Participants in pro-European protests, Data Kashiashvili and Sopho Markozia, report that they have been notified to appear before the court on the grounds of allegedly blocking a roadway. The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) alleges that both individuals committed the alleged administrative offence on 7 February 2026 during the “Saturday March.”
“Today I received a call from the court informing me that the Ministry of Internal Affairs has filed a complaint against me, alleging that on 7 February I was blocking the road. It was the Saturday March – the road was full and the sidewalk was also full. Accordingly, it was simply physically impossible for all participants in the demonstration to leave the roadway immediately. If the MIA presents the full video evidence, it will clearly show that once space became available on the sidewalk, I moved off the road. Moreover, I was urging others to do the same. The hearing has been scheduled for 18 March. We will see what decision the court makes,” Data Kashiashvili told Netgazeti.
“Earlier, the secretary of Judge Kochkian called me and informed me that a court hearing has been scheduled regarding the blocking of the road on 7 February. It is unusual — for the first time I know in advance that I will have a court hearing and will enter through the front door,” Markozia wrote on social media. Court hearings for both individuals are scheduled for 18 March.Blocking a roadway became a punishable offence following the adoption of restrictive legislative amendments by the ruling party, Georgian Dream. This conduct is prohibited under Article 174¹, paragraph 10 of the Code of Administrative Offences. Subsequently, the scope of the same provision was expanded to include standing on the sidewalk, on the basis of which participants in demonstrations are also being held administratively liable. A violation of this provision entails administrative detention for up to 15 days (and up to 20 days for an organizer). Administrative detention does not apply to pregnant women, mothers with children under the age of 12, persons under the age of 18, or persons with pronounced or significant disabilities. Instead, they are subject to a fine of 5,000 GEL, or 15,000 GEL if the person is an organizer. Repeated commission of the same act entails criminal liability.
Judge Manuchar Tsatsua of the Tbilisi City Court found activist and musician Giorgi Bulia liable for an administrative offence for standing on the sidewalk during a protest and was subjected to administrative detention for two days. The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) alleged that on 17 December Giorgi Bulia created an obstruction to the movement of pedestrians in the vicinity of the Parliament of Georgia
Administrative proceedings against citizens in relation to sidewalk protests commenced following legislative amendments adopted by Georgian Dream on 12 December 2025. As a result of these amendments, protest activity on sidewalks was, in effect, also prohibited. For a first violation, the legislation provides for administrative detention for a period of up to 15 days (up to 20 days in the case of an organizer), while a repeated violation may result in the imposition of criminal liability. According to the assessment of Transparency International Georgia, “the detention of an individual for standing on a sidewalk, even under administrative procedure, let alone the imposition of criminal punishment cannot withstand any criticism when assessed against the standards of freedom of assembly guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia and by international human rights instruments.”
In the so-called “sidewalk cases,” a total of 17 activists have already been found liable for administrative offences. Of these, nine were sentenced to administrative detention, while eight (predominantly women) received verbal warnings.
Judge Davit Makaridze of the Tbilisi City Court found civil activist Anastasia Dolidze liable for an administrative offence in connection with a protest held on the sidewalk and issued her a verbal warning. The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) alleged that Anastasia Dolidze created an obstruction for pedestrians on the sidewalk near the Parliament of Georgia on 18 December..
Anastasia Dolidze is the sixteenth activist brought before the court on the same grounds for protesting on the sidewalk. Of these 16 individuals, eight were subjected to administrative detention – four of them for four days and others for five days – while eight individuals (predominantly women) received verbal warnings.Administrative proceedings against citizens in relation to sidewalk protests commenced following legislative amendments adopted by Georgian Dream on 12 December 2025. As a result of these amendments, protest activity on sidewalks was, in effect, also prohibited. For a first violation, the legislation provides for administrative detention for a period of up to 15 days (up to 20 days in the case of an organizer), while a repeated violation may result in the imposition of criminal liability. According to the assessment of Transparency International Georgia, “the detention of an individual for standing on a sidewalk, even under administrative procedure, let alone the imposition of criminal punishment cannot withstand any criticism when assessed against the standards of freedom of assembly guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia and by international human rights instruments.”
On 6 February 2026, civil activist Lasha Janjgava disseminated information via social media indicating that the bank accounts of activist Mariam Tsomaia had been subject to seizure measures due to the non-payment of an administrative fine. According to documents attached to the post, on 5 September 2025, Judge Lela Tsagareishvili of the Tbilisi City Court found Tsomaia liable under Article 166(1) (minor hooliganism) and Article 173(1) (non-compliance with a lawful order of a law enforcement officer) of the Code of Administrative Offences of Georgia, and imposed an administrative fine of GEL 2,500.
