28 Nov 2024 | 09:50 PM UTC
Georgia: Protest activity likely across country through at least early December after officials announce suspension of EU accession talks Nov. 28 /update 7
Georgian government officials announce suspension of EU accession talks Nov. 28; protests likely across Georgia through early December.
Protest activity will likely continue in major cities across Georgia through at least early December after government officials announced on Nov. 28 that the country would halt EU accession negotiations until 2028. Following the announcement, anti-government protest activity materialized in several cities overnight Nov. 28-29, including in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and Zugdidi. In Tbilisi, thousands of protesters assembled to denounce the decision amid a heightened security presence, including in front of the Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the ruling Georgian Dream party, and the Parliament building, blocking traffic. Some protesters in the capital reportedly clashed with police near the Parliament building; unconfirmed reports indicate that law enforcement officers have arrested some protest participants and used tear gas. Police have also reportedly arrested activists in Kutaisi.
In Tbilisi, likely locations for protests, aside from the abovementioned locations, include Republic Square, Freedom Square, and Heroes' Square. In Batumi, further protest activity will most likely materialize at Shota Rustaveli State University and Europe Square.
Authorities will likely deploy a heightened security presence to the sites of any protests that materialize. Transport and business disruptions will probably affect areas subject to protest activity. Further clashes between demonstrators, law enforcement officers, and ideologically opposed individuals cannot be ruled out.
Avoid all demonstrations as a standard precaution. Exercise caution around government and court buildings as well as political party offices. Allow extra time for travel during periods of protest activity, and consider taking alternative routes to circumvent affected areas and any disruptions. If violence breaks out in your area, immediately depart the vicinity and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
Following the Oct. 26 parliamentary elections, the country's electoral commission announced early Oct. 27 that the ruling Georgian Dream party had won 54 percent of the vote with 99 percent of precincts counted. The electoral commission ordered a partial recount of the vote before once again certifying the result.
