On October 16, 2025, Georgia enacted new amendments to the Code on Administrative Offenses (CoAO) and the Criminal Code concerning violations under the Law on Assemblies and Manifestations. The amendments were adopted by Georgia’s parliament through an expedited procedure, without public discussion.

The new package further restricts the right to peaceful assembly by replacing previous fines with administrative detention and introducing criminal liability for repeat administrative offenses. These changes follow a series of legislative amendments since 2024 that tightened sanctions for protest-related activities.

Key changes include:

• Administrative detention for protest activities: Up to 15 days (and 20 days’ detention for organizers) for covering one’s face with a mask or other means during protests, carrying tear gas, nerve agent, or/ and a poisonous substance, intentionally obstructing movement of people or transport, erecting an unsafe or obstructive structure during a demonstration, and partial or complete blockage of a roadway. This replaces the previous alternative fine of 2,000 GEL or detention of up to 7 days. (Article 174¹, paragraph 10 of the CoAO).
• Harsher penalties for prohibited items and gatherings: Up to  60-day administrative detention for possessing prohibited items (such as firearms or pyrotechnics) and other dangerous objects or substances, as well as for participation in a banned gathering or demonstration. Previously, such violations would have entailed a fine of 5,000 GEL or 15-day administrative imprisonment for an initial offense (Article 174¹, paragraph 9 of the CoAO).
• Criminal liability for repeat offenses: Amendments to Article 347 of the Criminal Code now criminalizes acts punished under Article 174¹ (paragraphs 9-10) of the CoAO, with possible imprisonment of up to one year, or up to two years for repeat offenses. If an organizer’s conduct results in “serious consequences,” thepenalty may reach four years.
• New offense for disobedience or insult of police: A new Article 353³of the Criminal Code establishes criminal liability for individuals who disobey or insult law enforcement officers after previously sanctioned under Article 173(3) of the CoAO. Penalties include up to one year in prison, or up to two years in case of a repeat offense. Previously, repeat violations of Article 173(3) would have resulted in fines ranging from 3,500 – 6,000 GEL or administrative detention for 7 to 60 days.

Civil Society Organizations have criticized the amendments as disproportionate and politically motivated, warning that they could result in an effective “ban” on peaceful assembly in Georgia.

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