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Gavrilov Protests
2019 Georgian demonstrations against the Georgian government
Protesters picketing the Parliament building on June 21
Date19 June - 20 September 2019
Location
Tbilisi, Georgia
Caused byParliament hosting of Russian MP Sergei Gavrilov
GoalsAffirmation of pro-EU foreign policy, resignation of key government leaders, electoral reform
MethodsPicketing, street demonstrations
Resulted inResignation of Irakli Kobakhidze, arrest of opposition leaders, 2019-2020 Georgian political crisis
Parties
Shame Movement
Strength is in Unity
European Georgia
Girchi
Various student groups
Lead figures
Number
around 10,000 (June 20)
Unknown
Casualties
Injuries240 (including 80 police officers and 12 journalists)
Arrested22 (including three police officers)

Background[edit]

Political situation[edit]

At the onset of the protests, Georgian Dream (GD) had been the ruling party in Georgia since defeating Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement (UNM) in the 2012 parliamentary election. Though originally coming to power through a coalition government with several other parties (most notably the Republican Party, National Forum, and the Free Democrats), GD solidified its power during the 2016 legislative polls that saw it win a constitutional majority in Parliament (113 out of 150 MPs) without any alliance. Chaired by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a wealthy businessman with financial ties to Russia and considered by some observers an "oligarch", the party's platform formally backed a pro-European Union foreign policy, signing the EU-Georgia Association Agreement in 2014 and reaching a visa liberalization agreement in 2016, although a policy of "strategic patience" towards Russia often received criticism from the opposition. In 2019, Georgian Dream controlled the Government (led by Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze) and Parliament (led by Speaker Irakli Kobakhidze), while the presidency had been won in a controversial 2018 election by Salome Zourabichvili, herself an independent but backed by GD.

The opposition, represented in the 9th Parliament by European Georgia (EG) and UNM, had grown increasingly critical of the GD government since the 2018 presidential election, accusing the ruling party of voter bribery and electoral fraud. After organizing picketing protests on Zourabichvili's inauguration day, at least one opposition high-level figure, former Governor Davit Kirkitadze, was arrested. In February 2019, eight Georgian Dream MPs left the party in protest of its packing of the Supreme Court with controversial justices, while 20 political parties had earlier formed a joint coalition (Strength is in Unity) to advocate for electoral reform ahead of the 2020 parliamentary election. Their top demand was the abolition of majoritarian districts in Parliament and the move to a fully-proportional electoral system, a system that is set to kick in 2024.

Large-scale public demonstrations in Georgia had been seen in 2018, first in response to a law enforcement cover-up in the murder of two teenagers in Tbilisi (known as the Khorava case), and then in protest of the killing of a teenager during an anti-terrorism raid in the Pankisi Valley. In May 2018, thousands of activists led by the White Noise Movement protested drug raids by law enforcement on popular nightclubs in Tbilisi, forcing Interior Minister Giorgi Gakharia to apologize and pledge drug reform.

In a National Democratic Institute poll of April 2019, a record-high 46% of respondents indicated that Georgia was headed in "the wrong direction", 56% had a negative opinion of the government's performance, while Parliament's negative rating reached its highest point under the GD leadership (40%). The economy remained one of the top priorities for voters, with an unemployment rate reaching 21% in early 2019.

  • On June 13, 20 opposition parties submitted 200,000 signatures calling on Parliament to amend the constitution and schedule the 2020 elections proportionally (https://civil.ge/archives/308321)

Foreign policy[edit]

Georgia's foreign policy had a strong pro-Western orientation since at least 2003, though the country's first steps towards European integration date back to its accession to the Council of Europe in 1999. Following the Rose Revolution and the rise to power of Mikheil Saakashvili, Tbilisi's official policy had been to seek integration into both the European Union and NATO. The Saakashvili administration first oversaw the implementation of the Eastern Partnership and built close ties with Poland and the Baltic states, while Georgian Dream originally continued that policy with the signing of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement in 2014, its resulting Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, and reaching a visa liberalization deal with the Schengen Area in 2017. As of 2019, Georgia was involved in military operations in Afghanistan, Mali, and the Central African Republic with NATO and EU forces. In 2018, an amendment was added to the Constitution requiring all public agencies to "work towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration".

The country's largest foreign policy concern was its protracted conflict with Russia, a conflict that started shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union and culminated in 2008 when Russia invaded Georgia and established a military occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The Georgian Dream government sought to replace the Saakashvili administration's perceived anti-Russian rhetoric with a policy of "strategic patience" and engaging diplomatically with Moscow. In 2012, Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili appointed a Special Representative for Russia, leading to the so-called "Abashidze-Karasin Negotiation Format", while the government promoted economic trade with Russia, with Moscow becoming the largest trading partner of Georgia by June 2019. Despite this approach, Russia increased its hold over Abkhazia and South Ossetia, engaging in "borderization" (installation of barbed wires on administrative boundary lines) and regularly detaining, sometimes killing, Georgian civilians near the conflict lines. Opinion polls showed large disapprovals of the Abashidze-Karasin Format and a majority of the Georgian population viewed Russia as an "enemy" and as its main obstacle on Euro-Atlantic integration.

Protests[edit]

IAO session and parliamentary protest[edit]

