25 Feb 2021 | 11:24 AM UTC
Georgia: Opposition group plans protest in Tbilisi evening of Feb. 25
Activists to protest at Parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, from 1800 Feb. 25; localized disruptions likely, clashes possible.
Event
Opposition activists affiliated with the Shame Movement are planning to protest in central Tbilisi on the evening of Feb. 25. Participants will gather outside the Parliament building from 1800. Opposition demonstrations have increased in intensity recent days following the detention of United National Movement leader, Nika Melia, Feb. 23, and attendance at the protest is likely to boosted as it coincides with the Soviet Occupation Day holiday.
Additional police will almost certainly deploy around the Parliament building and related security measures will likely prompt localized transport disruptions, particularly on Rustaveli Avenue. Clashes between protesters and security forces are possible. Current COVID-19 measures in Georgia place strict restrictions on public gatherings; police could attempt to shut down the protest if it is deemed to be breaching these restrictions.
Advice
Exercise caution and allow additional time for travel near the Parliament building on the evening of Feb. 25. Avoid the demonstration as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security forces and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.
