Georgia Parliament Passes Law On Prohibition Of Demonstrators Using Fierce, Violators Fined IDR 11.5 Million

UNSPLASH/ev ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - The Georgia Parliament passed a law prohibiting protesters from covering their faces with sebo and banning fireworks and lasers in demonstrations following clashes between police and civilians at pro-EU protests.

The law, which regulates fines of 2,000 runs (US $ 720 or equivalent to Rp. 11.5 million) for violators, was unanimously passed, the Interpress news agency said.

Members of parliament also approved an increase in fines for destroying buildings and blocking traffic. The punishment for organizing road blocking is subject to fines of up to 15,000 runs (US $ 5,400).

More than 400 people have been arrested since protests began in late November after the government announced it would delay the South Kaupa state's efforts to join the European Union.

The decision angered many in Georgia, which is a popular country with the idea of joining the European Union.

More than 100 diplomats signed an open letter in protest and several ambassadors resigned from office.

Many protesters wore gas masks and face coverings so as not to be recognized. Meanwhile, police in the capital Tbilisi used water cannons and tear gas to fight rioters.

Several people threw fireworks at the police. Others used lasers to try to grab police and CCTV cameras outside the parliament building on the main Tbilisi highway.

Dozens of people, including police officers, were injured. About 30 people face criminal charges, and two pro-EU opposition leaders are behind bars.

The EU Ambassador to Georgia said this week police treatment of demonstrators was unacceptable and could trigger sanctions from Brussels.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended the police and interior ministry responses saying more than 150 law enforcement personnel were injured.