15 Apr 2024 | 10:05 AM UTC
Georgia: Demonstrations denouncing proposed legislation in major cities April 15 /update 4
Opposition activists announce protests in Georgia's major cities April 15. Heightened security, disruptions likely.
Opposition activists will likely continue calling for protests in major urban centers across Georgia through at least mid-April to denounce the so-called "foreign agents' law." The government-proposed bill, which remains under discussion in Parliament, would label all non-governmental organizations (NGOs), media companies, and journalists that receive funding from outside the country as foreign agents.
As of April 15, demonstrations denouncing the bill are ongoing in Tbilisi and Kutaisi. In Tbilisi, several hundred activists are gathered on Dzmebi Zubalashvilebi Street outside Parliament, while demonstrators in Kutaisi are gathered outside City Hall on Shota Rustaveli Lane.
The following additional demonstrations on April 15 have been confirmed:
Batumi: Rally at University Fountain from 14:00.
Tbilisi: Rally outside Parliament from 19:00.
Demonstrations on April 15 coincide with the first Parliamentary committee hearing on the bill. Georgia's Parliament increased security measures on April 15, stating that the yellow level of security would be in effect. No journalists or visitors are permitted to enter the building, and additional police units are reportedly on site.
It is not immediately clear how many participants may attend demonstrations on April 15; however, protests denouncing a similar bill in March 2023 drew tens of thousands of participants in Tbilisi. The opposition and civil society groups will likely call for further demonstrations in the coming days. Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely near all protests that materialize, especially those that take shape near government buildings. While widespread violence is not anticipated, clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement officers are possible, particularly near Parliament in Tbilisi.
Avoid all protest activity as a standard precaution. Exercise caution and allow additional time if traveling near government buildings. Immediately depart the area at the first sign that any security disturbance may occur. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers.
The ruling Georgian Dream party introduced a similar bill in March 2023; however, it was withdrawn after tens of thousands of people gathered for two nights of large-scale protests in Tbilisi. Those demonstrations featured clashes between activists and law enforcement officers. Opposition parties and activists denounced the legislation as an attack on democracy and media freedom, promising to oppose the bill were it to be reintroduced. The new bill, introduced in early April, features slightly different language from the bill proposed in 2023; however, the impact of the law remains unchanged and opposition to the bill will likely persist throughout the legislative process.
