Protesters in Tbilisi protest against torture
Participants in a rally outside the Georgian Parliament on the 576th day of continuous protests reiterated their solidarity with victims of torture. The rally on Rustaveli Avenue was preceded by protests outside the Gldani Prison, where political prisoners are held.
As "Caucasian Knot" reported, on June 25, the 575th day of protests, participants in a rally outside the Georgian Parliament declared solidarity with Giorgi Chakhunashvili and Nana Sander, convicted in the case of the attempted storming of the presidential residence. Sander was sentenced to seven years in the case of the attempted seizure of the presidential palace in Georgia on October 4, 2025, and Chakhunashvili was sentenced to five years in prison in the same case.
72-year-old pediatrician and academician Giorgi Chakhunashvili was arrested right in the courtroom - he was free on bail pending sentencing. On June 21, the Association of Georgian Clinics called on doctors from all hospitals and clinics in the country to attend a rally in support of Chakhunashvili.
Supporters of Georgia's European integration gathered this evening on the pedestrian part of Rustaveli Avenue near the parliament building for the 756th evening in a row. Activists carried flags of Georgia, the European Union, and Ukraine.
Protesters held signs reading "We will win in the end," "No to torture," and "June 26 is International Day of Solidarity for Victims of Torture," according to Facebook posts by Georgian media outlets Netgazeti and Publika*.
Two signs were dedicated to specific political prisoners: "Freedom for Elena" (Khoshtaria) and "Second birthday in prison, Saba Jikia is 20." Judging by a video posted on Radio Tbilisi's Facebook*, approximately 150 people participated in the gathering.
Two solidarity protests took place this afternoon near Gldani Prison, where Saba Jikia and Giorgi Chakhunashvili are being held, among others. Activists congratulated Dzhikiya on his birthday and expressed support for Chakhunashvili.
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. Thousands of people were subjected to administrative prosecution during the protests. The "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a report, "Key Points on the Persecution of Protesters in Georgia".