Georgia moves to tighten protest regulations with new law amendments

Georgia is set to introduce tougher regulations on protests, as the Parliament reviews amendments to the law "On Meetings and Manifestations."

One of the key changes is the distinction between planned and spontaneous protests, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

Under the proposed amendments, authorities intend to ban protesters from blocking major roads, railways, tunnels, and overpasses. Additionally, organizers would be required to notify the Mayor's Office about planned protests at least five days in advance. For spontaneous protests, organizers would need to provide notice within a "reasonable period" before the event.

Furthermore, the amendments would require protesters to notify authorities with details about the event, but only the organizer's personal information — rather than that of their proxy, as had been the case previously. If the protest involves blocking roads, a warning would be issued.

The law would also grant the Ministry of Internal Affairs the authority to disperse protests or prevent road blockages if a sufficient number of participants are present and if the protest could be conducted in another way. In making such decisions, the Ministry must balance the right to assemble with the rights of local residents, workers, and business owners.

Protests in Georgia have been ongoing since the October 2024 parliamentary elections, which were won by the ruling Georgian Dream party. The opposition rejected the results and lost seats in February 2025. Protests intensified in November after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the suspension of Georgia's European Union (EU) integration, including a halt on EU budget grants.

Recently, the EU suspended visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic and service passport holders. However, this move is largely symbolic, as most Georgian officials hold ordinary passports that continue to allow visa-free travel within the EU.

By Tamilla Hasanova