Judge Levan Murusidze of the Tbilisi Court of Appeals dismissed the appeal filed by civil activist Lasha Songulia in the so-called “sidewalk standing case.” Songulia had challenged the decision of the Tbilisi City Court, which terminated the administrative proceedings and transferred the case to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia (MIA) for further action due to the possible existence of elements of a criminal offence.
The MIA alleged that on 17 December 2025 Songulia created an obstruction to pedestrian movement on the sidewalk near the Parliament of Georgia. On 8 January 2026, the Tbilisi City Court concluded that the act might contain elements of a criminal offence and transferred the case to the MIA.
The continuation of the case under criminal law is linked to legislative amendments introduced by the ruling party, Georgian Dream, to the Code of Administrative Offences. According to these amendments, the repeated obstruction of movement during an assembly or demonstration may give rise to criminal liability. Lasha Songulia had previously been sanctioned for allegedly “artificially blocking a roadway” — initially he was fined 5,000 GEL and later subjected to five days of administrative detention.
Before the Court of Appeals, Songulia also requested the suspension of the proceedings pending a decision of the Constitutional Court of Georgia and asked the appellate court to submit a constitutional referral to the Constitutional Court. However, the Court of Appeals dismissed these motions and upheld the decision of the court of first instance.
Civil activist Baia Margishvili faces up to two years’ imprisonment for tearing case materials in a courtroom during a court hearing. Charges were brought against her in her absence. She has been charged under Article 366(2) of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which concerns the insult of a judge or juror and is punishable by a fine, corrective labour for a term of one to two years, or imprisonment for up to two years.
Margishvili told Radio Liberty that she learned unexpectedly about the initiation of criminal charges against her. On 10 February, she was contacted by the police department where she had previously filed a complaint and was informed that criminal proceedings had been initiated against her.
The incident for which Margishvili is being charged occurred on 7 November 2025. On that day, Judge Zviad Tsekvava of the Tbilisi City Court was hearing a case concerning the alleged “artificial blocking of the road” by Baia Margishvili. “You have torn the Constitution over people’s heads – what are you talking about? This is how you have torn the Constitution over people’s heads,” Margishvili stated, after which she took the hearing transcript, tore it up, and scattered the pieces on the table in front of the judge. Following the incident, she was fined 200 GEL and removed from the courtroom.
Judge Manuchar Tsatsua of the Tbilisi City Court found the Dean of the Business School at Caucasus University, Elene Jgharkava, liable for an administrative offence for standing on the sidewalk during a protest and issued her a verbal warning. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia (MIA) alleged that on 17 December 2025 Jgharkava created an obstruction for pedestrians on the sidewalk near 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 18 activists have already been found liable for administrative offences. Of these, nine were sentenced to administrative detention, while nine (predominantly women) received verbal warnings.
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.
