Prepared by Messenger Staff
Helsinki Commission Briefing on Georgia Postponed
The Helsinki Commission has postponed its planned briefing on the situation in Georgia due to weather conditions. The briefing, titled "Georgian Dream's Growing Suppression of Dissent," had been scheduled for January 28 at 11:00 p.m. Tbilisi time.
Georgian Dream Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili questioned the stated reason and criticized the invitation of Laura Thornton as a witness.
"When President Trump's enemy, Laura Thornton, who has called him a sexual abuser, is invited to testify, the Helsinki Commission is discrediting itself," Papuashvili said.
Levan Makhashvili, chairman of the parliamentary Committee on European Integration, welcomed the postponement, saying it had no negative impact on Georgia.
"I can't say what the real reason was, but nothing was lost or added for the state," Makhashvili said. "This does not help reset relations. We are glad the hearing was postponed and hope such hearings will not take place at all."
Georgian Dream Plans to Criminalize External Lobbying
External lobbying will become a criminal offense under a legislative package planned by the Georgian Dream parliamentary majority.
The proposed amendments would introduce criminal liability for the direct or indirect transfer of money, securities, property, or other benefits to a foreign citizen or legal entity in exchange for carrying out activities on political issues related to Georgia. Violations would be punishable by a fine, 300 to 500 hours of community service, or imprisonment of up to six years.
Georgian Dream faction chair Irakli Kirtskhalia announced the changes at a briefing following a majority meeting.
"Criminal liability is being established for violation of the rules set by the Law on Grants," Kirtskhalia said. "The relevant violation will result in a fine, community service for a term of 300 to 500 hours, or imprisonment for a term of up to six years."
The draft legislation also introduces an aggravating circumstance to Article 194 of the Criminal Code. According to Kirtskhalia, money laundering carried out for activities related to Georgia's political processes would carry a prison sentence of nine to 12 years.
"An aggravating circumstance is added to Article 194 of the Criminal Code, namely, money laundering for the purpose of carrying out activities on political issues of Georgia," he said.
In addition, the amendments would impose criminal liability on senior officials of political parties who violate the Organic Law on Political Unions of Citizens by accepting foreign funding.
