Ruska Mchedlidze, a member of the political party “Akhali” and civic activist reported on social media that administrative proceedings have been initiated against her in connection with a comment posted on Facebook. As established, the complainant is Nino Jgharkava, a propagandist closely associated with the “Georgian Dream” party, who filed a complaint regarding a post written about her. In the post, Ruska Mchedlidze referred to Nino Jgharkava as a person allegedly engaged in an informal romantic relationship with the father of former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili.

Administrative proceedings against Ruska Mchedlidze have been initiated under Article 166 of the Code of Administrative Offences (petty hooliganism — use of obscene language in a public space, insulting or offensive conduct toward citizens, or other similar actions that violate public order and/or disturb public peace). The cited provision provides for a sanction in the form of a fine ranging from 500 to 3,000 GEL or administrative detention for a period of up to 20 days. A court hearing in the case is scheduled for 28 January.

This is not the first instance in which a civil activist has faced legal action in connection with content published on social media. In early January, activist Tako Gvilia faced administrative proceedings following a complaint filed by an officer of the Zugdidi Patrol Police in relation to a post published on a social network.