Demonstrators in Tbilisi reminded of the war with Russia

Participants of the continuous protest at the Parliament of Georgia on the 617th day of the actions reminded about the August war of 2008 and criticized the authorities for the recurring nationwide blackouts.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on August 5, on the 616th day of continuous protests, supporters of Eurointegration gathered at the Parliament of Georgia, despite the third large-scale blackout in the last two weeks. The opposition puts forward versions of sabotage, incompetence, and corruption in the energy sector. In the morning, Georgian energy workers reported the restoration of electricity supply.

Activists with national flags and European Union flags took to Rustaveli Avenue today for the 617th evening in a row, demanding the release of political prisoners, the abolition of repressive mechanisms, and a return to the Euro-Atlantic political course.

Several demonstrators held posters dedicated to the regular large-scale blackouts: “Welcome to the 90s” and “The country is plunging into darkness.” The protesters also had posters about Bidzina Ivanishvili and the anniversary of the start of the war: “Glory to the heroes of August,” “Russians, you are not welcome in Georgia,” and “Russia is the enemy,” according to photos by photographer Georgy Mosiashvili (Mo Se) on Facebook*.

According to a video published by Georgy Mumladze, at least 150 people participated in the gathering.

On August 7, the opposition announced a protest march under the slogan “We remember the heroes, we remember the enemy!” The event, dedicated to the 18th anniversary of the start of the “August war,” will begin at 20:00 local time.

The march will take place from the Philharmonic to Heroes Square. “We remember those who started the war, and we remember our heroes who heroically defended Georgia. We know that confrontation and division are the main driving forces of the Russian hybrid war, and we know that when we stand together, the enemy cannot act against us,” Publika quotes the event description.

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 the “Caucasian Knot,” a reference about the “Five-Day War” of 2008 is published.

Participants of the protests in Georgia since November 28, 2024, have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners. 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 reference “Main points about the persecution of protest participants in Georgia.”