A department will be established within the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Georgia, with the primary task of systematically monitoring hate speech, offensive campaigns, and aggressive communication in the public sphere, as well as providing an appropriate legal response.
This was announced by the State Minister for Law Enforcement Coordination, Mamuka Mdinaradze, during a briefing at the Government Administration.
The State Minister noted that the new unit will not only respond to citizen complaints but will also independently track publications and messages in the public space. If violations are identified, the materials will be submitted for further legal assessment and, if necessary, to court.
Mdinaradze noted that the state must simultaneously ensure freedom of expression and protect society from hate speech, insults, and the incitement of enmity.
He also recalled that the authorities had previously stated the need to expand the space for public debate, and the creation of the new unit is seen as the next step in this policy.
“As a responsible government, we believe that the state’s task is to create an environment where the right to a different opinion is protected, but where incitement to hatred, enmity, and insults is unacceptable. Opening the space for debate was the first important step, and as of today, we are moving to the next stage.
Following fairly detailed and substantive consultations with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Minister, we have agreed that a special department will be created within the MIA structure as soon as possible. Its primary function will be the systematic monitoring of hate speech, offensive campaigns, and aggressive communication in the public sphere, as well as an appropriate legal response. This refers to any public communication containing hate speech, incitement to enmity, humiliation of dignity, and similar actions.
It is fundamentally important that this department will operate proactively, and the response will not depend solely on citizen complaints. The agency itself will conduct monitoring, prepare legal assessments, and, if necessary, refer materials to court,” he explained.
The story will be updated.
