The US Embassy in Georgia has expressed concern over the Georgian government’s newly established Hate Speech Department, saying that “more free speech, not enforced silence,” is the best response to falsehoods and misinformation.
The embassy made the statement in response to a question from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty regarding the detention of journalist Vakho Sanaia.
“We are concerned by the Georgian government’s Hate Speech Department. The best response to lies and mistaken views is more free speech, not enforced silence,” the embassy said.
The embassy added that the Trump administration has made clear that the United States considers freedom of speech to be a fundamental pillar of a functioning society and strongly opposes censorship and restrictive laws used to silence people with unpopular views.
“As we have shared with our Georgian partners, stability requires a political opposition that engages with state institutions on behalf of the citizens who elected them. Political stability, supported by broad representation of differing views, is among the factors that make Georgia a reliable partner for American investment, security cooperation and a long-term strategic partnership,” the statement said.
The embassy reiterated its concern over the creation of the Hate Speech Department, arguing that expanding freedom of expression, rather than restricting it, is the appropriate response to false or misleading speech.
