• Anti-government protests are slated outside the Public Broadcaster building at 19:00 (local time) and Parliament in Tbilisi at 20:00 on August 2.
• The gatherings will be held to condemn the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party’s policies perceived as anti-EU and the alleged excessive use of force against anti-government demonstrators.

1. The turnout at the scheduled protest outside both locations will likely range in the low-to-mid hundreds, based on precedent. The authorities are liable to bolster security in the vicinity of the aforementioned locations, given the sensitivity of the protest locations. These security measures will likely include the deployment of riot police and the setting up of barricades to restrict protesters from approaching government buildings.
2. Given the anti-government nature of these protests, there remains a likelihood of confrontations between protesters and the security forces at the slated gatherings. Additionally, the authorities’ low tolerance for anti-government gatherings is likely to inform the deployment of forcible dispersal measures in case the protesters engage in perceived unruly behavior. The use of water cannons, tear gas, and the detention of participants is anticipated in the event of unrest.
3. The risk of clashes could likely be heightened if opposition parties join the protest for the boycotting of the upcoming municipal elections slated on October 4, especially considering the GD’s nomination of Mayor Kakha Kaladze on July 31 to seek a third term in the upcoming local elections. The potential use of pyrotechnics by protesters in response to perceived excessive police actions will likely further escalate tensions at the slated gatherings. Significant disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular travel are expected across Tbilisi due to the high turnout and associated security measures on August 2.

Those operating or residing in Tbilisi on August 2 are advised to avoid the vicinity of the Parliament and Public Broadcaster Building due to the slated protests and associated high risk of unrest, while allotting for travel disruptions.