The News in Brief
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Prepared by Messenger Staff
Personal Data Protection Service Not Addressing Voter ID Confiscation Due to Jurisdiction Limits
The Personal Data Protection Service has responded to reports regarding the confiscation of identity documents from voters during the election period. Following information disseminated by the media outlet Batumelebi, the agency has begun investigating the claims about the handling of voters' personal data.
On October 15, Batumelebi reported based on information provided by a whistleblower. that the ruling party, Georgian Dream, was processing special category personal data of tens of thousands of individuals at its party offices in the lead-up to the elections,
The Personal Data Protection Service clarified that while the confiscation of identity documents is likely a violation covered under the Criminal Code, addressing such actions falls outside the agency's jurisdiction. Instead, it is the responsibility of law enforcement authorities to respond to these incidents.
According to the agency, it is examining several alleged violations of the personal data protection laws in relation to the reported practices.
Helsinki Commission Urges Support for Georgian Democracy as MEGOBARI Act Awaits House Vote
The U.S. Helsinki Commission recently emphasized the strong friendship between the U.S. and Georgia on X, highlighting their bipartisan efforts to support democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Georgia. They stressed the need to continue backing the Georgian people's efforts toward Euro-Atlantic integration while the MEGOBARI Act awaits a final vote.
"In Georgian, megobari means friend. In May, recognizing the friendship between the United States and the Georgian people, Helsinki Commissioners introduced the MEGOBARI Act, a bipartisan bill to bolster democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Georgia.
While the bill awaits a final vote on the House floor, we must continue to support the Georgian people's efforts to defend their democracy and pursue their chosen path towards Euro-Atlantic integration," reads the statement.
Personal Data Protection Service Not Addressing Voter ID Confiscation Due to Jurisdiction Limits
On October 15, Batumelebi reported based on information provided by a whistleblower. that the ruling party, Georgian Dream, was processing special category personal data of tens of thousands of individuals at its party offices in the lead-up to the elections,
The Personal Data Protection Service clarified that while the confiscation of identity documents is likely a violation covered under the Criminal Code, addressing such actions falls outside the agency's jurisdiction. Instead, it is the responsibility of law enforcement authorities to respond to these incidents.
According to the agency, it is examining several alleged violations of the personal data protection laws in relation to the reported practices.
Helsinki Commission Urges Support for Georgian Democracy as MEGOBARI Act Awaits House Vote
"In Georgian, megobari means friend. In May, recognizing the friendship between the United States and the Georgian people, Helsinki Commissioners introduced the MEGOBARI Act, a bipartisan bill to bolster democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Georgia.
While the bill awaits a final vote on the House floor, we must continue to support the Georgian people's efforts to defend their democracy and pursue their chosen path towards Euro-Atlantic integration," reads the statement.