EU “clearly supports” freedom of expression as Georgian Parliament approves controversial bill on rallies

Pawel Herczynski, the European Union Ambassador to Georgia, on Friday said the bloc “condemn any kind of violence, but we very clearly support the freedom of expression and assembly”, following the Georgian Parliament’s approval of a controversial bill on banning of “temporary constructions”, like tents, during protests in specific occasions. 

 

The legislative body approved the bill with its third and final reading on Thursday, initiated by the ruling Georgian Dream party following the claims by the domestic State Security Service in September over alleged unrest in the country this fall. 

 

The GD lawmakers claimed the bill aimed at preventing confrontations, while the opposition called the amendments “censorship” and “targeted against” freedom of expression and assembly. 

 

The new law bans setting up of constructions if they “pose threats to demonstrators or other individuals”, or hamper police actions to ensure order, work of institutions, various facilities or organisations nearby. It also bans such constructions if they “are not related” to a specific rally. 

 

SSS Georgia claimed former United National Movement officials currently serving in Ukraine had plans to spark unrest in Georgia in November and December if the EU rejected Georgia’s membership candidacy, adding the efforts were “coordinated and funded from abroad”.  

 

The body also accused USAID last week of funding a training in Tbilisi late September to instruct organisations and insidividuals for the rally, which the US strongly rejected.