Georgia: Opposition party to protest in central Tbilisi Dec. 21

Event

The opposition United National Movement (UNM) party is planning to protest in central Tbilisi Dec. 21 to denounce the perceived treatment of imprisoned former president Mikheil Saakashvili. Participants will gather on Rustaveli Avenue.

A heavy police presence will likely deploy to the protest site and associated security measures will likely prompt traffic and public transport disruptions in the vicinity. Clashes between security forces and protesters are possible. Although bystanders are unlikely to be targeted in any violence, they would face a significant indirect threat.

Context

Saakashvili returned to Georgia from self-imposed exile Oct. 1 and was immediately arrested and jailed for abuse of power while he was in office. Saakashvili claims the charges against him are politically motivated and staged a hunger strike; his subsequent hospitalization exacerbated a political crisis between the ruling Georgian Dream party and the UNM, which remains closely affiliated with Saakashvili. Further protests are likely over the coming weeks.

Advice

Avoid any protests as a precaution and to avoid potential disruption. Allow additional time for travel on Rustaveli Avenue and parallel routes on the evening of Dec. 21. Heed all official traffic and security advisories. Leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.