Travel

29
Nov 2024
6:48 UTC

Georgia Tactical: Authorities impose ‘red level’ security at Parliament building on November 29; maintain heightened vigilance

Current Situation

  • The authorities activated a “red level,” the highest level of security, at the Parliament building on November 29 until further notice. 
  • Under the alert issued by the authorities, no person is permitted to enter the premises of the building.  
  • Security measures were bolstered around the Parliament in response to protests and clashes during the night hours (local time) on November 28 after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the Georgian Dream (GD) government refused to open negotiations with the European Union until the end of 2028. 
  • This comes after a “yellow level” of security was announced for the Parliament building on November 25 when the new members of parliament were inaugurated.  

Assessments & Forecast

  1. Even though the authorities did not officially state a reason for the elevated security, the measure indicates their expectation of increased activism against the PM’s decision to delay talks with the EU until 2028. As witnessed during the early morning hours on November 29 when protesters hurled lit firecrackers at the parliament, the measures are likely introduced to prevent an escalation of unrest near the building.  
  2. Over the coming hours and days, it is expected that the security personnel will increase the vehicular and identity checks in the vicinity of the parliament. Given the prevailing anti-government sentiment, clashes between the authorities and the protesters are expected should the demonstrators attempt to breach the increased security perimeter. Significant travel disruptions are expected in the area due to the enhanced security.  

Recommendations

  1. Those operating or residing in Tbilisi on November 29 and over the coming days are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of the Parliament building due to elevated security while allotting for travel disruptions.
  2. Avoid the vicinity of all demonstrations due to the risk of unrest. 
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL Medium
AFFECTED AREA Tbilisi, Georgia
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Credible

Current Situation

  • The authorities activated a “red level,” the highest level of security, at the Parliament building on November 29 until further notice. 
  • Under the alert issued by the authorities, no person is permitted to enter the premises of the building.  
  • Security measures were bolstered around the Parliament in response to protests and clashes during the night hours (local time) on November 28 after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the Georgian Dream (GD) government refused to open negotiations with the European Union until the end of 2028. 
  • This comes after a “yellow level” of security was announced for the Parliament building on November 25 when the new members of parliament were inaugurated.  

Assessments & Forecast

  1. Even though the authorities did not officially state a reason for the elevated security, the measure indicates their expectation of increased activism against the PM’s decision to delay talks with the EU until 2028. As witnessed during the early morning hours on November 29 when protesters hurled lit firecrackers at the parliament, the measures are likely introduced to prevent an escalation of unrest near the building.  
  2. Over the coming hours and days, it is expected that the security personnel will increase the vehicular and identity checks in the vicinity of the parliament. Given the prevailing anti-government sentiment, clashes between the authorities and the protesters are expected should the demonstrators attempt to breach the increased security perimeter. Significant travel disruptions are expected in the area due to the enhanced security.  

Recommendations

  1. Those operating or residing in Tbilisi on November 29 and over the coming days are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of the Parliament building due to elevated security while allotting for travel disruptions.
  2. Avoid the vicinity of all demonstrations due to the risk of unrest. 
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL Medium
AFFECTED AREA Tbilisi, Georgia
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Credible