Prepared by Messenger Staff
Georgian Dream Passes Restrictive Laws
On February 6, the Georgian Dream party quickly passed a set of laws that tighten rules on protests and increase penalties for certain offenses. The changes were approved in just two sessions, raising concerns over the rushed process.
The amendments were announced on February 3 by Mamuka Mdinaradze, the GD's parliamentary majority leader. They affect eight laws, including the Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations, the Code of Administrative Offenses, and the Criminal Code. Critics argue these changes limit freedom of assembly and speech.
The new laws increase fines and jail time for offenses. For example, petty hooliganism, which used to be punished by fines of 500 to 1,000 GEL or up to 15 days in jail, will now carry fines from 500 to 2,000 GEL and up to 20 days in prison. Verbal insults or offensive acts against police officers during their duties will result in fines of 2,000 to 5,000 GEL or up to 60 days in jail, with repeat offenses carrying even higher penalties.
Penalties for vandalism have also increased, with repeat offenders facing up to 60 days in prison instead of just five. Disobeying a police officer during protests will now lead to fines of 2,000 to 5,000 GEL or up to 60 days in jail, up from the previous maximum of 3,000 GEL and 15 days in jail.
The amendments have faced strong criticism. Public Defender Levan Ioseliani warned that the new laws pose a threat to basic rights like freedom of assembly and speech. He urged the parliament to follow the proper procedures for reviewing the laws.
Three Thai Women Rescued from Human Trafficking in Georgia
Three Thai women have been rescued from a human trafficking ring in Georgia, where they were forced to undergo illegal egg harvesting, The Nation reports. They were among around 100 Thai nationals allegedly held by a Chinese criminal gang.
On February 6, the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs launched an investigation following a report from Interpol Bangkok. Victims were promised legal surrogacy jobs but instead faced forced egg collection procedures.
One victim, Na, managed to return to Thailand after her family paid a ransom. She later alerted Thai authorities about three other women still trapped. Thai NGO leader Paveena Hongsakul coordinated with the Royal Thai Police and Interpol, leading to their rescue on January 30, 2024.
The U.S. State Department ranks Georgia as a Tier 1 country in anti-trafficking efforts. However, while 70 foreign nationals were questioned, only the three Thai women filed complaints. The investigation is ongoing.
