The Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA) has raised serious concerns over the recent prosecutions of citizens based on their online statements directed at politicians, warning that this move sets a dangerous precedent for mass censorship and unjustifiably restricts freedom of expression.
In a strongly worded statement, GYLA argues that expressions of opinion on social media that do not pose a real threat and are directed at public officials - who are subject to a higher threshold of tolerance - are fully protected under the right to free expression.
“This is an unjustified restriction on freedom of expression, creates a chilling effect, and is aimed at silencing citizens by instilling fear, so they refrain from criticizing Georgian Dream or public officials,” the organization stated.
On June 6, the ruling party Georgian Dream filed complaints with the Ministry of Internal Affairs concerning social media posts made by citizens, activists, journalists, and politicians. These complaints cite Article 17316 of the newly amended Code of Administrative Offenses, which penalizes "insults, offensive language, or other degrading actions" against political or public officials in connection with their duties. Sanctions include fines ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 GEL or imprisonment for up to 45 days.
As a result of these complaints, citizens were summoned to court en masse beginning on June 11, 2025.
GYLA warns that such legal action contradicts the principle of freedom of expression enshrined in both domestic and international law, and is designed to suppress dissenting voices and restrict public debate.
The organization highlights that under standards established by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), political figures are expected to endure a greater degree of criticism than private individuals. Public officials, due to their role in a democratic society, must tolerate offensive or even shocking expressions, as long as they do not pose a real and imminent threat.
“Freedom of expression requires the state not only to refrain from arbitrary interference but also to actively create an environment where open public debate can flourish—without fear of retaliation or censorship,” GYLA emphasized.
The statement underscores that any judicial interpretation that disregards these principles could set a dangerous precedent, effectively legitimizing state-driven censorship under the guise of legal enforcement.
GYLA also condemned the selective application of justice, pointing out that during the April–May 2024 protests against the so-called “Russian Law,” activists, human rights defenders, and journalists faced coordinated intimidation, including anonymous phone threats and acts of physical violence.
Despite the public release of video evidence implicating Georgian Dream MP Dito Samkharadze in the organized harassment of civil society groups and protesters—including targeted phone calls and property damage—no legal action has been taken against him or others involved.
“While citizens are being prosecuted for critical posts, those responsible for real threats and organized persecution of civil activists face no consequences. This demonstrates that the justice system is being selectively weaponized against freedom of expression,” GYLA stated.
