Parliament of Georgia Supports Draft Law Limiting Temporary Constructions at Rallies in First Reading
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, October 5, 2023
In the first reading, the Parliament of Georgia supported the draft law that limits the setting up of tents and other temporary constructions at rallies.
Seventy-five MPs supported the changes, while twenty-three were against. The Parliament will consider the bill in an accelerated manner.
The rules for arranging temporary constructions during gatherings and demonstrations are becoming stricter. It is forbidden for the participants of the assembly to set up a temporary structure in advance. Specifically, it is forbidden to set up a structure if:
- There is a danger to the participants of the rally or other persons;
- It prevents the protection of public order and security by the police;
- It causes disruption of the normal functioning of enterprises, institutions, or organizations;
- The assembly or demonstration can proceed without significant hindrance without such arrangements.
Violation of these norms will result in the confiscation of the object of the offense and a fine of 500 GEL or administrative imprisonment for up to 15 days. If the violator is an organizer, the penalty will be confiscation of the object of the offense and a fine of 5000 GEL or administrative imprisonment for a term of up to 15 days.
The Georgian Dream stated that the legislative changes are in response to the State Security Service of Georgia's statement on September 18, According to which "a certain group of individuals, both inside and outside the borders of Georgia, is planning to destabilize the country between October and December 2023."
According to the State Security Service, the individuals in question are planning to create a so-called 'tent city', install and activate explosive devices within the territory, erect barricades near central avenues and strategic locations in Georgia, and occupy and block government buildings.
