Georgian politicians have adopted a bill that makes it illegal to deface the flags of the EU, NATO, and their member states, half a year after far-right activists tore down a European Union flag during a rally against gay rights.
The approved legislation also introduces criminal liability for the desecration of any symbols linked to the organizations, as well as all other states with which Georgia has diplomatic relations, and could see offenders fined 1,000 GEL ($323).
Georgia is not a member of NATO or the EU, but its political elites have signaled aspirations for integration with both organizations.
“Such fines are common for most European countries. We think these changes will be a preventive measure against such an unfortunate incident that occurred in July. We believe this is a progressive step,” said Nikoloz Samkharadze, one of the authors of the bill.