14 May 2024 | 01:30 PM UTC
Georgia: Demonstrators clash with law enforcement officers in Tbilisi May 14
Protesters clash with police near Parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia, afternoon May 14. Further clashes likely throughout the evening.
Demonstrators clashed with police near the Parliament Building on Shota Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi the afternoon of May 14. The clashes reportedly broke out after a group of demonstrators denouncing the adoption of new legislation widely referred to as the "foreign agents' law" broke through a police barricade and attempted to move towards Parliament. Large groups of law enforcement officers are gathered near Parliament and were facing off with demonstrators as of 17:15. Hundreds of protesters and law enforcement officers appear to be in the area.
Heightened security and localized transport disruptions will continue in the area through the night. Further clashes will likely occur sporadically around Parliament and may spread to surrounding areas.
Avoid the area near Parliament. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers. Immediately depart the area at the first sign that any security disturbance may occur.
The Georgian Parliament adopted the "foreign agents law" in a session earlier on May 14. The ruling Georgian Dream party introduced a similar bill in March 2023; however, it was withdrawn after tens of thousands of people gathered for two nights of large-scale protests in Tbilisi.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.
