Ruling party MPs highlight ‘rehabilitation-focused’ initiative for children under 14 in conflict with law

Georgia’s ruling party lawmakers on Thursday said their new legislative proposal targeting children under 14 who come into conflict with the law was aimed not at punishment but at rehabilitation, resocialization, and keeping minors on an educational path. 

Deputy Speaker Giorgi Kakhiani and Human Rights Committee Chair Rati Ionatamishvili emphasized that the initiative seeks to address rising juvenile offenses by creating a special legal framework centered on support services, education, and healthy development rather than criminalization.

Kakhiani said the proposal responded to the growing number of thefts and criminal incidents involving minors and aimed to ensure such children “receive help, not stigmatization,” while Ionatamishvili stressed that the goal was to guide them toward education and social integration as they reach adulthood.