Interior Ministry must ensure ‘swift and effective’ response to hate speech, PM

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday said the Interior Ministry has multiple mechanisms for obtaining information related to hate speech and that authorities must ensure rapid and effective responses to related offences.

Speaking at a briefing at the Government Administration on Tuesday, Kobakhidze said the ministry’s planned specialised unit would be able to gather information independently or launch cases based on publicly available information and reports provided by others.

“There are various mechanisms through which the Interior Ministry can receive information regarding hatred and the use of hate speech,” he said.

Kobakhidze added the relevant division within the ministry would be able to collect information itself, receive information from external sources or initiate proceedings on the basis of public information.

The prime minister also said that the legal framework and sanctions already existed, arguing that the key issue was ensuring the Interior Ministry unit operated systematically.

“The main thing is for the relevant Interior Ministry division to work systematically so that responses to violations are swift and effective,” he said.

The comments follow a government initiative announced by Vice Prime Minister Mamuka Mdinaradze to establish a special Interior Ministry unit responsible for monitoring hate speech, insulting campaigns and aggressive communication in public spaces.