Georgia Intel: Tbilisi Protests & Russian Pressure

On April 9, tensions flared at Parliament during the 37th anniversary of the 1989 Soviet massacre, resulting in several arrests as protesters confronted Georgian Dream officials. Fulfilling a prior watch item, the parliament adopted amendments to the controversial Law on Grants in its third and final reading on April 15. The law introduces exemptions for diplomatic missions but maintains strict oversight on civil society. Adding to the geopolitical strain, the Russian Foreign Ministry threatened on April 16 to impose economic measures against Georgia if it continues its path toward EU integration. Significant administrative and logistical disruptions occurred during this period. On April 15, the parliament approved a new 'C5' visa category for IT migrants, tightening residency rules to require two years of experience and a $25,000 annual income. In the security domain, activist Nuradin Nabiev was attacked by nine individuals in Bolnisi on April 15. Additionally, the government closed the airspace over Abastumani to international flights on April 16, forcing route changes. The convergence of the finalized Grants Law, stricter IT visa requirements, and Russian economic threats requires immediate administrative action for the Samgori school. International staff must urgently review their residency eligibility under the new C5 rules to avoid sudden deportations. With Up, overland travel to Russia remains highly unreliable. Staff should avoid the Parliament area on Rustaveli Avenue, especially during evening hours, due to the potential for spontaneous clashes.

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