Interior Minister: Georgian Drug Policy Is Partially Repressive
Georgia’s Interior Minister, Giorgi Gakharia, has admitted that the existing drug policy of the country is partially repressive, while giving an interview to Imedi TV on Sunday.
The minister noted that the policy needs some changes in order to make it more liberal, adding this does not mean that drugs will be de-criminalized or legalized in the country.
“In terms of making drug consumption less punishable, we can negotiate, but we need to take thorough and research-based steps,” he said.
Gakharia said that decision of the Constitutional Court, delivered in late November, which reads that marijuana consumption or regular use will no longer see criminal liability, has created some expectations in the country, that all kinds of drugs will be de-criminalized, adding this will not happen.
“One of the main proprieties of the Interior Ministry is fighting against drug crimes. We are going to make decisions over the issue with the active participation of society, and open discussions with all interested parties,” he said.
The Minister added that it is hard to define where the limit between the liberal approach and promotion of drug consumption lays.
Gakharia also commented on the December 22 protest rally, held by the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) White Noise Movement, who called on Parliament to adopt the already-initiated draft law which would mean people will not be imprisoned for personal consumptions of drugs.
The NGO said the drug policy should be transferred from a punitive to a caring one, which implies the creation of special services for drug addicts for their rehabilitation and re-socialization.
The protesters request to meet the representatives of the central government, claiming they have “substantiated and scientific arguments” on why the drug policy should be changed.
The NGO says they will continue even larger protest rallies until government makes a “sensible decision”.
By Thea Morrison
Photo: NGO White Noise Movement December 22 rally
Source: Netgazeti
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