Masks and pyrotechnic devices now banned in Georgia
In the face of popular protest in Georgia, the new president Mikheïl Kavelashvili - not recognized by part of the population - has signed amendments to strengthen the repressive apparatus against demonstrators.
Former president, Salome Zourabichvili, a supporter of the pro-European opposition, refused to hand over the reins to Mikheïl Kavelashvili, who was sworn in as president on December 29, 2024, 15 days after a vote by an electoral college controlled by the new parliament. The vote was contested by a section of the Georgian population, who cried pro-Russian manipulation and then rigged suffrage. Demonstrations have been massive since April 2024 and daily since the October elections. In an attempt to control the situation, the new government reinforced its repressive apparatus in the hope of discouraging opponents and putting an end to the demonstrations. Thus, on the very day of his investiture, former professional soccer player Mikheïl Kavelashvili, elected for 5 years, validated legislative amendments. They came into force the very next day, Monday December 30, 2024.
The new bans
With the new amendments, it's now forbidden to cover one's face “with a mask or other means”. There's also a new list of prohibited objects. No more lasers or pyrotechnic devices. This isn't to avoid accidents, but rather to prevent the thousands of pro-European demonstrators from using them to obstruct, dazzle or blind police officers and surveillance cameras. Other texts aim to facilitate the repression and coercion of those who dare to complain about the new government. Fines for protesting have also risen sharply. And if the protester is also a civil servant, he or she risks immediate dismissal. Extrajudicial detentions have been extended. On the other hand, it will be easier to get appointed to the police and the civil service, provided, of course, that you keep your nose to the grindstone.
(MH with Olivier Duquesne - Sources : Le Monde & Le Courrier d'Erevan - Picture : © picture alliance / NurPhoto | Jerome Gilles)