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GD introduces draconian laws, fines aimed at suppressing dissent

16 დეკ 202415:08
3 წუთის საკითხავი
 
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The Georgian Dream (GD) government has passed sweeping amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses, introducing severe restrictions on freedoms of assembly and expression. The amendments, implemented in just nine days, have drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups. Nona Kurdovanidze, Chair of the Georgian Young Lawyers' Association, analyzed the changes, outlining their repressive implications.

Key Provisions of the New Amendments:

1. Punishment for Drivers Supporting Protests

Drivers participating in protests that police deem disruptive to traffic face a 1,000 GEL fine (approximately 350 USD) and a one-year suspension of their driving license.

2. Hefty Fines for Protest Posters and Graffiti

The penalty for placing protest stencils, inscriptions, or posters without permission has skyrocketed from 50 GEL to 1,000 GEL (around 350 USD).

3. Escalated Fines for Road Blocking

Protesters blocking roads may face a 5,000 GEL fine (approximately 1,700 USD) if police judge the crowd insufficient to justify the disruption. Organizers may be fined 15,000 GEL (approximately 5,300 USD), up from 5,000 GEL previously. Administrative detention of up to 15 days may also be imposed instead of fines.

4. Bans on Pyrotechnics at Rallies

Carrying pyrotechnics at protests, regardless of whether they are used, now carries a 5,000 GEL fine (around 1,700 USD) for individuals and a 15,000 GEL fine (around 5,300 USD) for organizers. Administrative detention for up to 15 days can also be applied.

5. Restrictions on Laser Devices

Possession of laser beams or other sharp light devices that could disrupt public authorities’ activities or technical operations is punishable by a 2,000 GEL fine (approximately 700 USD).

6. Face Covering Prohibited

Covering the face with a mask or any other means during protests will result in a 2,000 GEL fine (around 700 USD).

7. Fines for Minors’ Actions

at Protests Parents of minors found guilty of disobeying police orders (Article 173) at rallies will face fines ranging from 100 to 300 GEL (35 to 110 USD) for failing to educate their child properly.

8. Introduction of Preventive Detention

Police can now detain individuals preemptively if they suspect a person may commit a legal violation, even if no immediate offense occurs.

9. Detentions for Court Appearances

Individuals can be arrested solely to ensure their presence in court, even without a refusal to appear or an ongoing case. 10. Expanded Powers for Searches and Seizures

Police are now authorized to conduct personal searches, search belongings, and seize objects or documents based on the assumption of potential legal violations. Civil Society Reaction Kurdovanidze condemned the amendments as severe infringements on democratic freedoms, calling them a direct attack on the right to peaceful assembly and expression.

The new norms significantly increase the financial and legal risks for protesters and enable law enforcement to act on assumptions, expanding state control over civic activism. The swift adoption of these laws has sparked fears of further authoritarian measures in Georgia, with critics warning that the amendments signal a dangerous precedent for suppressing dissent.


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