Georgia: HIGH Risk — Protests, Border Closures & Russian Pressure

On March 24, opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison for writing 'Russian Dream' on a campaign banner, sparking renewed protests and a solidarity march on March 28. Tensions further escalated on March 31 when authorities charged opposition politician Aleko Elisashvili with terrorism for a separate incident. In response, a coalition of nine opposition parties announced a two-month 'national mobilization campaign' culminating in a major rally on May 26. The security environment is complicated by extremist activity, highlighted by the March 30 arrest of 13 neo-Nazi supporters in Tbilisi for severe physical and psychological abuse. Economically, the previously watched 18-34% electricity tariff hike takes effect today, April 1, which opposition figures claim unfairly subsidizes crypto-mining operations. Additionally, the U.S. visa bond requirement of $15,000 for Georgian citizens is set to be implemented on April 2. The convergence of judicial pressure on opposition figures, impending economic strain from utility hikes, and the looming U.S. visa bond implementation creates a highly restrictive operational environment. For the Samgori District school, administrators must advise international students to maintain a low profile and strictly avoid the Parliament area due to unpredictable police actions and potential neo-Nazi violence. While the expected electricity tariff hike has materialized, the school should prepare for potential spontaneous protests regarding the cost of living and anti-Western rhetoric surrounding the U.S. visa bond.

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