Pro-European actions in Tbilisi continue for 624 days
On the 624th day of the continuous protest in Tbilisi, demonstrators once again reminded about the war with Russia. Activists also announced a march aimed at drawing attention to the mass emigration of Georgian citizens.
As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on August 12, on the 623rd day of continuous actions, participants of the pro-European protest with placards went to the Parliament of Georgia and the Tbilisi City Council, urging citizens to not give in to the repressive actions and laws of the Georgian government.
Activists in Tbilisi today gathered near the Parliament building and the Tbilisi City Council, demanding the release of political prisoners, the repeal of repressive laws, a return to a Euro-Atlantic course, and the holding of free elections, reports Publika.
Participants of the action brought with them the flags of Georgia and the European Union. Due to repairs on Rustaveli Avenue, the Tbilisi protest has split into two locations: now protesters gather at the Tbilisi Sakrebulo (old city hall) in Freedom Square and at the previous location, near the Parliament of Georgia, notes Tbilisi life.
“Despite arrests/violence/high fines for protesting, people have been coming out for 624 days. Protesters participate in actions daily, both in Tbilisi and in Batumi, Kutaisi, and Akhaltsikhe,” the publication emphasizes.
With their placards, demonstrators once again reminded about the war with Russia, the anniversary of which is being marked these days. Protesters held placards saying “Russia is the enemy,” “100% of my country is occupied by Russia,” “The Georgievsky Treaty was signed 243 years ago, Russia kills,” “Russia is a terrorist country,” and “Glory to the heroes who died for the homeland,” according to photos published by photographer Georgy Mosiashvili (Mo Se) on Facebook*.
The protests were preceded by an exhibition of the campaign in support of independent online media “The Light Must Not Go Out,” which was launched a year ago, on August 13. The interactive exhibition featured messages that had been deliberately removed from the city walls, notes Netgazeti.
Opposition members also announced a Saturday march from the "Avlabari" metro station to the State Chancellery. The action on August 15 is set to focus on the issue of mass migration of citizens, and it will take place under the slogan “When the state serves Ivanishvili, Georgians leave the country.”
According to the organizers of the action, during Ivanishvili's rule from 2013 to 2025, 1,005,803 citizens of Georgia emigrated from Georgia. “Georgians should not have to leave their country in search of a decent life,” the announcement of the march states.
Participants in the protests in Georgia since November 28, 2024, have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners. Law enforcement has conducted harsh dispersals of protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and detaining protesters. During the protests, thousands of people have faced administrative prosecution. "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a reference "Main points on the persecution of protest participants in Georgia".