Georgian President: April 9 reminds us freedom and sovereignty require unity and constant struggle

Georgian president Mikheil Kavelashvili on Thursday marked the anniversary of the April 9 tragedy by emphasising that the legacy of this historic date imposes a continuous responsibility on every citizen to protect the nation's sovereignty.

In a social media message, Kavelashvili stressed that even the tragic events of the night of April 9, 1989, failed to silence the Georgian people’s demand for independence.

“April 9, 1989, is one of the most significant dates in Georgia’s recent history - a day of both immense tragedy and great victory, which became a turning point on the difficult path of the Georgian people’s struggle for freedom and left an indelible mark on our country’s centuries-old history”, he said.

“The tragic events that unfolded on Rustaveli Avenue and the sacrifice of the Georgian people showed the whole world that for us, dignity and freedom stand above life itself. Even the tragic events of that night could not silence the voice of the Georgian nation, which demanded independence”, the president continued.

Kavelashvili further added that the night of April 9 became a symbol of national unity and unwavering struggle, which led to the restoration of Georgia’s state independence two years later, on April 9, 1991.

“Thank you for freedom! Long live independent Georgia! May God protect us!” the president wrote.

On April 9, 1989, thousands of demonstrators gathered in front of Georgia’s parliament building in Tbilisi, demanding independence from the Soviet Union and protesting Moscow’s policies.

In the early hours of the morning, Soviet troops moved in to disperse the crowd using force, including batons, tear gas, and military vehicles. The operation resulted in the deaths of 21 civilians - most of them young women - and left hundreds injured or affected by toxic gas exposure.

The tragedy became a turning point in Georgia’s independence movement, strengthening public resolve against Soviet rule. Exactly two years later, on April 9, 1991, Georgia formally declared the restoration of its independence. Nowadays, April 9 is observed annually as a day of remembrance and national unity, honoring those who died in the struggle for freedom.