**Controversial Body Searches to End in Georgia’s Prisons**
In a significant victory for human rights advocates, the Georgian Justice Ministry has agreed to stop fully stripping inmates during body searches. The move comes after the Public Defender’s Office filed a lawsuit against the regulation allowing such practices.
**Background:**
The controversy began when several women, including prominent activist Kristina Botkoveli (also known as Nancy Woland), publicly reported being forced to strip naked and perform squats during searches at their homes or in detention facilities. These reports sparked widespread condemnation from human rights advocates, who deemed the treatment “torture” and “degrading”.
**The Lawsuit:**
On February 5, the Public Defender’s Office brought a lawsuit before the Constitutional Court, challenging the regulation that allowed for complete undressing during body searches. The office argued that this practice was unconstitutional and violated human rights.
**Justice Ministry Backs Down:**
After weeks of public scrutiny and pressure from human rights groups, the Justice Ministry informed the court on June 11 that it would no longer allow fully stripping inmates during body searches. The ministry stated that the current regulation has resolved the contentious issues raised by the Public Defender’s Office.
**Reaction:**
Human rights advocates have hailed this decision as a significant victory for women’s rights and dignity. Former Ombudsperson Nino Lomjaria, who condemned the practice as “torture, inhuman, and degrading treatment”, welcomed the move, saying it would help prevent further emotional trauma to victims.
**Context:**
The controversy has unfolded amid heightened public scrutiny over the treatment of detainees, particularly women, in connection with recent anti-regime protests. Women have reported being subjected to strip searches, often under humiliating circumstances.
**What’s Next?**
This development is a significant step towards ensuring that the rights and dignity of all individuals, including those detained or imprisoned, are respected. Human rights advocates continue to push for more comprehensive reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Read More @ civil.ge
