Georgian PM: 36 years after April 9 tragedy, foreign force once again resorts to violence on Rustaveli Avenue

On the 36th anniversary of the April 9 tragedy, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze took to social media to reflect on the significance of the day and to condemn what he described as renewed acts of violence by foreign forces on Rustaveli Avenue.

The Prime Minister drew a parallel between the events of April 9, 1989, when Soviet troops violently dispersed peaceful pro-independence demonstrators, and current events.

He emphasized that April 9 is a day that reminds Georgians of foreign aggression against its citizens, but also a day that unified the nation and saw love triumph over hatred, and freedom over servitude.

“April 9 is the day when a foreign force committed violence against our fellow citizens. At the same time, April 9 is the day that united Georgia, the day when love among Georgians triumphed over hatred. April 9 is also the day when the idea of ​​freedom triumphed over slavery. That is why, today, more than ever, we must renounce all violence, defeat hatred, and defend the idea of ​​freedom”, Kobakhidze said.

“Today, on the 36th anniversary of the April 9 tragedy, a foreign force is once again perpetrating violence on Rustaveli Avenue. Today too, on Rustaveli Avenue, a foreign force is inciting hatred, trying to artificially disrupt the unity among Georgians, and fighting against the idea of freedom. The experience of April 9 has taught us that the 'existence' of a foreign force is short-lived, and love and freedom will inevitably prevail over hatred and slavery”, the PM continued.

Kobakhidze further alleged that this foreign force attempted to provoke violence on Rustaveli Avenue today, and when unsuccessful, resorted to violence itself. He stated the Government would not fuel hatred and would prevent even minor provocations planned by the foreign force.

“We believe that this is exactly what the souls of the heroes of April 9, who sacrificed their lives for the idea of love and freedom, expect from us. Today we will pay due respect to their memory. Love and freedom will prevail over hatred and slavery in Georgia!” he concluded.

The April 9 events in 1989 were a crucial turning point in Georgia's struggle for independence from the Soviet Union, during which a peaceful demonstration in Tbilisi was violently dispersed by Soviet troops, resulting in numerous casualties.