26 Apr 2024 | 10:27 AM UTC
Georgia: Demonstrations denouncing proposed legislation likely continuing in coming days, pro-government rally planned in Tbilisi, April 29 /update 6
Opposition activists and pro-government groups plan rival demonstrations in Tbilisi, Georgia through late April. Heightened security likely.
Opposition activists will likely continue to demonstrate in Tbilisi and other major urban centers across Georgia through at least late 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, media companies, and journalists receiving funding from outside the country as foreign agents. As of April 26, protesters have gathered in central Tbilisi daily since April 15; organizers state that they will continue the campaign.
The ruling Georgian Dream party has called for a counter demonstration April 29 in support of the bill. Attendees will gather outside the Parliament building in Tbilisi. It is not known how many will take part. The presence of pro- and anti-government protesters will likely lead to heightened tensions and the risk of scuffles.
The largest demonstrations denouncing the bill have occurred in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi. Further demonstrations are almost certain in these locations. In Tbilisi, opposition activists and civil society groups typically stage protests to the rear of Parliament (Dzmebi Zubalashvilebi Street) around 11:00 and in front of Parliament (Shota Rustaveli Avenue) around 19:00. While widespread violence has not been reported, protesters attempted to storm Parliament in Tbilisi on April 15, resulting in at least 14 arrests and one injury. A near-constant sit-in protest is also positioned outside Parliament. Protests in Batumi and Kutaisi have centered on the University Fountain and City Hall, respectively.
Georgia's Parliament announced increased security measures on April 15, stating that the yellow level of security would be in effect while the bill was undergoing committee hearings. No journalists or visitors are permitted to enter the building, and additional police units are reportedly on site.
Attendance levels at the gatherings have fluctuated, but evening protests in Tbilisi will likely feature the highest numbers of participants, with several thousand activists attending. 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 passed its first reading in the Parliament on April 17 and will be debated again on April 30. It 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.
On April 25, the EU passed a resolution condemning the bill and stating that no negotiations on Georgia's membership of the bloc could continue while the bill was in force.
