Georgia: Anti-government protests continue in Tbilisi November 9 /update 3

Event

Thousands of anti-government protesters gathered for a second consecutive day in Tbilisi on Monday, November 9, as demonstrations over parliamentary elections held on October 31 continue. Opposition elements have rejected the outcome of the election and threatened to boycott parliament after the ruling Georgian Dream party won 48.23 percent of the vote. They are demanding the resignation of the head of the Central Election Commission (CEC) and for fresh elections to be held. Unlike during protests on Sunday, November 8, there were no reports of disturbances during Monday's demonstration. The previous day security forces used water cannon and tear gas to disperse protesters. The crowd began to thin at around 22:00 (local time), when a new curfew in place to control the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) came into effect. However, some demonstrators stayed out in defiance of the curfew. Protest organizers have vowed to continue to demonstrate until their demands are met and a major rally is being planned for Saturday, November 14.

Further unrest over the issue is likely to continue over the near term and protests are likely to be accompanied by a heightened security presence and localized disruptions to transport.

Advice

Those in Georgia are advised to monitor developments, avoid any protest and demonstration locations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.