#RepublicOfGeorgia: New legislation directly threatens people's right to #protest and #FreeExpression

In a troubling shift toward #authoritarian governance, Georgia’s ruling party has enacted legislative reforms that drastically restrict freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and proposed changes to restrict #media, public participation.

February 10, 2025

"The key changes obstructing people’s right to protest include:

- Expanded organisers' liability;
- Restrictions on spontaneous protests;
- Limitations on protests in enclosed spaces: Protests in closed spaces or buildings now require written consent from the property owner, significantly restricting #student and #workplace #demonstrations. This provision appears to be a direct response to recent protests on #UniversityCampuses;
- Expanded penalties for protest-related offenses: Petty #hooliganism fines have risen from GEL 500-1,000 to GEL 500-2,000 (from maximum approximately 350-700 EUR) , with imprisonment now up to 20 days instead of 15. Verbal insults towards #PoliceOfficers now carry fines of GEL 2,000 5,000 (approx. 700-1750 EUR) or up to 60 days’ imprisonment. Repeat offenses can result in a GEL 3,500-6,000 ( 1200–2100 EUR) fine and extended jail terms. Additionally, individuals accused of "disrupting public order" face severe criminal penalties, including up to 3 years in prison;
- New restrictions on symbolic protest actions: Covering one's face, possessing a laser or light-emitting device, or wearing clothing resembling police or military uniforms during assemblies are now punishable by fines of GEL 2,000 ( 700 EUR) or imprisonment up to 7 days. Such measures are expected to disproportionately impact younger protesters and student-led movements;
- #Broadened law enforcement powers: The Ministry of Internal Affairs now holds increased authority over protest regulation, including the power to block protests that allegedly threaten public order or constitutional stability. Authorities can now use '#EmergencyMeasures' to disperse gatherings, including mass #arrests and prolonged #detentions;
- Increased state control over protest logistics: Protesters are now required to ensure that demonstrations do not obstruct transportation routes. Organisers must take action within 15 minutes of a warning to remove roadblocks or temporary structures, failing which they will face criminal liability;
- Participation in protests previously dispersed by law enforcement is now classified as an offense, subjecting #demonstrators to legal consequences.

"Given that the median salary in Georgia in 2023 was GEL 1,238 (approximately 400 EUR), these fines represent a disproportionate financial burden on protesters, effectively discouraging civic engagement and public demonstrations."

Read more:
https://csometer.info/updates/georgia-new-legislation-directly-threatens-peoples-right-protest-and-free-expression

#RightToProtest #AntiProtestLaws
#GeorgianLaws #CriminalizingDissent #CriminalizingProtest #HumanRights #RepublicOfGeorgia #GeorgianDream #FaceMasks #AntiMaskLaws #ProtestSponsors #ACAB #ExpandedPolicePowers #PoliceState #Authoritarianism #Fascism

#Australia: Proposed #AntiProtest Laws: Reviewing #Victoria's New Legislation

by lawyer Galbally Parker | Jan 14, 2025

"The proposed anti- protest laws include:

- Banning the flags and symbols of listed terrorist organisations in public, to give Victoria Police more powers and fill in any gaps in Commonwealth anti-Terror legislation. Listed terrorist organisations include #Hamas, Hezbollah and several other groups, including white nationalist and racist violent extremist (NRVE) right-wing groups.
- Banning the use of #FaceMasks at protests, which are being used to conceal identities and shield agitators from crowd-control measures like #capsicum spray. A mask ban in public demonstrations will focus on prohibiting the wearing of face coverings at protests and providing police with the power to require their removal. Exemptions would apply for legitimate health, religious or cultural reasons.
- Banning the use of glue, rope, chains, locks and other dangerous attachment devices that protestors use to cause maximum disruption and endanger others
- Introducing prohibited zones for protest (i.e., where places of worship are situated)

The proposed anti-protest laws, if legislated, will give police extensive enforcement powers."

Read more:
https://galballyparker.com.au/proposed-anti-protest-laws-a-review-of-victorias-new-legislation/

I've seen more and more people online drawing, painting or putting stickers on #N95 #FFP2 #facemasks. Does anyone know if this affects their filtering ability? My gut instinct is that inks and glues would have an effect, but I have no data to back that up

Another very elegant study that shows that #FaceMasks reduce #SARSCoV2 transmission and that every little helps. #COVID19 #pandemic

https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307925

Gummies and chocolate and pudding, oh my! Gavv masks are now up in the shop!
Gear up here-> https://buff.ly/4bj3dUB
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Working on stuff and hoping to get some new listings up this week~
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Working on some masks today. Although by the time the fabric came in for two new designs, I already have to make a third new design, phooey~
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NHS hospitals reintroduce face mask requirement as soaring flu cases see critical incidents declared | The Independent https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/nhs-face-masks-hospital-flu-b2673524.html

But not at #Manchester Royal Infirmary, where, although many staff and visitors are now wearing masks, management has still to make face-masks mandatory in clinical areas.

Day two of #derpycon begins! The view from the booth is great for people watching~
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