National Preventive Mechanism The reports of Public Defender repeatedly issued recommendations requesting the shut down of Batumi N318, Zugdidi N4 establishments. Placement of an inmate in conditions existing in the aforementioned establishments can be equalized to inhuman and degrading treatment. Recommendations on closing are issued with regards to establishments that do not comply with any standards with the view of space allocated per prisoner, nor its lightning, ventilation or hygiene. Infrastructure is so old that it will hardly be subject to refurbishment. Despite the fact that N12 establishment represents a semi-open type establishment and convicts can spend certain period of a day outside, conditions there are not acceptable for placement of a prisoner there. The abovementioned building shall either be subjected to major refurbishment works or to be closed. Penitentiary establishment No 6 in Rustavi Ventilation of cells of the new accommodation block of N6 establishment is problematic due to the lack of ventilation system. There is a lack of sufficient artificial lighting in the establishments as bulbs of not enough power - so-called energy saving eclectic bulbs are mounted in cells that do not provide appropriate lighting. Also, refurbishment is needed for water supply system of the first floor of the same block which tends to fail frequently. Major refurbishment is needed for the first floor of the new living block where also there are inappropriate conditions and dampness. The aforementioned cells have a small-size windows, inappropriate lighting, walls are shabby and the water supply system is out of order. Based on all the above it is impossible to maintain cleanliness in the aforementioned cells. Penitentiary establishment No 7 Conditions in the establishments are not adapted to long-term placement - cells are very small, they do not have propersize windows and do not provide natural lighting and ventilation of the cell. During the monitoring, several cells of the establishments where prisoners were placed did not have tables and chairs. Walking yards are very small (there are 4 walking yards in the establishment that measure as follows: 1 – 12.4 sq.m; 2 – 12.8 sq.m; 3 – 12. sq.m; 4 – 12.7 sq.m.) and their location and protective equipment further restricts walking. Convicts are placed and spend years at N7 establishment. According to them, the above constitutes the main problem for them since conditions in the establishments are not adapted to long-term placement. All the above has a negative effect on the state of their health. Convicts express desire to be transferred to establishments where there will be better living conditions and the risk of aggravation of their health conditions will be reduced. Penitentiary establishment No 9 in Tbilisi 19 The open part of the establishment has barrack-type accommodation blocks. Due to non-existence of ventilation in the relatively new living block water drops are dripping from the ceiling. That led to convicts pulling cellophane under the ceiling. Conditions in the aforementioned block do not comply with national and international standards. Lighting is not enough, heating comes from electric heaters and beds are separated from each other with blankets. Also, bathroom units located in the open unit needs refurbishment because of sanitary-hygiene situation there. 18 19 During the reporting period, in March 2013, refurbishment works started in Batumi N3 establishment. During the reporting period, in March 2013, refurbishment works started in establishment No 9. www.ombudsman.ge NPM Report