GYLA assesses legal repression against bikers

On October 2, 2024, GYLA published the report "BIKERIDERS AGAINST THE RUSSIAN LAW (LEGAL REPRESSIONS IN RESPONSE TO PARTICIPATION IN THE DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST THE RUSSIAN LAW)." The document reviews and evaluates the facts and legal aspects of the administrative proceedings initiated against motorcyclists participating in the "Russian Law" protests, highlighting that these cases form part of a broader campaign rather than isolated incidents.

The report informs the public about the administrative proceedings targeting a specific group, namely motorcycle riders, and reviews the legal regulation surrounding vehicular protests. It also evaluates the resolutions of problematic administrative complaints. Furthermore, the report highlights how the administrative-legal actions against motorcyclists could set a dangerous precedent in areas protected by the freedoms of assembly and expression.

We remind you that on May 28, 2024, the Parliament of Georgia overrode the President's veto and, despite widespread protests and well-founded criticism, adopted the Russian-style "Transparency of Foreign Influence" law. During the protests, there were frequent violations of human rights, particularly the right to assembly and demonstration. Since the initiation of the draft law, the government has persistently attempted to narrow civil space through violent methods. Protesters, supporters, civil activists, journalists, politicians, and even their family members (including children and the elderly) faced intimidation, psychological and physical violence. For more details on these violations, refer to GYLA’s report, "Georgia: Human rights Amidst the Russian law, Human Rights 60 Days Following the Revival of the Foreign Influence Transparency Bill, 2024."

One of the specific groups that became victims of repression are motorcycle drivers (bikers), who often participated in anti-law protests, marching and carrying slogans. Despite no sanctions being imposed on them during the protests, later, while driving on the streets, police crews began stopping these drivers and issuing administrative fines. It is important to note that among those fined, there were also individuals who did not participate in the motorcycle marches. According to the information available to GYLA, 20 individual fines have been issued in connection with these circumstances.

For the purposes of the document, GYLA has studied the processes and relevant administrative case files over the past few months based on open sources.