Prisoners Left without the Right to Defense

 Prisoners Left without the Right to Defense

There is a line of rights defenders in front of Tbilisi #7 prison. According to the prison’s administration, reconstruction works pose obstacles for advocates to enter the building. But advocates say that these obstacles are artificially created and the rights of prisoners are violated.

It is since several days that advocates got the right to enter the prison building and without any official reason they were deprived of such opportunity. Despite the abolishment of a refusal of entrance, it is still difficult for advocates to see their defendants. There are lists in which advocates sign up three to four days ahead. The prison’s administration only lets in three advocates per day.

Non-governmental organization “Former Political Prisoners for Human Rights” sent letter to penitential system 2 weeks ago. The organization asked for official reason, why the advocates were not allowed to see their defendants in prison. They still have not received an answer.

“The free entrance of advocates to prisons is guaranteed by law. Nobody has the right to    interfere with this right. We asked Bacho Akhalaia what the legal reason was for refusing advocates entrance into the prison. We have not received an answer, so we are going to sue them in court.” - said Nana Kakabadze.

One month ago, while visiting the Kutaisi prison, the head of the Penitential System Bacho Akhalaia stated in a press-conference that he will let advocates enter the prisons when it is necessary. Later, after various reactions from lawyers on his comment, the press center of the Penitential System denied the fact that advocates were not allowed to enter the prison. According to the press center because of reconstructing works there are two rooms left for such meetings which makes entrance problematic.

There are more than 70 prisoners in prison #7; most of them are “thieves in law”. According to the advocates, obstacles are thrown in the way because of it.

Prisoners experience a manifold of violations against them. They do not get facilities to shave, no soap, tooth paste or tooth brushes. They are not allowed to walk in the air once a day. No books, newspapers, TV, radio, telephone. They are absolutely isolated. This is in defiance of the law, Constitution and all possible international norms.” said Gela Nikoleishvili (Former Political Prisoners for Human Rights)

The advocates who entered the prison do not deny the fact that reconstructing works really are taking place, but it is still unclear why reconstruction began after prisoners were moved to that prison and how long they will take.  
                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                      Ana Chkhaidze