**Georgia’s Government Proposed Changes to Repress Free Speech**
On February 6, the Transparency International (TI) organization in Georgia released a report criticizing proposed changes to the country‘s laws. The changes, announced by the ruling party, aim to restrict free speech and assembly.
**Key Points of the Proposed Changes:**
1. **Restrictions on Protests**: The government wants to control the form of protests, including prohibiting temporary structures like tents and stages.
2. **Increased Police Power**: Authorities will be able to determine whether a witness is necessary during body searches, raising concerns about police abuse.
3. **Definition of Protest Organizer**: Anyone who interacts with or shares information about a protest could be classified as an organizer and held responsible.
4. **Prior Notification for Protests**: Organizers must notify municipal authorities before holding a protest, even for urgent public events.
5. **Threats Against Officials**: Threats against government officials, their families, or state officials will be punishable by up to three years in prison.
**Human Rights Organizations Speak Out**
The proposed changes have been met with harsh criticism from human rights watchdogs, including Transparency International and the Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA). These organizations argue that the changes further weaken guarantees for the protection of human rights and create a chilling effect on free speech and assembly.