Georgian opposition slams proposed bill tightening rally rules

Georgia's parliamentary opposition has condemned a proposed bill that seeks to impose stricter regulations on public demonstrations, calling it a "shameful" violation of human rights.

Vika Pilpani, a member of the Gakharia for Georgia party, criticised the bill during a plenary session, arguing that it represents a fundamental breach of citizens' rights to protest. She pointed out that the law contradicts itself by allowing the government to set specific times and locations for protests, questioning how authorities could dictate the terms of rallies organised to oppose the government. Pilpani emphasised that this would be an insult to the Georgian Constitution, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media. 

The bill includes amendments that, in a manner similar to regulations on road blockages, would make it illegal to block public pavements during demonstrations unless the number of participants justifies it. 

By Sabina Mammadli