  • UNM and EG MPs boycotted the parliamentary session on June 20 in protest of the Russian delegation's presence in Tbilisi as part of the IAO (https://civil.ge/archives/309180)
    • When Communist MP Gavrilov (President of the IAO General Assembly) addressed the delegates from the Speaker's seat in Russian, the situation became tense
    • Opposition MPs entered the chamber and blocked the presidium, demanding the departure of the Russian delegation
    • Elene Khoshtaria: 'The Georgian Dream has brought the Russian occupiers in and let them sit in the Speaker’s Chair. This was a slap in the face of the recent Georgian history, [an affront to] April 9, war of Abkhazia, war of Ossetia, Russia’s invasion in our country and Russia’s occupation. if the state does not protect our country from Russian occupants, we will protect at least this hall, and this event will not be held with participation of Russian delegates.'
    • Salome Samadashvili: 'it is our country that needs to be protected from the government, which collaborates with occupants' and then called on protesters to gather at 7PM in front of Parliament to protect dignity. She called on the other delegates to adopt a resolution supporting Georgia's territorial integrity and condemn Russian occupation.
    • Giorgi Kandelaki: 'The meeting will only resume if the Russian participants leave this building. If this is not the case, the meeting will be cancelled and will not take place in the Parliament of Georgia.'
    • Tina Bokuchava: 'Kutsnashvili has trevealed the true face of the Georgian Dream most vividly, which proves it is a Russian Dream.' and called on him to take political responsibility (as head of the Georgian delegation to IAO)
    • Since the morning, civic activists had gathered inside Parliament calling on Kobakhidze's resignation
    • GD immediately called Gavrilov's assuming of the Chair "protocol blunder"
    • The IAO session opened in Avlabari on June 19 and Kobakhidze was present with the Russian delegation
    • Tamar Chughoshvili criticized the event on social media
    • Ivanishvili said he "fully shares the sincere outrage of the Georgian citizens" and called for an immediate suspension of the session
    • Mdinaradze claimed it was a protocol blunder and Gavrilov was not supposed to preside
    • The IAO session was moved out of Parliament
    • Kobakhidze was in Baku and immediately demanded to suspend the session
    • Bakhtadze condemned this
    • President Zourabichvili released a statement questioning Georgia's membership to the IAO: 'What does it even mean? What type of Orthodox ties can we have with the country that has not only occupied our territories, but also fights against religion and Christian norms,” President Zurabishvili stated, noting this is Russia’s attempt “to use religion for political reasons.” “And if indeed is so, why do we join this political game?'
    • This was the 26th General Assembly of IAO, gathering up to 100 delegates from 25 countries. Georgia joined IAO in 2013. The session was scheduledfor June 19-22.
  • Kaladze made a press conference on behalf of GD in which he said: 'The Russian delegation will leave Georgia. Naturally, the conference will not and cannot continue in that manner. Georgia, which is the respected member of the Orthodox world for 17 centuries is using every possible platform for de-occupation of our country, for the interests of our country. it is inadmissible and wrong to hold a forum in the Parliament of Georgia under the chairmanship of a Russian delegate. Today, there is a full consensus in the society and within our team regarding the incident… An outrageous mistake has taken a place that has placed the entire team under a blow. The organizers of the IAO will have to apologize and explain the Georgian society what and why has happened.' (https://civil.ge/archives/309241)
  • On the same day, 15 CSOs (Coalition for Euro-Atlantic Georgia), including TI Georgia, Open Society Georgia Foundation, and the UN Association of Georgia released a statement calling on the government to immediately respond to the "particular intensification in the recent period of the hybrid warfare waged by Russia against Georgia" The statement also said that for years, the state has not been responsing appropriately to the threats coming from Russia. It has often even endorsed proRussian and radical sentiments." (https://civil.ge/archives/309643)
  • Gavrilov was chased from the Parliament by opposition deputies, from his hotel by ordinary citizens, and had to be whisked by Georgian security services to the airport and onto his plane back to Moscow. (https://civil.ge/archives/310329)
  • On Sep 7, Gakharia would admit that the government was aware of the IAO session in Parliament prior but did not discuss its reasonability (https://civil.ge/archives/319373)
  • Opposition MPs, when the break was announced, became radical. Samadashvili gave Gavrilov and the Russiand elegates half an hour to leave the building or be taken out. She said, "f these people are not taken out of the parliament building, we will mobilise the people, and we will bring people not only in front of the parliament, but into the hall itself" (https://jam-news.net/scandal-in-georgian-parliament-russian-mp-speaks-from-parliamentary-speakers-chair/)
    • A cause for scandal was Gavrilov's presence in Abkhazia during the war
    • A first round of protests took place in front of the Radisson where Gavrilov was staying
  • Though Gavrilov denied having taken any part in the war, he did vote in 2008 for the recognition of Abkhazia and SO (https://jam-news.net/who-is-the-russian-orthodox-communist-who-provoked-protests-in-tbilisi/)
  • Gavrilov claimed that 'a number of Georgian MPs apologized to him over the incident' (https://oc-media.org/thousands-clash-with-police-as-protesters-try-to-storm-georgian-parliament/)
    • Kobakhidze opened the IAO session on June 19, stating that "Christianity was not only about faith or a means for saving national identity’, but that ‘Christian traits […] saved Georgia as a state and brought it to where it is today, to freedom’."
    • Upon seeing Gavrilov take a seat, opposition MPs rushed to the tribune during a break and occupied the chair, insisting they would not let Gavrilov return to it
    • The opposition MPs were confronted in the hall by APG MPs Ada Marshania and Emzar Kvitsiani, calling on the opposition to leave and let Gavrilov return to his chair. Kvitsiani was accompanied by guards and said that Gavrilov was pro-Georgian
    • Kutsnashvili was surrounded by activists and he tore up a banner saying "shame on the government"
    • Kutsnashvili later apologized
  • Gavrilov addressed the MPs in Russian from the speaker's seat (https://oc-media.org/russian-mp-s-appearance-in-georgian-parliament-sparks-protests-across-georgia/)
    • MPs from the European Georgia and United National Movement parties occupied the tribune of the Georgian Parliament on Thursday to prevent Gavrilov from returning to the chair. After their protest, the session was cancelled and delegates left parliament.
    • Kutsnashvili and Talakvadze both alleged that the Greek chairman general of IAO was supposed to lead the session
    • Originally when the protest started, Gavrilov appeared on Russian media, saying that the Russian delegation was not considering shortening its stay
    • Protesters followed Gavrilov to the Radisson and they thre eggs at the building
    • Gavrilov was also met with protesters when leaving the hotel
  • When Gavrilov sought to return to the speaker's seat after the break, the MPs blocked him and said they would not let him "desecrate state institutions" (https://www.rferl.org/a/anti-russia-protesters-in-tbilisi-demand-speaker-s-resignation/30011083.html)
    • The orthodox assembly was suspended and security escorted Gavrilov and his delegation out of the building
  • Gavrilov's address in Parliament: “There have been great tensions between our people, but I believe that we can overcome them. We have to foster an equal dialogue, find ways to solve burning questions in a positive manner, and I believe that with equal dialogue and trust we can heal the questions that have divided us in the past. There is no other way.” (https://neweasterneurope.eu/2019/06/24/its-a-shame/)
  • According to Kobakhidze, GD members also asked Gavrilov to step down from the Speaker's chair at the beginning, but the latter rejected the call (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011034.html)
  • Gavrilov claims that he sat where he was told to seat (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011839.html)
    • The IAO session continued in the hotel, where it took the decision to finish the session
    • In hist hotel, Gavrilov was threatened with bottles and eggs
    • According to Kutsnashvili, Gavrilov never violated the Occupation Act, unlike two other Duma MPs who were rejected entry (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011839.html)
  • Akaki Bobokhidze (EG MP) poured water on the Estonian MP, confusing him for Gavrilov (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011863.html)
  • Gavrilov claimed his visit to Georgia was blessed by the Russian Patriarch (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30025709.html)
  • A picture of the whole IAO delegation was taken in Avlabari on June 19 and Kobakhidze is seen standing next to Gavrilov. The photo was published by IAO on July 1 (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30030325.html)
  • Gakharia confirmed he knew ahead of time about Gavrilov's visit and the MIA sought to find a reason to deny his entry, but failed to do so (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30050072.html)

Gavrilov's Night[edit]

