Due to the recent incident of defacement of the holy matrona icon, the government has decided to introduce the amendment for the introduction of strict punishment. This is seen as a step to prevent the occurrence of further such incidents at religious places.
The Chair of the Legal Issues Committee, Anri Okhanashvili speaking specifically on the issue, said, “Our legal teams have decided to initiate soon the legal amendments on stricter criminal liability for the offence that is committed at the religious premises and items.
He said the issue of St. Trinity Cathedral forced the government to think about this seriously. On this occasion, he also said that “We have found the unchristian behaviour totally unacceptable for our society, implying the insult to any religion of any section of society. It is to be specifically mentioned that such anti-ecclesiastic and provocative steps are publicly approved and supported by the leaders of radical political groups rebelling against the church, which encourages other graver offences against religion.
Additionally, he said that “ I need to underline that such behavior and propaganda are insulting and truly revolting for any religion and its representatives. Thus, our positive duty is to ensure the due protection of freedom of confession safeguarded under the Constitution of Georgia to prevent insulting of any religion”.
He also said, “We have already started to scrutinise the issue, including international and especially the EU member states’ experience will also be discussed, the approaches of the Strasbourg Court will also be discussed. At the same time, we also intend to hold consultations and initiate respective legal amendments with all the stakeholders”.
He also added “moreover, as per the initial inquiry, we are fully aware that the offence at the religious premises is subject to criminal liability in many of the EU member states, which even includes detention, for instance, Germany, Austria, Poland, Greece, Italy, etc. We aspire to prevent the insult of our churches and cathedrals and the prompting of the enmity on a religious basis as well”.
