The Public Defender releases a statement regarding the Ninotsminda Children’s Boarding School.

“The Public Defender’s Office continues to study the rights situation of children in the Ninotsminda boarding school. Due to the high public interest, we would like to inform you about the current situation.

Ombudsman’s Office requested information from the Prosecutor General’s Office of Georgia and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia about alleged offences that took place in the boarding house. According to the information received, investigations were launched into 4 criminal cases of alleged abuse of minors in 2016-2021. 3 cases concern alleged violence and 1 case concerns alleged rape.

At this stage, the Public Defender’s Office does not have detailed information about the alleged offences, circumstances or persons involved, or the measures taken in response. Ombudsman’s Office has already applied to the responsible agencies for the purpose of obtaining more detailed information”, - reads the statement.