  • The first protesters demanded the resignation of Kobakhidze, Bakhtadze, Gakharia, and Gomelauri (https://civil.ge/archives/309241)
  • The protest officially began at 19:00
  • Around 2200, tensions mounted as GD issued no response to the demands (https://civil.ge/archives/309346)
    • By 22:26, protesters had broken through the first police cordon but were pushed back by the riot police
    • By 2226: Gakharia arrives on location and calls the protest an "assault on state institutions... that will be judged as they should be. Everyone will be punished with full severity of the law."
    • PM Bakhtadze also arrived at Parliament called the demonstration absolutely unacceptable because it had turned into violence. He blamed UNM for "attempting to move Georgia out of the legal framework."
    • GD leaders placed a difference between youth groups and political leaders protesting
  • Police used water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators (https://civil.ge/archives/309536)
    • Late, the MIA issued a statement stating: 'the protest expressed by the participants of the rally outside the Parliament has gone beyond the legal limits of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and acquired a violent nature. Despite the Ministry’s calls, protesters continued their attempts to burst into the Parliament, to resist police officers and demonstrate disobedience to their legal demands. Thus, to prevent break-in into the Parliament building, prevent harm to citizens and law enforcers and reduce the threat of physical confrontation, police used the proportional means necessary for enforcement of law. Moreover, the Interior Ministry will give adequate assessment to the attempts of staging mass unrest and breaking into into the Parliament building and react to each fact of violation and crime.'
    • PM's adviser Davit Sergeenko was pinpointed by the government to provide updates on injuries
    • The Public Defender hopes that the protesters will stop violent actions and peacefully continue expressing protest.
  • Police continued to pursue protesters all through the night (https://civil.ge/archives/309640)
    • The police, including the riot control units have engaged small pockets of protesters that attempted to come together in various locations in central Tbilisi, at the Radisson Hotel on Republic Square, as well as Philarmonic House.
    • The last pockets were eliminated by 04:45 in the morning of 21 June.
    • Initial assault with tear gas took place around 0200
    • 0207: GOC issues statement" 'Protest was justified, since citizens are concerned by occupation of our territories but the protest has degenerated into violence. We call on the Authorities to show restraint and on citizens not to allow their emotions to prevail.'
    • By 0250, close to 50 civilians had been reported injured and the MIA launched a new round of rubber bullets and tear gas
    • Clashes were reported again at 0316, with media reporting that the situation on Rustaveli Avenue had "slipped out of control"
    • Police officers used rubber batons, rubber bullets in an indiscriminate fashion
    • Some protesters penetrated the offices of the ruling Georgian Dream party on Rustaveli avenue, their party flags were thrown from windows and burned.
    • 0400: PM Bakhtadze convenes press briefing at GD HQ in which he said that the protest post-Gavrilov's departure (post-1900) was 'manipulated by destructive political forces that went beyond the constitutional framework. The opposition craves revanche, UNM organizes mass violence and stormed Parliament.'
  • A total of 240 people, including 80 police officers, were injured (https://civil.ge/archives/309669)
    • After 445: some protesters reportedly stayed outside on different locations.
    • 12 journalists were involved, including Guram Muradov of Civil.ge
    • Intoxication and rubber bullet injuries were reported
  • Protesters were distinguished for their anti-Russian posters (https://civil.ge/archives/309677)
    • In Kutaisi, hundreds also gathered that night and the authorities turned off the street lights to discourage protesters
  • According to the MIA's figures, 305 protesters were detained for various criminal offenses that first night, with investigations launched under Article 225 of the Criminal Code (https://civil.ge/archives/309786)
    • According to the MIA, protesters attempted to storm Parliament using sticks, iron constructions, stones, physically assaulting police officers, and disobeying legal demands
    • Gakharia blamed politicians and political parties for managing to turn our citizens' fair and sincere protest into violence
  • Gakharia's recollection: from 2200 to 0000, police tried to not use force as long as possible and to weather protesters' attacks (https://civil.ge/archives/311161)
    • Police officers were receiving onslaught only shielding themselves. During that time, 30 police officers were rupped out of the police cordon and sustained injuries
    • Confrontation near the courtyard lasted five hours but police did not step forward from the perimieter until 0200, protecting Parliament, each other and themselves
    • Police used legitimate right to use force to avoid government overthrow
    • Gakharia would never confirm whether or not he gave the order to disperse the rally
  • According to Gakharia, 300 police shields were taken by protesters (https://civil.ge/archives/319373)
    • Gakharia claims that there were negotiations with opposition leaders and that storming was launched during those negotiations by some bad actors (https://civil.ge/archives/319373)
      • EG responded that it was a lie and that the dispersal order was given the moment when opposition leaders expressed their willingness to negotiate
  • As tensions mounted and as some were trying to break into the courtyard of parliament, opposition leaders and protesters held their arms up with open hands, declaring the protest as peaceful and weaponless (https://jam-news.net/protestors-in-tbilisi-trying-to-get-into-parliament-building/)
    • The break through the police cordon took place after the expiration a deadline set by Melia on the resignation of Kobakhidze, Gakharia, and Gomelauri
  • One of the demands was also the resignation of Bakhtadze (https://jam-news.net/tbilisi-protests-what-this-means-and-what-to-expect/)
    • Tornike Sharashenidze of GIPA describes the night as unacceptable because of the police's use of frightening signals, stalking, and capturing people through the streets.
      • It seems that some people were caught and beaten around the Philharmonic Hall, about a km from the scene
  • Nika Melia called on protesters to march into Parliament (https://oc-media.org/thousands-clash-with-police-as-protesters-try-to-storm-georgian-parliament/)
    • ‘If those who should resign do not step down within an hour, I believe that we have nothing to do here in front of the parliament. We have to march in peacefully, with our hands in the air, into the parliament building and make our protest even more intense. We will come out once they resign’
    • Protesters attempted to break through police lines to storm the parliament, and riot police responded with rubber bullets and tear gas in an attempt to disperse them.
    • By around 01:00 on Friday morning, the majority of protesters had dispersed although several hundred remained and continued to attempt to force their way into the parliament, with police intermittently firing tear gas and rubber bullets.
    • At around 01:45, additional riot police were deployed including a water cannon, driving the remaining protesters down Rustaveli Avenue.
    • Small groups of protesters continued to clash with police until around 05:00.
    • Demands were the resignations of Kobakhidze, Gakharia, and Gomelauri. Some were also calling for the complete resignation of the government and the scheduling of snap elections
    • The MIA called on protesters to disperse and 'not to act on a provocation'
    • Gakharia called the clashes a 'politically motivated attempt at catastrophe'
    • According to Ugulava, the MIA offered negotiations with the PM, although the deployment of tear gas prevented the negotiation
  • On the first day, protests were also reported in Batumi and Gori (https://oc-media.org/russian-mp-s-appearance-in-georgian-parliament-sparks-protests-across-georgia/)
  • Gakharia criticized opposition leaders for 'vanishing' from the protest after 2200 (https://oc-media.org/georgian-parliamentary-speaker-resigns-amidst-anti-russia-protests/)
  • 305 people were arrested, mostly on charges of petty hooliganism and disobeying police orders (https://oc-media.org/georgia-switches-to-proportional-electoral-system-bowing-to-protesters-demands/)
  • Some protesters yanked shields and helmets from politce officers (https://www.rferl.org/a/anti-russia-protesters-in-tbilisi-demand-speaker-s-resignation/30011083.html)
  • Kobakhidze originally refused to put an end to his visit to Azerbaijan on June 20 (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30010952.html)
  • At 1900, when the protest started, Gigi Ugulava gave the authorites one hour to fulfill the demand of the resignation of kobakhidze, Gomelauri and gakharia (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30010971.html)
  • Before midnight, Gakharia appeared in Parliament and called on every citizen to obey the demands of the police and leave the premises of Parliament (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011020.html)
  • Saakashvili called on the police to "move to the side of the people" (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011042.html)
  • Kaladze called the protest "unconstitutional" and "beyond the framework of freedom of expression" (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011067.html)
  • Bakhtadze arrived in Parliament in the height of the protest, before midnight. He wass accompanied by Anzor Chubinidze, who asked all journalists and staff members to leave the premises (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011089.html)
  • Malkhaz Machalikashvili was at the protest and he was evacuated by protesters when the situation became tense (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011118.html)
  • Tear gas was fired after some demonstrators sought to enter Parliament (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011129.html)
    • Protester method: pull police officers into the crowd to progressively thin the ranks of law enforcement
  • The tear gas managed to temporarily disperse protesters but they quickly gathered again, after which rubber bullets were used (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011143.html)
  • Shortly after midnight, MS called on people to move to the regions (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011172.html)
  • Post midnight: Reports of hand-to-hand combat between protesters and officers, with some protesters using iron bars to resist (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011185.html)
  • Dispersal process: Increased speical forces, water jets, arrests (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011194.html)
  • The Prime Minister denied originally that rubber bullets were being used, saying "it's not the signature of GD" (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011200.html)
  • Most injuries took place when protesters sought to approach special forces shouting Sakartvelo, to which they responded with tear gas (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011204.html)
  • After the first wave of dispersal, hundreds gathered around the vicinity of Marriott, some shooting fireworks (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011213.html)
  • Special forces cleaned originally the street till the Opera, using water cannons and a woman's voice on loudspeaker calling for dispersal (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011211.html)
  • As the morning approached, small clashes were seen on Varazskhevi, Melikishvili and Kostava (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011675.html)
  • By the morning, motor traffic was restored (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011684.html)
  • The situation was all cleaned by 0800 (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011784.html)
  • HRW monitoring: At 1 a.m., the Ministry of Internal Affairs issued a statement, according to which the mass of people "exceeded the scope established by the law on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and became violent." Despite the call from the Ministry, the participants of the rally continued to try to break into the Parliament and resisted the police. (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30012083.html)
  • One 70 year old man was arrested for allegedly making a Molotov cocktain (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30015179.html)
  • Evidence eventually revealed that three GD MPs (Okhanashvili, Kavelashvili, and Davit Matikashvili) were in parliament at night and were part of the decision-making to crackdown on the protest (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30021611.html)
  • June 26: Protest labeled Sirtskhvilia 7.0 (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30022015.html)
  • Melia claimed and released footage that proved that he wanted to enter Parliament with other opposition leaders to negotiate. Gakharia denied those claims as a complete farce (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30050026.html)
  • Gakharia confirmed he gave the order to disperse during his Grigolia interview (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30050063.html)
  • It was during the Grigolia interview that Gakharia revealed he was watching the events unfold on TV from inside Parliament along with "the ambassadors of several countries". Originally, the MFA denied this (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30051020.html)
  • According to Gakharia, he briefed Ivanshvili on the events of the night the next day and denied having coordinated with him the response (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30061317.html)

Following days[edit]

Government response[edit]

Summer protests[edit]

