CSOs and Media Success

The draft law endangering freedom of speech will not be discussed

 On June 30, 2003 civil society leaders and mass media representatives met with Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze to discuss the draft law on “Changes and Amendments to the Criminal Code of Georgia” submitted by MP Revaz Arveladze, which toughens slander and libel clauses of the criminal code.

After the protest of the CSOs and mass media regarding the draft law adopted by the Parliament with the first hearing, the Parliamentary Chairperson and MP Revaz Arveladze, which also attended the meeting, agreed not to discuss the document in the Parliament with the second and third hearings.

The CSO representatives claimed that the draft law approved by the Parliament with the first hearing on June 6, 2003 endangers freedom of expression in Georgia. (For additional information please visit: “Freedom of Speech under Attack” )