lack of information about prisoners' own rights are the main factors that prevent the proper realization of the right to requests/complaints. 2.8. Special categories of prisoners 2.8.1. Foreign nationals and religious-cultural minorities It is important that prisoners of all religious and cultural backgrounds be able to enjoy all the resources and benefits available in the penitentiary facilities on an equal basis. In addition, the State is obliged to take positive measures, if necessary, so that foreign nationals can serve their sentences in a proper and non-discriminatory environment.138 Placement in cells: The linguistic needs and desires of foreign prisoners, as well as religious and cultural needs, are not sometimes taken into account when allocating prisoners to cells, which would reduce stress related to the detention, provide socialization of prisoners at the minimal level and create conditions for the prevention of conflicts. Cultural needs: No space (except for Orthodox chapels) is allocated in the facilities, where followers of one and the same religion would be able to hold group gatherings and rituals in a quiet environment. The cultural and religious characteristics139 of foreign nationals are not taken into account when preparing food either. It is important for the State to have a uniform approach to consideration of cultural and religious issues,140 in order not to make prisoners think that the needs of the minorities are insignificant to the State. Language barrier: The problem of language barrier is acute in the facilities, both for foreign and some of the Georgian citizens.141 Respondents reported lack of communication. Their emotional state was changeable during interviews and some of them even cried. Prisoners are deprived of the opportunity to be informed of their rights.142 There is a lack of foreign language literature in the libraries of the penitentiary facilities. The TV channels available in the facilities are mostly Georgian and Russian. As 138 Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe CM/Rec (2012) 12. For example, an animal slaughtered according to the halal rule. 140 The research conducted in the penitentiary facilities of England and Wales showed that religious sentiments strengthen under conditions of deprivation of liberty. Therefore, fair and equitable approaches are essential for the protection of human rights, as well as the effective administration of the facilities. Beckford and Gilliat (1998, 8). 141 Georgian language courses are rarely provided in the facilities. In Establishments Nos. 2, 3, 8 and 14, language courses were not held at all in 2018-2019, while the 6-month Georgian language course in Establishment No. 15 ended in April 2019 and it is unknown when it will be offered again to the currently registered convicts. 142 According to Nelson Mandela Rules (No. 55), information about the rights and obligations of prisoners shall be translated into the most commonly used languages. If a prisoner does not understand any of those languages, interpretation assistance should be provided. 139 56