MPs to Stop Discussion of Controversial Amendments to Criminal Code

(Tbilisi, July 30, 2003, Civil Georgia) – The representatives of non-governmental organizations and mass media met today with Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze to discuss the draft law submitted by MP Revaz Arveladze, which toughens slander and libel clauses of the criminal code.

After the protest of the NGOs 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.

David Usupashvili, legal expert, says there is no need to enact the new regulations on slander and libel when there are the provisions in force, contained both in the criminal and civil codes of Georgia. 

The NGO representatives claimed that the draft law approved by the Parliament with the first hearing on June 6 endangers freedom of expression in Georgia.

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