Protesters on Rustaveli reacted to the new tightening of laws

On the 463rd day of continuous protests outside the Georgian parliament, amendments criminalizing non-recognition of government bodies and "extremism against the constitutional order" came into force.

As "Caucasian Knot" reported, on March 4, the 462nd day of daily protests, the court sentenced two more participants in the protests on Rustaveli Avenue to administrative arrest for blocking the road.

Amendments to the criminal code initiated by the Georgian Dream, which provide for punishment for non-recognition of constitutional bodies and introduce an article on extremism, were adopted by parliament on March 4. On the same day, Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili signed the amendments, and today, March 5, the new provisions come into force, RFI reports.

The Criminal Code of Georgia now includes an article on extremism against the constitutional order of Georgia, which provides for up to three years in prison, a fine, or correctional labor for systematic public calls to violate the law, disobey authorities, or create alternative government bodies.

Furthermore, the law now contains a new aggravating circumstance: if the crime is committed for reasons of non-recognition of the constitutional order or government bodies, one year of imprisonment is added to the sentence. This same motive is also taken into account as an aggravating circumstance in administrative offense cases.

The adopted amendments also establish liability for businesses "for public political activity unrelated to their core business activities." Political activity as an aggravating circumstance has also been added to the article on money laundering (Article 194 of the Criminal Code of Georgia), in which case it carries a sentence of nine to 12 years in prison, writes Tbilisi Life.

Supporters of Georgia's European integration, who gathered today for a protest outside parliament for the 463rd day in a row, responded to the changes. Activists brought posters to Rustaveli Avenue reading "We will never, ever recognize you," "Are you legitimate?!" and "I recognize you as an institution," according to posts by photographer Mo Se and Georgian media outlets on Facebook*.

Protesters also held posters reading "Freedom for regime prisoners," "Fire of the oligarchy," "Freedom for Elene," and "Freedom for Mzia." The last two posters are dedicated to Droa Party leader Elene Khoshtaria and journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, who are currently in prison.

Protesters in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners since November 28, 2024. Security forces violently dispersed the protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and detained protesters. Over 1,000 people were subjected to administrative prosecution during the protests. The "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a report, "Key Points to the Persecution of Protest Participants in Georgia."