Georgian Young Lawyers Association slams ‘expedited’ amendments to protest laws

The Georgian Dream ruling party’s proposed amendments to the country’s laws regarding protests have been labeled as a threat to freedom of assembly, according to a new assessment from the Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA) on Thursday.

The amendments come amid ongoing protests in the country against the Government’s decision last year to halt EU integration until 2028.

The organization argued that the amendments, which aim to curb the right to protest, are not only a legal issue but also a threat to democratic principles, particularly the quality of deliberative democracy. The GYLA claims that the amendments are being rushed through the legislative process, with the Georgian Dream seeking to approve them within a week of the plenary sessions.

In their review, the GYLA said that the swift passage of these amendments goes beyond mere procedural efficiency. “The accelerated consideration of legislative initiatives is a significant indicator of the quality of deliberative democracy,” the report reads. It stresses that in-depth discussion and public participation in shaping laws are crucial for ensuring their legitimacy. When such discussions are bypassed in favor of expedited procedures, it undermines the principles of the rule of law and legal security.

This marks the second time that changes to the Code affecting freedom of assembly and expression have been fast-tracked in recent months. Amendments with similar aims were introduced in December 2024, further raising concerns about the government’s approach to handling public dissent.