Former Georgian President Zourabichvili fined for joining protest march

Former Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has been fined 5,000 lari (approximately $1,800) for violating the country’s Law on Assemblies and Manifestations, according to a protocol she shared on social media.

The fine stems from Zourabichvili’s participation in the so-called "March of Mothers" held on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi on March 3, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media. 

The protest was organised in support of women whose children have been detained during anti-government demonstrations since late October 2024.

"Today I’ve been branded an activist," Zourabichvili wrote online. "I stood where all mothers ought to stand — alongside the mothers of prisoners of conscience."

Under Georgian legislation, artificially obstructing road traffic during public gatherings is prohibited unless the number of participants justifies such disruption. Breaches of this regulation are classified as administrative offences and can result in a fine of 5,000 lari or up to 15 days of administrative detention.

The Interior Ministry has attributed the recent increase in fines issued at protests to a stricter enforcement of the law.

Zourabichvili has been officially notified that failure to pay the fine could lead to imprisonment for up to 15 days.

However, she has the legal right to contest the penalty and submit any supporting evidence under Georgia’s appeals procedure.

By Aghakazim Guliyev