Georgia, Tbilisi, Dec. 5 / Trend N.Kirtskhalia /
The Georgian government should pay attention to the long standing problem on the abuse of prisoners and detainees by prison employees and to take effective measures for the establishment of a responsible system, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muiznieks said in his letter to Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili.
The effectiveness of the complete ban on torture should be constantly monitored. I intend to focus on these issues in my dialogue with the government, including during my upcoming visit to Georgia', the letter said.
The Georgian CE Information Centre told Trend that indicating the measures taken in connection with the scandalous abuses in prisons and given the commitment of the Georgian government not to tolerate such a violation of human rights, the Commissioner stressed that it is necessary to conduct an effective investigation into Ortachal prison and punish the ill-treatment of those who are deprived of their liberty.
'Besides the direct perpetrators of these violations, senior officials giving orders or informed of abuse must be brought to face their responsibility. Penalties should be proportionate to the severity of the crime, but justice should not be selective. Investigation and trials must meet the standards of human rights for a spotless authority of agencies responsible for enforcing the law', the letter said.
The Commissioner also emphasised the importance of the safety of victims, witnesses and their families from reprisals by officials who were involved in crimes. They should be provided with adequate remedies, as well as medical and psycho-social assistance.
Muiznieks also stressed that the problem of ill-treatment in prisons should not be considered in isolation from the prison system and criminal justice policy in general.