Sides[edit]

Protest leaders[edit]

Number of protesters[edit]

MIA forces[edit]

  • Giorgi Kakichashvili was the Director of the Special Tasks Department at the time and was in charge of police on location during the clashes (https://oc-media.org/gakharia-failed-to-act-but-did-not-give-order-to-use-rubber-bullets-public-defender-reports/)
    • He was fired two weeks after the clashes
  • According to the PDO report, Kakichashvili was moving throughout the territory and receiving updates in person and via radio. He claims that he found out about the use of rubber bullets by specific police officers through the radio (https://georgiatoday.ge/ombudsman-report-gakharia-did-not-order-to-use-rubber-bullets-at-june-20-21-rally-dispersal/)
  • According to Givi Targamadze (EG), the total number of law enforcement officers on June 20 was 15,000 law enforcement officers, 100 snipers. A total of 18,000 shots were fired (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30033231.html)
    • Law enforcement was brought into Tbilisi from various regions, including units from the occupation line
    • Divisions I, II, and III of the Department of Special Tasks, Divisions of Kakheti, Adjara, Zugdidi, Rustavi, Mtskheta, Tbilisi, Gori, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Border Protection Department, Emergency Situation Center, Special Department of State Protection, Penitentiary Department
    • The shots include gas and rubber bullets
    • Snipers fired red bullets from 50 Winchesters for a total of 100 shooters
    • At the beginning of the rally, there were 7,000 policemen mobilized in front of Parliament, making any storming improbable
    • MIA denied the involvement of units from the OL checkpoints, although it admitted bringing units from outside the city
  • Later, the MIA also denied any Justice special units involvement (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30034884.html)

Controversies[edit]

Use of disproportionate force[edit]

  • On June 21, 39 CSOs issued a statement expressing grave concern over the disproportionate use of force by the police that went beyond the boundaries of law (https://civil.ge/archives/309749)
    • The statement reads: 'In spite of clear requirements envisaged by Georgian law, the respective bodies didn’t provide the protesters with a clear message that the force will be used if the demonstrators did not voluntarily disperse. Moreover, the use of special means, including the intensity, form and purpose of their use were very problematic'
    • CSOs pointed out that rubber bullets were aimed from a short distance at the face and head area of the protests, leaving the impression that the purpose was to inflict injuries instead of dispersing the protest
    • They called on the Prosecutor's Office to conduct a thorough and objective investigation into the instances of the police's use of disproportionate force, arbitrary arrests, physical violence against the arrested protesters
    • On June 21, Amnesty International issued a statement calling for an immediate, thorough and independent investigation into use of force by riot police in Georgia, after protesters in Tbilisi were hit with rubber bullets and tear gas
    • Giorgi Gogia of HRW said 'even when police have grounds to disperse unlawful protests, they do not have carte blanche to do so with violence.'
  • On June 24, the Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation on charges of exceeding official powers by the police, under Article 333 of the Criminal Code, giving prosecutors freedom to prosecute from a monetary fine to house arrest of up to 2 years, imprisonment of up to 3 years, or a ban on the holding of public positions for up to 3 years (https://civil.ge/archives/310407)
    • The Office called on demonstrators to provide evidence and engaged the Public Defender's Office
    • Also that same day, the MIA suspended 10 police officers pending investigation. Two of their cases were referred to the Prosecutor
    • The Public Defender stated that she would engage if her office had full access to the investigation materials for the purpose of carrying out the supervisory function. She announced the formation of a Public Advisory Council under her office with HR organizations, rally leaders, and international experts
  • 2 people lost an eye due to rubber bullets (https://civil.ge/archives/311161)
    • Gakharia rejected the notion that rubber bullets were lethal and said their use was absolutely legal
  • On July 2, the PDO announced it would launch a monitoring of the Prosecutor's case on excess use of force (https://civil.ge/archives/311696)
  • police officer arrested for exceeding use of force on july 15 (https://civil.ge/archives/313262)
  • Another officer was arrested on July 16 (https://civil.ge/archives/313445)
  • Gakharia was summoned to the Prosecutor's Office on July 18 (https://civil.ge/archives/313620)
  • Another police officer was charged on August 28 (https://civil.ge/archives/318141)
  • On Sep 7, during a confirmation hearing for PM< Gakharia said that UNM "counting [injured people] – the more victims the better – [they] wanted to use this for their political intentions. We should not allow them [to achieve this goal], this will be our key goal," (https://civil.ge/archives/319373)
    • Gakharia said that the police was legally allowed to use special means to disperse a direct attack woithout warning
    • According to the MIA, a total of 800 non-lethal bullets were used
  • ON Sep 27, one of the police officers was released on bail, leading to criticism by opposition, leading to an impromptu protest by Sirtskhvilia called Selective Justice is a Shame in front of the Tbilisi City Court (https://civil.ge/archives/322201)
  • On October 28, the Tbilisi City Court refused to grant victim status to 16 persons, including eight journalists, who sustained injuries on June 20 (https://civil.ge/archives/324431)
    • On October 7, the Prosecutor's Office had recognized 67 police officers and 4 civilians as victims
    • The court ruled that no crime had been committed, therefore there would be no victim status
    • The decision was condemned by GYLA
  • Mako Gomuri and Giorgi Sulashvili were among the two who were denied victim status (https://civil.ge/archives/325170)
  • On 24 September 2021, the Tbilisi City court ordered the MIA to pay Luka Petriashvili 35,000 GEL in comepnsation for injuries (https://civil.ge/archives/442299)
    • This was the first case won by the protesters, amidst accusations that the court had drawn out cases
  • Ghia Nodia: "“In this case, the dispersal process itself was, on the one hand, unprofessional, and on the other hand, unjustifiably cruel. The use of rubber bullets can be justified only by the fact that they are less dangerous than real bullets. But they were used when there were no threats of seizure of the parliament building. Rubber bullets were shot at people in the streets and squares. This can not be justified." (https://jam-news.net/tbilisi-protests-what-this-means-and-what-to-expect/)
  • In his interview with TV Pirveli, Gakharia said that Bidzina partially agreed with his response to the protest, although he also saw a need for an investigation in the use of excessive force (https://jam-news.net/georgian-interior-minister-responsible-for-brutal-protest-dispersal-i-dont-plan-on-resigning/)
  • Two people lost an eye: 18-year-old Mako Gomuri and 26-year-old Giorgi Sulashvili. They were recognized as victims five months later (https://jam-news.net/gavrilov-nights-anniversary-how-june-20-became-symbol-of-violent-opposition-crackdown-back-in-2019/)
  • In the night of June 20, the MOH stated: ‘Two surgeries are currently underway. The condition of one patient is critical […] 102 remain in hospital. Most of the injuries involved trauma, bruising, and eye trauma’ (https://oc-media.org/thousands-clash-with-police-as-protesters-try-to-storm-georgian-parliament/)
  • One was still on life support on June 28 (https://oc-media.org/protesters-in-tbilisi-march-to-ivanishvili-s-residence-to-interrupt-his-sleep/)
  • Kakachishvili claims having heard about the use of rubber bullets by radio but a PDO investigation found no such transmission, indicating he was the one to give the order in person (https://georgiatoday.ge/ombudsman-report-gakharia-did-not-order-to-use-rubber-bullets-at-june-20-21-rally-dispersal/)
  • Article 42 and Human Righs Center offered free legal assistance to victims (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30012235.html)
  • Some who were shot in the eye were able to have successful eye surgery (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30013976.html)
  • Citizen video footage revealed that in the early hours of June 21, one protester was caught by police officers on a one-story roof in Vera and thrown down from the roof by the officers (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30031716.html)
  • Eka Beselia criticized the small-level investigations launched against individual police officers. She believed Gakharia held responsibility for not stopping the special forces (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30037088.html)
  • At a closed door political experts, Gakharia may have admitted having given the order to disperse (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30047356.html)
  • Later in July, Deputy Interior Ministe Kakha Sabanadze said that peaceful protesters were not harmed (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30056307.html)
  • Mako Gomur, Dato Kurdovanidze and Giorgi Sulashvili lost their sight that night. (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30056537.html)
  • Moris Machalikashvili, nephew of Malkhaz, was arrested in July. EMC called for his release (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30081469.html)
  • Davit Pharadashvili, one of the most critically injured, was taken for further treatment in Germany in July 30 (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30083604.html)
  • MP Elene Khoshtaria of EG complained about the lack of transparency in detentions, claiming having been able to identify only 11 people under arrest in August (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30090818.html)

