Religious Activities Interference Defense in Georgia | Legal.ge

InterferencewithReligiousActivities

What counts as interfering with a religious rite?

Any illegal act (violence, threats, blocking access) that makes it impossible or hinders the performance of divine services counts as interference.

What is the penalty for this crime?

Under Article 155 of the Criminal Code, penalties range from fines to imprisonment for up to two years, and up to five years in aggravated circumstances.

Is a property dispute considered religious persecution?

If the dispute is solely about property (e.g., land borders) and not ritual performance, it is civil. However, these issues are often conflated.

How can I defend myself against false accusations?

You need a lawyer to gather evidence (video, witnesses) proving that your actions were not aimed against the religious ritual.

Introduction: Protecting Freedom of Worship
Freedom of belief and confession is a fundamental right recognized by the Constitution of Georgia. The realization of this right implies the ability to perform religious rituals, customs, and services without hindrance. The law strictly protects this process and imposes criminal liability on any person who illegally interferes with divine services or other religious rites. Interference with religious activities can manifest in creating physical barriers, threats, or violent disruption of rituals. This service covers both the defense of the accused and the representation of the interests of religious organizations and believers whose rights have been violated. Qualified legal assistance ensures that conflicts arising on religious grounds are resolved within a legal framework.

What Does This Service Cover?
Legal services cover all stages of a criminal case and include:

Victim Representation: Assisting in filing a police report, obtaining victim status, and monitoring the investigation process to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
Defense of the Accused: Defending individuals charged with interfering with religious rituals. Often, such charges stem from property disputes or domestic conflicts rather than religious motives.
Evidence Gathering: Obtaining video footage, witness testimonies, and other evidence to establish the factual circumstances of the incident.
Consulting Religious Organizations: Developing preventive measures to ensure the safety of religious services.
Preparing Civil Lawsuits: Demanding compensation for moral and material damage parallel to the criminal process.

Common Situations and Scenarios
Interference with religious activities often manifests in the following forms:

Disruption of Prayer: A group of people storms into a place of worship (church, mosque, synagogue) and stops the service through noise or violence.
Blocking Access: Believers are physically prevented from entering a place of worship, entrances are blocked, or they are threatened.
Damage to Religious Buildings: Vandalism against religious objects, making it impossible to conduct rituals.
Interference with Funerals: Conflicts at cemeteries based on religious affiliation, where the deceased''s family is prevented from performing burial rites.

Georgian Legal Framework
The act is qualified under Article 155 of the "Criminal Code of Georgia" (Illegal interference with the performance of divine services or other religious rites). This article provides for liability for interference committed by violence or threat of violence, or by insulting the religious feelings of a believer or a clergyman. Punishment is aggravated if the act is committed by a group or using official position. Also important are Article 16 of the "Constitution of Georgia" (Freedom of belief, confession, and conscience) and the Law of Georgia "On the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination".

Step-by-Step Process
1. Recording the Incident: Calling the police and inspecting the scene.
2. Investigation: Law enforcement interviews witnesses, clergy, and collects video evidence.
3. Indictment: The prosecution assesses whether the interference was intentional and had a religious motive.
4. Court Process: The trial where the lawyer defends the client''s (accused or victim) position.
5. Verdict and Damages: The court decides on the punishment and resolves the issue of compensation for damages.

Why Choose a Specialist on Legal.ge?
Religious disputes require special sensitivity and legal precision. Lawyers listed on Legal.ge are experts who understand both the nuances of criminal law and standards of religious freedom. They will help you move the conflict into a legal framework and restore justice. Find a trusted lawyer on Legal.ge.