The released Batumi activist joined the protesters in Tbilisi
On the 709th day of continuous protests, Batumi activist Zurab Chavchanidze, who spent 13 months in detention, joined the demonstrators in central Tbilisi. Activist Irakli Chkhirkvia, convicted in the case of the attempted storming of the presidential palace, was also released from prison.
As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on November 5, on the 708th day of continuous actions, those gathered in central Tbilisi demanded the release of political prisoners. The demonstrators are preparing for a mass rally on November 28, the second anniversary of the start of pro-European protests.
Citizens of Georgia gathered today near the parliament on Rustaveli Avenue and near the Tbilisi City Council building, demanding the release of political prisoners and a return to the Euro-Atlantic political course. The demonstrators are also calling for the repeal of repressive laws and free elections, with the action taking place for the 709th evening in a row, reports Publika.
As in all previous actions, the demonstrators raised the national flags of Georgia and the flags of the European Union, with some also bringing flags of Ukraine. Participants held placards reading “Time cannot be stopped, Bidzina”, “All children have the right to education”, and “Truth cannot be bought”, according to photos on the page of photographer Giorgi Mosiashvili (Mo Se) on Facebook*.
Activist Zurab Chavchanidze from Batumi, who was just released from prison after 13 months, joined the protest on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. He came out with slogans “Strength in Love” and “Love conquers evil”, according to a publication by Netgazeti.
Another political prisoner was also released today – active protest participant Irakli Chkhirkvia, convicted in the case of the events of October 4, 2025. He left prison holding a book titled “Abkhazia (1917–1921): Reconstruction of Memory”, published by the Laboratory for the Study of Soviet Past (SovLab).
Chkhirkvia was subjected to administrative arrests for participating in protests back in November 2021. After his release, the activist stated that he intends to continue the fight for the “restoration of Georgia's territorial and national integrity”, notes Tbilisi_life.
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. "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a report "Main points on the persecution of protest participants in Georgia".