New Georgian Ombudsman plans to specially protect refugees and children

Georgiy Tugushi, 32, elected the new Ombudsman of Georgia at an extraordinary session of parliament on July 31, pans to preserve in his work many of the priorities fixed by his predecessor Sozar Subari. At the same time, in his opinion, every time has its challenges and moves its priorities, therefore, Mr Tugushi puts the refugees' problems into the forefront.

"Many of the priorities, defined by Sozar Subari, will not change. Like in the past, we'll keep monitoring closed establishments - police stations, prisons and psychiatric hospitals. In my opinion, the problem of refugees will be our priority. It's not quite a new problem for Georgia, but I think that the Ombudsman's machinery should tackle this category of citizens closer," Georgiy Tugushi said in his interview to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

He has also noted that more attention will be given to defence of children's rights and the rights of patients kept in mental clinics. "Protection of minorities' rights - both ethnic and religious - remains same important.

From his first days in office, the new Ombudsman is also going to defend the rights to health and private property.