In the framework of the official visit to Geneva, the Public Defender met with representatives of the Associationfor the Prevention of Torture.The Public Defender provided the members of the international organization with information on situation in closed institutions and changes that were introduced for the purpose of effective operation of the National Preventive Mechanism.

At the meeting, special attention was paid to a legislative proposal of the Public Defender that concerns granting the right of making photo-video recordings to members of the National Preventive Mechanism. The Public Defender together with the members of the Associationfor the Prevention of Torture discussed international experience in relation to photo-video recording in closed institutions.

“Various positive changes have been carried out against torture in Georgia. One of the main steps has been elaboration of an action plan against torture adoption of which is in its final stage though some problems still remain there. On our part, 25 proposals have been sent to the Prosecutor’s Office on launching investigations into alleged offenses committed by law enforcers. But, in most cases, the result is not known. Given all the above, our key recommendation is to establish an independent investigative mechanism and granting the right of photo-video recording to the National Preventive Mechanism - practice that is successfully used in many European countries”, - said the Public Defender during the meeting with the Associationfor the Prevention of Torture.

The Public Defender provided the members of the Associationfor the Prevention of Torture with information on a newly-reshuffled group of experts who were selected through a competition and their duties include monitoring of closed institutions; he also presented principles of the work of the Advisory Council of the National Preventive Mechanism and results of the conducted monitoring to the meeting participants.