The Parliament of Georgia has approved amendments to the Administrative Offenses Code and the Criminal Code regulating assemblies and demonstrations. The draft law passed its third reading with the support of 80 MPs.

Under the amendments, a participant who, during an assembly or demonstration, covers their face with a mask, carries tear gas or other poisonous substances, blocks a road, or erects temporary structures will face administrative detention of up to 15 days. If the offender is an organizer, the penalty increases to up to 20 days.

Additionally, participation in an assembly or demonstration ordered to be terminated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs will result in up to 60 days of administrative detention for a first offense. The same penalty applies to individuals who carry weapons, pyrotechnics, or any object intended to harm others during a gathering.

Repeat offenses will carry criminal liability of up to one year in prison, while a third or subsequent offense will be punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment.

The amendments also introduce a new article to the Criminal Code establishing criminal liability for a person who insults a law enforcement officer for the third time or repeatedly disobeys lawful orders. Such individuals will face imprisonment for up to one year, and up to two years in the case of a repeat offense. No alternative forms of punishment will apply.