Georgia: Opposition activists demonstrate in Tbilisi November 22 /update 4

Event

Opposition activists protested in Tbilisi on Friday, November 22, to denounce the government's failure to approve a planned electoral reform and to demand early parliamentary elections. At least two people were reportedly detained amid an attempt by activists to block state institutions with padlocks and chains. Associated demonstrations were held in Mtskheta, Zugdidi, Poti, Telavi, and Ozurgeti.

Additional demonstrations are expected to take place over the coming days. A rally is scheduled to be held in Tbilisi on Monday, November 25. Organizers plan to disrupt the parliamentary session that day, although they did not immediately announce an exact meeting time.

A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are likely near all protest sites, and clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out. 

Context

Several thousand people participated in opposition protests in Tbilisi on November 13 and 14, to demand fair parliamentary elections in 2020. Lawmakers failed to pass a constitutional amendment that would have instituted a proportional voting system for the 2020 elections. Activists have called for protests to continue indefinitely and opposition lawmakers will reportedly demand that parliamentary elections be moved up and held under the proportional voting system.

Advice

Individuals in Tbilisi and other major cities 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.