**Parliament’s Investigative Commission: No Criminal Charges for Not Attending**
The Young Lawyers Association of Georgia (GYLA) has issued a statement regarding the ongoing criminal cases related to the legitimacy of the temporary investigative commission of parliament. According to GYLA, failing to appear before this commission cannot be considered a criminal offense.
**A Delicate Balance Between Laws**
GYLA points out that the law provides for sanctions in both the Code of Administrative Offenses and the Criminal Code for not complying with the request of the temporary investigative commission. This means that one and the same action can be treated as either an administrative or a criminal offense, depending on the interpretation.
**Prioritizing Personal Freedom**
Since the law does not specify which sanction takes precedence in cases where the two laws are equally applicable, GYLA advises considering the issue in accordance with Georgia’s Constitution and international standards. In such situations, it is essential to apply the norm that is less restrictive of personal freedom. This principle, known as “In dubio pro libertate,” suggests that doubts should be resolved in favor of liberty.
**What Does this Mean?**
In practical terms, GYLA’s statement suggests that not attending a summons from parliament’s temporary investigative commission may not result in criminal charges. However, the association emphasizes the need for careful consideration of the law and its implications on individual freedoms.
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