The Minister of Justice, Paata Salia, provided a delegation from the Council of Europe’s European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) with comprehensive updates on current and upcoming systemic reforms, the protection of inmates’ and detainees’ rights, and various educational, vocational, and healthcare programs.

Particular emphasis was placed on the construction and development of modern, small-scale penitentiary facilities designed to foster effective management and a rehabilitation-oriented environment for convicts.

The sides reviewed past and ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing the accessibility and quality of medical care within the prison system. It was underscored that inmates have round-the-clock access to all essential medical services and, when necessary, are referred to specialized civilian hospitals for advanced treatment.

Both parties highlighted the valuable role of CPT recommendations in driving the continuous improvement of the country’s correctional infrastructure.

The official visit of the delegation is intended to evaluate current conditions across detention facilities and inspect the progress of ongoing institutional reforms.

The meeting was also attended by First Deputy Minister of Justice Beka Dzamashvili, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Shalva Tadumadze, General Director of the Special Penitentiary Service Giorgi Pataridze, and other senior officials from the respective ministries and correctional services.