Ukraine: New protests planned following Saakashvili’s release /update 4

Event

Anti-corruption and political opposition groups are planning to hold further demonstrations in Kyiv on Sunday, December 17, following the court release of the opposition leader Mikheil Saakashvili. A district court denied prosecutors’ request for Saakashvili to be placed under house arrest for two months on Monday, December 11. The development comes weeks after Saakashvili and his supporters launched mass anti-government protests, calling for an impeachment of President Petro Poroshenko, who they accuse of corruption. The General Prosecutor's Office (GPU) has also ordered Saakashvili to attend a hearing at the GPU building on Riznytska Street at 09:30 (local time) on Monday, December 18. Supporters of the opposition leader may attempt to rally in the area. Expect increased security measures, potential road closures, and traffic disruptions around all demonstrations.

Context

Tensions are high in Kyiv following Saakashivili’s detention on Friday, December 8. Police first attempted to detain Saakashvili at his home on Tuesday, December 5. However, hundreds of Saakashvili's supporters broke up the arrest, freeing Saakashvili after clashes with police. At least nine people were reportedly arrested during the clashes. Additional protests were held on Wednesday, December 6, resulting in fighting between security forces and demonstrators outside of the Ukrainian Parliament. According to local sources, at least 13 people – 11 police officers and two protesters – were injured.

Police officials have accused Saakashvili of organizing protests funded by organized crime groups tied to former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych; he has denied the charges. Saakashvili is an ardent opponent of corruption in Ukraine and is calling for sweeping political reforms. In October, Saakashvili led several days of protests outside parliament, calling for the creation of independent anti-corruption courts. At least four people were wounded in clashes between police and demonstrators.

Saakashvili was appointed governor of Odessa in 2015, but resigned in November 2016 over complaints of rampant corruption. Since then, Saakashvili has been an outspoken critic of Poroshenko’s government. In July 2017, President Poroshenko revoked Saakashvili's Ukrainian citizenship, which he had gained as governor of Odessa, leaving Saakashvili stateless; he had previously forfeited his Georgian citizenship when he took Ukrainian citizenship. On September 10, Saakashvili forced his way across the Polish border into Ukraine to continue his anti-corruption campaign.

Advice

Individuals in Kyiv are advised to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, obey any instructions issued by the local authorities, and anticipate increased travel times due to traffic congestion and increased security measures. Due to the underlying terrorist threat amid the ongoing high sociopolitical tensions, remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the local authorities or your security officer.​