Georgia Intel: Tbilisi Protests & Russian Pressure

Region Alert assesses that on May 21, a Tbilisi court sentenced UNM opposition leader Levan Khabeishvili to 2.5 years in prison on 'sabotage' charges, significantly escalating political tensions. This follows the May 15 sentencing of former Euro-integration minister Alexi Petriashvili to three days in detention for standing on a sidewalk during a protest. In a major security development, former State Security Service deputy head Levan Akhobadze was arrested on May 22 for allegedly accepting a massive bribe related to smuggling 40 million Russian rubles at the Up, on May 19, the SSSG arrested three Georgian citizens in the Pankisi Gorge for alleged ties to the Islamic State. As anticipated, severe traffic disruptions are ongoing in central Tbilisi due to Independence Day preparations, with major closures on Rustaveli Avenue and Liberty Square active through May 27. Opposition groups plan to rally on May 26, despite Tbilisi City Hall denying them permission to set up a stage. Regionally, the Tbilisi-Baku passenger train is confirmed to resume daily service on May 26 after a six-year suspension, providing a stable alternative travel route. Meanwhile, the government confirmed the June 1 launch of a new Interior Ministry unit to monitor 'hate speech' in public spaces, raising severe censorship concerns. The convergence of intense political polarization, major road closures for Independence Day, and forecasted heavy rain creates a highly disruptive operational environment. For the Samgori school and international students, avoiding central Tbilisi (especially Rustaveli Avenue) is critical through May 27 due to gridlock and potential spontaneous protests. The resumption of the Baku train offers a reliable regional exit vector, while the Up

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