Georgia: Protests expected in Tbilisi on September 8 /update 10

Event

Protests opposing Interior Minister Giorgi Gakharia's candidacy for interim prime minister are expected on Sunday, September 8, at Parliament in Tbilisi. Parliament will hold a plenary session to confirm Gakharia for the role until the October 2020 parliamentary elections. Related protests were previously held on Tuesday, September 3, and on Wednesday, September 4.

Significant transportation and business disruptions are to be expected at and near any protest. A heightened security presence is anticipated, the use of force by police officers remains possible. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Around 10,000 opposition protesters rallied outside of parliament on the night of June 20, to denounce the participation of Russian MP Sergey Gavrilov at the General Inter-Parliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy. Protests reportedly turned violent after images emerged of Gavrilov sitting in a seat typically reserved for Parliamentary Chairperson Irakli Kobakhidze. Police subsequently fired tear gas at protesters after several attempted to storm the parliament building. Demonstrations continued over the subsequent days outside the parliament and headquarters of the ruling Georgia Dream party, with protesters demanding the resignations of various top officials and early elections.

Advice

Individuals in Georgia are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.