Georgian police have begun persecuting activists for "hate speech" on social media.
Musician Maia Darsmelidze, known for her criticism of the ruling Georgian Dream party, announced that an administrative case has been opened against her. She received the corresponding notification on Thursday from the newly created department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which is responsible for monitoring "hate speech."
As reported by Caucasian Knot, on May 18, participants in pro-European protests on Rustaveli Avenue, on the 537th day of continuous protests protested against Georgian Dream's plan to create a special body to monitor public expression.
On the morning of May 18, State Minister for Coordination of Law Enforcement Agencies Mamuka Mdinaradze announced plans to create a special unit at a briefing. According to the official, the new unit will begin operations "as soon as possible" and will monitor all types and channels of public communication for incitement to hatred, hostility, insults, and "other similar actions," as reported by Pirveli TV.
Maya Darsmelidze herself announced the initiation of the administrative case on her Facebook page*. "Hooray, I cut the ribbon. The 'scrolling department' contacted me. Do you have plans for July 10th? 2:00 PM, City Court, Courtroom 41," she said, commenting on the notice she received, giving the time and place of the court hearing, according to Pirveli TV.
According to her, the complaint was filed with the police by an activist supporting the ruling party. The reason for the complaint was two screenshots of the musician's Facebook posts*, which allegedly contained offensive statements.
This is the first known instance of the new agency, which began operating on June 1st, being used, according to Newsgeorgia.
Government opponents and human rights activists have harshly criticized the initiative. They warned that the agency could become a "censorship mechanism" and serve as a tool for further restricting freedom of speech in the country. The opposition has ironically dubbed the new structure the "Scrolling and Screenshot Department."
In recent months, several government critics have already been fined and given administrative arrests for statements deemed "offensive" by courts against government officials. In February, the Georgian Dream-controlled parliament amended the law, making such insults, including on social media, an administrative offense.
Protesters in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners since November 28, 2024. Security forces have violently dispersed the protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and detained protesters. Thousands of people have been subjected to administrative prosecution during the protests. The "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a report, "The Main Thing About the Persecution of Protesters in Georgia".