11 December 2009, 23:30
In 2009, Georgia mostly complained to the Ombudsman of legal proceedings
The Ombudsman of Georgia and a number of local NGOs mark that in 2009 citizens of the country submitted their complaints most often with regard to legal proceedings, investigation of criminal cases and violations of prisoners' rights.
"Every year, the Ombudsman's office receives several thousands of applications with various complaints. Very often they deal with legal proceedings, investigation of criminal cases and from prisoners who demand respect of their rights. We also receive complaints from members of minorities - religious and ethnic," Georgian Ombudsman Georgiy Tugushi said in his conversation with the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.
According to his story, the law admits Ombudsman's own investigation, should he find it expedient. Mr Tugushi has noted that his office also receives applications on the issues beyond his competence, but even on them he gives recommendations.
"Statistics shows that earlier the percentage of fulfilled Ombudsman's recommendations was very low, about 15 percent. As to this year's data, the results will be ready only by mid-2010," he said.
The Ombudsman's report gives special attention to facts of pressure on journalists and hampering to their professional duties. In particular, the report tells about the insult inflicted by policemen to journalists and TV cameramen in Tbilisi during the spring protest actions of the opposition. Also, the Ombudsman's representative, who was monitoring the action, was physically insulted.
Besides, the report tells about policemen's use of illegal weapons on May 6, during a collision of policemen with the participants of protest action of the opposition. The Ombudsman draws attention to the fact that application of the weapons was illegal, since it was legislatively approved only two months later.
Author: Inna Kukudzhanova Source: CK correspondent
