After the meeting with Bishop Iakob, the newly appointed head of Ninotsminda Boarding School where alleged crimes against minors took place for years, Public Defender Nino Lombjaria said: “We had a very productive meeting. Bishop Iakob demonstrated a very positive approach towards the Public Defender’s Institute.”
Lomjaria said several important issues were discussed during the meeting. These included the fact that large orphanages do not serve the best interests of the children and that the Public Defender must be able monitor the processes at the Ninotsminda Boarding School.
The Public Defender stated that she and Bishop Iakob would arrive at the boarding-school together next weekend, so that she could get to know the situation on site. Social workers will continue to assess needs of the remaining kids.
Lomjaria said, “The situation will develop according to the needs of the child, in their best interest.”
She noted that social workers would continue to assess children’s needs and make relevant decisions.
Ekaterine Tikaradze, the Health Minister, also commented on this issue. She said that all parties were interested in protecting the rights and best interests of each child.
“We will continue to work with the Patriarchate in order to transfer the children into appropriate conditions, i.e. small groups homes. For this purpose, a number meetings have been held,” Tikaradze said.
A criminal investigation is being conducted on possible crimes against children committed at St. Nino Boarding School in accordance with article 126, part 1 of the Criminal Code of Georgia.
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