Students from Sukhumi State University joined protests in Tbilisi.

On the 446th day of continuous protests, participants in a rally outside the Georgian Parliament protested against Georgian Dream's plans to introduce an article on extremism and the grounds of "non-recognition of authority" into the criminal code. The protest against education reform was carried out by students of Sukhumi State University, located in Tbilisi.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," on February 15, the 445th day of daily pro-European protests, the rally on Rustaveli Avenue was preceded by a meeting of opponents of the education reform at Ilia University.

Participants in the daily rally outside the Georgian Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue protested for the 446th consecutive day. Activists brought national and EU flags, as well as homemade posters. Several volunteers served hot drinks from a thermos and cookies to those gathered during the protest, according to a report by Publika.

Protesters on Rustaveli held posters reading, among other things, "No justice, no peace," "And breathing is a criminal offense?" and "How will you be recognized on the sidewalk?"

The last poster refers to "non-recognition of the government's legitimacy," which the Georgian Dream party plans to introduce into the Criminal Code of Georgia along with an article on extremism.

"A new aggravating circumstance is being added to Article 53 of the Criminal Code (general principles of sentencing) if the crime is committed for the reason of non-recognition of the constitutional order or constitutional bodies. A new Article 316¹ - Extremism against the constitutional order of Georgia - is being introduced," Tbilisi_life reports.

Under the extremism article, public calls for mass disobedience to Georgian government bodies or "other systematic actions aimed at creating the perception of illegitimacy of government bodies" will be punishable, among other things. The draft article provides for up to three years' imprisonment for individuals, and liquidation or a fine for legal entities.

Professors, teachers, students, and graduates of Tbilisi's Sukhumi State University today joined protests against the Georgian Dream-initiated education reform and the abolition of departments. Graduates also expressed concerns that "the recognition of their diplomas will be at risk," Pirveli reports.

Protesters in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners since November 28, 2024. Security forces violently dispersed the protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and detained protesters. Over 1,000 people were subjected to administrative prosecution during the protests. The "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a report titled "The Main Thing About the Persecution of Protest Participants in Georgia".