The Legal Issues Committee discussed for the I reading the Draft Criminal Code, envisaging criminal liability for treason.

Pursuant to the Draft Law, a new Article 307¹ is being introduced to the Code, regulating criminal liability for treason.

In accordance with the established norms, treason encompasses the activities committed by Georgian citizens or stateless individuals, including:

Violating the territorial integrity of Georgia
- Negotiating or concluding anti-constitutional treaties
- Violating Georgia’s foreign security
- Engaging in the intelligence services of a foreign nation
- Compromising Georgia’s defense capabilities
- Leaking state secrets
- Conspiring or inciting riots to alter Georgia’s constitutional framework
- Sabotaging Georgia’s infrastructure or providing assistance to foreign countries, international organizations, or foreign-controlled entities involved in hostile activities.

As one of the initiators, Rati Ionatamishvili, has indicated, these provisions extend beyond mere legal amendments and are being introduced as a new Article within the Code.

“This constitutes a fundamental defense of the nation—the decision that determines the trajectory of Georgia for future generations. Treason stands as the most grave crime not only within the legal framework but also in terms of morality and history. Treason erodes the trust between the country and its citizens, undermining the very foundations upon which we construct our present and future. Treason is not a crime committed by a single individual but rather an affront to the entire society, including our historical heroes and the generations to come. Therefore, our duty is to make decisions that not only align with the current political reality but also ensure the establishment of the most robust guarantees and enduring state interests. We engage in extensive discussions about treason due to the pervasive fallacy that has been exploited by certain individuals, with grave consequences”, - he stated.

According to him, in 2007, Mikheil Saakashvili’s Government removed the article on treason from the Code.

As the reporter underlined, the formulation of “treason” is in strict compliance with the formulation introduced by the First President, Zviad Gamsakhrdia to the Code back in 1991.

The Draft is authored and initiated by members of the Faction “Georgian Dream” and the Political Group “People’s Power”.