Georgia faced significant food problems within its prison system, highlighted by a Radio Liberty investigation. Eight days after the report detailing systemic issues and hundreds of violations, the penitentiary service terminated its long-term contract with Ili Group. The investigation revealed that the service had been aware of these violations for years, yet Ili Group received tens of millions of lari from the state budget despite consistently failing to meet contract terms.
The report, stemming from 2019-2025 inspection documents, documented over 375 violations by Ili Group between 2023 and 2026, including instances of spoiled food, contaminated products, and the use of substandard ingredients like insects in khachapuri and larvae in pâté. Fines totaling 34.8 million lari were imposed, though only a fraction was actually paid. The contract’s prolonged existence stemmed from concerns about disrupting food supplies to prisoners.
The service took action in March 2026, imposing a penalty of 600,000 lari, seizing a bank guarantee, and unilaterally terminating the agreement. A new supplier, Giorgi 2020, was selected through a fast-track process. This new contract, valued at over 11 million lari, covers feeding approximately 11,800 prisoners and 2,126 staff members.
Ili Group’s director, Iasha Chachua, argued the penalties were unfair and created financial difficulties. She claimed the violations were exaggerated and that the company’s continued operation over 17 years demonstrated its viability. The situation underscored a complex history of state contracts and connections between Ili Group and the ruling Georgian Dream party.
The ongoing food problems in georgia raised concerns about corruption and highlighted the need for greater transparency in the provision of food to prisoners.
Topics: #georgia #food #problems
Georgia experienced considerable food difficulties within its correctional facilities, as exposed by a Radio Liberty investigation. Following an eight-day report detailing widespread problems and nume
Georgia experienced considerable food deficiencies within its correctional facilities, as exposed by a Radio Liberty investigation. Following an eight-day report detailing widespread systemic problems