Georgia sets yellow security level ahead of PM address

Georgia’s parliament has introduced a yellow security level as Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze prepares to address lawmakers in an interpellation format.

Kobakhidze is scheduled to answer questions concerning education reform and record-high investments from the major Arab construction company EMAAR Group, Caliber.Az reports, citing Sputnik Georgia.

Access to the building will be restricted to ensure the safety of MPs and staff. The limitation does not apply to accredited television journalists, but no more than three crews from any single broadcaster or media outlet will be allowed to enter.

A protest by opposition supporters is planned to take place simultaneously. Demonstrators have vowed to greet Kobakhidze “with noise” at 11:00.

Georgia’s parliament has recently used the “yellow” security level on several occasions — especially when controversial laws (such as foreign-influence/transparency legislation) are debated amid protests, or when high-profile political events, such as the first session of a newly elected legislature or PM interpellations, are scheduled.

In general, colour-coded security or alert systems (used also in institutions of the European Union) define “yellow” (or “elevated”) as a state in which a threat or incident is identified that may adversely affect the functioning, safety or physical integrity of the institution, but without evidence of an imminent or specific attack.

Under that level, access to the building may be restricted (for example, only invited individuals and a limited number of accredited media crews allowed).

By Jeyhun Aghazada