Georgia: Protests in Tbilisi following mining accident May 9-10

Event

Protests were staged in Tbilisi on May 9 and 10 following the accidental deaths of four coal miners on May 9. The protests began with a student activist group calling themselves “Auditorium 115,” who gathered on Rustaveli Avenue and protested in front of the Parliament on Tuesday, May 9, in the wake of the mining incident. Despite the police’s heavy-handed response and the arrests of three protesters that same day, hundreds of people gathered again on May 10.

Further protests are possible in the capital in the coming days.

Context

Protesters took to the streets following the deaths of four coal miners in the city of Tkibuli (central-west) on May 9. The protesters are demanding an investigation into the deadly incident, improved working conditions and safety standards, and the establishment of a labor-inspection agency.

Advice

Individuals in Tbilisi are advised to monitor developments to the situation and avoid all demonstrations; even peaceful protests can turn violent with little to no warning.