Three protesters on Rustaveli Avenue were arrested on the 457th day of protests.

A Tbilisi court sentenced three more protesters, accused by police of blocking a sidewalk, to administrative arrest. The protest on Rustaveli Avenue was preceded by a picket demanding the release of political prisoners.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," on February 26, the 456th day of continuous protests, participants in the protest on Rustaveli Avenue expressed hope that sanctions against pro-government Georgian media would continue.

Supporters of Georgia's European integration gathered today on the pedestrian section of Rustaveli Avenue near the parliament building, despite heavy rain and snow. One of the protesters' posters ironically suggested that the precipitation was "the tears of Imedi," the pro-government television station that has been sanctioned by Britain. Today marks the 357th day of continuous protests, Publika notes.

The gathering on Rustaveli this afternoon was preceded by a silent protest called "Freedom for Prisoners of Conscience." The protest is held weekly at various metro stations in Tbilisi; today it took place at the State University station, Tbilisi Life notes.

The picketers held posters reading: "Freedom for Prisoners of Conscience," "The reason for your poverty is corruption," "Pension +20 GEL, parliamentarian's salary 7,000 GEL," "Every fourth child is starving," "Saturday is the day of the march," and "Georgia is emptying, the youth are leaving," according to photographer Mo. Se.

The Tbilisi City Court today sentenced three more peaceful protesters to administrative arrest. Teacher David Aduashvili received four days in jail, student Nene Gablaia, and activist Maria Svanishvili received three days each, Pirveli reports.

Protesters in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners since November 28, 2024. Security forces violently dispersed the protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and detained protesters. Over the course of the protests, more than 1,000 people were subjected to administrative prosecution. The "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a report, "Key Points on the Persecution of Protesters in Georgia".

Source: https://www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/421183