**Georgian Government Faces Criticism Over New Laws**
The Public Defender of Georgia, Levan Ioseliani, has spoken out against the country’s ruling party, Georgian Dream (GD), for introducing new laws that threaten fundamental rights.
The proposed amendments aim to increase fines and penalties for administrative offenses, such as petty hooliganism and insulting police officers. They also seek to grant the Ministry of Internal Affairs more power to prohibit or disperse demonstrations.
Ioseliani warned that these changes could lead to restrictions on freedom of assembly, expression, and fair trial. He called on the GD parliament to reject the expedited review of the legislative package and follow standard procedures instead.
**Criticism from President and Public**
The proposed laws have been met with criticism from other quarters as well. President Salome Zurabishvili condemned the move on social media, saying that Ivanishvili‘s illegitimate parliament was trying to silence dissent and suppress the voice of protest.
The opposition has also been vocal in its condemnation, with protests now entering their 69th consecutive day. Demonstrators are demanding new elections and the release of all those they claim have been illegally detained.
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