According to proposed amendments to the Law on Assemblies and Manifestations and the Code of Administrative Offenses, organizers of spontaneous or planned assemblies will be required to notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs, rather than municipal authorities, Irakli Kirtskhalia, Executive Secretary of the Georgian Dream, stated.

He explained that the Ministry will have the authority to propose changes to the location or route of a gathering if the planned assembly poses a threat to public order, the functioning of state or public institutions, transport, or the rights and freedoms of citizens.

“If participants of a spontaneous or planned assembly refuse to comply and hold the event at the original location or route, thereby restricting human rights, participants may face administrative detention for up to 15 days, and organizers for up to 20 days. Repeated violations could lead to criminal liability under Article 347, with imprisonment of up to one year,” Kirtskhalia said.

Kirtskhalia emphasized that the amendments aim to protect the rights of both assembly participants and other citizens.

“These changes are intended to balance the freedom of assembly and expression with the rights of citizens to live their daily lives without disruption. We have observed groups attempting to cause maximum discomfort to ordinary citizens through organized actions. These amendments ensure that the rights of both sides are protected and will address attempts by small, funded groups to disrupt the lives of the wider public,” he added.