During the second reading of the “Grants Law” at the Legal Affairs Committee of the Georgian Dream parliamentary faction, it was revealed that the Criminal Code will include provisions related to non-recognition of the authorities. The planned amendments pose a threat to freedom of expression and media activity.

According to the initiative:

• In Article 53 of the Criminal Code (General Principles for Sentencing), committing a crime motivated by non-recognition of Georgia’s constitutional order or constitutional bodies is defined as an aggravating circumstance.
• A new Article 316ᵖʳⁱᵐᵃ is being added to the Code—“Extremism Against Georgia’s Constitutional Order.” The article establishes liability for systematic and public calls for mass violations of the law, mass disobedience toward state authorities, or the creation of alternative bodies. Sanctions include up to 3 years of imprisonment, fines, or community service. For legal entities, sanctions may include liquidation and/or fines.
• The amendments are also planned for the Code of Administrative Offenses, where committing an offense motivated by non-recognition of the Constitution or constitutional bodies will be considered an aggravating circumstance. According to clarifications, this approach may be applied to a broad range of actions.

These amendments represent a continuation of a series of repressive laws initiated by Georgian Dream over the past two years, which, according to local and international experts, affect, among other things, media freedom.