Georgian Gov’t criminalizes protests on highways

The ruling party Georgian Dream has introduced amendments to a government decree, adding international highways to the list of strategic sites. As a result, blocking these roads is now a criminal offense.

Lawyer Guro Imnadze from the Social Justice Center commented on the changes, stating that the government has effectively criminalized protests on highways.

“Human rights defenders were already aware that the government would introduce these changes. Given Georgian Dream’s anti-democratic tendencies, it is surprising that this measure had not been implemented sooner,” Imnadze wrote on social media.

According to him, the amendments indicate two key points:

1. “The government fears protests and activist groups, and in response, it is ready to legalize all the traits of authoritarianism.”

2. “Protest movements now require greater flexibility, creativity, and strategic planning. Under an authoritarian regime, any action may come with severe consequences. Our steps must be planned strategically to stay ahead.”

 

The decree, issued on January 31, officially classified international highways as strategic or specially designated sites.

Under Georgian law, obstructing or seizing a strategic site is considered a criminal offense. Article 222 of the Criminal Code defines such actions and, in certain cases, imposes a prison sentence of up to four years.