justice; c) a member of an international non-governmental organization who works in the field of prevention of torture and criminal justice; d)a member of a local non-governmental organization who works in the field of prevention of torture and criminal justice. 13 During 2016, NPM’s Advisory Council held four meetings. Members of the Council were provided with the information on past and future activities of the NPM; they expressed own opinions and recommendations for better functioning of NPM. 2.3.2. WORKING METHODOLOGY The NPM worked extensively for reviewing and updating working methodology. To that end, several meetings and events were held, new monitoring instruments were prepared and members of the Special Preventive Group were trained. In 2016-2017, composition of the Special Prevention Group has been renewed through the public call competition. Totally 36 independent experts have been selected with various professional backgrounds. This multi-discipline team includes lawyers, physicians, healthcare professionals, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, drug-addiction specialist, nutritionist and etc.14 New members of the Special Preventive Group have been trained by the SPT member Arman Danelyan on monitoring methodology. From September 1, 2016, legislative amendments entered into force, which enable members of the Special Preventive Group to take photos in penitentiary establishments. For the effective implementation of these amendments, the Department of Prevention and Monitoring of the PDO drafted specific rules of photographing, which include legal regulations as well as technical instructions for the recording. In 2016, the Special Preventive Group introduced the practice of conducting focus groups with participation of lawyers and NGOs working in the regions. The primary objective of these focus groups is to receive additional information regarding existing situation in the police system. This information is applied to come up to certain findings, which later are incorporated into the report. In 2016, total of 6 such focus groups have been conducted. Moreover, for the drafting of report on penitentiary health care system, specific research methodology was adopted, which was intended to review the legal framework and the practice in the light of international standards applicable to the penitentiary healthcare system. 13 14 12 For details on Advisory Council of the NPM, please see: <http://www.ombudsman.ge/en/prevenciis-erovnuli-meqanizmi/prevenciis-erovnuli-meqanizmis-sakonsultacio-sabcho/about-advisory-council-of-the-national-preventive-mechanism.page> [last accessed 07.06.2017]. For details on members of the Special Preventive Group, please see: <http://www.ombudsman.ge/en/prevenciis-erovnuli-meqanizmi/specialuri-prevenciuli-djgufi> [last accessed 07.06.2017]. HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN CLOSED INSTITUTIONS