Georgia: Opposition protests take place in Tbilisi, Feb. 23, over the detention of a politician; further demonstrations scheduled Feb. 26

Event

Thousands of opposition activists are protesting outside the Parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, Feb. 23, to denounce the detention of Nika Melia, leader of the United National Movement, earlier in the day. Police have reportedly used tear gas to disperse demonstrators, and dozens of arrests have been made. Protesters are erecting tents and reportedly intend to remain at the site until their call for early elections is heeded. Opposition groups are also planning to march in central Tbilisi, Feb. 26. Participants will gather at the Tbilisi Philharmonic Concert Hall and will likely march toward the Parliament building; timings are currently unclear.

Any further demonstrations are likely to be well-attended. Additional police will almost certainly deploy around any large gatherings; related security measures will likely prompt localized transport disruptions, particularly around the Parliament building. 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 any gatherings protest if they are deemed to be breaching these restrictions.

Further related demonstrations outside the Parliament Building, as well as outside the Central Election Commission on Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue, could be announced at short notice in the coming days.

Advice

Avoid all protests 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. Exercise caution and allow additional time for travel near the Parliament building in the coming days.