Parliament official emphasises necessity of reintroduction of treason clause in criminal code

Givi Mikanadze, the Chair of the Parliament’s Committee on Education, Science and Youth Affairs, on Tuesday emphasised the necessity of reintroducing the treason clause in the Criminal Code, arguing that its absence had allowed certain individuals to act against their own country without legal consequences.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Mikanadze noted that the removal of the clause in 2007 had created a legal gap that some had exploited.

“The reinstatement of this clause has become part of the political agenda. The previous Government, through the then-parliament, abolished this clause and removed it from the Criminal Code. However, the events of recent years have made it clear that certain individuals exploit the absence of this clause and act against their own country”, Mikanadze said.

“A specific investigation has been launched based on a complaint submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office by an organisation. The investigation concerns matters related to the country's constitutional order and its fundamental principles”, he continued.

The Parliament official further noted that the new amendment would not introduce new penalties but would clarify existing legal provisions regarding national security threats.

“Once this clause is reinstated in the Criminal Code, it will not introduce any new sanctions but will retain the same meaning as before its abolition. However, it will reference other criminal provisions that primarily focus on crimes against the constitutional order and national security”, Mikanadze concluded.

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Executive Secretary of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Monday said the treason clause, which was removed from the Criminal Code by the previous Government in April 2007 -shortly before the August war - would be reinstated. The ruling party is set to begin discussions on the matter in the Parliament this week.