The government is withdrawing the draft amendments to the Law on Public Gatherings and has room for discussions and improvements under the Constitution, the Government said in a press release on Tuesday.

The Government heard the civic organizations’ remarks about the proposed changes to the Law on Public Gatherings, and at today’s 164th session decided to withdraw the proposed changes in order to provide broader consultation. The Government considers that there is room for discussion and improvement of content in order to allow freedom of expression at public places through clearly established regulations strictly in accordance with the Constitution.

The draft law provided for and banned the organization of public gatherings in front of and around the government buildings or in front of any state institution.