Fight against Defamation or against Freedom of Expression?
The Georgian non-governmental sector released a statement on January 13 calling on officials to clearly define what they mean when speaking about the need for regulations against defamation.
NGOs under the Media Advocacy Coalition say that the recent statements from President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili and Parliament Speaker Irakli Kobakhidze on the need for legislative amendments related to defamation, need clear explanations.
The NGO sector says many years of effort from society have resulted in the current legislation setting a high standard of freedom of expression and it has always been considered a great achievement of Georgian democracy.
“High ranking officials have made numerous statements about the legislative amendments regarding defamation…The current law on Freedom of Speech and Expression involves civil legal liability for defamation of both public figures and private persons. Consequently, any person can appeal to the Court to protect his/her violated rights, honor and dignity,” the coalition statement reads.
The NGOs believe that any legislative changes in this direction will worsen the current standards of freedom of expression and will threaten the country's democratic development.
The Parliament Speaker stated this weekend that there is a problem of defamation in the country, adding discussions are necessary to introduce measures to solve the issue.
“Defamation and verbal abuse are common nowadays in the TV space and social networks. This has unfortunately become a part of daily life, which is improper for the Georgian culture," he said, adding “the issue necessitates the adoption of some measures which will be in line with the freedom of expression and speech.”
Before Kobakhidze, the President of Georgia stated that the country needs an anti-defamation law.
"Media has its rules and people are more protected there. But it is difficult when dealing with social networks. The processes there are sometimes anonymous, sometimes orchestrated by other countries, and I think it necessary to consider this,” Zurabishvili stated during a press-conference on Friday.
The opposition believes the move from the ruling officials is “alarming” and might result in a restriction of freedom of expression and speech.
Member of the opposition United National Movement (UNM) Zaal Udumashvili says the President has to be the guarantor of freedom of expression in the country.
“However, we see that Zurabishvili, along with the ruling party, is attacking free media and today, as six years ago, Georgian Dream believes its main enemy is freedom of speech,” Udumashvili stressed.
Zurab Chiaberashvili, from the parliamentary minority European Georgia, says GD wants to change the legislation in a way to “silence critical voices.”
“It is impossible to implement such regulations which will not contradict the Constitution or our international obligations,” he said.
The ruling party has not yet specified when or what kind of changes are planned in this direction. However, Leader of the Parliamentary Majority Archil Talakvadze has confirmed that discussions will be held on the issue.
“If we adopt any regulations in this field, we will make sure that freedom of expression and speech stays at the same high level as it is currently,” he said.
By Thea Morrison
Image source: conatusnews.com