Compared to 2018,103 living conditions have not changed significantly in penitentiary facilities in 2019. The sanitary-hygienic conditions, ventilation, lighting104 and provision of minimum space of 4 sq.m.105 for all convicts in accordance with Article 15 of the Imprisonment Code remained problematic in the reporting period.106 In addition, the Public Defender’s proposal, which was reflected in numerous reports, relating to the definition of 4 sq.m. as the minimum living space for prisoners has not been implemented. Unfortunately, the so-called "barracks" type building have not been closed either.107 Despite the fact that the so-called "barracks" type buildings were closed in Establishment No. 14 and that the residential buildings of the mentioned facility were fully repaired, unfortunately, prisoners108 have not been transferred to these buildings and they still had to stay in inadequate living conditions during 2019. The Special Preventive Group considers that the long-term placement109 of prisoners in solitary confinement cells in Establishment No. 2 110 and narrow, 2-bed cells111 in Establishment No. 8112 has a negative impact on the health of prisoners due to unfavorable conditions there113 and may equal inhuman and degrading treatment. Therefore, it is important to abolish similar cells. 103 For information on living conditions in penitentiary establishment in 2018, see the 2018 Report of the National Preventive Mechanism, available at: At: <https://bit.ly/2wi9np7> pages 44-45 [last accessed 17.02.2020]. 104 Sanitary-hygienic conditions, proper ventilation and adequate lighting in Penitentiary Establishments Nos. 2, 8, 14 and 15 are reviewed in detail in the report on the visit paid to Penitentiary Establishment Nos. 2, 8, 14 and 15. The report is available at: < https://bit.ly/2Uq6pGY > p. 31-35; see also the report on the visit to Penitentiary Establishment No. 3, p.17-18, available at: < http://www.ombudsman.ge/res/docs/2020032321170591389.pdf > [last accessed 24.03.2020]. 105 In Penitentiary Establishments Nos. 2, 8, 14, 15 და 17. 106 The issue of overcrowding is particularly acute in Establishment No. 15, where the number of inmates during the visit exceeded the established limit (1,388) by 512, while in Establishment No. 2, where the limit is -1068, there were 1,080 inmates during the visit. 107 Convicts in the mentioned facility are not provided with a minimum living space of 4 sq.m., while air is saturated with tobacco smoke due to the large number of convicts and lack of proper ventilation; under similar circumstances, it is difficult to protect sanitary-hygienic conditions and there is a high risk of the spread of infectious diseases. 108 Some of the convicts of Establishment No. 14, who are employed in the penitentiary establishment, live in cells separated by plasterboard walls, where there is no private environment; some cells have no doors and are separated from the corridor only by curtains; the cells have no artificial ventilation and it is difficult to protect sanitary-hygienic conditions there. 109 Prisoners have to live for years in narrow 2-bed cells in Establishment No. 8, while in solitary confinement cells of Establishment No. 2 (except for solitary confinement cells in the building D) they may be held for up to 14 days. 110 Except for solitary confinement cells in the building D. It is welcome that repairs have been launched in Establishment No. 8 in 2019. 111 There are about 14 such cells in the facility, where up to 20 prisoners are accommodated. 112 It is welcome that repairs have been launched in Establishment No. 8 in 2019. 113 For information about conditions in these cells, see the report on the visit paid to Establishments Nos. 2, 8, 14 and 15. The report is available at: <http://www.ombudsman.ge/res/docs/2019121618092132463.pdf> p. 31-35 [last accessed 17.02.2020]. 49