Law of Georgia on State of Emergency (No. 972-IS of 1997)

This Law provides for state of emergency management. It provides that a state of emergency is a temporary measure that shall be declared in accordance with the legislation of Georgia in the interests of ensuring the security of the citizens of Georgia during mass disorder, encroachment upon the territorial integrity of the country, military coups, armed insurrections, terrorist acts, natural disasters or man-made catastrophe or outbreaks of epidemic, or in other cases when the state authorities are unable to exercise their constitutional powers in a normal manner. The purpose of the declaration of a state of emergency is the normalisation of the situation as quickly as possible, and the restoration of law and order. The President of Georgia declares a state of emergency throughout the whole territory of Georgia or in certain parts thereof, upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister of Georgia. During a state of emergency, the supreme bodies of the executive authority of Georgia, depending on specific circumstances, within the scope of their authority, and in accordance with the requirements of legislation gain special powers under this Law. Additionally, during a state of emergency, or for the purposes of its prevention, the State shall provide dwelling areas and compensation for material damage, and shall ensure assistance in job seeking, and otherwise assist citizens who have suffered due to actions undertaken for the elimination of the state of emergency.