12 Jun 2024 | 10:28 AM UTC
Georgia: Demonstrations over proposed legislation will likely continue in major cities through at least late June /update 8
Opposition activists, pro-government groups likely to continue protests in major cities in Georgia through late June. Tight security likely.
Demonstrations over a government bill, widely referred to as the "foreign agents' law," will likely continue in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi through at least late June. In Tbilisi, opposition activists and civil society groups will stage a protest on June 20 near the Parliament. The precise location remains unclear; however, the usual protest sites are on the rear of Parliament (Dzmebi Zubalashvilebi Street) around 12:00 and in front of Parliament (Shota Rustaveli Avenue) around 19:00. The bill labels all non-governmental organizations, media companies, and journalists receiving funding from outside the country as foreign agents. Opponents of the bill have gathered in central Tbilisi almost daily since April 15 and staged frequent demonstrations in Batumi, Gori, Kutaisi, and Telavi. President Salome Zourabichvili initially vetoed the bill, although Parliament subsequently overrode the veto, all but guaranteeing the law’s formal adoption. Activists responded by protesting at the Parliament. The bill will probably be signed into law by mid-June, with opponents continuing their protests in the meantime.
Further demonstrations are almost certain in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi. In a previous demonstration on April 15, protesters attempted to storm Parliament in Tbilisi on April 15, resulting in at least 14 arrests and one injury; however, no widespread violence has been reported as of mid-June. 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. Pro-government demonstrations typically take place in front of Parliament. The risk of violence increases if opposing demonstrations occur in the same vicinity.
Increased security measures have been in place in the parliamentary precinct since the protest campaign began. Georgia's Parliament announced 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 most 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. 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.
