NEWS

Individuals defacing EU, NATO flags, symbols of int’l organisations to be fined

The bill was proposed on July 26 this year following the Tbilisi Pride events earlier that month, during which right-wing activists burned the EU flag in front of the Georgian parliament. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.

Agenda.ge, 31 Dec 2021 - 12:53, Tbilisi,Georgia

The Georgian parliament has adopted a bill which imposes a fine of 1,000 GEL (about $322/€285) for defacing the flags of the EU, NATO and countries with which Georgia has diplomatic relations, along with symbols of international organisations.

81 MPs supported the adoption of the law in its third and final reading out of the 150 member parliament yesterday.

New bill proposes punishment for defiling EU, NATO flags, other symbols

The bill was proposed on July 26 this year following the Tbilisi Pride events earlier that month, during which right-wing activists burned the EU flag in front of the Georgian parliament.

The changes to the administrative code of Georgia were proposed by former Parliament Speaker Kakha Kuchava, who resigned from the post on December 24, and several other opposition deputies.

According to the bill, individuals will be fined 1,000 GEL for the offence, while repeat action would be punishable by 2,000 GEL or a 15-day administrative imprisonment.

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