Georgian Parliament to introduce stricter rules for protests

The Georgian Parliament is set to consider new amendments that would impose tighter restrictions on public demonstrations, including a ban on pyrotechnics, face masks, and devices emitting laser or sharp radiation.

The draft law, introduced by Rati Ionatamishvili, Chairman of the Human Rights Protection Committee, was revised during its first reading.

It includes provisions that would allow exceptions for certain professional groups, such as journalists and doctors, who may be permitted to wear masks during protests. Ionatamishvili argued that laser devices could disrupt journalistic work and provoke violence, while face coverings could be used to conceal violent intent. “Face coverings, especially in large numbers, raise the potential for violence,” he said, noting that similar measures are already in place across the European Union.

In addition to restrictions on protest equipment, the amendments propose a new licensing system for the import, export, production, and sale of pyrotechnics in Georgia. The new regulations will introduce administrative and criminal penalties, and the law is set to come into effect in stages, with some provisions taking effect on February 1, 2025, and others on April 1, 2025.

Under the new rules, demonstrators will be prohibited from carrying pyrotechnic items, which will be added to the list of banned items alongside firearms, explosives, and other dangerous materials.