Georgia’s parliament passes controversial laws tightening political and protest restrictions

Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party has passed a sweeping legislative package that restricts political rights and sharply increases penalties for public protests, in a move drawing widespread concern from opposition parties, civil society, and international observers.

The amendments — adopted unanimously in a third reading with 81 votes — modify the country’s Organic Law on Political Unions, the Election Code, and parts of the Criminal Code. Supporters say the changes aim to safeguard national stability, but critics argue they mark a significant step away from democratic governance.

Under the new provisions, any political party dissolved by the Constitutional Court will face far-reaching consequences.
Members or affiliates of such banned groups will lose their right to run for office, hold leadership positions in public institutions, or join or fund other political parties.

Parties that admit those individuals into their ranks could face criminal fines.
The ruling party has already indicated plans to appeal to the Constitutional Court to ban up to ten political groups it deems unconstitutional. Tougher rules on protests

The same legislative package also tightens control over assemblies and demonstrations.
Participants who cover their faces, block roads, or erect temporary structures could face up to 15 days of administrative detention — or 20 days if they are organizers.
Repeat offenses will now carry criminal penalties of up to two years in prison, while even minors could face fines, correctional labor, or jail time.

A new clause also introduces criminal responsibility for repeatedly insulting or disobeying police officers. Government’s position

Officials from Georgian Dream defended the measures, saying they are designed to prevent “foreign-funded destabilization” and protect the country’s constitutional order.
Party representatives insist the laws target only those seeking to undermine Georgia’s sovereignty and public safety. Opposition and expert criticism

Opposition lawmakers and rights groups strongly disagree.Former Justice Minister Tina Khidasheli called the legislation “a clear attempt to build a one-party state under a legal façade.”
The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association warned the new provisions would “criminalize dissent and give authorities unchecked power to suppress protest.”

Legal experts from the Democracy Research Institute noted that the changes enable “unprecedented political exclusion,” arguing that vague definitions could allow selective enforcement against government critics. International concern

The laws come amid growing scrutiny of Georgia’s democratic trajectory.
The Venice Commission and Human Rights Watch have both warned that similar legislative trends in Georgia undermine freedoms of expression and association — key conditions for the country’s European Union and NATO integration ambitions.

Western diplomats, including officials from the EU Delegation to Georgia, have urged the government to review the new measures and ensure they align with international human rights standards.

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