Lawyer Saba Brachveli has shared his views on the recent repressive legislative changes introduced by Georgia’s ruling party. He argues that while some of these changes will likely worsen the situation in the country, many are simply intended to intimidate the public and have little real impact.
Brachveli points out that some police violations, which were previously illegal, are now officially permitted. One example is the practice of searching individuals without witnesses. Though such searches were once prohibited, law enforcement officers routinely ignored this rule.
The treatment of journalists and dissidents is a key concern. Brachveli highlights the case of Mzia Amaglobeli, which shows how the regime treats anyone who speaks out against it. The European Commission has also criticized the ruling party’s policies, calling them harmful to democratic values.
The lawyer emphasizes a significant change: the period for administrative detention has been increased to 60 days, which is double the duration in Russia and Belarus. However, he argues that simply lengthening detention periods won’t create more space in pre-trial detention facilities.
“There may be a few people detained for 60 days, but that’s about it,” he says. “The Interior Ministry does not have the resources to carry out long-term detentions effectively.”
Brachveli also notes that while fines may increase, the number of judges capable of imposing them remains limited. He adds that the judicial system is overloaded, with some judges forced to postpone hearings. In some cases, new appeals simply delay cases indefinitely, which, he says, indirectly helps other citizens by slowing down the legal process.
Among the most concerning changes, Brachveli points to a new amendment that criminalizes insults against political figures or police officers. While protesters have already been detained for such actions, they will now face charges under a specific legal provision.
“These new laws are draconian and against the rule of law,” he states. “However, we’ve been living with these violations already. Now, they’re just being made official.”
Brachveli believes the government is using these laws to bluff its way through a critical time as the new U.S. administration prepares to impose potential sanctions on the Georgian Dream party.
“The government is doing everything it can to prevent the truth from coming out,” he claims. “Their tactics include police raids, unlawful searches, car chases, verbal threats, and these repressive laws.”
Though the impact of the new U.S. administration’s policies remains uncertain, Brachveli insists that it’s too early to give up hope. “We must stand firm. It’s too soon to fear or surrender.”
Human Rights Watch has condemned the ruling party’s actions, warning that the Georgian Dream government is fueling a human rights crisis and demonizing opposition forces. The group claims that the recent repressive laws and violence are key elements of the regime’s autocratic rule.
On February 6, the ruling party pushed through amendments to the Administrative and Criminal Codes. These changes now classify verbal insults against political officials or public servants as administrative offenses, punishable by severe penalties. Additionally, public incitement to violence, previously punishable by fines and community service, can now result in up to three years in prison.
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