“It is simply unacceptable for the government to accept differing opinions and, thus, the government restricts the constitutional authority of citizens,” MP Giga Parulava, a member of the Political Council of the Gakharia for Georgia party, told the GPB First Channel.

When asked about the forthcoming amendments to the Law “On Assemblies and Manifestations,” which stipulate that, akin to blocking a transport route, it will be unlawful to artificially obstruct public roads unless the number of participants justifies it. The amendments also specify that blocking roads with vehicles, structures, or objects will be prohibited.

Parulava commented, “The parliamentary majority claims that these amendments aim to achieve a balance, but in reality, their true intent is political. The aim is to suppress politically inconvenient protests and to grant the Ministry of Internal Affairs the authority to decide whether a particular rally can take place at a specific location, especially when citizens spontaneously gather to protest certain facts or events.

In our country, protests are not only political, but many are driven by urgent social issues. It is unacceptable for the government to accept a different opinion and, thus, the government restricts citizens’ constitutional rights. When they talk about balancing interests, how proportionate is the imprisonment of citizens who peacefully express their views through protest?” Giga Parulava concluded.