Ukraine: Opposition leader arrested December 8 /update 3

Event

On Friday, December 8, security forces in Kyiv arrested former Odessa governor and president of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili at around 22:00 (local time). In response, a large crowd of Saakashvili’s supporters have gathered near the police detention center where he is being held on Askoldovy Lane in the Pecherskyi district. Additionally, the crowd is also reportedly blocking Ivana Mazepy Street. Security forces have reportedly sealed off the area around the detention center. No clashes or additional arrests have been reported.

Supporters of Saakashvili were already already planning to hold a protest march on Sunday, December 10. The march will start at Shevchenko Park at 12:00 before traveling to Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti). However, given Saakashivili’s arrest, additional spontaneous demonstrations may occur in the coming days. Increased security measures and traffic disruptions are to be expected in of vicinity of all protests. Clashes between demonstrators and police cannot be ruled out.

Context

Tensions are high in Kyiv following Saakashivili’s detention. 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.​