Georgia: Ongoing demonstration in Tbilisi December 12 /update 7

Event

Clashes between police forces and opposition protesters have been reported outside Georgia's Parliament in Tbilisi in the early hours of Thursday, December 12. Police forces have reportedly arrested at least twelve people. Opposition protesters have gathered in connection with the parliamentary vote to elect Supreme Court judges due to take place later in the day. Further protests are likely throughout the day.

A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are likely near all protest locations, and further clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

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.