I was deeply saddened to learn about the decision of the Kutaisi Court of Appeal, according to which the court did not consider the use of the word “dog” in reference to a police officer to be an insult.
As an ordinary citizen, the head of the non-governmental organization “Georgia – Information Center for Combating Corruption,” and a human rights defender, I believe that such a decision damages not only the dignity and authority of an individual police officer, but also the dignity and authority of the Georgian police uniform as a whole.
Respect for the Police Profession
It is completely unacceptable to me to refer in such a manner to people who, day and night, 24 hours a day, protect our country, public order, and the safety of each citizen at the risk of their own lives and health.
There are thousands of honorable police officers in Georgia who serve their homeland honestly and do not deserve such treatment.
Insulting Attitudes and Public Culture
I believe that when a person refers to a police officer as a “dog,” it primarily reflects that person’s upbringing, values, and culture, rather than the police officer being insulted.
Attitudes toward representatives of state institutions are an important part of public culture. Criticism is possible and necessary, but it must not turn into an insult to dignity or the discrediting of an institution.
Personal Attitude Toward the Police Uniform
This issue is especially painful for my family. My father, Ioseb Ghoghoberidze, was a captain of the Georgian police who served our region honorably for 25 years.
He is no longer alive today, but his name, dignity, and respect for the police uniform remain just as important to me as they were during his lifetime. That is why I will always defend the uniform he wore with dignity for many years.
Criticism and Insulting an Institution Must Be Distinguished
Yes, I have repeatedly criticized the unlawful actions of specific police officers, appealed to the relevant agencies, and publicly expressed my position. I have also personally faced many injustices.
But this has never become a reason for me to insult the entire police institution or its representatives.
Freedom of Expression and Responsibility
Freedom of expression is one of the fundamental rights of democracy; however, it must not become a means of justifying insults to the dignity of state institutions and their representatives.
Free speech also implies responsibility, especially when it concerns people who work every day to protect public order and the safety of citizens.
The Need to Explain the Court’s Decision
I believe the judge should publicly explain the legal grounds for this decision.
If this decision has made thousands of honorable police officers feel insulted, it would be appropriate to express proper respect toward them and provide an explanation.
The Police Uniform as a Symbol of the State
The police uniform is not merely clothing — it is a symbol of the dignity of the state, the law, order, and the safety of citizens.
Respect for it also means respect for the Georgian state.