Ruling Georgian Dream party announces a series of amendments to Administrative Offences, Criminal Codes concerning public gatherings, demonstrations

Irakli Kirtskhalia, the Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party faction in the legislative body, on Monday said a series of amendments would be introduced to the Administrative Offences and Criminal Codes concerning public gatherings and demonstrations.

In his remarks, Kirtskhalia noted that under the new amendments, participation in a rally or demonstration while wearing a face mask, possessing tear gas or toxic substances, or blocking roads or setting up temporary structures would result in administrative detention of up to 15 days. If the offender is an organiser, the detention period may be up to 20 days.

“Participation in a rally or demonstration that has been ordered to cease by the Ministry of Internal Affairs will result in administrative detention of up to 60 days on the first offence. The same penalty - up to 60 days of administrative detention - will apply to anyone who, during a gathering, possesses weapons, pyrotechnics, or objects intended to cause harm to others’ life or health”, he said.

Kirtskhalia added that repeated violations of these prohibitions would lead to criminal liability, punishable by up to one year of imprisonment, while a third or subsequent offence would carry a penalty of up to two years of imprisonment.

He also noted that a new article would be added to the Criminal Code, establishing liability for individuals who insult or disobey lawful orders of a law enforcement officer for the third time.

“Such a person will be subject to imprisonment for up to one year, and in the case of a repeat offence, imprisonment for up to two years. Furthermore, no other form of punishment will be applied”, Kirtskhalia concluded.