Georgian Dream Adopts Repressive Legislative Amendments in First Reading.

Amidst the ongoing protests, Georgian Dream is rushing to adopt more repressive laws. According to the Chairman of the Georgian Dream Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, these repressive amendments will be adopted in the second and third readings tomorrow, February 6.

Georgian Dream is introducing amendments to the following: the Code of Administrative Offenses, the Criminal Code, the Law on Assemblies and Manifestations, and the Law on Police. With this decision, the Law on Assemblies and Manifestations is being amended to introduce the concept of spontaneous assembly/manifestation, and the terms of administrative imprisonment and fines are being increased.

The amendments tighten several regulations in the Code of Administrative Offenses, including:

• Holding rallies in closed spaces and buildings without the prior consent of the owner is prohibited.
• Fines for petty hooliganism, vandalism, disobeying the request of a law enforcement officer, insulting officers, blocking court entrances, and other similar administrative offenses are increasing, along with the term of administrative imprisonment, which may extend up to 60 days. 
• Verbal insults directed at a state political official or public servant in connection with their activities are defined as administrative offenses.

Georgian Dream plans the following changes to the Criminal Code:

• Public incitement to violent acts, previously punishable only by a fine and community service, will now carry a prison sentence of up to 3 years. 
• The term of imprisonment for resistance, threats, and violence against police officers is being increased, classifying these actions as serious crimes punishable by 5 to 6 years in prison. 
• Sanctions will be tightened for attacks on police officers, government officials, and their family members in cases involving group, multiple, or dangerous attacks, which will be considered aggravating circumstances.
• The punishment will also increase for harming the health of a police officer.
• A new provision will stipulate that individuals who commit attacks or threats of violence against political officials, state employees, or public servants will be subject to criminal law.
• Additionally, several administrative penalties will be introduced or tightened.

The Public Defender has also criticized the repressive amendments proposed by Georgian Dream. According to the Ombudsman, these amendments “affect the realization of the fundamental rights of assembly, expression, and fair trial, and create the threat of disproportionate restrictions on these rights.” The Public Defender calls on the Georgian Dream parliament not to consider the announced repressive legislative amendments in an expedited manner.