Head of the Special Investigation Service summarized the work of the Investigation Department. Koka Katsitadze with his Deputies and representatives of the Investigation Department summarized the results of a nine-month work period of the Special Investigation Service.

Since March 1, 2022, the Special Investigation Service was launched with an increased investigative jurisdiction, which includes investigation of the facts of ill-treatment committed by law enforcement officers, as well as disclosure of secrets of a person’s private life, unlawful interference with the journalist’s professional activities, restriction of freedom of speech and other facts against human rights and freedom.

During the meeting, the results of the investigation carried out by the Service as well as steps taken toward ensuring an open and transparent investigation and institutional development were emphasized.

In nine months, the Service made legal action on 2,257 crime reports and launched investigations into 378 criminal cases. 56% of the initiated cases refer to the facts of possible ill-treatment committed by law enforcement officers, 31% of the initiated cases refer to crimes against human rights and freedom committed by citizens, including disclosure of secrets of private life, unlawful interference with the journalist’s professional activities and other. 13% of the initiated cases refer to violent crimes committed by law enforcement officers off-duty.

The Special Investigation Service within the framework of the conducted investigation has opened as well as Prosecutor’s Office has already launched criminal prosecution against 55 persons, including 23 law enforcement officers.

At the meeting, the difficulties and challenges faced by the Investigation Department during the investigation process of ill-treatment crimes committed by law enforcement officers were emphasized. In that regard, the Special Investigation Service has identified and the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia has launched criminal prosecution against eight persons.

Considering the difficulties and challenges of investigating those types of cases, it should be outlined the positive trend of opened cases compared to the previous years. In particular, in the nine-month (reporting period (from March 1 till November 30) the rate of opened cases of ill-treatment facts has increased by 100% compared to the whole of 2020 year and increased by 33% compared to the 2021 year.

As for the termination rate of investigation, the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia terminated the investigation of 53 criminal cases due to the absence of signs of a crime.

During the meeting, the importance of the institutional development of the Service as well as the expansion of its geographical accessibility was also pointed out. For that purpose, three new divisions were added to the Service located in Tbilisi, Telavi and Zugdidi.

In order to ensure a timely and effective investigation, it is planned to open another investigation unit in the Kvemo Kartli region, in Rustavi city.

The service has significant results in conducting open and transparent investigations.

This year, an unprecedented decision was made regarding the involvement of victims in the investigation process. Based on the recommendations of the European Court, with the participation of human rights organizations, the special guideline has been elaborated. The document provides the opportunity for the victim to access the criminal case as well as to introduce case materials. The mentioned initiative successfully has been implemented in practice.

From next year to be ensured additional guarantees a special program for the protection of victims and witnesses will be actively implemented in the Service.

Herewith, the implementation of the recommendation of the European Commission as well as amendments made by the Parliament of Georgia to the Law of Georgia “On Special Investigation Service” were discussed at the meeting. According to the amendments, the investigative mandate and functions of the Special Investigation Service have been expanded in the frame of crimes of ill-treatment committed by law enforcement officers, violation of the Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, or its Additional Protocol.