Public Defender urges Parliament not to rush with adoption of stricter laws on public gatherings

The Public Defender of Georgia Levan Ioseliani has called on the ruling Georgian Dream party to refrain from fast-tracking newly proposed legislative amendments that impose stricter measures on protesters and demonstrators.

The amendments, announced by Georgian Dream’s executive secretary Mamuka Mdinaradze, aim to toughen regulations on public gatherings. The proposed changes include increased fines and extended administrative detention periods for protest participants.

According to the Public Defender, the amendments pose a significant risk of disproportionately restricting fundamental rights, including freedom of assembly, expression, and access to fair trials.

“For years, the Public Defender has highlighted issues related to freedom of assembly and expression, as well as flaws in administrative regulations. However, fast-tracking such legislative changes prevents all relevant stakeholders from participating in the process. Rushing decisions on critical societal issues without thorough analysis undermines both the legislative process and constitutional rights,” the Public Defender’s statement reads.

On February 3, Georgian Dream announced a new set of repressive legal measures, tightening regulations within the Administrative Offenses Code. The proposed amendments include:

* A ban on protests inside closed spaces or buildings without prior consent from property owners.

* Increased fines and administrative detention (up to 60 days) for minor hooliganism, vandalism, disobedience to law enforcement, insulting police officers, or blocking court entrances.

* Criminalization of verbal insults directed at public officials in connection with their duties.

Additionally, amendments to the Criminal Code include:

* Up to three years in prison for publicly inciting violent actions.

* Five to six years in prison for resisting, threatening, or assaulting police officers, now classified as a severe offense.

* Harsher penalties for attacks on law enforcement officers, government officials, and their family members, especially in cases of group offenses or those involving dangerous means.

* Criminal liability for threats or violence against political figures, public servants, or civil servants.

The Public Defender warns that such rushed legislative changes could severely impact constitutional freedoms and urges Parliament to conduct discussions through the standard legislative process rather than expedited procedures.