Vice PM Mdinaradze: Democratic state needs diversity of opinion and debate, yet minimum standards exist upon which society must agree

“A democratic state requires diversity of opinion and critical debate; at the same time, there exist minimum standards upon which society must agree, among them, mutual respect and the rejection of any form of communication that stokes hostility, animosity, social tension and extreme polarisation,” Georgia’s Vice Prime Minister and State Minister for the Coordination of Law Enforcement Agencies, Mamuka Mdinaradze, stated today at a briefing.

Mdinaradze further noted that the state is obliged to protect the public sphere from destructive and artificially deepened polarisation.

As the Vice Prime Minister observed, the special division, whose core function will be the systematic monitoring of hate speech, offensive campaigns and aggressive communication in the public sphere, along with the corresponding legal response, will ensure the establishment of standards and norms that strengthen social stability, mutual respect and responsible public discourse.

“Such practice is already in operation in several countries; we need only cite the examples of the United Kingdom, Germany, France and others, where state institutions actively protect the public sphere from hate speech and aggressive campaigns.

To leave no room for speculation, I wish to stress unequivocally that the purpose of this decision is not to restrict freedom of opinion and expression in any form whatsoever. The very foundation of a democratic state is free discussion and diversity of thought; however, this must not, in turn, become a justification for violent, offensive and socially divisive communication. A democratic state relies on a diversity of opinions and open, critical debate. However, there are fundamental standards that society must uphold, among them mutual respect and a rejection of communication that fuels hostility, animosity, social tension, and extreme polarisation.

As you are aware, we already have the relevant legislative framework adopted by Parliament; however, legislation alone is insufficient, and its effective and consistent enforcement is of fundamental importance. It is precisely for this reason that we are strengthening the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in response to the current challenges; the new division will ensure continuous monitoring and the effective application of the mechanisms provided for by law.

The state is obliged to protect the public sphere from destructive and artificially deepened polarisation. Accordingly, Georgia’s law enforcement system will ensure the establishment of standards and norms that strengthen social stability, mutual respect and responsible public communication,” said Mamuka Mdinaradze.