Penitentiary Service Refutes Claims of Substandard Conditions in Correctional Facilities

Georgia’s Special Penitentiary Service has issued a comprehensive statement defending its prisoner care standards amid growing criticism about conditions in the country’s detention facilities. The response comes after multiple complaints from inmates and critical media reports questioning the quality of food, medical care, and living conditions in Georgian prisons.

In the statement, the agency emphasized that food service for prisoners strictly adheres to health-appropriate menus developed by professional nutritionists. “Each accused/convict is provided with three meals a day,” the agency stated, noting that the food meets a daily caloric standard of 2,300-3,700 kilocalories through seasonal and health-adjusted meal plans.

The agency also addressed specific allegations about heating systems, confirming that heating has been operational for more than two weeks in all facilities, including the Gldani Institution No. 8, which has been a focal point of prisoner complaints.

Medical care represents another area of contention. The Penitentiary Service asserted that inmates receive round-the-clock medical attention that complies with national healthcare standards. According to their statement, when treatment cannot be administered within detention facilities, prisoners are transferred to dedicated medical facilities or civil hospitals. The agency claimed there is currently no waiting list for scheduled medical referrals.

“In addition to state healthcare programs, all accused/convicts are provided with any medical services necessary for their health condition, which are fully financed by the state,” the statement read.

Sanitation procedures were also detailed in the response. The agency described a system where medical personnel supervise hygiene conditions in each facility. Additionally, the service has contracted with an external company to perform mandatory disinfection and pest control at least twice yearly, with provisions for additional unscheduled treatments when necessary.

The Special Penitentiary Service characterized the criticism as part of a “deliberate disinformation campaign” and urged media outlets to verify information before publication. “We call on all interested persons and media outlets to refrain from disseminating unverified and unsubstantiated information, which leads to misleading not only the family members of the accused/convicted, but also the public,” the statement concluded.

This dispute over prison conditions comes at a time when Georgia’s penal system has been under increased scrutiny from human rights organizations. International observers have previously raised concerns about overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and poor living conditions in Georgian prisons, though significant reforms have been implemented in recent years.

The country has been working to align its detention standards with European norms as part of broader justice system reforms. The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has conducted multiple visits to Georgian facilities, with their recommendations influencing policy changes.

Local human rights advocates have noted improvements in certain areas while continuing to highlight ongoing challenges in the system. The discrepancy between official statements and prisoner testimonies underscores the complexity of accurately assessing conditions within closed institutions.

The Georgian prison system currently houses approximately 10,000 inmates across multiple facilities. The government has cited reform of the penitentiary system as a priority, particularly following scandals in the past decade that exposed mistreatment of prisoners and led to significant public outcry and political consequences.