The Law on Assemblies and Manifestations is set for another round of amendments, introducing a new requirement to notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs in advance when a demonstration is planned in any area designated for pedestrian movement.

Under the draft amendments presented at today’s Bureau session, intentionally obstructing pedestrian pathways would be prohibited unless the size of the gathering makes such obstruction unavoidable. Blocking pedestrian zones with vehicles, structures, or other objects would likewise be banned, mirroring existing restrictions on blocking road traffic.

The proposal requires organizers to notify the Patrol Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at least five days before holding any assembly or demonstration. The Ministry would then be obligated to issue public warnings within a reasonable timeframe and, if deemed necessary, suggest an alternative time, location, or route for non-spontaneous events.

The draft also authorizes the Ministry of Internal Affairs to reopen transport or pedestrian routes—either partially or fully—if the number of participants allows the event to proceed without disrupting traffic.

If a roadway becomes massively obstructed, an authorized representative of the Ministry may issue a warning to organizers and participants. Should the blockage remain unresolved after 15 minutes, the event would be declared illegal, could be halted, and may be subject to measures permitted under domestic and international law.

These amendments, initiated by members of the parliamentary majority, have been submitted for expedited review.