in the field of prevention of torture and criminal justice; c) a member of an international nongovernmental organization working in the field of prevention of torture and criminal justice; d) a member of a local non-governmental organization working in the field of prevention of torture and criminal justice.17 On March 11, 2020, a meeting of the Advisory Council of the National Preventive Mechanism was held, at which the application submitted by non-governmental organizations regarding the visits to the penitentiary establishments together with the National Preventive Mechanism was discussed. Other activities of the National Preventive Mechanism were also discussed at the meeting. And on December 28, 2020, the second meeting of the Advisory Council of the National Preventive Mechanism was held, at which the work carried out by the National Preventive Mechanism during the year was discussed. The participants spoke about the challenges faced by the members of the National Preventive Mechanism in the implementation of their activities. Working Methodology The National Preventive Mechanism pays special attention to reviewing and improving the working methodology. Numerous events and meetings were held with this purpose. Against the background of the epidemic caused by the new coronavirus in Georgia, in 2020 the National Preventive Mechanism had to conduct monitoring visits under special conditions. Prior to the monitoring visits, the Special Prevention Group adapted the working methodology to the existing challenges. The rules for conducting a safe monitoring visit in a pandemic were developed and members were instructed accordingly. Individual protective equipment was purchased and members were explained the rules for their use. The purpose of these measures was to minimize the risk of new coronavirus spreading during the monitoring visit, and to protect staff and persons held in the establishments.18 Monitoring tools prepared in 2020 1 Tools of monitoring places of restriction of liberty caused by quarantine measures against COVID19 2 Tool of ad hoc monitoring in penitentiary establishments under the conditions created by COVID19 3 Election Monitoring Tool in Penitentiary Establishments 4 Monitoring tool of monitoring the housing of people with mental health problems Please refer to the following link <https://bit.ly/2O1Ekqg> [last visited: 25.03.2021]. In the wake of the aggravation of the epidemiological situation in the country, the Public Defender took additional measures to minimize the risk and members of the special prevention group underwent PCR testing before entering the establishments. 17 18 20