The Georgian State Security Service on Wednesday raised concerns about the potential for events reminiscent of the civil strife of the 1990s amidst ongoing protests against the controversial foreign transparency bill.
The agency warned of attempts by certain groups to orchestrate provocations during the current demonstrations at the Parliament of Georgia. These actions, according to GSSS, are aimed at instigating destructive and violent scenarios, purportedly orchestrated and funded by foreign entities, in collaboration with specific leaders from parliamentary and non-parliamentary political parties, as well as heads of non-governmental organizations.
The statement did not explicitly outline preventative measures the state may take against this perceived threat. However, GSSS highlighted the involvement of Georgian citizens residing abroad, particularly referencing those currently in Ukraine.
The agency asserted that the individuals were allegedly plotting to blockade and incapacitate government buildings, including the parliament and administrative offices. Furthermore, it added the politicians, and ongoing massive public protests in central Tbilisi, the Georgian Dream party passed the bill on May 1 in its second reading with 83 votes in favor and 23 against.
Last year, the bill faced rejection due to widespread protests. While the content of the bill remains largely unchanged, the only alteration lies in the title, with the term “agent” replaced by “Organization Pursuing the Interests of a Foreign Power” if they derive more than 20 percent of their incomes from abroad.
re purported discussions of potential attacks on specialized law enforcement units, which could escalate the situation significantly. GSSS claimed that organizers were allegedly instructing protesters to bring flammable materials to create Molotov cocktails and providing directives for the clandestine transportation of projectiles to the rallies.The statement also accused protest organizers of being influenced by foreign instructors and employing tactics reminiscent of "color revolutions," with the purported aim of destabilizing the state and overthrowing the government through violent means. It claimed alleged plans included disrupting traffic, barricading access roads to government institutions, blocking railways, and establishing tent cities.GSSS emphasized the alleged targeting of law enforcement officers, with tactics such as threats, bribery, and attempts to co-opt them into supporting the protests, purportedly aiming to erode state structures.
