Georgian Ombudsman's report for 2009 will be ready by March

The report of the Ombudsman of Georgia for 2009 will be prepared by March next year, as it is stipulated by the legislation. Now, the parliament of Georgia has accepted to consideration the Ombudsman's report for the first half of this year.

According to Ombudsman Georgiy Tugushi, in first half of 2009, the majority of the complaints that arrived to his office had to do with the legal proceedings, investigation of criminal cases and violations of prisoners' rights. Also, the issues of refugees' status, religion and national minorities are rather sharp.

The Ombudsman's report pays special attention to custody conditions of prisoners. In particular, it is noted that prison administration regards a TV-set for prisoners as "unreasonable luxury." Heavy custody conditions were fixed in five prisons located in different regions of the country.

Also, the report states facts of pressure on journalists, when they performed their professional duties during the spring actions of the opposition.

Besides, it is underlined that during the dispersal of the protest action on May 6, physical violence was applied not only to the protesters but also to Ombudsman's officials in charge of round-the-clock monitoring of the actions, who were dressed in special uniform.

The Ombudsman's report states the use of weapons by policemen on May 6 during their collision with participants of the protest action of the opposition.

The Ombudsman draws attention to living conditions of refugees, noting that the problem of displaced families after the warfare in South Ossetia in August 2008 is still open.

Also, Mr Tugushi writes that the non-Georgian schools located in places of compact residence of national minorities have very low level of teaching the Georgian language. Therefore, pupils cannot communicate in their state language.