The Georgian Parliament, dominated by the ruling party, has adopted a wide range of legislative amendments in the first reading, including measures that restrict political activities and tighten rules on public rallies. The draft laws were discussed and approved during the plenary session under an expedited procedure.
One of the key changes concerns political parties abolished by the Constitutional Court. Under the proposed amendments to the Law on the Constitutional Court of Georgia, individuals affiliated with such parties will be prohibited from holding leadership positions, maintaining party membership, or occupying public office. Lawmakers said the initiative aims to ensure that disbanded political organizations cannot continue their activities under different forms.
In addition, amendments to the Administrative Offenses and Criminal Codes significantly increase penalties for protest-related violations. According to the draft laws, covering one’s face with a mask, possessing tear gas or poisonous substances, blocking roads, or erecting temporary structures during demonstrations may result in administrative detention of up to 15 days, or up to 20 days for organizers. Participants in unauthorized rallies could face up to 60 days of detention, while repeated insults or disobedience toward law enforcement officers would trigger criminal liability.
Parliament also approved in the first reading, amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code that would prohibit individuals convicted of financial or economic crimes from leaving the country until full compensation is paid to victims. The second and third readings of all the proposed changes are expected to take place during the plenary session scheduled for October 16.
