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Georgia tightens legal penalties for rallies and demonstrations

16 October 2025 18:22 (UTC +04:00)

Legal liability for violations related to rallies and demonstrations in Georgia has been further tightened, APA’s local bureau reports.

The country’s parliament adopted amendments to the Administrative Offenses Code and the Criminal Code in the third reading with 80 votes in favor.

According to the amendments, if a participant in a rally or demonstration covers their face with a mask, possesses tear gas or toxic substances, blocks a road, or sets up a temporary structure, they may face up to 15 days of administrative detention, while the organizer may face up to 20 days.

Participation in a rally or demonstration that must be halted at the request of the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs will be punishable by up to 60 days of administrative detention. Those who use weapons, pyrotechnics, or other objects during rallies with the intent to harm the life or health of others will also face 60 days of administrative detention. Individuals who repeat such actions will be sentenced to one year in prison, while a third or subsequent similar offense will result in imprisonment for up to two years.

A new article added to the Criminal Code stipulates that individuals who insult a law enforcement officer for the third time or fail to comply with a lawful order will face criminal prosecution. Such persons will be sentenced to up to one year of imprisonment, and in case of recurrence, the prison term will increase to two years.

Criminal liability for violating the new regulations will also apply to minors. If minors commit such offenses, they will face criminal responsibility and be punished with up to one year of correctional labor or imprisonment for up to one year.