Protesters disrupt public debate of Georgia constitutional amendments
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 15 May 2017 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Protesters disrupt public debate of Georgia constitutional amendments, 15 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59818d7e3.html [accessed 29 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 15, 2017 14:29 GMT
By RFE/RL's Georgian Service
This story contains a video component; use the link below to view the video on RFE/RL's page.
TBILISI – Hundreds of young activists have disrupted public discussions of Georgia's constitutional amendments proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream party.
The discussions of the amendments were held on May 15 in the State Philharmonics concert hall in Tbilisi.
Parliament speaker Irakli Kobakhidze had to stop the discussions after hundreds of activists whistled and shouted, expressing their protest against the amendments.
The activists said they were concerned about some proposed amendments such as switching from direct presidential elections to the election of the president by parliament, allowing the winning party to acquire more mandates through redistribution after parliamentary polls, and legalizing land purchases by foreigners.
The activists also questioned the public discussions of the amendments organized by the government in other towns and cities, saying only officials had taken part in them.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
