Fines were not fully effective, and it is with this in mind that changes are being made to both administrative and criminal legislation so that the minority does not oppress the vast majority – this is an expression of the principle of democracy, – Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated regarding the planned legislative changes.
According to him, Georgian legislation has long stated that “if the number of people is not enough to block the street, they must respect other members of society and should not block the street.”
“In reality, everyone can express their protest within the framework of the law, but our current legislation, as well as international standards, says one thing: if you are not sufficiently represented in your protest, you must respect the interests of the majority. Among them, our legislation has long stated, in accordance with international standards, that if the number of people is not enough to block the street, they must respect other members of society and not block the street. Until now, fines have been in effect, but fines were not fully effective, and it is with this in mind that changes are being made to both administrative and criminal legislation so that the minority does not oppress the vast majority. This is an expression of the principle of democracy,” Kobakhidze said.
For information, a number of changes will be made to the Administrative Offenses and Criminal Codes. Irakli Kirtskhalia, the leader of the parliamentary majority, announced this at a briefing after the majority session.
According to the amendments, the first instance of a participant in a gathering or demonstration covering their face with a mask, possessing tear gas and/or poisonous substances, blocking a road, or erecting a temporary structure will result in administrative detention for up to 15 days, and if the violator is an organizer, administrative detention for up to 20 days.
According to Kirtskhalia, participation in such a gathering or demonstration, which is subject to termination at the request of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, will result in administrative detention for up to 60 days in the first instance, and administrative detention for up to 60 days will also be imposed on a person who, during a gathering, possesses a weapon, pyrotechnics, or an object that is used to harm the life and health of other persons. Repeated commission of such prohibited acts will result in criminal liability for a term of up to one year, and the third and each subsequent similar unlawful act for a term of up to two years.
Also, a new article is being added to the Criminal Code, which will impose criminal liability on a person who insults a law enforcement officer for the third time or disobeys his lawful order.
Irakli Kobakhidze: Fines were not fully effective, and it is with this in mind that changes are being made to both administrative and criminal legislation so that the minority does not oppress the vast majority – this is an expression of the principle of democracy
