23 Jun 2019 | 08:48 PM UTC
Georgia: Protests continue in Tbilisi June 23 /update 5
Opposition leaders organize demonstration in Tbilisi for the fourth consecutive night on June 23; heightened security measures and traffic disruptions expected
Event
Supporters of the New Georgia opposition party and other anti-government protesters are staging a demonstration in the capital Tbilisi on the evening (local time) of Sunday, June 23. Thousands of protesters are reportedly rallying on Rustaveli Avenue and outside the parliament building.
Significant transportation and business disruptions are expected in the area and demonstrators may attempt to erect roadblocks. A heightened security presence is anticipated, and police officers will likely use force to disperse crowds. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.
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. Demonstrations continued on June 21-22 outside the parliament and headquarters of the ruling Georgia Dream party, with protesters demanding the resignations of various top officials and early elections.
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.
