Georgia tightens rules for holding protests

The Parliament of Georgia adopted amendments to the law "On Meetings and Demonstrations" in the third and final reading, according to which new restrictions will be put on protest rallies in Georgia.

Report informs with reference to Sputnik-Georgia that a ban on installing temporary structures on the territory of the action will be included to the list which already contains the ban on carrying weapons, explosives and flammable substances, the presence of objects and substances dangerous to others, alcohol and blocking of roads.

Such a ban will apply only to those cases where the installation of a temporary structure poses a threat to participants in the protests or other persons, interferes with the police in carrying out their duties to protect public order, and also if the structure interferes with the normal work of the department, etc.

The punishment for violating the provisions of the law will remain the same - a fine of 500 lari for participants and 5,000 lari for organizers, or 15 days in prison.