On Sunday, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze revealed that the government plans to introduce a law prohibiting participants at rallies and counter-rallies from covering their faces. This move comes in response to the ongoing protests against the government’s decision to delay EU accession talks until 2028.
Kobakhidze pointed out that similar laws are already in place in many European Union countries. He emphasized the importance of the law, stating it would help reduce violence during public gatherings. He also confirmed that the government aims to finalize the technical preparations and pass the law by the end of next week, with full enforcement expected by the end of December.
The Prime Minister highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement officers during the protests, noting that they endured both physical and psychological violence. He condemned the derogatory labels used against the officers, such as “blackshirts” and “Russian OMON [special police units],” describing these as “disgraceful” and an example of double standards.
Kobakhidze also expressed his gratitude to the police, calling them the true “Europeans” of the protests and acknowledging their heroism. He shared that over ten officers had to undergo surgery due to injuries sustained during the rallies, and several others were injured as well, yet the violence faced by law enforcement had not been condemned.
