Georgian Dream Files Complaint Against Critics Over Alleged Public Insults
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, June 9, 2025
The Georgian Dream party has filed a formal complaint with the Interior Ministry against individuals it accuses of insulting party members in public and on social media. MP Irakli Kirtskhalia announced the move during a briefing on June 6.
"Foreign-funded extremists do not shy away from swearing, intimidating, bullying, insulting our family members and relatives," Kirtskhalia said, describing the criticism as part of an "externally funded hate speech campaign." He claimed the remarks targeted officials and their families and called the response "an obligation."
The complaint cites February amendments to administrative law that criminalize insulting public officials. The legislation has been widely criticized, including by the Venice Commission, which warned that its vague language grants excessive discretion to authorities and risks misuse.
Kirtskhalia said the complaint covers "the filthiest phrases and insults" expressed in public settings and online. He accused NGOs, foreign donors, and some embassies of encouraging "organized terror" and undermining state institutions.
The announcement follows a series of recent fines and detentions. Among them, TV Pirveli cameraman Lasha Jioshvili was fined GEL 3000 on May 1 for a Facebook post allegedly insulting a police officer.
Nona Kurdovanidze, head of the Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA), called the move "concerning," arguing it confirms fears that the new law will be used to suppress dissent. "Relating this to phrases voiced on social media is a step backward and once again aims to restrict freedom of expression," she said.
Kirtskhalia claimed the campaign against GD officials is part of a broader effort to destabilize Georgia and erode state sovereignty. "Hate speech, be it orchestrated insults, a targeted campaign, or the encouragement of political violence, cannot be part of Georgian politics," he said.
