Collaboration with other colleagues, other experts from universities, from professional centres, from academic institutions, is very important because of the necessary exchange of information and the exchange of experiences. Also, supporting the countries where documentation is not quite so developed, where the forensic evaluations systems need some reforms, makes it very important to exchange information and support such countries. — Mariam Jishkariani, EMPATHY, Georgia Support to tortured children In 2010 a minor in Georgia was arrested after being accused of breaking into a grocery shop. He alleged that at the police station officers beat him with their fists and rubber clubs and threatened him with guns to extract a confession of a different unrelated crime. The child in question also has a mental disability, and his lawyer and parents were not called nor present during the court session. Through collaboration with Georgian centre EMPATHY and the IRCT, the child received a physical and psychological examination by national and international forensic experts. The medical forensic documentation incurred as a result was used to fight for appeal. 14 International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims After gathering domestic and international pressure, a presidential pardon was given to the minor, who had faced a 10-year sentence. The forensic evidence provided a solid evidentiary basis for international and domestic actors to intervene in the case and put pressure on the government to act. He is currently receiving rehabilitation and treatment at EMPATHY. Mariam Jishkariani of EMPATHY presented this case at the February 2012 conference in Washington, D.C. on “Forensic Evidence in the Fight against Torture” as an example of cases involving marginalised groups – in this case, children.

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