Ombudsman challenges restrictions on assembly participants in Constitutional Court case

The Public Defender of Georgia has submitted a constitutional challenge to the Constitutional Court, contesting the restrictions imposed on participants in assemblies and demonstrations under the Law of Georgia “On Assemblies and Manifestations,” including the outright ban on covering the face with a mask or any other means.

The Office of the Public Defender of Georgia reported on this development.

“The constitutional claim not only addresses the substantive prohibitions related to the conduct of assemblies and demonstrations but also questions the constitutionality of the liability measures outlined in the Georgian Code of Administrative Offences, which include imprisonment without alternative and the fines prescribed by law.

Furthermore, the challenge scrutinises the criminal liability established by the Criminal Code of Georgia, which entails the deprivation of liberty for participants in assemblies or demonstrations, including minors, and organisers, particularly in cases of repeated offences by individuals subject to administrative penalties,” the Public Defender’s office stated.