Demonstrators in Tbilisi protested against the pro-Russian course
On the 621st day of continuous protests, supporters of Georgia's Eurointegration gathered in front of the parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue and the Tbilisi City Council building.
As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on August 9, on the 620th day of daily actions, demonstrators expressed their disagreement with the political course of the authorities and demanded an end to the persecution of protesters.
Activists demanding a return to the Euro-Atlantic course, the release of political prisoners, and the repeal of repressive laws gathered in front of the parliament of Georgia for the 621st evening in a row. Some demonstrators went to the Tbilisi City Council building with posters - the square in front of it has become the second traditional location for actions against the backdrop of the renovation of Rustaveli Avenue, writes Publika.
Demonstrators brought national flags and European Union flags with them. Judging by a photo published on Facebook* by Giorgi Mumladze, at least 100 people gathered in front of the parliament.
The protesters held signs: “Freedom for prisoners of conscience”, “Rozzia occupier”, “Russia is our common enemy”, “Glory to the heroes”, “More disgusting than a Russian is a Georgian, a lover of Russian”, “Who will protect our children? No to the Russian regime”, “Occupiers, you are not welcome in Georgia, including because of your perverse behavior”.
One of the posters was a reaction to a statement by Irakli Kobakhidze, claiming that the war in August 2008 was started by then-President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili: “War takes heroes, the country is led by a traitor.” Many posters addressed to Russians were written in English, according to photos by photographer Giorgi Mosiashvili (Mo Se) on Facebook*.
Diplomatic relations between Russia and Georgia were severed in 2008 after Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Georgia considers South Ossetia and Abkhazia to be territories occupied by Russia. In the "Directory" section on "Caucasian Knot", a reference is published about the “Five-Day War” of 2008.
Protest participants in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners since November 28, 2024. Security forces have conducted harsh dispersals of protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and detained protesters. During the protests, thousands of people have faced administrative prosecution. The "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a reference on "Main points on the persecution of protest participants in Georgia".