RT.com
12 Jan 2022, 23:42 GMT+10
Repeat offenders could be sent to jail for disrespecting symbols of the Western organizations
Georgian politicians have adopted a bill that makes it illegal to deface the flags of the EU, NATO, and their member states, half a year after far-right activists tore down a European Union flag during a rally against gay rights.
The approved legislation also introduces criminal liability for the desecration of any symbols linked to the organizations, as well as all other states with which Georgia has diplomatic relations, and could see offenders fined 1,000 GEL ($323).
Georgia is not a member of NATO or the EU, but its political elites have signaled aspirations for integration with both organizations.
"Such fines are common for most European countries. We think these changes will be a preventive measure against such an unfortunate incident that occurred in July. We believe this is a progressive step," said Nikoloz Samkharadze, one of the authors of the bill.
In summer, a protest was held in Tbilisi against the city's annual Gay Pride parade, during which radicals attacked journalists and activists. They also tore down and burned the European Union flag that was hanging outside the parliament building. The event, called March for Dignity, saw a mob murder journalist Alexander Lashkarava, and caused outrage as thousands took to the streets to accuse the government of encouraging hate groups.
One of the responses to the scandal has been to stop Georgians from defacing symbols of the EU and NATO, as well as nations friendly to the country. From now on, in addition to being fined, a repeat offender could face time behind bars for defacing flags and symbols.
"Eighty percent of the Georgian population supports European integration; there is a very high respect for the EU in the country," Kakha Gogolashvili, the director of Georgia's pro-EU Rondeli Foundation think tank, told Euronews. "We must not allow radical groups to commit such aggressive actions against the symbols of the EU and NATO. It is important that the parliament passed this new law with multi-party support."
(RT.com)
Get a daily dose of Europe Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Europe Sun.
More InformationDHARAMSHALA, India: The Dalai Lama turned 90 on July 6, celebrated by thousands of followers in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala,...
ZAGREB, Croatia: A massive concert by popular Croatian singer Marko Perković, known by his stage name Thompson, has drawn widespread...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Elon Musk's entry into the political arena is drawing pushback from top U.S. officials and investors, as his decision...
CULVER CITY, California: TikTok is preparing to roll out a separate version of its app for U.S. users, as efforts to secure a sale...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump claimed he was unaware that the term shylock is regarded as antisemitic when he used it in...
PARIS, France: A strike by French air traffic controllers demanding improved working conditions caused significant disruptions during...
OTTAWA, Canada: With Canada Post struggling to maintain operations amid labour unrest, rivals like FedEx and UPS are stepping in to...
NEW YORK, New York - U.S. and global markets showed a mixed performance in Tuesday's trading session, with some indices edging higher...
PARIS, France: French military and intelligence officials have accused China of orchestrating a covert campaign to damage the reputation...
NEW DELHI, India: Birkenstock is stepping up its efforts to protect its iconic sandals in India, as local legal representatives conducted...
HONG KONG: China has fired back at the European Union in an escalating trade dispute by imposing new restrictions on medical device...
NEW YORK, New York - Monday's trading session saw mixed performances across U.S. and global markets, with several major indices posting...