Allegations of coup attempt[edit]

Attacks on journalists[edit]

Alleged involvement of domestic intelligence[edit]

  • In March 2021, a SUS agent, Ivane Gulashvili, gave a controversial interview to Mtavari Arkhi in which he revealed several orders allegedly given out during the night of June 20 (https://jam-news.net/georgian-dep-minister-of-internal-affairs-resigns-following-video-tape-scandal/)
    • Along those orders: damage of a large screen installed in front of Parliament
    • Disabling of microphones and loudspeakers
    • Removal of footage from CCTVs
    • Installation of a GPS tracking device on the bottom of Rurua's car
    • TV Pirveli released leaked video footage recorded in the office of then-Deputy MIA Kakha Sabanadze confirming he handed out those orders
    • Another layer of intrigue: some believe that the whole situation is a set-up, as it happened after Gakharia's resignation, and may have been an attempt to get rid of Sabanadze, a Gakharia ally. Although this does not deny the possibility of the footage's veracity
    • Kakha Sabanadze resigned as a result

Aftermath[edit]

Government reshuffle[edit]

Political crisis[edit]

  • GD introduced constitutional amendments related to the proportional system on July 1 (https://civil.ge/archives/311603)
    • It cancelled majoritarian districts and set up a natural threshold (0.67%)
    • Although this would have only worked for 2020, and not 2024 which operates with a 5% threshold
    • EG said it would take part in the discussions
    • Same with UNM
  • Melia was arrested on Feb 23, 2021 (https://civil.ge/archives/400653)
    • Mass demonstrations took place outside of the CHancellery, from where they marched to Rustaveli Ave and set up tents in front of Parliament
  • Authorities sought to arrest Melia. Gakharia resigned. Melia was arrested. Charles Michel intervened. 19 April Agreement. GD cancels Agreement prior to local elections. Saakashvili returns to Georgia. His arrest.

Amnesty[edit]

Analysis and legacy[edit]

Domestic reactions[edit]

Official reports[edit]

  • POG convened a special briefing on the evening of June 21 and condemned once again the holding the IAO GA in Parliament as a grave offense to our society, while calling for unity, reconciliation and European path to confront Russia and respond to occupation (https://civil.ge/archives/309824)
    • She interrupted her visit to Minsk
  • On July 5, GD and UNM submitted competing resolutions in Parliament (https://civil.ge/archives/312068)
    • GD;s resolution called the protest an attempt at storming the Parliament building and organizing group violence and that the use of force by the police was legitimate
    • UNM's resolution slammed the IPAO session as an act against state interests, instructs the FR and HR committees to impose international sanctions against Gavrilov's list, including those that invited Gavrilov, who used force on June 20, who accused Nika Melia, and those who lifted his immunity, and the Russian delegation
  • During a speech at PACE, zourabichvili said that the events should be divided in two: “There was [the] first uproar of the Georgian society, very spontaneous one to the fact that Russian parliamentary [delegation] was present in the Georgian parliament and held some speeches that were not acceptable to a country that has 20% of its territory occupied [by Russia],” she said, adding: “I did not, and nobody accepted the fact that somebody should be beaten but somebody should also show some restraint.” “But the second part that happened after the departure of Mr. [Sergei] Gavrilov from Georgia after the fact that the Chair of the Parliament of Georgia [Irakli Kobakhidze] resigned because there was this incident and he took the responsibility for this incident,” President Zurabishvili said. (https://civil.ge/archives/336484)
    • According to Zurabishvili, radical opposition leaders were leading attempts “to seize parliament” on the night of June 20, which, she said, endangered the legislative body. “I do not know any European country that would accept that the parliament is seized by force,” she said, noting that “this young democracy has protected itself quite well.”
  • Following a NOvember 2020 meeting between Abashidze and KArasin, the Russian MFA issued a statement about "mutual spirit confirmed to overcome the negatice consequences of the well-known anti-Russian provocation staged by Georgian nationalists in the summer of 2019" (https://civil.ge/archives/384835)
    • This was denounced by the opposition, whuch demanded clarifications from the Georgian MFA
  • Following Gakharia's departure, Kobakhidze claimed that his handling of the crisis raised questions and the team was planning to remove him, but certain forces intervened in his favor (https://civil.ge/archives/427436)
  • Gharibashvli accused Gakharia of poorly planning the operation, recklessly planned operation, because of his deployment of the riot police outside of Parliament, not inside, leading to their beating by protesters for three hours (https://civil.ge/archives/439367)
  • In her 2023 parliamentary speech, President Zourabichvili accused the government of taking incomprehensive steps to go against the country's foreign objective and the people's mandate, including through inviting Gavrilov (https://civil.ge/archives/534643)
  • Speaking in January 2020 to PACE, President Zourabichvili caused controversy by alleging that protesters sought to take over Parliament once Kobakhidze resigned, although the latter resigned the next day (https://jam-news.net/is-russian-foreign-minister-sergei-lavrov-coming-to-georgia/)
    • She also said that "the second phase of the government's response was quite restrained" and that "in many countries of the world, the reaction of authorities to similar events would have been harsher."
  • The Ombudsman for Human Rights in Georgia believes that the investigation of those events “was focused only on crimes committed by ordinary policemen, but could not objectively and fully assess the responsibility of the country’s leadership.” (https://jam-news.net/irakli-kobakhidze-the-controversial-new-leader-of-the-ruling-georgian-dream-party/)
  • The Public Defender's annual report published in April 2020 stated that police officers used non-lethal weapons unlawfully, but they were not ordered to do so by Gakharia (https://oc-media.org/gakharia-failed-to-act-but-did-not-give-order-to-use-rubber-bullets-public-defender-reports/)
    • The report confirmed Gakharia's orders included the use of tear gas and water cannons
    • The report said the use of rubber bullets was illegal because the life and health of officers was not in immediate danger
    • The PDO issued seven recommendations, including the criminal prosecution of former Special Tasks Dept Director Giorgi Kakichashvili, detailed questioning of Gakharia, and a thorough study of electronic communications between Gakharia and his subordinates. None of the recommendations were implemented.
    • The report revealed that not only did Gakharia not order the use of rubber bullets, he warned against their deployment. But he failed in intervening in a timely manner once their use started.
    • The warning by Gakharia against the use of rubber bullets came at 2336. They were shot within the same hour.
    • Kakichashvili had requested additional rubber bullets at 0234 but was denied
  • In her aril 2021 parliamentary speech, Zourabichvili criticized Gavrilov's invitation (https://georgiatoday.ge/salome-zurabishvili-application-for-eu-membership-in-2024-was-not-even-discussed-with-president/)
  • Kakachishvili in a radio transmission at 0016 said that no guns had been fired, even though rubber bullets had already been used minutes ago, as corroborated by live transmission on media (https://georgiatoday.ge/ombudsman-report-gakharia-did-not-order-to-use-rubber-bullets-at-june-20-21-rally-dispersal/)
    • Another order against the use of rubber bullets came in at 0036 but was disregarded
  • Zourabichvili's 2023 parliamentary speech: “In 2019, by bringing Gavrilov, you raised doubts and question marks about the country for the first time, although in reality the change in the government’s foreign course began in 2021, when Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili, then chairman of the Georgian Dream party, left Georgian politics, and here began a great confusion about who is responsible on this new course. (https://georgiatoday.ge/president-to-gd-you-are-the-govt-that-opposes-the-foreign-goal-of-the-country/)
  • June 20: Zurabishvili called Gavrilov's actions a "major crime" that "damages the country's dignity." But she said the actions of the Russian lawmaker in Georgia's parliament did not justify what she described as "the artificially incited waves [of protest]...and calls made...to storm the parliament and overthrow the government." (https://www.rferl.org/a/georgian-police-control-tbilisi-after-night-protest-russia-speaker-parliament/30011695.html)
  • Salome Zourabichvili called Russia an enemy and occupier whose fifth column was behind the violent unrest in Tbilisi (https://www.euronews.com/2019/06/21/police-fire-rubber-bullets-at-protesters-in-georgia)
    • She said the fifth column may be more dangerous than open aggression
  • On June 21, Gakharia said that "the opposition political parties turned the citizens' sincere protest into violence" (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30012750.html)
  • On June 22, the President met with the ambassadors of Estonia, Lithuania, Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Bulgaria, the US, and the EU to brief them on the situation. She said that foreign actors (indicating Russia) were seeking to destabilize Georgia, which was at the time the only island of stability in the region (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30013836.html)

