With the amendments planned by the Georgian Dream, external lobbying will become punishable under criminal law.

In particular, with the legislative package developed by the parliamentary majority, the direct or indirect transfer of money, securities, other property, property benefits or any other advantage to a legal entity or a citizen of another state in exchange for carrying out activities on political issues related to Georgia will result in a fine, community service for a term of 300 to 500 hours, or imprisonment for a term of up to 6 years.

Irakli Kirtskhalia, the chairman of the Georgian Dream faction, made the above statement at the briefing held after the majority meeting.

“Criminal liability is being established for violation of the rules established by the Law on Grants. The relevant violation will result in a fine, community service for a term of 300 to 500 hours, or imprisonment for a term of up to 6 years.

An aggravating circumstance is added to Article 194 of the Criminal Code, namely, money laundering for the purpose of carrying out activities on political issues of Georgia will result in imprisonment for a term of 9 to 12 years.

The draft law will also impose criminal liability on a leading official of a political party who violates the Organic Law on Political Unions of Citizens, in particular, accepts foreign funding. This violation will result in a fine, community service for a term of 300 to 500 hours, or imprisonment for a term of up to 6 years.

External lobbying will become punishable under criminal law. In particular, the direct or indirect transfer of money, securities, other property, property benefits or any other advantage to a citizen or legal entity of another state in exchange for carrying out activities on political issues related to Georgia will result in a fine, community service for a term of 300 to 500 hours, or imprisonment for a term of up to 6 years,” Irakli Kirtskhalia said.