04:21, 27 June 2014

Georgia minimizes cases of torture in its penitentiary institutions, participants of Tbilisi conference declare

On June 26, Tbilisi held the conference devoted to the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. Lawyers and politicians have discussed measures to prevent torture in places of detention. The participants of the conference have noted that the country has succeeded in that direction. This was reported by the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

In preparation for signing of an association agreement with the EU, Georgia held discussions about remedying the situation in institutions of the Georgian penitentiary system. This was emphasized by Eva Pastrana, a manager for the human rights programme of the Delegation of the European Commission.

"The EU has allocated to Georgia 10 million euros for the development of the human rights programme," Eva Pastrana said. She added that Georgia needs to establish independent mechanisms to prevent torture.

Eva Pastrana has also noted a number of positive changes in that direction. "Recently, 40% of prison wardens were dismissed from their positions. This fact had a positive impact on the operation of penitentiary institutions," Eva Pastrana has stated.

Author: Alena Aleschenko

Source: CK correspondent