The Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia, Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, says a new department tasked with monitoring hate speech and “aggressive communication” in public spaces is expected to begin operating from June 1.
Speaking to Rustavi 2, Darakhvelidze stated that the unit will operate under the Human Rights Protection Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
“We believe that this department should function under the umbrella of the Human Rights Protection Department,” Darakhvelidze said. He noted that the unit’s main role will be to identify hate speech-related violations and provide “appropriate legal responses.”
The Deputy Minister stated that the ministry initially plans to staff the department using current employees selected from various units based on their experience, with additional recruitment to follow gradually.
Darakhvelidze said employees will undergo retraining and work according to newly developed manuals and training modules.
“I agree that this is a rather difficult issue,” he stated. “Quite in-depth and qualified knowledge is required to respond to such violations.”
He also explained how the department is expected to assess cases, saying authorities would examine whether offensive language was directed at a specific individual, whether it related to public duties, and whether it constituted criticism or a vulgar personal attack.
Darakhvelidze stated that courts would assess each case individually, including the context, location and impact on human dignity.
“There is no universal definition of hate speech,” he said, adding that the line is crossed when expressions become personal attacks against individuals rather than criticism of policies or public events.
On May 18, it was announced that the Ministry of Internal Affairs planned to establish a department to monitor “hate speech, offensive campaigns and aggressive communication” in public spaces and take legal action where necessary.
Related story:
Georgia’s MIA to create “systematic monitoring” department for public communication
