21 Jun 2019 | 12:35 AM UTC
Georgia: Police continue to disperse protesters in Tbilisi June 21 /update 3
Riot police cordon off the parliament building in Tbilisi and use tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters on June 21; over 60 people wounded in clashes
Event
As of 04:00 (local time) on Friday, June 21, riot police and other security forces are dispersing protesters in the capital Tbilisi. Police officers formed a cordon around the parliament building by 03:00 and are using tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons to disperse the anti-government demonstrators. According to local media reports, protesters were moving down Rustaveli Avenue as security forces moved into the area to remove the crowds. Government officials reported that at least 30 civilians and 39 police officers have been wounded during the protest.
A heightened security presence is expected in Tbilisi, particularly around the parliament building, the coming hours and through Friday. Localized traffic disruptions are also possible.
Context
Around 10,000 anti-government protesters rallied outside of parliament on the night of Thursday, June 20, to denounce the participation of Russian MP Sergey Gavrilov at the General Inter-Parliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy. Protests reportedly turned violent after images emerged of Gavrilov sitting in a seat typically reserved for Parliamentary Chairperson Irakli Kobakhidze; Kobakhidze is currently on a state visit to Azerbijian. Police subsequently fired tear gas at protesters after several attempted to storm the parliament building.
Advice
Individuals in Tbilisi are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
