• Anti-government activists are slated to hold a demonstration outside the Parliament in Tbilisi at 20:00 (local time) on January 9. 
• The slated gathering marks the 408 days of consecutive protests against the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party over its alleged disproportionate targeting of opposition figures and anti-GD dissenters.  

1. The turnout at the slated protest is expected to range between the high dozens to low hundreds, based on estimates observed at similar events in Tbilisi. As part of standard security protocols, the authorities will bolster security measures in the vicinity of Parliament, due to the sensitivity of the area. Such measures will include the deployment of additional security personnel and the setting up of barricades to prevent possible travel disruptions and monitor the gathering.
2. There remains a high risk of clashes between demonstrators and security forces, given the authorities’ lower tolerance threshold for anti-GD protesters. Should protesters engage in behaviour perceived as disruptive by the authorities, such as blocking major thoroughfares or pedestrian zones adjacent to the Parliament, the authorities are likely to respond with temporary detentions. Further, if unrest escalates, where demonstrators are seen launching pyrotechnics against police forces or breaching security cordons, the authorities will likely employ stringent measures such as tear gas or water cannon to quell the unrest. Disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular travel are likely in the vicinity of Parliament due to the expected turnout and related security measures during the evening hours on January 9.

Those operating or residing in Tbilisi on January 9 are advised to avoid nonessential travel in the vicinity of Parliament due to the slated protest and associated high risk of clashes, while alloting for travel disruptions.