IDFI calls on the Government of Georgia to not institute any restrictions related to Covid-19 that would purposefully impair the freedoms of assembly and expression.
IDFI emphasizes the fact that on November 6, 2020 the Prime Minister announced that the restrictions would not interfere with freedom of expression. “Nevertheless, the very next day, it was declared that curfew will be enforced beginning November 9 in 7 largest cities” – IDFI stated in a statement released today, adding: “We would hereby like to address the explanation offered by the Government of Georgia that the restrictions that are to be introduced.
A curfew is nothing more than a wide-reaching restriction of the freedom of movement. The blanket and universal ban on movement without permit in 7 largest cities of the country, comprising 50% of the country’s population, is not a targeted measure. It is in fact a curfew – a large-scale measure to limit rights as per the law of Georgia “On State of Emergency”, to be used during states of emergency or war”.
According to the IDFI, the announced decision of the Government is yet to be implemented/reflected in the relevant legal act, meaning that the curfew cannot be in force until 12 PM today. “If the Government of Georgia intends to take into account the decision of the Interagency Coordination Council regarding the imposition of a curfew, the Government must clearly declare that the curfew will not extend to the persons who relocate to exercise her/his freedoms of expression and assembly (or those who are already on the location of the assembly) – IDFI wrote in its official statement - In general, the Government unilaterally imposing a curfew without the involvement of the legislative branch is in fact a violation of the Constitution of Georgia”.
“Additionally, extending the restrictions on the freedom of movement to the ongoing/planned demonstrations will further aggravate the already tense political situation” – IDFI noted.
