European Union Supports Prison Reform

European Union Supports Prison Reform

Negotiations between the EU and the Justice Ministry of Georgia have become more active. Representatives of the EU mission, who are now in Tbilisi, met with the Justice Minister to discuss future co-operation.

The EU plans to allocate a million euros for reforms (including restructuring and updating equipment) in Georgia's penitentiary system. The European Commission is going to finance the project, which will focus on reforms in the non-imprisonment verdict implementation system, formed as a separate department within the framework of the Justice Ministry.

The leader of EU commission said that the purpose of the mission is to study the situation in Georgia, and to reveal other needs that could potentially be considered a priority for future assistance.

The program for infrastructural improvement in the penitentiary system will be launched in March, and a second project for forming a European-style probationary system will begin in December.