74 in favor and 22 against - amendments to the Law on Assemblies and Manifestations were approved by the Parliament in the third reading.

The proposed amendments seeks to provide clarity on prohibitive measures outlined in the law. Specifically, the draft law stipulates that participants in an assembly or demonstration are prohibited from erecting a temporary structure if such construction: a) poses a threat to the participants or others involved; b) hinders the police’s ability to maintain public order and security; c) disrupts the normal functioning of a business, institution, or organization; d) is unrelated to the purpose of the assembly or demonstration.

According to the amendments, in order to regulate the issue of freedom of assembly and expression, the relevant authority will take the appropriate decision in each case individually, taking into account all the circumstances. The decision made by this body will be subject to judicial control by appealing it to the court.

The draft law is a legislative initiative of MPs: Anri Okhanashvili, Irakli Beraia, Givi Mikanadze, Rati Ionatamishvili, Irakli Shatakishvili, Tengiz Sharmanashvili and Aleksandre Tabatadze.