Georgia has passed a bill banning protests "in places where people are moving" without notifying the police

The Georgian Parliament has expeditiously passed a bill in its third and final reading requiring organizers of protests in "places where people gather or where vehicles are moving" (including on sidewalks) to notify the police. The responsible person must contact the Patrol Service Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (located at the location of the demonstration) in writing no later than five days before the rally.

It should be noted that written notification to the police does not mean the Ministry of Internal Affairs will permit the rally or march: the agency may issue a "warning" or offer demonstrators an "alternative time and/or place" for the rally.

If a spontaneous rally is planned, its organizer is required to contact the police "immediately." If the police deem the rally to be illegal, participants will have 15 minutes to comply with the police's request. After the specified period, the assembly or demonstration will be considered illegal, and the agency will have the right to terminate the event and "apply measures stipulated by international law and Georgian legislation."

Irakli Kirtskhalia, leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party, stated that, in the event of a first violation of the rule, participants will face administrative arrest for up to 15 days, and the organizer will face up to 20 days. Repeat violations will result in criminal prosecution.

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