Georgian Parliament official: state obliged to act proactively against hate speech

Davit Matikashvili, the chair of the committee on procedural issues and rules of the Georgian Parliament, on Tuesday voiced strong support for the interior ministry's decision to establish a specialised division dedicated to monitoring and legally responding to hate speech.

Matikashvili emphasised that the primary goal of this initiative is to ensure the effective enforcement of legislative regulations that are already in place.

“The state is obligated to take positive, proactive measures against the severe affliction known as the instigation of strife and abusive language, which we constantly see and hear across various broadcasts, social networks of propaganda parties, and television channels”, the official said.

“Legislation regarding this issue already exists, and the new department within the jurisdiction of the ministry of internal affairs will provide the necessary enforcement mechanisms”, he concluded.

The new division within the Interior ministry will primarily focus on the systematic monitoring of hate speech, offensive campaigns, and aggressive communication in the public sphere, as well as ensuring appropriate legal response.