Belarusian and Russian-style regulations introduced in Georgia, lawyer says

Lawyer Giorgi Burjanadze has criticized the Georgian government’s proposed legal amendments, stating that “Belarusian and Russian-style regulations are being introduced, something never seen before in Georgia.”

According to Burjanadze, the government was not satisfied with the authoritarian laws passed in December and is now initiating a new wave of repressive legislation in February.

“The December authoritarian laws, which were adopted this month, were not enough—they failed to intimidate the population, and protests continued. Now, they have come up with new authoritarian laws for February, which they plan to pass quickly and enforce immediately. These laws will increase prison sentences significantly and introduce punishment for insulting high-ranking officials with imprisonment,” Burjanadze stated.

The ruling Georgian Dream party has introduced legislative amendments that increase penalties for certain administrative and criminal offenses, including insulting public officials and attacking police officers. The amendments also prohibit holding protests in closed spaces or buildings without the prior consent of the property owner.