Today, on February 5, the Public Defender addressed OSCE/ODIHR and requested the preparation of a legal opinion on the draft laws introduced in the Parliament of Georgia this week. The proposed initiative is being considered on an expedited basis and aims to make amendments to the Administrative Offences Code, the Law of Georgia on Assemblies and Demonstrations and the Criminal Code.

Despite the call of the Public Defender regarding the indicated legislative package, the Parliament is still considering the draft law in an expedited manner, which does not allow for full participation and involvement in the process.

The Public Defender of Georgia calls on the Parliament of Georgia not to allow the draft law to proceed further until the OSCE/ODIHR report is not published and expresses hope that the OSCE/ODIHR report will be fully taken into account; in addition, all measures will be taken to eliminate negative effects on human rights.