The Law on Assemblies and Manifestations is set to undergo another revision, introducing new rules requiring organisers to notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs in advance when a rally or demonstration is planned in areas designated for pedestrian movement.
According to the draft amendments presented at today's Bureau session, artificially blocking pedestrian pathways will be prohibited, except in cases where the size of the gathering makes such obstruction unavoidable. It will also be inadmissible to block pedestrian areas using vehicles, structures, or other objects, restrictions that already apply to road traffic.
Under the proposal, organisers must submit a notification to the Patrol Police Department no later than five days before holding any assembly or demonstration. In turn, the Ministry will be required to issue a public warning within a reasonable timeframe and, if necessary, propose an alternative time, place, or route for non-spontaneous gatherings.
The draft law authorises the Ministry of Internal Affairs to partially or fully reopen transport or pedestrian routes if the size of the crowd allows the event to continue without blocking movement.
If a roadway becomes mass-blocked, an authorised representative of the Ministry may issue a warning to organisers and participants. If the blockage is not cleared within 15 minutes, the entire event may be declared illegal, terminated, and subject to actions permitted under domestic and international law.
The amendments were initiated by members of the parliamentary majority, who have also requested that the bill be reviewed under an expedited procedure.
