U.S. Embassy Raises Concerns Over Georgia's Hate Speech Unit
By Messenger Staff
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
The U.S. Embassy in Georgia has expressed concern over the Georgian government's newly established Hate Speech Counterintelligence Unit, saying the United States considers freedom of speech a fundamental principle of a functioning society and opposes censorship.
The embassy made the comments in a written response to questions from RFE/RL, which sought its assessment of recent developments involving freedom of expression, media freedom and the treatment of government critics in Georgia.
RFE/RL contacted the embassy on July 22 after journalist Vakho Sanaia was sentenced to 15 days in detention over a Facebook post containing insulting remarks about ruling Georgian Dream politicians, including Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili and MP Lado Bozhadze.
The outlet also pointed to the work of the Interior Ministry's Hate Speech Department, noting that it has handled dozens of cases involving social media posts and comments. According to RFE/RL, citizens have been fined over online content, and Georgian courts are hearing such cases on an almost daily basis.
In its questions, RFE/RL asked the embassy to comment on Sanaia's detention and to assess the state of freedom of speech, media freedom and the government's treatment of its critics. The outlet also referred to repeated criticism by the United States of restrictions on free expression in some European countries and asked how Washington views the situation in Georgia.
Responding in a letter dated July 28, a U.S. Embassy spokesperson said the Trump administration regards free speech as essential to a democratic society.
"The Trump Administration has made it clear that the United States considers freedom of speech to be a fundamental foundation of a functioning society, and we strongly oppose censorship and restrictive laws that are used to silence the voices of those with unpopular views," the spokesperson said.
The embassy said it has communicated that position directly to Georgian officials.
"As we have shared with our Georgian partners, stability requires a political opposition that engages with state institutions on behalf of the citizens who voted for them. Political stability, supported by a broad representation of views, is part of what makes Georgia a reliable partner for American investment, security cooperation, and long-term strategic partnerships," the spokesperson said.
Addressing Georgian Dream government's new hate speech body, the embassy said it was concerned by its creation.
"We are concerned about the Georgian government's hate speech department. The best response to lies and misinformation is greater freedom of speech, not enforced silence," the spokesperson said.
