14 Nov 2019 | 07:57 PM UTC
Georgia: Protests outside parliament in Tbilisi November 14 /update 1
Protests outside parliament in Tbilisi following vote on constitutional amendment November 14; further protests possible over the near term
Event
Thousands of opposition supporters and civil activists gathered outside of the Parliament of Georgia in Tbilisi and blocked main roads in the capital on the afternoon (local time) of Thursday, November 14, to protest lawmakers' failure to pass a constitutional amendment on election-reform. The amendment would have instituted a proportional voting system for the upcoming 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.
A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions, including road closures and public transport delays, are expected near the protest sites. Further protests are possible in Tbilisi over the coming days. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.
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.