Civil society organizations[edit]

  • Tbilisi Pride cancelled its own events scheduled for June 20-23 (https://civil.ge/archives/309847)
  • The Coalition for Media Advocacy condemned the June 20 events as "illegal interference with journalists' professional activities" and called for an immediate investigation and compensation (https://civil.ge/archives/309805)
  • Levan Tsutskiridze of the Eastern European Centre for Multiparty Democracy (EECMD) said: "we can make those responsible for collaborating with Russian policies pay a high political and legal price. We have the passion and the protest charge. What we need now, is strategy." He called the resignation of Kobakhidze and Kutsnashvili as not enough (https://civil.ge/archives/310088)
  • In a statement on June 25, a group of CSOs (TI-Georgia, GDI, ISFED, UNAG) noted that some of the detainees had their right to a fair trial violated as they remained in pre-trial detention five days later (https://civil.ge/archives/310774)
    • Also condemned the use of anonymous Facebook pages discrediting rally participants and organizers
  • Sep 9: 16 CSOs issue a statement on state capture. The statement points out "indictiments and in some cases imprisonments of anti-occupation protesters" as "examples of politically motivated criminal prosecutions (https://civil.ge/archives/319659)
  • Before the events, when Gavrilov was still in Georgia, Eka Gigauri said, "Today, Russia has successfully completed the occupation of all of Georgia! A representative [of Russia] held a meeting of our MPs in parliament! What heartache! As an ordinary citizen of Georgia, I feel humiliated, killed! I remember everything, I have not forgotten the war!" (https://jam-news.net/scandal-in-georgian-parliament-russian-mp-speaks-from-parliamentary-speakers-chair/)
  • The Church issued a statement stating that "unfortunately, the rally held in front of the Parliament building has now taken drastic forms. We call on the population to show common sense and not to follow the emotional background" (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011201.html)
  • HRW: Soecuak forces used force without warning" (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30012083.html)
    • "Police special forces can use legitimate measures to prevent crowds from storming parliament, but they must respect human rights standards when using force, including rubber bullets and tear gas." Giorgi Gogia believes that the police will not follow these standards.
    • "the crowd was largely non-violent, although some protesters threw water bottles at the police. Human Rights Watch monitored the events live and saw several cases where members of the special police force found themselves in the crowd of protesters, which After that, the participants of the rally escorted them safely away".
  • Statement by 30+ NGOs on June 21: https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30012664.html
  • Second CXhurch statement, June 21: https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30012703.html
  • Amnesty Intl, June 21: We demand an immediate and independent investigation of the forceful actions by the Georgian police. The rubber bullets and tear gas used against protesters (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30012771.html)
  • Robert Sturua made public comments bashing the protesters, saying :My Georgia is dead". In response, the Art School Cunilanguage held a performance preparing borsht and cutlets for him in front of Rustaveli Theatre. (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30015199.html)
  • GYLA criticized the 0% threshold as it claimed it would "increase the likelihood of both behind-the-scenes party deals and halting the pace of decision-making (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30017063.html)
  • ISFED also criticized the natural threshold, claimg that it may lead to a large number of parties with very little support entering the legislative body, which will probably have a negative impact on the efficiency of the work of the Parliament (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30017198.html)
  • On June 25, Lasha Bajradze, director of the Museum of Literature, called on the population to signal every day at 1400 (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30018841.html)
  • Poet Zviad Ratiani condemned Bidzina Ivanishvili (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30033251.html)
  • A Juky 2019 report by EMC alleged that the behavior of a certain group of participants of the protest action held on June 20 became uncontrollable and violant and gave the police a legal basis to interfere with the freedom of assembly and stop the demonstration. However, during the break-up of the protest, the police ignored the legal requirements for breaking up the protest, including not properly using negotiation resources. (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30036775.html)
  • Sopio Verdzeuli of the Human Rights Training and Monitoring Center published a post on July 14 in which she stated that violence started as early as 2200 from the activist side and "the violent action of a few dozen people turned a ten-thousand-strong rally into a violent one". That statement was criticized by many protest leaders, who affirmed that the special forces should have been stationed inside Parliament, not outside (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30054533.html)

Public views[edit]

  • July NDI poll: 92% said they were "aware" of the events (https://www.ndi.org/sites/default/files/NDI_July_2019_political%20presentation_Eng_vf.pdf)
    • Who is responsible?: 43% - government, 9% - Gakharia, 4% - Bidzina Ivanishvili, 1% - MIA, 1% - police. UNM - 8%, Opposition - 7%, Protesters - 2%. Everyone equally - 14%
    • 22% said the government used appropriate force, 68% said it used excessive force
    • The poll found similar statistical results with only minor differences despite region, age. Among GD supporters: 45-42 on appropriate-excessive, UNM supports: 4-92, independent: 18-72
    • On the question of whether or not appropriate action was taken against those that used excessive force: 16% yes, 71% no
    • 85% of the country approved the move to a proportional system as pledged by GD, with only 7% opposing
    • 46% agreed with Gakharia's resignation demand, but 39% opposed. Amongst independents, the number was 48-34 agree
    • Overall government response: 2% very good, 20% good (total 23), 43% bad, 15% very bad (total 59). Amongst independents: 66%-17 as bad
  • Carnegie Europe poll of April 2021: 8% viewed Gavrilov night as the largest failure of the government (https://civil.ge/archives/416193)
  • A September-October 2019 poll showed that: 78% of people who understand electoral reform support transition to proportional (https://jam-news.net/survey-41-support-opposition-23-georgian-dream-other-stats/)
  • January 2020 poll by NDI: 45% blame the government for the violence of June 20 (https://oc-media.org/ivanishvili-and-zurabishvili-least-liked-politicians-in-georgia-ndi-poll-reports/)

International reactions[edit]

Western reactions[edit]

  • On June 21, Harlem Desir (OSCE) condemned 'all cases of violence and attacks on media workers during last night’s demonstrations in Tbilisi, as serious obstacles to pluralism and media freedom.' (https://civil.ge/archives/309805)
    • Dunja Mijatovic expressed “deep concern” and noted with regret that “dozens of demonstrators, journalists and police officers have sustained injuries, in some cases very severe.” Mijatović then called on all sides “to exercise restraint and to resolve any controversies through peaceful dialogue.” “I also urge the Georgian authorities to carry out prompt and effective investigations into the events in order to ensure accountability for violence and to give clear instructions to the police to guarantee that operations to maintain public order are carried out with due respect of human rights,” Mijatović stated.
  • PACE Polish member Aleksander Pociej voiced his concern over worrying tendencies in Georgia since Gavrilov Night (https://civil.ge/archives/336484)
  • In August 2022, Kelly Degnan said that "it's important for Georgians to remember where this polarization came from." and hinted at Gavrilov's night (https://civil.ge/archives/504751)
  • Ukrainian Ambassador Igor Dolgov in an interview: https://jam-news.net/ukrainian-ambassador-to-georgia-georgias-told-moscow-it-still-remembers-the-occupation/
    • “Moscow has received a clear signal from Georgia that it has not forgiven anything, that no one has forgotten the occupation,”
    • unacceptable for him to listen to a Russian MP “who voted for the annexation of Crimea, who voted to give Putin the right to use troops on the territory of Ukraine, who represents the Russian Duma, who also supported and recognized the so-called “independence” of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.”
  • German ambassador Hubert Knirsch arrived at the scene on June 20 and called on protesters to stay calm and peaceful (https://oc-media.org/thousands-clash-with-police-as-protesters-try-to-storm-georgian-parliament/)
    • The US and UK embassies issued a statement that they were 'following very closely the events... We recognize the hurt that many people feel today. We urge all sides to remain calm, show restraint, and act within the framework of the constitution at all times'
  • Gunter Fehlinger, President of Europeans for Tax Reform, stated that the June 20 events, including Gavrilov, was an attempt by Russia to roll back its empire (https://georgiatoday.ge/roll-out-the-euro-in-georgia-as-a-tool-for-its-peaceful-unification-with-europe/)
  • The US Embassy described Okruashvili's sentencing in April 2020 as Political Interference, Selective Use of Justice, expressed concern. "The case casts a shadow over the impartial application of justice" (https://www.rferl.org/a/us-embassy-concerned-as-former-georgian-minister-sentenced/30552646.html)
  • Ambassadors from the UK, Lithuania, and the Netherlands urged a transparent investigation into the events of June 20 (https://emerging-europe.com/news/tbilisi-protests-continue/)
  • Upon the natural threshold announcement, Carl Hartzell said that the events of the last few days have shown us that dialogue, consultation and compromise are necessary to solve the challenges facing the Georgian society (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30017684.html)
  • June 26 US Embassy statement: The US Embassy is closely monitoring the developments in Georgia after the Tbilisi protests on June 20. While it is important to investigate incidents of violence and excessive force against protesters, we call on the government to act with balance and restraint. What is most needed now is a dialogue between all political parties to strengthen Georgia's democracy. (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30022070.html)
  • EU AMbassador Hartzell on June 28: https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30025756.html
  • JUne 28: EU Ambassadors of member states issue a joint statement calling for a "transparent, prompt, effective investigation into the possible use of excessive force on June 20, as well as the incitement to violence that prompted the police response" (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30026275.html)

