Public statement and assessment of Merab Ghoghoberidze, Head of the Georgian Anti-Corruption Information Center, non-governmental organization
The statement focuses on recent public remarks related to journalist Vakho Sanaia and the need for their legal assessment.
According to the author, five years ago, three young men were detained in connection with an incident involving an insult against journalist Vakho Sanaia, and they spent several months in custody. Today, however, Vakho Sanaia himself has publicly used insulting and obscene expressions toward public officials.
Principle of Equality Before the Law
The statement notes that the rule of law means that every citizen is equal before the law.
According to the author’s assessment, the profession of journalism does not constitute an indulgence, does not grant a person immunity, and cannot serve as grounds for exemption from legal responsibility.
Legal Assessment Must Be Equal and Objective
According to the statement, if citizens were severely punished in the past for similar conduct, then today’s legal assessment must also be equal and objective.
The author emphasizes that such an assessment should not depend on who the specific person is — an ordinary citizen, journalist, politician, or any other public figure.
Freedom of Speech and Responsibility
In a democratic state, freedom of speech is protected; however, the statement notes that it does not imply the right to insult, use hate speech, or violate the law.
According to the author’s assessment, the law must apply equally to everyone and there must be no double standards.
Call for a Comprehensive Legal Assessment
The author of the statement believes that such facts require a comprehensive legal assessment.
According to the author, journalism is not a shield and does not mean immunity. Everyone is equal before the law, and if the law provides for responsibility, it must apply equally to everyone.
Inadmissibility of Double Standards
The statement emphasizes that legal responsibility must be determined objectively, in accordance with the principle of equality and without any double standards.