“If you can’t gather enough people, stay on the sidewalk” - Georgian PM on new protest regulations

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday commented on recent protests, saying that demonstrations should remain within the bounds of the law and reflect the will of the broader public.

“If you can’t gather a sufficient number of people, you should stay on the sidewalk”, Kobakhidze told reporters.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze noted that the new legal regulations on protests were based on the public’s demand.

“We are not the ones who are bothered - the entire society is. Over 1,100,000 people supported us in the [local self-government] elections. The public is deeply disturbed that 50 people can paralyse the lives of millions, disrupt the economy, and engage in violence. Protests must be expressed within the law, which they are not doing now. When there are only 50, 100, or 300 people gathered, you should stay on the sidewalk. This is society’s demand, and that demand is now being reflected in the law”, the PM continued.

Kobakhidze added that the legislation aligns with international standards.

“Show me one country where 100 or 150 people can block the main avenue of the capital city every day. If you can, I will agree it’s not a standard, but I can assure you, as a lawyer, that this law fully complies with international standards and best practices”, he concluded.