At the briefing held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ms. Nino Javakhadze, the Deputy Minister declared: "As we have stated several times, the Ministry of Internal Affairs is open and transparent. We promised the civil society to provide it with regular information on important issues.
We are presenting the statistical information about the crimes registered in 2017, which - according to the statistical calendar of the National Statistics Office of Georgia – has been published on the websites of the mentioned Office and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. It is noteworthy that statistics of registered crimes are available on the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in details, indicating the chapters and articles of the Criminal Code. Such detailed statistics have not been published in the last 2 years. The website also contains the statistical data of crimes registered in December, 2017.
37944 crimes in total were registered in 2017; this index is 5.4% higher than the one in 2016.
As for the trends according to the individual articles:
It is noteworthy that deliberate murder from the offenses against life is not increased. The main share comes on the article 115 of the Criminal Code of Georgia (incitement to suicide), however, it should be noted that most of the facts do not represent a classical case of incitement to suicide. Investigation under the article 115 of the Criminal Code is launched even when all the signs of a crime (threat, torture, or systemic humiliation of honor or dignity of a victim) are not present, but the victim does not have any signs of violence. Frequently, after the forensic medical examination report, it is established that we are dealing with not a crime but with a natural death or suicide.
A large portion of the offense committed against health comes on the article 1261 (Domestic Violence). Increase of the crimes registered under this article is caused on the one hand by mass campaign against domestic violence, which has increased the law enforcement agencies referral index and on the other hand, by the fact that in contrast to the previous practice, in most cases, simultaneously with issuing a restraining order the investigation is launched.
A part of the initially registered offense against human rights and freedoms comes on the article 151 of the Criminal Code (Threat). In particular, the crime envisaged by the article 151 has been increased by 61.7%. An important part of the threats comes on the threats that have place on the basis of domestic violence. It has been increased the index of referring to the law enforcement agencies by the victims as well as by the individuals having the information on a crime (relatives, friends, neighbours). In addition, in order to avoid the expected serious consequences of the threats resulting from the family conflict, the relevant units of the law enforcement agencies initiate the investigation immediately, even when all the signs of the offense are not present.
Large part of the initially registered crimes against property mostly come on the articles 177 (Theft), 180 (Fraud) and 181 (Extortion) of the Criminal Code of Georgia.
As regards the offense against public security and order, the reduction is observed respecting all the articles prescribed by this Chapter, except for the article 2381 (Carrying melee weapon).
The tendency to decrease is observed in terms of drug-related crimes (articles 260-274). At the same time, decrease is observed on almost all the articles contained in the Chapter of Drug-related Crime, including drug use (273, 2731).
Increase in the crimes against environmental protection, mainly comes on the article 303 of the Criminal Code of Georgia (Illegal felling of trees and bushes), 299 (Illegal use of mineral resources) and 300 (illegal fishing) articles.
The rise of the offenses against the enforcement of judicial acts is stipulated by the article 381 of the Criminal Code (Failure to execute or interference with the execution of a final judgement or other court decision).
The Ministry of Internal Affairs will publish statistics monthly including March, 2018, later the quarter statistics will be published.
In the last period we actively provide the civil society with the information about the ongoing processes in the Ministry, as well as on our activities. Over the past week, great number of the criminal world`s members, drug dealers and the individuals accused of domestic violence have been detained by us; number of facts of robbery are solved; a large and especially large amount of narcotic drugs and illegal arms are seized.
We once again emphasize that the Ministry of Internal Affairs is open and transparent in its activities. This is the reality demonstrated by the statistical data. We believe that only the objective understanding of the real picture will support to overcome the challenges we face.
As for our policy against the background of increased number of registered crimes, we choose the way of systematic reform. This process of reform has already begun and this day is a clear proof of it. It refers to the reform of the Criminal Police, the Border Police and Patrol Police, where a new stage of reform has begun.
Particularly should be mentioned the reform of the Criminal Police, which is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the investigation and operational activities.
Our goal is not to carry out repressive policies, but to transfer to preventive policy; with this purpose we are introducing the so called Institute of Law and Order Officer.
In parallel to this, in response to the increased criminality and for creating the safe environment for our population we shall be strict, principled and will protect human rights within the scopes of the legislation”.
