The Public Defender of Georgia has filed a constitutional complaint with the Constitutional Court of Georgia, challenging recently introduced restrictions on participants in assemblies and demonstrations under the Law of Georgia “On Assemblies and Manifestations”.
The Ombudsman’s Office says the complaint contests several provisions of the law, including the blanket prohibition on covering one’s face with a mask or any other means during assemblies and demonstrations. The Public Defender argues that such restrictions may disproportionately limit the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
The constitutional claim also questions the legality of liability measures envisaged by the Georgian Code of Administrative Offences. These include fines and administrative detention, in some cases imprisonment without alternative sanctions.
In addition, the Ombudsman challenges provisions of the Criminal Code of Georgia that introduce criminal liability — including deprivation of liberty — for participants in assemblies or demonstrations, as well as organizers, particularly in cases of repeated offences. The complaint also raises concerns over the application of these measures to minors.
The contested provisions are part of a broader package of legislative amendments adopted amid ongoing street protests and heightened political tension in Georgia. Authorities have argued that the changes are necessary to maintain public order and ensure security during demonstrations. Critics, however, say the amendments significantly tighten state control over protests and may have a chilling effect on civic activism.
Civil society organizations, opposition groups, and international observers have warned that restrictions such as banning face coverings and expanding administrative and criminal penalties risk undermining democratic standards and Georgia’s international human rights obligations. The Constitutional Court’s review is expected to play a key role in determining whether the new regulations comply with constitutional guarantees of freedom of assembly and expression.
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