The Public Defender expresses deep sorrow over the death of several citizens as a result of natural gas poisoning and offers sympathy to their families.

The statistical data on those poisoned and killed by gas is alarming in Georgia. A number of persons died of gas explosion or gas poisoning in Tbilisi in January alone.

The absence of effective regulations or an appropriate response mechanism in the field of gas exploitation further aggravates the situation. Although gas poisoning is often associated with improper installation or exploitation of equipment, we are not aware of persons charged with the installation or technical maintenance of gas devices in the residential buildings; violations cannot be timely detected or responded.

The Public Defender believes that in-depth changes should be made to the legislation in order to timely detect similar cases and prevent severe consequences in the future. She also calls on the gas suppliers to use all available leverages to check gas pipelines and devices in the buildings and to timely detect any problem.