In recent developments, Georgia has implemented new protest restrictions, intensifying police detainment of demonstrators. These changes have raised significant human rights concerns amid rising repression against peaceful protests.
New Protest Restrictions Enforced in Georgia
On October 17, 2023, amendments to Georgia’s Administrative and Criminal Codes came into effect. These changes introduce severe penalties for various protest activities, including:
- Covering one’s face during protests: Punishable by up to 15 days of administrative detention.
- Organizers of such actions face up to 20 days of detention.
- Participation in protests that may be terminated upon request by the Ministry of Internal Affairs: Up to 60 days of detention.
- Repeated offenses could result in criminal liability, with penalties reaching up to two years in prison.
- Insulting or disobeying police orders three or more times may also lead to up to one year of imprisonment.
Recent Arrests and Detentions
Following the new regulations, police have detained over a dozen protesters. On October 19, authorities identified 27 individuals as offenders from a demonstration on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, leading to the arrest of 14 participants.
Notably, prominent journalist Vakho Sanaia received a six-day detention sentence. Activist Lara Nachkebia was sentenced to four days for “covering her face.” Additionally, journalist Keti Tsitskishvili has also been detained, with her trial pending.
Human Rights Concerns Raised
Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, has voiced strong opposition to these developments. He remarked that the new amendments exceed permissible limits under international human rights law. Krivosheev emphasized that peaceful protests should not result in dispersal or arrest, urging authorities to release all detainees who were merely exercising their rights.
These actions from the Georgian government signal a troubling trend toward increased repression of dissent and call into question the state’s commitment to upholding fundamental freedoms.
