Repeated Violation of State of Emergency to be Punished by 6 Years in Prison

Repeated violation of the state of emergency and quarantine rules will be punishable by up to 6 years in prison according to new norms introduced by Parliament in the Criminal Code of Georgia and in the Administrative Offenses Code of Georgia yesterday.

"There is a specific regulation provided by the President’s decree, however, this act, as a crime, was first introduced in the Criminal Code. Repeated violations of the state of emergency and quarantine rules will be punished by imprisonment for up to 6 years," explained Mamuka Mdinaradze, leader of the parliamentary majority.

He added that physical persons will be fined GEL 3,000 for violating the quarantine and/or isolation rules for a first violation, while the fine imposed on legal entities for violating quarantine and/or isolation rules will be set at GEL 15,000.

However, Anri Okhanashvili, Chairman of the Legal Affairs Committee, said on April 22 that fines were expected to be decreased. 

"Individuals will be fined GEL 2,000 instead of GEL 3,000 for violating the quarantine and/or isolation rules. The relevant amendment will be made to the Code of Administrative Offences of Georgia.

"In addition, the fine imposed on a legal entity for violating quarantine and/or isolation rules will be set at GEL 10,000 instead of GEL 15,000," he said at the sitting of the Legal Affairs Committee.

"If approved, the amendments will take effect on May 2," he added. 

By Ana Dumbadze 

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