The Venice Commission issued an urgent opinion on Georgia’s amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences and the Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations, expressing concerns about the rushed adoption process without stakeholder involvement.

The Commission highlighted that the amendments undermine legitimacy, especially given the political context of mass protests. There were no impact assessments to justify the extensive changes, and the new rules grant authorities excessive discretion, potentially leading to abuse. The severity of sanctions, such as harsh penalties and increased fines, appears disproportionate and could suppress freedoms of assembly and expression.

The Commission recommends revisiting the amendments to ensure they are necessary, proportional, and in line with legal principles. Key recommendations include reviewing sanctions, introducing clear criteria for administrative arrest, ensuring effective remedies, clarifying bans on certain items, and defining procedures for spontaneous assemblies.

The Venice Commission remains available to assist further.