Abkhazian Parliament Rejects Stricter Defamation Penalties
The proposed draft law was criticised by the public and the opposition.
SUKHUM / AQW'A ― The Abkhazian Parliament has rejected proposed amendments aimed at intensifying penalties for defamation. The proposals, initiated by the President's administration, did not pass legislative scrutiny.
Additionally, the deputies did not support an alternative set of amendments to the Criminal Code introduced by Deputy Khutaba. It is important to note that Parliament had previously rejected amendments proposed by the prosecutor's office as well.
A notable incident marred the parliamentary session when Deputy Astamur Gerkhelia forcibly took a phone from Izida Chania, a journalist who was recording the proceedings. Despite protests from fellow legislators, Gerkhelia left the session with the device, which was subsequently returned, according to "Apsny Portal."
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Ruslan Khashig, the Chairman of the Union of Journalists of Abkhazia, has condemned the deputy's actions. In a statement, Khashig declared the act as unacceptable, arguing it interferes with the duties of an accredited journalist within the Parliament. He stressed the importance of respecting journalists’ rights to cover events unhindered, expressing hope that such incidents will not recur.
The full statement by Ruslan Khashig, the Chairman of the Union of Journalists of Abkhazia, is as follows:
On April 25, 2024, during a session of the People's Assembly – Parliament of the Republic of Abkhazia, Deputy Astamur Gerkhelia forcibly took a phone from journalist Izida Chania, who was filming the proceedings.
I consider such an action to be unacceptable as it hinders the work of an accredited journalist within the Parliament. I firmly believe that regardless of personal sentiments about the events, no one has the right to interfere with or obstruct the professional duties of journalists and camera operators.
I hope this incident will be an isolated case, with no similar occurrences in the future.
Ruslan Khashig,
Chairman, Union of Journalists of Abkhazia.