On May 7-9, 2015, the National Preventive Mechanism of Georgia conducted a repeated control visit to the Penitentiary Establishment N3. The monitoring revealed significant problems related to legal rights of prisoners; majority of recommendations developed and issued as a result of monitoring conducted by the National Preventive Mechanism on October 23-24, 2014, practically have not been fulfilled.

Issue of prevention of ill-treatment is acute at the establishment. During the visit, aggressive attitude of prison personnel towards inmates were apparent which poses a real danger of ill-treatment of prisoners; medical personnel continue to keep documenting damages received in the establishment with shortcomings.

Security measures are taken disproportionally and unreasonably. The administration of the establishment mainly relies on elements of so-called “static security” (separation, surveillance via electronic devices) that cannot ensure protection of security and order in conditions of adherence to human rights. As a result, tense and conflict situation persists, together with a high risk of displays of self-harm, violence and aggression.

It should be mentioned that the rate of application of disciplinary punishment has increased. Unfortunately, prisoners with mental problems are still placed in solitary cells; adequate medical services are not fully accessible; the establishment is not provided with enough medications. There is no special diet for sufferers from diabetes. During preparation of meals, needs of various ethnic and religious confessions are not taken into account.

Physical environment and sanitary-hygiene situation of the establishment remain a problem. Despite the Public Defender’s numerous recommendations, issues of artificial ventilation, natural lighting and water supply remain unresolved.

Psycho-social rehabilitation activities are practically non-existent in the establishment. There are no sufficient resources for conduction of such activities.

Not taking place of residence of family members of prisoners into account when placing the appointment in the establishment hinders realization of the right to visits. Short visits are carried out in rooms with glass partitions and due to this circumstance inmates are unable to come into physical contact with their family members. Telephone calls are not made in sufficient quantity and with appropriate confidentiality. A store of the establishment is not adequately supplied with products.

In accordance with results of the monitoring conducted in the Penitentiary Establishment N3, National Preventive Mechanism prepared a special report.