Russia[edit]

  • June 20 immediate reactions: (https://civil.ge/archives/309724)
    • Channel 1 – Developments resembling a coup. Last night, a crowd of protesters tried to burst into the Parliament. They demanded resignation of the Parliament Speaker and the Interior Minister, as well as changing the electoral system. The government responded strictly – water cannons, rubber bullets and tear gas. Tens of people from the both sides have sustained injuries. But the protesters are not stepping back. The crowd has been incited by anti-Russian slogans, citing the visit of our delegation to Tbilisi as the pretext. Mikheil Saakashvili is applauding the participants of the unrest from abroad, calling on them to remove the leader of the ruling party. And as if by coincidence, all these developments are taking place just when the President and the Parliament Speaker are on foreign visits. The Interior Ministry of Georgia accused the opposition of an attempted coup. The Russian delegation’s visit could have been used as a pretext for staging mass unrest, which were apparently planned well in advance. Georgia is still on the verge of revolution, like 16 years ago. (https://www.1tv.ru/news/issue/2019-06-21/09:00#1)
    • NTV – Sergei Gavrilov: “Radicals occupied the Parliament in the morning and thwarted our session. They fulfilled two tasks. The first task: blow to the Orthodoxy in Georgia and Georgian-Russian friendly relations. On the other hand, it was a preparation for the second step – an attempted coup to resolve internal political issues. I noticed that all the posters distributed among the so called protesters were prepared and printed in advance. They were targeting Russia and aimed at discrediting this country. We saw the leaders who were speaking American English and leading the so called media representatives.” (https://www.ntv.ru/novosti/2205540/?from=top)
    • Vesti – Georgian radical opposition deliberately used the Russian delegation’s visit to Tbilisi for the 26th session of the Inter-parliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy (IAO) to stage unrest, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gregory Karasin thinks. According to the Russian diplomat, it once again demonstrates emotional drive of a radical part of Georgian politicians. They are doing their utmost to thwart improvement of relations between Georgia and Russia. Konstantin Zatulin, chairman of the Russian State Duma’s committee on CIS issues, notes that not only Georgian radicals, but also Ukrainian lawmakers participated in the attack in the Georgian Parliament. Moscow is concerned about the actions of radicals, who thwarted the session of the Inter-parliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy in Tbilisi, the Russian Foreign Ministry reports. Official Tbilisi accused the Russian delegation of staging unrest in the Georgian capital. The Georgian government’s actions during the session of the Inter-parliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy go against the rules for holding international events, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. (https://www.vesti.ru/article/1345679)
    • RIA Novosti – Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of television news network RT commented on the protest rally outside the Parliament building in Tbilisi. “How exciting it is to watch Washington-backed Georgian democracy – with its rubber bullets and gas – just from the lair of bloody dictatorship, where tear gas has not been used for about 20 years,” writes Simonyan on her Telegram channel. (https://ria.ru/20190621/1555766615.html)
  • On June 23, Putin convened an emergency session of the Security Council and announced a ban on flights to and from Georgia starting July 8 to "protect Russian citizens from violence or illegal actions" and ordered Russians' evacuation (https://civil.ge/archives/310127)
    • The Russian MFA expressed concern "over the aggravation of the internal political situation in Georgia" and said that members of the Russian delegation were "injured as a result of the actions of the radical Georgian opposition employing anti-Russian slogans", even though no injuries were originally reported
    • The MFA issued a travel advisory warning
  • Ted Jonas wrote that: "Gavrilov’s expulsion embarrassed Putin: embarrassed him because it was a public failure of just the kind of soft power play at which he normally excels; embarrassed him even more that the failed initiative rested on one of his pet programs – using Orthodox Christianity to suppress Georgia’s pro-Western tendencies; and embarrassed him because Georgians made a public statement to the world that they cannot stand him and have not forgiven Russia for its illegal occupation of 20% of their country’s territory." (https://civil.ge/archives/310329)
  • On July 2, Karasin called it "painful" to see "radicals from Saakashvili's classroom diverting protest rallies into an anti-Russian direction" (https://civil.ge/archives/311665)
    • It was in an interview with Kommersant
    • According to him, the result of the protest was an attack on "all the positive developments in relations between Georgia and Russia that were achieved through joint efforts since 2012"
    • He went further to attack "radicals close to UNM" for bringing the situation "back to deadlock of hostility and confrontation"
    • He said that Moscow would assess risks in advance and block them
    • He denounced Russophobia
  • The United States noted with particular concern Russian travel restrictions and the United States called to refrain from coercive measures (https://civil.ge/archives/311865)
    • EU Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Maja Kocijancic said that the travel restrictions risk having a negatic impact on the citizens of both countries." She called the travel ban "unjustified and disporoportionate"
  • Another wave of tensions started on July 7 because of Gabunia's rant, which led to protesters picketing Rustavi 2, Rustavi 2 going off air for a short time, though Gabunia's words were rapidly condemned by the opposition and the channel (https://civil.ge/archives/312296)
  • on july 9, the Duma adopted a resolution calling on the Kremlin to impose economic sanctions on Georgia "because of unfriendly actions in Georgia" (https://civil.ge/archives/312796)
    • In response, President Zourabichvili reached out to Moscow, calling on not intervening and emphasizing Georgia's "peaceful policy" (https://civil.ge/archives/312801)
    • Putin eventually announced he would refrain from taking steps that would complicate relations with Georgia due to his respect towards the Georgian people (https://civil.ge/archives/312819)
      • That decision was welcomed by Tbilisi
  • On July 17, Lavrov said that Tbilisi would soon realize the harm and danger of anti-Russian hysteria, and condemned the russophobic attitudes of certain radical representatives of georgias political elite (https://civil.ge/archives/313572)
  • ON Sep 25, Lavrov said: resumption of direct flights with Georgia “will be correct only after the majority of Georgian population realizes a counterproductive provocative nature of the action that took place in the Georgian Parliament” in late June.
  • Despite an end of direct flights, there was no seen reduction in tourism, as Russians still came through Armenia (https://jam-news.net/armenia-to-help-georgia-not-lose-russian-tourists/)
  • Upon leaving, Gavrilov said that 'negotiations on humanitarian-economic issues between the two countries may fail' (https://oc-media.org/thousands-clash-with-police-as-protesters-try-to-storm-georgian-parliament/)
  • Peskov called the demonstrations russophobic provocation on june 21 (https://oc-media.org/georgian-parliamentary-speaker-resigns-amidst-anti-russia-protests/)
    • Mikhail Degtyarev, chair of he duma committee on tourism, urged Russians to boycott Georgian resorts and imports
  • Russia’s consumer safety watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, also announced they had again ‘discovered’ quality issues with Georgian wine. (https://oc-media.org/protesters-in-tbilisi-march-to-ivanishvili-s-residence-to-interrupt-his-sleep/)
  • On June 24, Russia's consuper protecition agency announced that Georgian wine exports to Russia had deteriorated. The market had reached 50 million bottles in 2018. It started with blocking eight new batches of imports. (https://www.rferl.org/a/as-georgia-s-relations-with-russia-sour-moscow-says-its-wine-has-too/30019577.html)
    • The Kremlin denied any political conflict there
    • However, Russian state TV featured speakers calling for an embargo on Borjomi and wine
  • In July 2019, the Russian Communist Party filed a request with Rospotrebnadzor to rename khachapuri into pyshka or pierogi, and said it would plan to rename khinkali into pelmeni (https://emerging-europe.com/news/russias-communists-target-georgian-khachapuri/)
  • As soon as Gavrilov was expelled from parliament, Karasin said "we are following with concern the events" and called the opposition "radical political forces" (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30010908.html)
  • Gavrilov demanded that Moscow be involved in the investigations (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30012761.html)
  • To Zourabichvili's statement on Russia being an enemy and an occupier, Medvedev said: the statement is extremely unprofessional. The President of Georgia failed to get into the course of the case or deliberaltely distorts the situation of the case. Blaming Russia for everything is an attempt to distort the real situation. It is sad to hear such rhetoric from Zurabicxhvili. In case of strengthening of anti-Russian sentiments, Moscow will give appropriate advice to tourists wishing to travel to Georgia which will already create problems in the Georgian econmy. The goal of the protest movement is to explode the political stiatuon in Georgia." (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30013076.html)
  • Russian media reported about the death of a protester, which was fake news (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30013167.html)
  • Duma Foreign Affiars Committee chair Leonid Slutsky criticized Kobakhidze's resignation (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30013202.html)
  • On June 22, kadyrov stated on Telegram that he is concerned and threatened veiled that Tbilisi was only 200 km away (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30014215.html)
  • On June 22, Players of Tbilisi Locomotive and Kutaisi Torpedo wore shirts stating "I remember that 20% of Georgia is occupied". In response, Duma Deputy Speaker Igor Lebedev called on FIFA to sanction them (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30015318.html)
  • Gavrilov claimed that he would return to Georgia on June 29, although he did not (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30025709.html)
  • On July 1, the Kremlin issued a warning to artists from visiting Georgia because of Russophobic sentiments (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30030348.html)
    • This was in response to Nino Katamadze
  • On July 2, Karasin claimed that Russia had to postpone a decision to cancel the visa-free regime with Georgia (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30032508.html)
  • July 3: Two Georgian rugby players were expelled form the Russian Slava club for covering their eyes during a game (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30034472.html)
  • In early July, 207 reservations were reportedly cancelled in 16 hotels by Russian tourists in Kutaisi (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30039238.html)
  • On July 8, MP Sergey Neverov proposed a ban on Georgian wine and water (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30043265.html)
  • On July 9, Zourabichvili publicly called on the Russian leadership not to escalate the situation (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30045474.html)
  • July: DUma endorses sanctions on Georgia (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30045486.html)
  • The same day, Putin said he didn't think sanctions on Georgia were necessary (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30045689.html)
  • On July 16, Lavrov said that opposition leaders who were orgnaizing protests were "not thinlking about the damage they are causing to their own country, which depends in no small part on the quality of economic and humanitarian ties with Russia". He expressed hope the authorities would eliminate dangerous threats to rUSSIANS (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30059798.html)
  • 22 July: Mikhail Degtayov, Chairman of the Physical Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth Committee of the Duma calls on Russian vacationers to not spend time in Georgia and instead travel to the North Caucasus (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30070455.html)
  • On July 24, the Speaker of the Duma Vyacheslava Volodin condemned the protest as an attempt by Saakashvili to overthrow the government and asked President Zourabichvili for an pology over her comments about Russia being an aggressor (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30072447.html)
  • On July 24, Lavrov stated that the US was trying to build a rift between Georgia and Russia (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30072540.html)

