Seeking Possibilities for Alleviation of Prison Overcrowding in Georgia 2006-2007

The purpose of the project is to research the causes and adverse effects of overcrowding in Georgian prisons, to seek solutions through informed debates and discussions around the issue involving civil society and government bodies, to influence legislation. Public awareness, including among judges and government, will be raised as to the social costs of imprisonment and value of alternative measures; The project will bring about better understanding of the causes and extent of prison overcrowding, hopefully reducing counter-productive legislative and other initiatives; start informed debates to seek solutions. The working group established under the project and recommendations prepared will become guidelines for the Government on how to deal with the prison overcrowding problems and for judges’ training.