Georgia to reconsider treason law

Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, has announced plans to reintroduce the treason article into the country’s Criminal Code, reviving a provision that was abolished in 2007.

The proposed legislation would criminalize acts such as espionage, disclosure of state secrets, and conspiracy, with penalties ranging from 10 to 15 years in prison, alongside property confiscation. The original law, introduced in 1991, was scrapped by the then-ruling United National Movement government.

Mamuka Mdinaradze, executive secretary of Georgian Dream, defended the decision, calling the 2007 repeal a mistake, particularly in light of the geopolitical tensions that preceded the August 2008 war with Russia.

The move has ignited debate both domestically and internationally. Supporters argue that reinstating the treason law is crucial for protecting national security and preventing threats to Georgia’s sovereignty. Critics, however, warn of potential misuse, raising concerns over political repression.

As the legislative process unfolds, the international community is closely watching how this decision could reshape Georgia’s legal and political landscape.

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