According to the information shared by Janjgava, the decision was not served on Tsomaia following her administrative detention, and she reportedly became aware of the enforcement measure only after her bank accounts had been seized.
Mariam Tsomaia was detained by police on 2 September 2025 on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, along with eighteen other demonstrators. On that date, the Parliament of Georgia was hearing a report prepared by the Temporary Investigative Commission established under the leadership of Georgian Dream member Tea Tsulukiani. The commission examined the activities of political office-holders and current or former officials affiliated with the United National Movement during the period 2003–2012. According to available information, citizens initially gathered near the Parliament building and subsequently on Rustaveli Avenue to protest the findings of the commission.
Judge Tornike Kapanadze of the Tbilisi City Court sentenced civil activist Lasha Kakoishvili to four days of administrative detention in connection with a protest conducted on a sidewalk. The Ministry of Internal Affairs alleged that, during a protest held on 18 December 2025, Kakoishvili created an obstruction for other citizens.
Kakoishvili represents the fifteenth individual found liable in cases related to sidewalk protests. Of the fifteen individuals concerned, eight were subjected to administrative detention, with sanctions ranging from four to five days, while seven others – predominantly women – received verbal warnings.Administrative proceedings against citizens in relation to sidewalk protests commenced following legislative amendments adopted by Georgian Dream on 12 December 2025. The amendments were adopted following accelerated parliamentary consideration over a three-day period. As a result of these amendments, protest activity on sidewalks was, in effect, also prohibited. For a first violation, the legislation provides for administrative detention for a period of up to 15 days (up to 20 days in the case of an organizer), while a repeated violation may result in the imposition of criminal liability. According to the assessment of Transparency International Georgia, “the detention of an individual for standing on a sidewalk, even under administrative procedure, let alone the imposition of criminal punishment cannot withstand any criticism when assessed against the standards of freedom of assembly guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia and by international human rights instruments.”
On 5 February 2026, dozens of individuals participating in pro-European protests reported receiving notifications that their bank accounts had been subject to seizure measures. According to available information, the enforcement action was linked to the non-payment of administrative fines. Several individuals indicated via social media that they had not previously been informed of the fines. Following inquiries with the National Bureau of Enforcement, they learned that the sanctions related to alleged violations recorded in 2025, specifically for the “artificial blocking of a roadway” during protest demonstrations.
Information regarding the seizure of bank accounts was publicly shared by at least twenty citizens on social media. The individuals include:
- Achi Gochitashvili
- Mariam Paichadze
- Beka Berikashvili
- Giorgi Melitauri
- Mari Lortkipanidze
- Misha Samkharadze
- Tatia Mekvabishvili
- Lasha Dgebuadze
- Tika Pataraia
- Davit Gogicha
- Saba Japaridze
- Sandro Liparteliani
- Mariam Gvinianidze
- Sandro Tughushi
- Nukri Albutashvili
- Elene Berikashvili
- Keti Kantaria
- Mariko Tsomaia
- Nino Ramishvili
- Lasha Bakradze
Under Article 174¹ of the Code of Administrative Offences of Georgia, the “artificial blocking of a roadway” constitutes a violation of the rules governing the organisation and conduct of assemblies and demonstrations. As of 7 February of the previous year, the administrative fine for this offence was increased to GEL 5,000.Available information suggests that administrative fines of this nature have been imposed on a significant number of participants in pro-European protests.
Two members of the student movement at Ilia State University in Tbilisi, Anni Fridonashvili and Taso Dolidze, have been called to court in connection with a protest conducted on a sidewalk. The individuals are accused of obstructing a sidewalk on 17 and 18 December 2025.
Administrative proceedings against citizens in relation to sidewalk protests commenced following legislative amendments adopted by Georgian Dream on 12 December 2025. The amendments were adopted following accelerated parliamentary consideration over a three-day period. As a result of these amendments, protest activity on sidewalks was, in effect, also prohibited. For a first violation, the legislation provides for administrative detention for a period of up to 15 days (up to 20 days in the case of an organizer), while a repeated violation may result in the imposition of criminal liability. According to the assessment of Transparency International Georgia, “the detention of an individual for standing on a sidewalk, even under administrative procedure, let alone the imposition of criminal punishment cannot withstand any criticism when assessed against the standards of freedom of assembly guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia and by international human rights instruments.”
To date, judicial decisions have been issued in fourteen cases related to sidewalk protests. Of those, seven individuals were subjected to administrative detention ranging from four to five days, while seven others – predominantly women – received verbal warnings.
