Rules of conduct in Georgian courts are becoming stricter

The Georgian Parliament will soon consider amendments to the law “On General Courts,” which tighten the rules of conduct for journalists and at court hearings.

Recent court hearings involving political leaders or protesters have been accompanied by clashes between bailiffs and supporters of the defendants, as well as offensive shouts directed at the judge.

Under the new rules, once the amendments come into force, any disrespect towards the judge, whether verbal or physical, during the hearing or in public, will be considered contempt of court and punishable by criminal law.

In addition, photography, video recording, and broadcasting from the courtroom, the courthouse, or its courtyard will be prohibited. Only the court itself or a person authorized by it will have the right to film.

Recording of court hearings will only be possible upon a justified request by the court.

In addition, the court, including the court of appeal, will have the right, based on the decision of the presiding judge, to transfer the hearing of the case to another court building or another courtroom for security reasons.

Reprinted from https://sputnik-georgia.ru/