Parliament of Georgia Supports Declaration of State Emergency

With 115 votes against 2, the Parliament of Georgia approved the decree of President Zurabishvili on declaring the state of emergency.

The decree states that during the one month of state emergency, the constitutional rights of citizens will be restricted for their own safety. From March 21 to April 21, no more than 10 individuals are allowed in closed spaces. This includes stores and churches.  

The rights to personal property, freedom of assembly, movement, labor and delivery of public services among other constitutional rights will be restricted. This decree includes administrative and criminal sanctions in case of disobeying the rules of the state of emergency.

The parliamentary opposition also attended and approved the decree on the announcement of a state of emergency.

The Prime Minister, based on the WHO recommendations and Article 71 of the Constitution, made a decision to declare a state of emergency on the entire territory of the country. It was then declared by the President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili and then followed by the parliament’s approval.

For now, the state of emergency does not imply full quarantine or curfew.

By Nini Dakhundaridze