The system of execution of punishment in Georgia will be changed in accordance with the new Penal Code, which has entered into force

The new Code provides a framework for reform of the system and affects both employees and prisoners. As a result of these changes, the division of services into special and civil services will be abolished. Privileges previously granted to special units will be extended to all prison staff, including state support, compensation, insurance, education and rank requirements. From now on, all employees will be subject to the same rules regarding participation in protest actions, political activity, etc. Salary will depend on position, rank and work experience.

An important part of the new Code is the establishment of unified registers for accused and convicted persons. Everyone who goes to prison will be entered in the appropriate register, which will contain fingerprints, a photo and a verbal description. In addition, it will be prohibited in all prisons in Georgia to place previously convicted and newcomers in the same cell. This rule will apply both to persons who have suffered from torture or inhuman treatment, as well as to particularly dangerous criminals and criminal authorities. Moreover, by 2026, each prisoner will be provided with 4 square meters of space instead of three, as currently envisaged.

The new law also imposes obligations on prison administrations to provide special conditions for pregnant, disabled and elderly prisoners of retirement age. An important change is the appearance of special rooms without video surveillance and wiretapping, where prisoners will be able to meet with the people's advocate or representatives of special preventive groups. However, surveillance will be prohibited in shared showers and toilets in prisons, except in cases where there is a risk of suicide or other crimes committed by prisoners.

Other innovations include a ban on the use of tear gas in enclosed spaces and the ability for prisoners to change the type of visits. The right to long-term visits will be granted to all prisoners from 2025, with the exception of those who are in solitary confinement or have recently entered prison. Particularly dangerous prisoners will be given the opportunity to conduct video sessions with their family twice a year. The number of video sessions for ordinary prisoners will increase, and they will also be able to call and write to relatives serving their sentences.

In general, these innovations reflect Georgia's desire to create more humane conditions in the penal system and ensure equal rights for all prisoners and prison staff. Ultimately, they contribute to improving the effectiveness of the system and improving the relationship between prisoners and the administration.

The law has an urgent obligation to guarantee prisoners permanent and unrestricted access to drinking water. In addition, they now have the right to a two-time weekly shower and mandatory hairdresser service at least once a month. The only way to shave prisoners bald will be with a doctor's decision based on clear hygienic requirements. In addition, prisoners were given the right to spend at least one hour outdoors.

Clothing, shoes and personal items will be provided to prisoners if necessary. Clothes and bed linen must be clean and intact. In addition, prisoners will receive special work clothes. An important change was also the fact that the length of stay of prisoners in correctional institutions before release will be changed. Now all prisoners, including women, will be sent there a year before their sentence expires. If the administration decides to introduce special clothing, it must be sufficiently dignified and respectful to the personality of the prisoners.

In addition, all prisoners, with the exception of those at special risk, will be eligible to receive higher education directly from prison. This can be either written education, where a college or university will provide a list of educational literature for self-study and exams, or distance education using a computer.

At the end of the term of imprisonment, a probation system will come into effect, which will monitor former prisoners. The Probation Department will receive information about the place of residence of the released person, his/her working capacity and specialty. This data will be transmitted not only to the district authorities, but also to the special probation bureau in order to ensure the successful reunification of the released with society and prevent the recurrence of crime.