18 Dec 2019 | 01:59 AM UTC
Georgia: Opposition party announces protest in Tbilisi December 19 /update 8
Opposition representatives organize a protest in Tbilisi on December 19; heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions expected
Event
The European Georgia opposition party has called for a protest in Tbilisi on Thursday, December 19. Participants are due to picket in front of parliament, however, organizers did not announce a meeting time as of Wednesday, December 18. Counterprotests and similar protests in major urban areas are possible in the coming days.
A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are likely near all protest locations.
Context
Several thousand people participated in opposition protests in Tbilisi on November 13, 14, and 26 to demand fair parliamentary elections in 2020. Lawmakers failed to pass a constitutional amendment that would have instituted a proportional voting system for the 2020 elections. Activists have called for protests to continue indefinitely and opposition lawmakers will reportedly demand that parliamentary elections be moved up and held under the proportional voting system.
Advice
Individuals in Tbilisi are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protest and demonstration locations as a precaution and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
