Georgia: Activists to gather at the back entrance of the Parliament building in Tbilisi from 14:00 Oct. 5 to denounce bill on protest restrictions

Event

Activists plan to protest at the back entrance of the Parliament building in Tbilisi from 14:00 Oct. 5. Participants are denouncing a bill that would place stronger restrictions on gatherings. The protest is likely to be well attended.

Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely near the demonstration site. Clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement officers are possible, posing incidental risks to bystanders.

Context

Political tensions are rapidly escalating in Georgia. The ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party introduced the bill after alleging that foreign actors plan to use mass protests later this year to overthrow the government. Opposition parties stringently deny these accusations, accusing the ruling party of manufacturing a political crisis. Simultaneously, both Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, a member of the GD, and President Salome Zurabishvili, an independent, currently face competing impeachments.

Advice

Avoid the protest due to possible clashes. Allow additional time if traveling near the Parliament building. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers. Immediately depart the area at the first sign of a security disturbance.