The governing organization Georgian Dream prepared further amendments limiting the anticipation of organising street gatherings. Under the fresh draft law, violation of the rules of protest will become a crime and can be punished with up to 2 years imprisonment.
According to the leader of the parliamentary majority of Iraq Kircchalia, the task foresees, among others:
- participation in action with a covered face, usage of teardrop gas or toxic substances, blocking roads or setting temporary constructions will be punished by administrative detention for up to 15 days and for organizers for 20 days;
- possession of weapons, pyrotechnics or "similar objects" during demonstrations — up to 60 days in prison;
- Refusal of the MMA's order to terminate the assembly – besides up to 60 days of detention.
The re-fulfillment of specified acts will already be treated as a criminal offence for which the conviction will be punishable until 1 year of imprisonment and, in the case of a repeat, until 2 years.
In addition, a fresh article is to be inserted into the Criminal Code: "repeated or systematically insulting or disobeying a police officer" will be punishable by a year in prison and, in the event of a breach again, by 2 years. As Kircchalia explained, in specified cases "no alternate penalties will be applied".
In Georgia, pro-European protests have been underway for 320 days with demands for fresh parliamentary elections and the release of detained demonstrators. The demonstrations began on 28 November last year, following a message by Prime Minister Kobachiga to halt accession talks with the EU by 2028.
Earlier, Georgian Dreams had already tightened the convention rules respective times: restrictions on the usage of lasers and pyrotechnics, a ban on face cover, and increased fines and administrative detention periods for blocking roads.
On 6 October, Kobachidze announced that protesters who block Rustatel's avenue from parliament regular would “receipt” from the authorities. This was the government's reaction to the opposition demonstration of 4 October, during which any participants attempted to enter the presidential palace.
Source: ekhokavkaza.com
Study Bulletin: BIS
