With the support of the USAID Rule of Law Program, and coordinated by NGOs – Prevention for Progress and Civic Engagement and Activism Centre, a series of informational sessions are being held for the residents of Bolnisi and Marneuli. The objective is to enhance their accessibility to the judicial system. The third consecutive session took place on August 27 at the community center in Aghmamedlo village, Marneuli municipality, with 18 local citizens in attendance.
During the session, project specialists and trained volunteers equipped attendees with insights on locating pre-filled legal claim forms, understanding litigants’ rights in court, and accessing pro bono legal counsel. The team also collected feedback about the obstacles and challenges the residents face when approaching the court.
Several notable challenges were highlighted, especially the prolonged wait times for claim reviews, and the lack of interpreters at both police stations and in courts. This lack often results in residents not comprehending court procedures fully. Furthermore, villagers shared instances of unauthorized police searches in their communities.
A concise legal guide, crafted by a legal expert, was distributed to those present, providing an overview of court-related topics. Attendees were encouraged to raise queries and were given detailed responses.
As part of this initiative, there are plans for 5 additional informational sessions. These will be conducted in both regional hubs and remote villages within Marneuli and Bolnisi municipalities.
