Parliament will override President’s veto on amendments to manifestations law - ruling party MP

Irakli Chikovani, an MP from the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Sunday said the amendments to the Georgian Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations limiting installation of constructions during public rallies were “necessary for stability”, noting the Parliament would override President Salome Zourabichvili’s veto on the bill.

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Chikovani stressed the bill, proposed by the ruling party last month to ban the installation of “temporary constructions” like tents during rallies on specific occasions, was “not in any way” a restriction of human rights.

He said the amendments to the law would “not restrict the freedom of expression but ensure the country’s security”, stressing the importance of the bill amid the statements by the country’s State Security Service in September regarding the planned “unrest” by opposition groups this fall.

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The Parliament approved the bill - banning the setting up of constructions if they “pose threats to demonstrators or other individuals”, or hamper police efforts to ensure order, work of institutions, organisations or other facilities - with its third and final reading on October 5, while the President vetoed it on Tuesday pointing to its “undemocratic” nature. 

The amendments also ban the installation of constructions if they are not related to a specific rally or demonstration and note that local authorities would consider each case individually to ensure freedom of assembly and expression.