Georgia has tightened penalties for participants in rallies and protests
The ruling Georgian Dream party has considered in an accelerated manner bills that restrict the freedom of citizens and peaceful assembly.
In particular, police officers have received more rights to detain citizens, conduct inspections, seize documents and items "for the timely presentation of the offender to court and to prevent the case from being delayed."
Protesters are prohibited from bringing pyrotechnics, lasers, masks or any means of concealing the face. The fine for using pyrotechnics will be $1,765, lasers and masks - $1,706, for blocking roads - $2,000 with a one-year suspension of the driver's license.
The law adopted by the Georgian Dream must be signed by the country's president. However, Salome Zurabishvili, like the opposition and a significant part of the population of Georgia, does not recognize the legitimacy of the parliament. If the head of state refuses to sign the law, the speaker of the parliament will do so. In addition, on December 14, the country will hold "elections" for president. Mikheil Kavelashvili is the only candidate from the Georgian Dream. For the first time, the president will be elected for a five-year term by an electoral college formed by the ruling party.
