Protesters canceled a march in Tbilisi in connection with the death of Ilia II.
On the 476th day of continuous protests, protesters traditionally gathered outside the Georgian Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue. They canceled their planned weekend marches in connection with the death of Patriarch Ilia II.
As reported by the "Caucasian Knot", on March 17, the 475th day of continuous protests, protesters at the Rustaveli Avenue gathering unfurled a banner outside the Parliament with the slogan: "We do not recognize".
On March 5, amendments criminalizing non-recognition of government bodies and "extremism against the constitutional order" came into force. The article on extremism provides for up to three years' imprisonment, a fine, or correctional labor for systematic public calls to violate the law, disobey authorities, or create alternative government bodies. Furthermore, the law now contains a new aggravating circumstance: if the crime is committed out of disrespect for the constitutional order or government bodies, one year's imprisonment is added to the sentence. This same motive is also considered an aggravating circumstance in administrative offense cases.
Supporters of Georgia's European integration, carrying national and EU flags, gathered today on the pedestrian section of Rustaveli Avenue near the Parliament building for the 476th day in a row, Publika reports.
Activists held posters reading: "Solidarity, equality, justice," "Don't silence the voice of the people," and "We do not recognize," according to a post by photographer Mo Se on Facebook*.
According to a statement by the organizers of the traditional Saturday procession and the "Observers" organization, the processions planned for the weekend are canceled in connection with the death of Patriarch Ilia II.
"We share the grief of our people in connection with the death of His Holiness Ilia II, Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia. Based on the above, the processions planned for the weekend of March 21 in Tbilisi and March 22 in Kutaisi are canceled," the "Observers" statement reads.
The "Caucasian Knot" also reported that national mourning was declared in Georgia in connection with the death of Patriarch Ilia II on 17 March.
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 to the Persecution of Protesters in Georgia".
Translated automatically via Google translate from https://www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/421731
![Tumso Abdurakhmanov. Screenshot from video posted by Abu-Saddam Shishani [LIVE] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIR3s7AB0Uw](/system/uploads/article_image/image/0001/18460/main_image_Tumso.jpg "Tumso Abdurakhmanov. Screenshot from video posted by Abu-Saddam Shishani [LIVE] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIR3s7AB0Uw")