Georgia toughens rules for protests: bans face covering

The Georgian parliament passed in the final reading a number of laws restricting the rights of demonstrators. In particular, a ban was introduced on the wearing of masks and any other means of covering the faces of protesters. This was reported by UNN with reference to SOVA. 

Details

According to the novelties, the Minister of Internal Affairs of the country will establish  a list of persons who will have the right to close their accounts in connection with their professional activities. 

In addition, the use of pyrotechnics and lasers was banned at the rallies. In case of violation of this rule, a person will be fined 2000 GEL.

The package of legislative changes initiated by the Georgian Dream was unanimously approved in the final, third reading by 83 votes.

In addition, the Parliament supported the increase in administrative fines and unanimously approved the relevant legislative package in the final, third reading.

According to the Georgian Dream bill, the fine for violating the rules of assembly and demonstration was increased from 500 to 5,000 GEL, and a fine of 2,000 GEL was imposed for illegally wearing an Interior Ministry uniform.

Recall

Late in the evening of December 7, people wearing black clothes and balaclavas attacked the crew of the opposition TV Pirveli - journalist Maka Chikhladze and her cameraman Giorgi Shetsiruli. It was also reported that actor Giorgi Maharadze was beaten.

Spontaneous protests began in Tbilisi and other cities of Georgia after the Prime Minister's announcement that he would not negotiate to join the EU until 2028.