice Beka Dzamashvili, Niko Tatulashvili, and Erekle Ghvinianidze; Head of the Special Penitentiary Service, Nika Tskvarashvili; and Deputy Public Defenders, Tamar Gvaramadze, Elene Ghudushauri, and Irina Chikhladze.

The Ministry of Justice has finalized agreements with the winners of its 2025 grant program. A total of eight projects will receive funding to support innovative initiatives and promote civic engagement.

Deputy Ministers of Justice—Beka Dzamashvili, Erekle Ghvinianidze, and Niko Tatulashvili—along with the Ministry's Administration Head, Manana Begiashvili, met with the grant recipients to mark this significant milestone.

During the meeting, the diversity and importance of the selected projects were highlighted, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to advancing key areas of its mission.

The grant competition aims to strengthen the Ministry's priority areas, foster civil society participation, and encourage civic initiatives. The 2025 program, announced in November 2024, focused on three primary objectives: enhancing human rights protection, introducing innovative services, and bolstering legal security.

Out of 30 applications received, the top eight were selected for funding. The list of winning projects can be accessed [here].

Since 2021, the Ministry of Justice has held annual grant competitions, funding 48 projects with a combined budget of 1,080,619 GEL. The Ministry continues to monitor and support these projects to ensure their successful implementation and impact.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has delivered its judgment in the case of Taganova and Others v. Georgia and Russia, holding Russia fully accountable for violations of property rights in the occupied territory of Abkhazia.

The case was brought forward by individuals whose claims concerned property disputes in Abkhazia, a region internationally recognized as part of Georgia but under Russian occupation.

The Court’s ruling reaffirms that Russia bears full responsibility for human rights violations in the occupied territories, citing its continued effective control over Abkhazia.

The ECHR emphasized that under international law, Abkhazia remains an integral part of Georgia. However, since the 1990s, Georgian authorities have been unable to exercise effective control over the region due to Russia's military, economic, and political interference.

Despite these challenges, the Court acknowledged that the Georgian government has taken all possible and reasonable measures to safeguard the property rights of individuals in Abkhazia.