Demonstrators in Tbilisi honored the memory of the victims of Soviet terror.
A memorial rally for the victims of Soviet terror preceded the traditional gathering of supporters of European integration on Rustaveli Avenue on the 610th day of continuous demonstrations.
As "Caucasian Knot" reported, on July 29, supporters of Georgia's European integration reminded the ruling party of their demands for the 609th time by gathering outside the parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue.
Activists carrying Georgian and EU flags gathered this evening outside the parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue, demanding the release of political prisoners, the country's return to a Euro-Atlantic course, the repeal of repressive laws, and free elections. The demonstration with these demands is being held today for the 610th consecutive day, Publika reports.
The Laboratory for the Study of the Soviet Past marked Remembrance Day for the Victims of Soviet Terror on July 30th. The event, dedicated this year to executed and repressed doctors, took place at 22 Ingorokva Street, not far from the so-called Cheka House, where the Cheka headquarters, the main center of the Red Terror, was located from 1921 to 1934, Netgazeti reports.
One of the demonstrators on Rustaveli Avenue dedicated his poster that evening to the poet Titsian Tabidze, quoting words from his poem "Manifesto." Tabidze, who held creative evenings in Moscow and Leningrad in early 1937, was executed on December 16th of that year on charges of nationalism, sabotage, and working for French intelligence. Tabidze was subsequently rehabilitated posthumously.
The protesters also held signs reading, "The court must protect the people's trust, not the interests of the authorities. A verdict according to the law, not by order!", "You cannot arrest the truth," and "One bullet will stop the war"—all depicting Vladimir Putin, according to a Facebook post by photographer Giorgi Mosiashvili (Mo Se)*.
According to a video by Facebook user* Tamar Bartaia, at least 100 people participated in the gathering.
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 "The Main Thing About the Persecution of Protest Participants in Georgia".