Georgia: The Georgian State Security Service (SSS) arrested one citizen for false reporting about terrorism as a result of counter-terrorist activities.
According to the ongoing investigation by the State Security Service, the arrested person reported the existence of an explosive device in one of the major shopping malls of Batumi on May 6 this year.
According to the message received, the counter-terrorist units of the State Security Service conducted various special measures in accordance with the law and counter-terrorism protocol in the mentioned mall, which ruled out the existence of an explosive device at the place of a public gathering.
The Counter-Terrorist Center of the State Security Service is investigating under Article 331 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which provides for imprisonment from 3 to 6 years.
It is worth noting that an investigation by the State Security Service has identified dozens of false reports made at public gathering places, shopping malls, educational institutions, and international airports across the country at different periods.
It is important to note that the majority of these false reports originated from abroad. However, through the diligent efforts of the State Security Service, in collaboration with relevant international agencies, specific countries, emails, and IP addresses have been identified. This international cooperation is a testament to our commitment to identifying and bringing to justice those responsible for spreading fake news.
The Counter-Terrorist Center of the State Security Service continues investigating the facts mentioned in its active phase. At this stage, specific persons against whom operational search and investigation operations are being conducted are being identified.
In addition, we emphasize that the reaction of the State Security Service to the facts of false reports about terrorism will be quite strict.
Georgian State Security Service
The State Security Service of Georgia is a state intelligence agency under the government’s authority. It covers a broad spectrum of tasks to preserve national security in accordance with the state legislature and relevant laws.