30 Apr 2024 | 03:49 PM UTC
Georgia: Heightened security likely in Tbilisi May 1-6 amid Asian Development Bank Summit
Authorities likely to employ enhanced security measures in Tbilisi, Georgia, May 1-6 amid Asian Development Bank Summit.
Authorities are likely to enforce heightened security measures at locations throughout Tbilisi May 1-6 due to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Summit. The gathering, which occurs May 2-5, will draw approximately 4,000 delegates from 68 countries. Events will occur at the following locations:
May 2: Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel, Biltmore Hotel, Paragraph Hotel, Courtyard by Marriot, Stamba Hotel.
May 3: Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel, Biltmore Hotel, Paragraph Hotel, Courtyard by Marriot, Stamba Hotel, Georgian Museum of Fine Arts.
May 4: Radisson Blue Iveria Hotel, Biltmore Hotel, Courtyard by Marriot, Stamba Hotel, Georgian Museum of Fine Arts, Tbilisi Concert Hall, Opera and Ballet Theater of Tbilisi, Underwheel Club.
May 5: Radisson Blue Iveria Hotel, Biltmore Hotel, Courtyard by Marriot, Stamba Hotel, Gerogian Museum of Fine Arts, Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metekhi Palace.
Increased security and periodic transport disruptions are likely near all event locations on relevant days, and particularly likely near Tbilisi Concert Hall on May 4. Periodic air travel and transport disruptions are likely at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) between May 1-6, most likely on May 1-2 as delegates arrive and May 5-6 as delegates depart.
Opposition protests denouncing the so-called "foreign agents' law" are likely to continue in Tbilisi during the event period. Protesters' attempting to demonstrate near or disrupt events associated with the Summit cannot be ruled out.
Allow additional time for travel near event areas and via TBS. Avoid any protests that may materialize. Strictly heed all instructions from authorities.
Opposition activists have been protesting in Tbilisi since April 15 to denounce proposed legislation placing restrictions on non-governmental organizations, media companies, and journalists that receive funding from outside the country. The ruling Georgian Dream party introduced a similar bill in March 2023; however, it was withdrawn after tens of thousands of people gathered for two nights of large-scale protests in Tbilisi.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. 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.
