Georgia: Protests by opposition UNM party supporters possible in Tbilisi, Dec. 14 /update 1

Event

Protests by members and supporters of the United National Movement (UMN) party are possible in Tbilisi on Dec. 14, when former president Mikheil Saakashvili is scheduled to be sentenced at the Tbilisi City Court. Precedent suggests protestors will demonstrate in support of Saakashvili; he remains imprisoned and is reportedly suffering from alleged "poisoning". Saakashvili's sentencing is scheduled for 11:00.

Activists may also gather outside the headquarters of the ruling Georgian Dream party and at other government and national sites. Several thousand activists demonstrated in Tbilisi on Dec. 3, and future events are likely to attract similar numbers.

Additional police will almost certainly deploy to monitor any actions that arise. Large numbers of people and associated security measures, including possible road closures and movement restrictions, will likely prompt localized transport disruptions. The events are likely to pass peacefully, though isolated clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check for disruptions and allow extra time for travel in the affected areas.