President Salome Zourabichvili met with Archil Talakvadze, Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, and Tea Tsulukiani, Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, to discuss about the elaboration of new rules on pardoning procedures.
Following the meeting, President Zourabichvili addressed the media to state that the draft of the presidential document on “Pardoning Rules” was made by the Administration and was then sent to the Parliament of Georgia for appropriate recommendations.
 President Zourabichvili also heard the views of the Minister of Justice and the Parliament Speaker on the draft document.
“I have heard very interesting views on this issue from the Minister of Justice and the Speaker of the Parliament.
“There are no difficulties and I hope that amendments to the decree will be soon completed by my administration to make it fully acceptable and for me to swiftly sign it,” said the President.
Speaker Talakvadze stated following the meeting that he presented his views to the President, who had addressed the Parliament for consultations on pardoning procedures.
“We presented our opinions to the President on what may be the criteria and principles for pardoning in the future.
“We consider that the nature of the crime and its social risk should be taken into account during the decision on pardoning,” stated Mr. Talakvadze.
The Minister of Justice highlighted that the meeting with the President was productive, interesting, and fruitful, noting that the danger a person poses for society and whether or not they may commit a crime again should be weighed during the pardoning process.
 “Therefore, our primary principle is defending our society from crime when pardoning prisoners,”
“We will await on the issue of the presidential decree before informing prisoners, probationers, and convicted persons on the pardoning procedures,” said Tea Tsulukiani.