Judge Manuchar Tsatsua of the Tbilisi City Court imposed an administrative fine of GEL 4,000 on civil activist Nata Peradze in connection with a social media post concerning Georgian Dream Member of Parliament Nino Tsilosani. The administrative proceedings were initiated following a complaint filed by MP Tsilosani regarding a Facebook status published by Peradze. Peradze was found liable under Article 173(16) of the Code of Administrative Offences of Georgia, which establishes liability for the verbal insult of a state-political office-holder or public official, including the use of abusive language, offensive harassment, and/or other insulting actions. The provision provides for sanctions ranging from a fine of GEL 1,500 to GEL 4,000 or administrative detention for up to 45 days.
This is not an isolated case, as courts have previously imposed sanctions on individuals in connection with social media posts. On 27 January, Judge Pati Purtkhvanidze of the Zugdidi District Court similarly found Tako Gvilia, a participant in pro-European protest rallies, liable for an administrative offence and imposed a fine of GEL 4,000 in connection with a Facebook post concerning a police officer.
The practice of initiating court proceedings against citizens on the basis of posts published on social media commenced after the “Georgian Dream” party adopted, in June 2025 and under an expedited legislative procedure, amendments to the Law of Georgia on Freedom of Speech and Expression. The amendments primarily concerned the regulation of defamation. In particular, the statutory definition of defamation was revised by removing the element of harm, which had previously constituted an essential prerequisite for qualifying a statement as defamatory. Shortly after the amendments entered into force, six journalists were subjected to administrative fines for opinions expressed on social media. The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association assessed these amendments as constituting an “unjustified restriction on freedom of expression, creating a chilling effect and aimed at instilling fear within society in order to deter individuals from critically evaluating the actions of the ‘Georgian Dream’ party and its political representatives.”
Nana Sander, a civil activist standing trial in connection with the 4 October 2025 case, spoke during a court hearing about alleged inhuman treatment.
According to her statement, she is experiencing health-related problems and has requested appropriate medical care as well as an adequate mattress. She indicated that, despite repeated requests, these issues have not been resolved and that she continues to suffer from pain. Sander further stated: “They are attempting to attribute my pain which is not related to the absence of an orthopaedic mattress to mental health issues,” and alleged that a psychiatrist threatened her with transfer to a psychiatric institution, referring to a similar development in the case of teacher Nino Datashvili.
Sander also reported difficulties related to food provision. She noted that she has specific dietary requirements (being vegan) and, due to the absence of suitable food options in the penitentiary facility, she remained without food for two days. According to her account, she was informed that “your food does not exist.”It should be noted that another detainee, Anastasia Zinovkina, has also raised concerns regarding alleged ill-treatment in detention. Zinovkina reportedly faces similar health-related issues and, rather than having these concerns addressed, was transferred on 15 January to a closed-type penitentiary institution, where restrictions were imposed on the number of permitted telephone calls and visits.
On 2 February 2026, judges of the Tbilisi City Court found four additional civil activists liable for administrative offences in connection with a protest conducted on a sidewalk. Two of the individuals (men) were sentenced to administrative detention, while two (women) received verbal warnings:
- Zurab Manchkhashvili – five days of administrative detention (Judge Tornike Kapanadze);
- Tornike Jandieri – five days of administrative detention (Judge David Makaradze);
- Sopo Chachanidze – verbal warning (Judge David Makaradze);
- Tekle Gabelia – verbal warning (Judge David Makaradze).
The Ministry of Internal Affairs alleged that, by standing on the sidewalk, the individuals obstructed the movement of other citizens. To date, the courts have issued decisions in ten cases related to so-called “sidewalk protests.” All ten individuals were found liable for administrative violations. Five activists were released from administrative liability and issued verbal warnings, while the remaining five were subjected to administrative detention ranging from four to five days.On 12 December 2025, the “Georgian Dream” party adopted another repressive legislative amendment restricting the right to freedom of assembly. The amendments were adopted following accelerated parliamentary consideration over a three-day period. As a result of these amendments, protest activity on sidewalks was, in effect, also prohibited. For a first violation, the legislation provides for administrative detention for a period of up to 15 days (up to 20 days in the case of an organizer), while a repeated violation may result in the imposition of criminal liability. According to the assessment of Transparency International Georgia, “the detention of an individual for standing on a sidewalk, even under administrative procedure, let alone the imposition of criminal punishment cannot withstand any criticism when assessed against the standards of freedom of assembly guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia and by international human rights instruments.”