Abkhazia and South Ossetia[edit]

  • June 27: Security Service of Abkhazia announces the closure of the Enguri crossing point, citing protests in Zugdidi of "provocative nature that affects the Abkhaz statehood" (https://civil.ge/archives/311211)
    • In response, the Georgian Ministry for Reconciliation nted that the government was communicating through formal and informal channels to ensure the protection of local residents
    • Before that, Khajimba convened a Security Council session on the Tbilisi protests and complained of the government's and opposition's use of the term occupied territories for Abkhazia and SO
      • Khajimba advised Tbilisi to solve its internal political issues without involvement of our independent states
  • As a result of the closure, 179 Abkhazian students set to take part in the national exams were blocked in Abkhazia (https://civil.ge/archives/311582)
    • The Ministry of Education pledged to offer remedies, while the MFA pledged to address the issue at the GID
  • The 48th round of GID took place on July 2-3, with Tbilisi pushing for the reopening with Abkhazia (https://civil.ge/archives/311865)
    • The United States appealed to the de facto authorities in Abkhazia to reopen immediately the Enguri Bridge and other crossing points along the ABL in light of the grave and humanitarian consequences imposed by such restrictions on freedom of movement
    • The GID CO-Chairs also called for the lifting of the restrictions
    • On July 3, EU Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Maja Kocijancic called for the lifting of the restriction "to avoid further humanitarian hardship"
  • The Ministry of Education on July 24 announced that all registered students from Abkhazia would be admitted to the university of their choice and fully financed despite the lack of participation in exams (https://civil.ge/archives/314685)
  • Opposition MP Dimitry Dbar was the first to suggest closing the bridge (https://jam-news.net/abkhazia-closes-checkpoint-with-georgia-over-tbilisi-protests/)
    • The Abkhazia special services stated: Georgia is currently host to mass protest demonstrations of a provocative nature, affecting the statehood of the Republic of Abkhazia.
  • Abkhazian President Raul Khadzhimba urged protesters in Tbilisi to stop labelling Russia’s presence in Abkhazia an ‘occupation’. (https://oc-media.org/protesters-in-tbilisi-march-to-ivanishvili-s-residence-to-interrupt-his-sleep/)
    • On 20 June, European Georgia MP Akaki Bobokhidze shouted ‘I killed you in Abkhazia and will kill more’ at a member of the Russian delegation in parliament, triggering Abkhazian lawmakers to demand he be criminally prosecuted and the ‘border with Georgia’ be closed. Bobokhidze later clarified he meant he had killed Russians.
  • The MFA of Abkhazia Daur Kove said that a case would be opened against 'war criminal' Akaki Bobokhidze for saying in Parliament "I was killing your people, I was killing in Abkhazia, I was killing And I will kill you." (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30011863.html)
  • The Enguri closure was ordered by Khajimba at MP Dimitri Dbar's request, who justified it based on Bobokhidze's comments (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30024502.html)
  • Te vridge closure took place on June 27 at 2100. It was condemned by Tbilisi as a restriction of free movement. The EUMM hotline was activated (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30025170.html)
  • On June 28, Sokhumi partially lifted the closure to allow people carrying proper medical documentarion and in need of medical assistance. (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30025378.html)
    • The movement from Zugdidi to Abkhazia was not restricted originally
  • On July 1, Tsikhelashvili announced in an interview that the bridge closure had been partially lifted for pensioners too (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30030548.html)
  • The closure of Enguri was the focus of the 48th round of GID, although that failed (July 2-3) (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30036340.html)
  • In August 2019, the Parliament of South Ossetia asked the Duma, which agreed, to review the question of recognizing the 1920 Ossetian genocide (https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/30086944.html)

Other reactions[edit]

In popular culture[edit]

External links[edit]

References[edit]


  • Radio Tavisupleba
  • Netgazeti
  • Publika
  • International media
  • IPN
  • Official websites (President, MIA, PM, Parliament)
  • ...
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