The new president of Georgia has banned wearing masks and more, signing repressive laws into effect.
The appointed president of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili, whose legitimacy is not recognized by either opposition parties or the former head of state, Salome Zourabichvili, signed a series of repressive laws on the day of his inauguration. Noncompliance with these laws will result in fines.
This was reported by the Georgian service of "Radio Free Europe." The laws, which were adopted by parliament on December 13, pertain to restrictions during protests.
Human rights activists have noted that the provisions of these laws are "repressive," "restrictive," "punitive," and "undemocratic."
Starting from December 30, the use of pyrotechnics and lasers at gatherings and demonstrations in Georgia is prohibited. Violators will face a fine of 2000 lari, which is nearly 30,000 hryvnias. This amount will be charged for having a concealed face behind a mask.
Blocking roads with vehicles or participating in a group action to fully obstruct the roadway incurs a fine of 1000 lari (14,000 hryvnias) and a one-year driving ban.
The fine for partial road blockage has increased to 5000 lari (70,000 hryvnias). Organizers of such actions may face fines up to 15,000 lari (about 210,000 hryvnias).
Graffiti and placing posters that damage the appearance of the city are punishable by a fine of 1000 lari. Repeat offenses can incur fines up to 3000 lari (42,000 hryvnias).
Individuals illegally wearing police uniforms or "similar attributes" now face fines of 2000 lari (almost 30,000 hryvnias).
Additionally, Kavelashvili has stripped Salome Zourabichvili of state protection and increased the share of majoritarian representatives in municipalities.
He also approved amendments to the law on public service, which, according to human rights defenders, simplify the dismissal of employees for political reasons.
Mikheil Kavelashvili – What We Know
The president elected by the "Georgian Dream" party, Mikheil Kavelashvili took the oath. He was elected president by the electoral college's decision on December 14. Kavelashvili was the only presidential candidate nominated by the ruling party.
The opposition president of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, stated that she does not intend to resign until new elections are held. However, on December 29, Zourabichvili voluntarily left the presidential palace and declared that she "withdraws legitimacy." Kavelashvili is not recognized as the president of Georgia by opposition parties, as well as by European countries and the USA.
Protests in Georgia
All of this is happening against the backdrop of mass protests that have been ongoing for two weeks. In the parliamentary elections held at the end of October, the pro-Russian party "Georgian Dream" took first place. According to official results, it received significantly more votes than opposition parties; however, international observers documented numerous violations of the electoral process.
As a result, mass protests began in Georgia. Protesters demanded new elections and the release of all political prisoners. However, these protests intensified after the government decided on November 28 to abandon negotiations with the European Union regarding membership until the end of 2028 and to forgo EU budget grants. Protesters accuse the government of halting the process of European integration and demand new parliamentary elections. With these demands, people are taking to the streets, while police and security forces are harshly suppressing the protests.
As reported by "Telegraph," on December 5, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree to implement a decision by the National Security and Defense Council on sanctions against several Georgian politicians. This concerns "that part of the Georgian government that is currently surrendering the country to Putin," he noted.