Religious Freedom in Georgia

Religious Freedom

Which acts are punishable in the religious sphere?

Unlawful interference with worship or another religious rite by violence or threat, and interference with the creation or activity of a political, public or religious association.

How severe are the sanctions?

For the basic composition — imprisonment up to 2 years; with the use of an official position — imprisonment up to 5 years, with or without deprivation of the right to hold office.

What must the prosecution prove?

The unlawfulness of the interference and its concrete form — violence, threat of violence, insult to religious feelings or the use of an official position.

What are the possible lines of defence?

Contesting the unlawfulness of the interference, the absence of violence or threat, the absence of an insult to religious feelings, and the absence of a connection with an official position.

5 min·9 Jan 2026

Criminal Law Protection of Religious Freedom

Religious freedom is protected by the Criminal Code of Georgia in two directions: unlawful interference with the performance of a religious rite is punished, and so is interference with the creation or the activity of a political, public or religious association. These norms protect both believers and ministers, and the religious associations themselves — including those still at the stage of formation. This page explains the elements of these norms, their sanctions, and the practical issues of defence from the standpoint of both the accused and the victim.