**Georgian Government Cracks Down on Social Media Critics**
The Georgian government has come under fire for fining multiple critics, including opposition politicians, journalists, and activists, for Facebook posts that the court deemed “insults” to ruling party MPs. The cases have sparked fears of “mass censorship.”
A complaint filed by the Georgian Dream (GD) parliamentary faction with the Interior Ministry led to a series of fines being issued by the Tbilisi City Court. The court found the critics guilty of insulting public officials, which became an administrative offense under a controversial legislative amendment passed in February.
The law allows for a fine or up to 45 days of detention as punishment. However, GD lawmakers predicted that no one would be arrested. Instead, fines ranging from GEL 3,000 to GEL 4,000 (approximately USD 1,100 to USD 1,500) were imposed on the critics.
**Critics Targeted**
Some of those fined include journalist Dea Mamiseishvili, who was ordered to pay GEL 3,000 for calling a GD MP a “bastard” and “scum.” TV Pirveli anchor Ekaterine Mishveladze was fined GEL 4,000 for sharing a photo with an insult written on the wall of an MP’s apartment block. Activist Mariam Geguchadze was fined GEL 3,000 for calling another MP “shameful,” “immoral,” and other derogatory terms.
Opposition politicians Aleko Elisashvili and Tamar Chergoleishvili were also given fines of GEL 4,000 each. Elisashvili called a GD MP “repulsive biomass” in a Facebook post, while Chergoleishvili was found guilty of insulting two other MPs.
**Backlash**
The fines have only fueled social media ridicule of the GD politicians involved. Many users have shared memes featuring their photos with derogatory labels, such as calling one MP a “slave.”
Critics argue that the government is using these cases to stifle free speech and silence critics. The situation has sparked concerns about the erosion of democratic freedoms in Georgia.
**What’s Next?**
Several other individuals, including TV personalities and politicians from opposition parties, are awaiting rulings in their cases. The investigation into alleged interference with a journalist’s work at POSTV is ongoing.
The GD government’s actions have been met with widespread criticism and ridicule on social media. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this will impact the country’s already fragile democratic landscape.
Read More @ civil.ge
