Ukraine: Opposition protest planned in Kyiv December 10 /update 2

Event

Anti-corruption and political opposition groups are planning to hold a demonstration in Kyiv on Sunday, December 10. Mikhail Saakashvili, the former mayor of Odessa and former president of Georgia, announced on social media that he will attend the march. According to Saakashvili, participants will gather at Shevchenko Park at 12:00 (local time) before traveling to Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti). Increased security measures and traffic disruptions are to be expected around the protest. Clashes between demonstrators and police cannot be ruled out.

Context

Tensions remain high in Kyiv after the police attempted to detain Saakashvili at his home on Tuesday, December 5. Hundreds of Saakashvili's supporters then reportedly surrounded the police vehicle on Trikhsvyatitelskaya Street as police tried to leave the area. During the clashes, the protesters broke into the police van and freed Saakashvili. At least nine people were reportedly arrested during the clashes. Additional protests were held on Wednesday, December 6, resulting in fighting between security forces and demonstrators outside of the Ukrainian Parliament. According to local sources, at least 13 people – 11 police officers and two protesters – were injured when security forces assaulted the protesters’ camp in a second attempt to arrest Saakashvili.  

Police officials have accused Saakashvili of organizing protests funded by organized crime groups tied to fromer Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych; he has denied the charges. Saakashvili is an ardent opponent of corruption in Ukraine and is calling for sweeping political reforms. In October, Saakashvili led several days of protests outside parliament, calling for the creation of independent anti-corruption courts. At least four people were wounded in clashes between police and demonstrators.

Saakashvili was appointed governor of Odessa in 2015, but resigned in November 2016 over complaints of rampant corruption. Since then, Saakashvili has been an outspoken critic of Poroshenko’s government. In July 2017, President Poroshenko revoked Saakashvili's Ukrainian citizenship, which he had gained as governor of Odessa, leaving Saakashvili stateless; he had previously forfeited his Georgian citizenship when he took Ukrainian citizenship. On September 10, Saakashvili forced his way across the Polish border into Ukraine to continue his anti-corruption campaign. Prior to December 5, Ukrainian authorities had not attempted to arrest Saakashvili.

Advice

Individuals in Kyiv are advised to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, obey any instructions issued by the local authorities, and anticipate increased travel times due to traffic congestion and increased security measures. Due to the underlying terrorist threat amid the ongoing high sociopolitical tensions, remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the local authorities or your security officer.​