Overview 111th Session – Georgia
On the treatment of Georgian prisoners the Committee noted allegations of excessive use of force, ill treatment and torture as illustrated by the Gidani prison scandal. The Committee also pointed to the weak rehabilitation for victims of abuses.
Addressing the Georgian judiciary system, the Committee requested explanations on the particularly low acquittal rates and the large number of abusive plea bargaining deals. Discrimination, particularly against women, religious and sexual minorities were an additional subject of concern, to which the government replied by highlighting various measures taken, including with regards to an anti-discrimination law.
The Georgian government delegation also listed various initiatives taken to improve the situation in prisons and provide rehabilitation for victims of abuses. The acquittal rates were rising, said the Minister of Justice. Ms. Tsulukiani informed the Committee of an upcoming reform of the judiciary which she hoped would address abuses in plea bargaining.
In his closing statement, the Committee’s Chair, Nigel Rodley, stated that he was impressed by the answers provided by the delegation and the positive development observed in recent years in the country.
The Concluding Observations for which the State should provide information on the implementation within one year, concern:
The review of Georgia’s 4th periodic report by the Human Rights Committee took place on the 10th and 11th of July 2014. For a comprehensive overview of the discussion, see the proceedings on the OHCHR website or the webcast of the session.
The next periodic report should be submitted by the State party on 31st July 2019.
