საინფორმაციო სააგენტო ინტერპრესნიუსი

“We are witnessing the birth of a one-party system, and behind all this stands one man,” said the fifth President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, during her speech at the Senate of the Czech Republic.

A confrontation occurred in Zugdidi between citizens gathered at the April 9 Memorial and the police.

“Now, 36 years later, on the same day and on the same avenue where blood was shed for freedom, Georgians are once again standing in the streets,” – stated the fifth President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, in her address to the Senate of the Czech Republic.

“Many of those standing there [on Rustaveli Avenue] know well that, back in the day, it was Rodionov who tried to occupy Rustaveli Avenue, and now it’s the Burchuladze-Rodionovs trying – the same person who called himself part of the ‘Russian gang.’ Can you imagine someone being, pardon the expression, dragged out and then others placing tulips there?” – said Mamuka Mdinaradze, Chairman of the Georgian Dream parliamentary faction.

“We, the family members of political prisoners, were curious to see what outcome our very first announced protest would bring

"They are trying to artificially sow hatred in Georgia through grants and NGOs, using Soviet methods. Therefore, this law is not about grants, it is about opposing hatred,” – said Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze, commenting on the planned amendments to the “Law on Grants,” which would require foreign grants to be approved by the government or an authorized official appointed by it.

This day was a major turning point for our country. Georgia on April 9 was one thing, and Georgia on April 10 became a mentally different country,” — said Zviad Dzidziguri, one of the leaders of the party “Gakharia - For Georgia,” on PalitraNews’ program Dgis Newsroom, reflecting on the events of April 9, 1989.

In 1989, Rodionov’s soldiers tried, but they couldn’t destroy the idea of independence. Today, on Rustaveli Avenue, Rodionov’s spade-wielding soldiers have been replaced by people who have lost their sense of homeland, waving foreign flags, who are attempting, with the same ruthlessness, to shatter Georgia’s idea of independence — this was stated by Speaker of the Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili.

“Today, Georgian Dream doesn’t even dare to mention the Russians – as if it were Martians who invaded this country and butchered people 36 years ago. That so-called ‘foreign force’ had a very specific name back then – Soviet Russia,” said opposition politician Gigi Ugulava during an ongoing rally on Rustaveli Avenue, speaking to journalists.

"Only Russians and their servants bring war and violence! Shame on you – so-called Government of Georgia! Those ruthless soldiers were Russians, not some 'foreign force,' and you don’t even dare say it!" – Georgia’s fifth President, Salome Zurabishvili, wrote on social media.

"Generations of Georgian citizens continue to firmly defend independence to this day," – reads a statement released by the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia.

"April 9 is a day of national strength, heroism, and freedom! Soviet tanks couldn’t bring us to our knees, and neither will Ivanishvili’s evil regime!" – stated Giorgi Vashadze, the leader of Strategy Aghmashenebeli.

On Georgia’s National Unity Day, Lithuania stands with the Georgian people in their struggle for a European future — the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote on social platform X.

April 9 is the day when a foreign power committed violence against our fellow citizens, as stated in the statement of Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. According to him, 36 years after the tragedy of April 9, a foreign power is still committing violence on Rustaveli Avenue.

According to the member of the "Unity of National Movement," Khatia Dekanoidze, the "Georgian Dream" brought public officials to the April 9 Memorial to "artificially create a confrontation between the mothers and family members of prisoners and the people."

The appearance of public officials near the April 9 Memorial was met with an uproar. Citizens did not allow Konstantine Zarnadze, Deputy Chair of the “Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia” faction of the Tbilisi City Assembly, to approach the April 9 Memorial.

A confrontation occurred between protesters near the Parliament of Georgia and unidentified individuals. The clash began with verbal insults and escalated into a physical altercation.

Today is April 9 – the most important date in Georgia’s recent history! A date of double meaning – of mourning and victory – and that is why we are obliged to protect their legacy!

"The situation in Georgia is not as good as we would like

“It is the duty of each and every one of us to protect and cherish the freedom of Georgia, won at the cost of our fellow citizens' blood, and to continue unwaveringly on the path of strengthening our sovereignty!” – writes Mikheil Kavelashvili on social media, marking 36 years since the events of April 9.

"April 9 is one of the darkest days in our country’s recent history, and ideally, we should all stand together — regardless of political affiliation or personal preferences," writes the leader of the party "Gakharia for Georgia," Giorgi Gakharia, on social media.