Parliament will begin discussing an initiative to tighten rules related to assemblies and demonstrations on October 15.
The Legal Issues Committee will discuss the amendments planned to the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Offenses, after which the issue will be submitted to a plenary session.
The legislative package will be discussed in an expedited manner.
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 setting up a temporary structure will result in administrative detention for up to 15 days, and if the violator is the organizer – administrative detention for up to 20 days.
Participation in a gathering or demonstration, which is subject to termination at the request of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, will result in administrative detention for a period of up to 60 days in the first case. Administrative detention for a period of up to 60 days will also be imposed on a person who, during the 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 actions 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.
In addition, a new article is being added to the Criminal Code that will impose criminal liability on a person who insults a law enforcement officer for the third time or disobeys his lawful order.
The authors and initiators of the legislative package are Georgian Dream MPs.
Parliament starts discussion of amendments tightening rules related to assemblies and demonstrations
