Georgia: Opposition leaders announce another rally in Tbilisi November 25 /update 3

Event

Opposition party representatives vowed on Tuesday, November 19, to hold more protests until the government meets their demands including a parliamentary election under the proportional voting system. A rally is expected 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.

The announcement came after opposition supporters rallied on Tuesday evening (local time) in front of the Tbilisi City Court, where previously detained protesters are due to stand trial. Several demonstrators and security officers were injured during protests on Monday, November 18. Security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse thousands of opposition activists protesting outside parliament in the capital. They also detained approximately 37 demonstrators.

Spontaneous protests are anticipated in Tbilisi over the coming days, particularly around the parliament building. A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are likely near 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 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.