2015-12-05
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II attended a performance of "My Hostage Angels" at the Rustaveli Theater. The performance is part of the Ministry of Corrections and Probations' Performance in Prison project. The play, directed by Manana Kvirkvelia and based on a play by Ketevan Pataraia, focused on a person's spiritual transformation, the reevaluation of their life and admitting their mistakes. Actor George Zanguri also participated in the performance.
The Prime Minister thanked Minister of Corrections and Probation Kakha Kakhishvili for the implementation of the project and giving the prisoners the gift of one ordinary day.
He continued, "Today was a wonderful day for us, because we were sitting in the hall together with the prisoners. We have also attended a wonderful play performed by the prisoners. It was another demonstration of our government's face, the principles we have established - fairness, legality and human promotion. These principles are essential for the government to be fair. This human face shows how we care for our own citizens, including prisoners. Our activities have proven that our main value is the people - no matter where they are; in prison, or outside prison. It is important for every official to be concentrated on protecting human rights, so that no one dares to repeat what happened in our country three years ago. The whole world witnessed how prisoners were treated but that will never return to our country."
His Holiness called the day historic and blessed the convicts. He also presented the Prime Minister with his cross and handed the icon to Minister Kakhishvili as gifts.
"This is the first time the prisoners are acting on stage. Surprisingly, people could not hold their tears. We saw the pain and transformation of the Georgian people. I think this is our new Minister's merit. We had a conversation with the Prime Minister and the Patriarch shall have the right to pardon the convicts. The government will raise this issue. Bless you and all of Georgia," stated His Holiness.
Over 70 additional exhibits were displayed at Rustaveli Theater and approximately 80 inmates from different penitentiaries attended the performance.
Several government members also attended the play.
Prime Minister's Press Office