Participants of the march in memory of the August war blocked Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi
The traditional rally on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi on the 253rd day of continuous protests was preceded by a mass march in memory of the victims of the August 2008 war.
As "Caucasian Knot" wrote, on August 6, on the 252nd day of protests, participants in the rally in Tbilisi demanded the release of political prisoners, including the founder of "Batumelebi" and "Netgazeti" Mzia Amaglobeli, who was sentenced to two years in prison.
Since November 28, 2024, protesters in Tbilisi have been holding daily rallies outside the Georgian Parliament and blocking traffic along Rustaveli Avenue, demanding the release of all arrested supporters of European integration and the appointment of new parliamentary elections.
Rustaveli Avenue near the Georgian Parliament building was again blocked this evening by participants in a continuous protest. Participants in a march dedicated to the anniversary of the start of the August War arrived at the Parliament - they gathered at the monument to those who died for the territorial integrity and freedom of the country on Heroes' Square and marched to Rustaveli Avenue under the slogan “Glory to the heroes!”, NEWS.On.ge reports.
A film screening dedicated to the events of August 2008 was organized for the assembled citizens on the big screen near the parliament building. A memorial event was also held in Zugdidi, where citizens lit 412 candles in honor of those killed in the August war, Publika reports.
Thousands of people joined the march on the anniversary of the August war in Tbilisi. Many marchers carried national flags and stickers with red poppies, which symbolize grief for those killed during the 2008 war, Novosti Georgia reports.
The Georgian opposition believes that the war began on August 7, citing international investigations, while the ruling party insists on August 8. At the cemetery in Tbilisi, where those killed in the 2008 war are buried, the opposition comes to honor the memory of the dead on August 7, "Georgian Dream" - on August 8.
The Russian military operation "to force peace", which went down in history as the "Five-Day War", was carried out in August 2008 on the territory of Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. After the Five-Day War, Russia and some other countries recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Georgia has since considered these territories occupied by Russia and has terminated diplomatic relations with Russia, according to a "Caucasian Knot" report on the Five-Day War of 2008.
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