**Changes to Defamation Laws in Georgia: What You Need to Know**
The Georgian government has proposed significant changes to the country’s defamation laws, which could have far-reaching consequences for freedom of speech and expression. The amendments aim to strike a better balance between protecting individuals from false information and ensuring that people can express themselves freely.
**New Rules for Defamation Cases**
One of the key changes is the introduction of a new 100-day statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit over defamation. This means that if someone publishes false information about you, you will have 100 days to file a lawsuit before the window closes. If no lawsuit was filed previously, it can now be filed under the updated regulation.
**Shift in Burden of Proof**
In cases where a person claims to have suffered moral or reputational damage, the burden of proof will shift from the plaintiff (the person who was defamed) to the defendant (the person who published the false information). This means that the person accused of defamation will have to prove that their statement did not contain a materially false fact.
**Other Changes**
The proposed changes also include:
* Eliminating provisions that protected freedom of expression in cases where private life or personal data were involved
* Removing the qualified privilege for defamation, which granted protection to individuals who made statements containing materially false facts
* Shortening deadlines for defamation case procedures
**What Does This Mean for Georgia?**
These amendments could significantly shift the legal landscape around freedom of expression and defamation in Georgia. While they aim to protect individuals from false information, they also increase the legal risk for speakers and media outlets. As a result, people may be more cautious when expressing themselves online or in public spaces.
**What’s Next?**
The proposed changes have been presented to MPs during a plenary session, but it remains to be seen how the law will ultimately evolve.
