Prepared by Messenger Staff
Georgian Parliament Approves Stricter Drug Laws in First Reading
The Georgian Parliament has approved a legislative package initiated by the Georgian Dream party that will impose stricter penalties for drug-related offenses, including those involving cannabis and marijuana. The bill passed in the first reading with 83 votes in favor.
The amendments span across eight different laws, including the Criminal Code, the Code of Administrative Offenses, and the Law on Organized Crime. The proposed changes increase prison sentences, expand the scope of drug-related crimes, and introduce new penalties for various offenses.
Under the new bill, penalties will be increased for the illegal manufacture, production, transportation, or transfer of narcotic and psychotropic substances, including their analogues, precursors, and new psychoactive substances. Marijuana and cannabis-related offenses will also face harsher punishments.
Additionally, administrative liability will be tightened for individuals found guilty of the illegal possession, transportation, or use of small quantities of drugs without a prescription. The penalties include:
• A fine ranging from 500 to 2,000 GEL
• Administrative imprisonment of up to 60 days
• Revocation of gun-related rights
• Suspension of a driver’s license for three years
The bill also introduces mandatory treatment for drug-addicted offenders, giving judges discretionary authority to impose rehabilitation as a form of criminal punishment.
The legislation provides a clear definition of drug trafficking and specifies who qualifies as a family member, close relative, or associate of a trafficker. It also determines which assets may be considered the property of a drug trafficker, paving the way for stricter enforcement and asset seizure.
The bill was proposed by Georgian Dream and People’s Power MPs and is expected to go through further readings before becoming law.
Parliament Approves Ban on Foreign Funding for Media in Second Reading
The Georgian Parliament has approved a bill in its second reading that prohibits television and radio organizations from receiving funding from “foreign powers.” The bill was passed with 83 votes in favor after an article-by-article discussion.
Under the new amendments to the Law on Broadcasting, media organizations will no longer be allowed to receive direct or indirect monetary or material benefits from foreign entities. The legislation introduces several key restrictions, including:
• A ban on direct or indirect funding from foreign powers, including monetary payments or other material benefits.
• A restriction on foreign-funded social advertising, preventing media outlets from accepting payments in exchange for airing such content.
• A prohibition on broadcasters receiving foreign financing for the production or airing of programs, except for commercial advertising and product placement.
The bill, backed by the Georgian Dream parliamentary majority, is set to undergo further readings before final adoption.
