Georgia: Opposition UMN party supporters to protest in Batumi May 6

Event

Members and supporters of the United National Movement (UMN) party will rally in Batumi May 6. The time and exact location are unclear, though the event may occur outside Batumi State University from 19:00. The demonstration is being held to denounce the perceived treatment of former president Mikheil Saakashvili in prison. Activists likely numbering in the low to mid-hundreds will gather outside the university on Rustaveli Avenue.

Additional police will almost certainly deploy to monitor the action. Large numbers of people and associated security measures, including possible road closures and movement restrictions, will likely prompt localized transport disruptions. The event is likely to pass peacefully, though isolated clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid the protest as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check for disruptions and allow extra time for travel in the affected area May 6.