The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe calls on the Georgian authorities to review the legislation. The relevant decision is posted on the Council of Europe website.

The decision was published within the framework of monitoring the execution of the judgment of the European Court of Justice in the case of Makarashvili and Others v. Georgia.

“[The Deputies], reiterating the importance of ensuring that any interference with the right to freedom of assembly adheres to the principles of lawfulness, necessity and proportionality, noted with deep concern legislative and enforcement measures which produce a chilling effect on the exercise of the right of freedom of assembly; called upon the authorities to thoroughly revise the relevant legislation and practices and align them with the Convention standards, with a view to preventing disproportionate and arbitrary administrative arrest/detention and conviction, including criminal conviction, excessive sanctions, and ensuring the overall fairness of proceedings; encouraged them to engage in meaningful consultations with relevant stakeholders and Council of Europe expert bodies,” reads the document.