The society of Georgia had an expectation that the new government would consider a new candidate for the position of the minister of corrections and legal assistance, which should be caused by the critical situation existing in the system, by international and local human rights defender organizations and missions’ strict evaluations, according to all the problems, prisoners inadequate, degrading conditions in the prisons of Georgia, however the devotions of the acting ministry once againg emphasized that the state doesn’t want to review their criminal policy in the penal system and “zero tolerance” still remains a priority direction.

Today the parliament of Georgia expressed support to a new government and to its new program “more benefits to the people”, but this mandate requires especial responsibilities in the given political and public process. The parlament is acting on behalf of people and continuous connection between the legitimacy of the government and the public authorities is important. We, the citizens of Georgia once again give the new government a mandate, make the agreement of protection and implementation of civil interests and we have right to demand explanations on the important issues for our democratic development.

On the position of the minister of corrections and legal assistance affirmation the former minister raises more questions and distrust in professional circles and the society, in case of the new mandate, the feeling appeared that the penal system would go back to  legal order and their family members would have opportunately to have a peaceful life.

“Younb barristers” appeal to the ministry of corrections and legal assistance and demand answers.

1.      According the international federation of human rights (FIDH) research, Georgia has political prisoners. After the meeting of lawyers and non-governmental organizations, also the Ombudsman’s report, detainees family members as well, FIDH said that “there are people who are political prisoners”. Are you going to review the cases of political detainees and to get their early release decision?

2.      According the statictics of the Supreme Court, after the “Rose Revolution” there are still serving 113 lawyers. Many human rights organizations indicate that they are convicted due to the persecution of lawyers corps. Are you going to review the cases and the lawyers get their early release decision?

3.      A successful mechanism of a system –early release of prisoners councils periodically review the defendant’ cases. Periodically the number of the prisoners early release are not more than 250 people.  Do you support the idea of large-scale amnesty or the proposal of large-scale prisoners early release?

4.      According to the Election Code, for the 2012 elections, prisoners with less serious crime will have right to vote. Tell us what are you going in the prisons for transparent elections; to allow pre-election company and what do you do for Non-governmental sectors to have opportunity to monitor it?

5.      Specify your new priorities in your new mandate or are you going to make changes in the system?