Georgian President says blocking main road severely punished in all developed,democratic countries

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Wednesday said the Government was striving to create an ideal state, highlighting it was necessary that the law prevailed in a democratic, legal state.

In response to journalists' questions regarding the amendments to the Administrative Code, Kavelashvili noted that there were much stricter laws in other countries, adding similar actions such as blocking a central road were punishable in all developed and democratic countries.

“You won't see a similar action in any other country, where the people would block the central avenue on a daily basis and there would be no reaction from that state, there are much stricter laws”, the President said.

He claimed that activists funded by external forces were creating a backdrop for protests in Georgia by blocking streets.

“They are creating a backdrop that there is a protest in Georgia. You see, it's the 325th day, people have blocked [the main avenue] again, imagine a European citizen listening, the central avenue is being blocked, that's a real protest”, he concluded.

Georgian Parliament adopted amendments to the Criminal Code that tighten liability for violations of the rules governing assemblies and manifestations.

According to the amendment, participants in assemblies or demonstrations who cover their faces with masks, possess tear gas or toxic substances, block roads, or erect temporary constructions will face administrative detention of up to 15 days for a first offense.

If the offender is an organiser of the demonstration, the detention may extend to 20 days.