Journalists, politicians, and activists summoned to court for 'insulting' ruling GD MPs in social media

Georgian journalists, politicians, and civil society activists have been summoned to Tbilisi City Court. According to their social media posts, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has drawn up administrative violation reports against them because of their Facebook statuses and is seeking to fine them. They report that they are being summoned to court for allegedly insulting ruling Georgian Dream party MPs. The cases concern opinions they expressed about these politicians.

Court hearings for the following individuals are scheduled for tomorrow:

- Nanuka Zhorzholiani, journalist

- Vakho Sanaia, journalist

- Vika Bukia, journalist

- Eka Mishveladze, journalist

- Misha Mshvildadze, journalist

- Tamar Chergoleishvili, politician

- Levan Khabeishvili, politician

- Elene Khoshtaria, politician

- Aleko Elisashvili, politician

- Ana Subeliani, activist

- Baia Pataraia, activist

- David Katsarava, activist

- Giorgi Kadagidze, activist

Journalist and TV host Nanuka Zhorzholiani said that Georgian Dream MP Mariam Lashkhi sued her over a Facebook post in which she referred to Lashkhi as a “slave.”

Activist Ana Subeliani reported that she is facing charges for sharing a video on Facebook that described Georgian Dream MP Nino Tsilosani as a “vile scoundrel.”

Georgian Dream leader Irakli Kirkhalia announced on June 6 that the party would sue anyone who insults, threatens, or bullies its members, without specifying names at the time. “Hate speech — whether it’s orchestrated insults, targeted campaigns, or incitement of political violence — cannot be part of Georgian politics. Foreign-funded extremists do not shy away from vile insults, threats, bullying, or insulting family members and loved ones. This has become so widespread and systematic that responding to this terror is not just our right, it is our duty,” Kirkhalia said.