We would like to comment on the resolution adopted by the Government for determining the amount of bonuses. First, it must be noted that the process of elaborating the document lacked transparency. GYLA has been working on the issue for over the years and we believe that based on the analysis of national or international practice we could have provided the government with valuable recommendations. However, we must note that the government’s attempt to resolve the issue is a positive step forward.

On July 15, 2014, an inmate from correctional facility N8 Shavleg Gurgenidze reported possible crime to GYLA’s lawyer. The report about problem of the so-called prison Makurebeli (an influential prisoner overseeing activities of other inmates) in the correctional facility N8 requires further action in a timely manner.

On July 16, 2014 GYLA made a statement on the alleged existence of the “Audience” in the law-enforcement facility #8 and called upon the relevant institutions to respond. The statement was based on the explanation, provided by one of the prisoners, Shavleg Gurgenidze to the GYLA lawyer. In his explanation, the prisoner mentions specific convicts in the law-enforcement facility #8, who force other prisoners to abide by their requests and who are under the patronage of the prison administration. 

A draft law has been initiated in the parliament, envisaging amendment of the Criminal Code of Georgia and postponement of enacting restriction of freedom as one of the types of non-custodial punishment for two years. These changes were initiated by the government of Georgia and drafted by the Ministry of Corrections. GYLA disapproves of the initiative.

A draft law has been initiated in the parliament, envisaging amendment of the Criminal Code of Georgia and postponement of enacting restriction of freedom as one of the types of non-custodial punishment for two years. These changes were initiated by the government of Georgia and drafted by the Ministry of Corrections. GYLA disapproves of the initiative.

We would like to respond to the decision by the Georgian Chief Prosecutor’s Office to bring criminal charges against the former president of Georgia and other high-ranking officials.

On 4 June 2014, Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) and the Public Defender of Georgia held a joint conference on the effective investigation of alleged crimes committed by law enforcement officials. One of the most important recommendations of this event was an inevitability of creation of independent investigative body.

On July 31, 2014 GYLA held presentation of the research “Media Monitoring of Election Campaign – Analysis of Practice.” The research covers media monitoring conducted by the National Communications Commission and public organizations of the 2012 Parliamentary Elections, 2013 Presidential Elections and  2014 local government elections.

On August 5, Tbilisi Appellate Court deemed complaint filed by the defense in Mikheil Saakashvili’s case as inadmissible, thus upholding August 1, 2014 verdict of Tbilisi City Court sentencing former President of Georgia to pre-trial detention as a measure of restraint. The trial was attended by GYLA’s lawyer specializing in criminal law; also, we are familiar with the decision of Tbilisi City Court. Trial monitoring or the analysis of the court’s decision has not revealed any circumstances to prove that the court’s verdict was unsubstantiated or that sentencing of pre-trial detention violated Constitutional or legal rights and principles.