Georgian Government adopts new decree to criminalize blocking of “strategic buildings” ahead of election

The Georgian government has enacted a decree prohibiting the blocking or seizure of designated strategic buildings, including parliament and its office, punishable by imprisonment.

The decree, adopted three days before general elections on Saturday, lists 27 key sites across the country that are now protected under enhanced criminal measures.

The law applies to buildings such as government ministries, the Supreme Council of Adjara, the National Bank, Tbilisi Metro, critical oil and gas facilities, and the Central Election Commission, among others. Health facilities, broadcasting stations, and even consulates and embassies are also included.

In recent months, protestors have blocked government sites, including the Parliament building, which was the focal point of widespread demonstrations against the controversial foreign influence transparency law earlier this year. Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri previously warned of potential criminal penalties for protestors involved in such activities.