Harsher punishments for illegal eavesdropping

People who illegally eavesdrop on other citizens by implementing or listening to secret recordings will now face harsher penalties under new Georgian law.

Changes to Georgia’s Criminal Code mean people who are found guilty of executing or listening to secret recordings could face an increased sentence of between three and seven years imprisonment.

This was announced at the Government meeting today.

Changes will come into effect in three articles of the Code, Georgia’s Minister of Internal Affairs Alexandre Chikaidze announced after the meeting.

"In recent years, illegal eavesdropping and recording of personal and intimate life situations has taken place, which represents a gross violation of human rights. In this regard, the law penalized those responsible by up to three years imprisonment but after these changes, it will increase up to seven years," Chikaidze said.

The law should be equal for everyone Chikaidze added.

"If a person obtains private video or audio material and presents it to the police, that person will not be held responsible. However, if the person uses the private material for other reasons, it does not matter if this person is a law enforcement official or a representative of civil society, they will be punished accordingly,” the Minister claimed.