Mikheil Kavelashvili, the newly elected president by the collegium with a majority of votes from the Georgian Dream ruling party, on Friday signed a contentious package of laws that tighten regulations on assemblies, demonstrations, and administrative liability amid ongoing protests in the country against halted EU integration.
The laws, adopted by the Georgian Dream-led parliament in an expedited manner on the same day, have already been published in the Legislative Herald and are now in force.
The amendments affect eight different laws, with the most significant modifications impacting:
The Law on Assemblies and Manifestations
The Code of Administrative Offenses
The Criminal Code
Among the most notable changes, the article on petty hooliganism now carries significantly harsher penalties. The upper limit of the fine has tripled, increasing from a range of 500-1,000 GEL to 500-3,000 GEL. The maximum term of administrative imprisonment for this offense has also been extended from 15 to 20 days. Additionally, repeated vandalism offenses will result in a fine of up to 2,000 GEL, while repeated offenses may now lead to a maximum of 60 days in jail, up from the previous 5-day limit.
The new laws introduce harsher penalties for disobedience and offenses against police officers and other state officials. Disobedience to a police officer is now punishable by a fine ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 GEL or up to 60 days of imprisonment, an increase from the previous maximum of 15 days. Moreover, verbal insults, swearing, or other offensive actions directed at law enforcement officers during the performance of their duties now carry similar penalties, with repeat offenses incurring even higher fines.
The expanded list of protected state representatives includes:
Law enforcement officers
Military personnel
State Special Protection Service employees
Enforcement police officers
Various officials within the Special Penitentiary Service and the Ministry of Justice
A new addition, Article 173 Sexta-Decima (16th), criminalizes insulting politicians and other officials.
The amendments impose stricter requirements for organizing demonstrations. Organizers must now notify the local municipal executive body at least five days in advance if a protest is expected to obstruct transport routes. Additionally, gatherings in closed spaces or buildings are now prohibited without the prior written consent of the owner.
The legislation explicitly bans blocking the entrances to courthouses, holding rallies near judges’ homes, or staging protests inside general court buildings. Violations of these rules are subject to fines of up to 5,000 GEL or imprisonment for up to 60 days.
Furthermore, demonstrators are prohibited from obstructing entrances to public buildings, highways, bridges, tunnels, overpasses, transport hubs, and railways designated by municipalities. Violators face significant penalties under the new regulations.
