The opposition parties backlash the Parliament-endorsed amendments to the Administrative Offenses Code over increased penalties for acts of petty hooliganism and police disobedience, also expanding the duration of administrative detention.

According to the amendments, disobedience/insult to a policeman is punishable by a fine of GEL 2,000 to GEL 3,000 or administrative detention for up to 15 days, while repeating the violation will result in a fine of GEL 3,500-4,500 or administrative detention for a period of 10 days to 15 days.

Lelo for Georgia member Kakha Kozhoridze believes this law is problematic, and increased penalties are a step backwards.

Kozhoridze said this issue was in focus during the meeting with the Georgian President.

“This bill contradicts with the Constitution of Georgia and freedom of expression. I think there is a possibility that the President will veto the law,” he underscored.

Lelo party member Davit Usupashvili thinks President is also mulling over this issue, and her idea to meet with the opposition demonstrates this.

The parliamentary majority has different stances over this issue.

MP Mikheil Sarjveladze says there is no ground for the veto. “Veto should be reasoned. The opposition’s arguments are not solid to back them,” Sarjveladze stated.

MP Davit Matikashvili shares Sarjveladze’s position that veto has no bases. He vows the law is in line with international standards. “There is no reason to veto this law,” Matikashvili declared.

Earlier today, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has held individual meetings with the representatives of the opposition parties-signatories of the European Council President Charles Michel’s compromise document.

The Administration of the President of Georgia informed that Salome Zourabichvili and the opposition members reviewed current political processes in the country.

Zourabichvili individually met the Girchi, Citizens, Strategy Agmashenebeli, Lelo For Georgia, Republican party leaders.