Georgia tightens rules on rally staging

Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia, has drafted a set of bills aimed at increasing penalties for violations during rallies, the party’s parliamentary faction leader Irakli Kirtskhalia said in a briefing, according to TASS.

Kirtskhalia explained, “If a participant at a rally or demonstration covers their face with a mask, carries tear gas or toxic substances, blocks a road, or places structures on it, they will face 15 days of administrative detention for a first offense, while the organizer will face 20 days.”

Those found with weapons, pyrotechnics, or any objects intended to harm others during a gathering will face 65 days of administrative detention. A repeat offense of this kind may lead to criminal liability and up to one year in prison.

The Georgian Criminal Code will also add a provision stating that if a person disobeys law enforcement orders or injures an officer for a third time, they may be imprisoned for up to one year, with repeated offenses carrying up to a two-year sentence.