On November 6, 2018, Russian occupation forces installed new posts and marked a new section of the so-called “border” near the village of Atotsi in Kareli Municipality.

On November 10, the civic movement Russia is an Occupier and the political movement Girchi held a joint protest at the site, attended by more than 200 people. Representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs were also present.

Girchi leader Zurab Japaridze said that international attention was crucial, and during the protest, he called on participants to line up and drop their pants, showing their backsides to the Russian occupiers — reenacting a scene from the movie Braveheart.

Protesters sang the Georgian national anthem and played a song by Irakli Charkviani. Strength Is in Unity movement leader Davit Katsarava announced that activists would patrol the area 24 hours a day to prevent further Russian advancement.

On December 9, local police asked Katsarava to dismantle a tent set up near the occupation posts and move it 30 meters back. The tent displayed Georgian national flags. Katsarava refused, accusing the Georgian government of following orders from Moscow by pressuring anti-occupation activists. After negotiations, the activists and police reached an agreement — the green tent remained at the site.

Anti-occupation activists continued round-the-clock patrols in Atotsi, sheltering under the tent during rain and wind. Following the protests, Russian forces temporarily halted borderization activities in the area.