TBILISI, GEORGIA (HRNW) — Human Rights Watch has warned that Georgian authorities are increasingly using broad administrative offences to jail or heavily fine people over online speech, raising concerns about freedom of expression and civic space.
In a September 18 statement, Human Rights Watch said authorities are applying vague legal provisions against people for online expression and criticism.
The organization said the use of administrative penalties, including imprisonment and significant fines, is creating additional pressure on people who express dissenting views through social media and other online platforms.
Human Rights Watch argued that laws restricting expression should meet international human-rights standards and should not be used to punish legitimate criticism or peaceful political speech.
The organization has raised wider concerns about the shrinking space for civil society and public debate in Georgia amid political tensions and prolonged protests.
The latest warning focuses specifically on online speech, an increasingly important arena for political discussion, journalism, activism and public participation.
Human Rights Watch said Georgian authorities should ensure that people are not imprisoned simply for expressing views online and should review the legal provisions being used against critics.
The organization also called for restrictions on freedom of expression to comply with requirements of legality, necessity and proportionality under international human-rights law.
The issue has implications for journalists, activists, opposition supporters and ordinary social-media users who rely on online platforms to discuss public affairs.
Human Rights Watch’s intervention adds to international scrutiny of Georgia’s treatment of dissent and freedom of expression.
The organization said authorities should protect, rather than restrict, the ability of people to participate in public debate and criticize government policies without facing disproportionate punishment.
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Disclaimer
This article is based on Human Rights Watch’s September 18, 2026 assessment of freedom of expression in Georgia. HRNW attributes legal and rights concerns to Human Rights Watch and does not independently determine the legality of individual cases.
