The ruling party Georgian Dream has introduced a bill that would impose stricter penalties for repeat violations related to protests, moving to fast-track the proposal through Parliament. The amendments target individuals who repeatedly engage in acts such as blocking roads, insulting officials or disobeying police orders.
Under the draft legislation, if an offender fails to pay a fine for a protest-related offense and repeats the violation, they will face administrative imprisonment. The proposed changes apply but are not limited to the following scenarios:
- Disobeying lawful police orders
- Insulting public or political officials
- Violating the rules governing public assemblies and demonstrations
The amendments also revise the appeals process. In cases where imprisonment is imposed, appeals will bypass higher administrative bodies and go directly to court. Once the court issues a decision, it will take immediate legal effect.
If passed, the legislation will be a significant shift in the government’s approach to managing civic society.
