**Law on Freedom of Speech and Expression: A Misstep in Protecting Opinion?**
In a recent development, the Georgian Dream MP Davit Matikashvili has confirmed that an article related to freedom of opinion and call remains unchanged in the Law “On Freedom of Speech and Expression.” This decision has raised concerns among lawmakers and citizens alike.
According to Matikashvili, there were some minor technical inaccuracies during the second reading of the draft law. However, despite these corrections, the article on privileges for defamation was removed, while the fourth article concerning freedom of opinion and expression was left intact. This means that opinions are protected by absolute privilege, while calls are protected by qualified privilege.
**The Concerns Raised**
During a plenary session, MP Viktor Japaridze raised questions about the implications of this decision. He pointed out that the language used in the article could be exploited to silence individuals who express dissenting opinions or make critical calls. Japaridze warned that this could have serious consequences for freedom of speech and expression.
In response to Japaridze’s concerns, Matikashvili promised to remove the article from the law. However, many are left wondering what impact this decision will have on the country’s democratic landscape.
**A Deeper Look**
This development highlights a broader issue in Georgia’s efforts to protect freedom of speech and expression. While the government has made strides in promoting democracy, there are still gaps in the laws that protect citizens’ rights to express themselves freely. The retention of this article raises questions about whether opinions can truly be protected by absolute privilege.
As Japaridze pointed out, the language used in the article could be misused to silence critics or suppress dissenting voices. This has serious implications for a country that is still working to consolidate its democratic gains.
**What’s Next?**
The fate of this article remains uncertain. Will it be removed from the law as promised by Matikashvili, or will it continue to pose a risk to freedom of speech and expression in Georgia? Only time will tell.
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