The Georgian Dream party has begun enforcing latest repressive amendments to the Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations, under which protesting on sidewalks may result in administrative detention.
Since December 23, more than ten citizens have been summoned to court on allegations of blocking pedestrian movement. Most hearings are scheduled for December 25–26 and relate to a protest held on December 17.
Under the latest amendments adopted by Georgian Dream, standing on a sidewalk may be classified by the Ministry of Internal Affairs as obstructing pedestrian traffic, a violation punishable by administrative detention even for a first offense.
The new law also introduces a requirement to notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs at least five days in advance before holding an assembly or demonstration in areas designated for pedestrian movement. The ministry is granted the authority to propose an alternative time or location for the protest at its discretion.
Representatives of Georgian Dream say the tightening of the law is linked to ongoing protest rallies that have been taking place in Tbilisi for more than a year.
