Georgia’s New Laws Draw International Concerns
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has expressed concerns over Georgia’s recent legislative amendments. The amendments, adopted by the Georgian Dream party, have been criticized for failing to meet international human rights standards.
According to ODIHR, the amendments increase fines for minor offenses such as verbal insults or petty hooliganism, and introduce harsher penalties for covering one’s face during protests. The office also notes that the amendments were passed without proper consultation with civil society groups.
The changes have been criticized for restricting freedom of peaceful assembly and expression. ODIHR calls on Georgian authorities to repeal or substantially revise the amendments to ensure protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.
Key concerns include:
* Increased fines for minor offenses
* Harsher penalties for covering one’s face during protests
* Lack of proper consultation with civil society groups
* Restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly and expression
ODIHR recommends that Georgian authorities:
* Clarify the definition of “organizer” in the Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations
* Remove obligations for organizers to provide medical assistance, security, and order
* Repeal notification requirements for spontaneous assemblies
* Remove blanket bans on holding assemblies inside closed spaces or buildings
The Council of Europe’s Venice Commission has also expressed concerns over Georgia’s new laws, stating that they contain vague and broadly framed provisions granting authorities excessive discretion.
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