Georgia’s parliament has passed a law banning the wearing of masks, the use of fireworks, and the carrying of laser devices during demonstrations, Business Media reported. The legislation was passed in just three days.
The law also increases fines for offenses such as blocking traffic and causing property damage. Wearing a mask at a protest will now result in a fine of 2,000 lari (about $700). The interior minister will decide which individuals are permitted to cover their faces during demonstrations.
On October 26, Georgia held parliamentary elections, with the ruling Georgian Dream party securing the majority of seats. The opposition disputes the results, alleging fraud. President Salome Zourabichvili has also refused to recognize the outcome and stated that she will not leave office when her term ends, arguing that an “illegitimate parliament” cannot elect a new president.
On November 28, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would suspend negotiations to join the European Union until 2028. The announcement sparked nightly protests outside the parliament building, where police have used water cannons and tear gas against demonstrators. Protesters, in turn, have responded with makeshift “machine guns” fashioned from fireworks. More than 400 people have been arrested since the protests began.
