Georgia: Activists to protest outside Government Chancellery in Tbilisi, April 1

Event

Activists plan to gather at the Government Chancellery building in Tbilisi at 20:00 on April 1 to hold a protest in support of detained activist Lazare Grigoriadis. The likely turnout is unclear.

A heightened police presence is likely near the Government Chancellery building during the protest. Crowds and associated security measures, including possible road closures and movement restrictions, may prompt localized transport disruptions. Isolated clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

Lazare Grigoriadis was arrested March 29 in connection with a number of incidents March 7-9 during unrest over the proposed Foreign Influence Transparency Act. The bill would have required organizations that receive more than 20 percent from overseas to register as foreign agents. It was subsequently dropped by Parliament on March 10.

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 area.