“Victory of freedom” - Georgian President delivers message on 36th anniversary of April 9 tragedy

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Wednesday took to social media to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the April 9 tragedy, reflecting on the significance of this date in Georgia's recent history.

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.

“April 9 is a tragic yet praiseworthy date in our country's recent history - it is the day of the victory of freedom, when tens of thousands of Georgians united to defend the most precious thing: the independence of our country”, the President said.

“More than three decades have passed since the tragic events of April 9, yet each of us always remembers this day with immense sorrow and, at the same time, with pride. The significance of this day is immeasurable - April 9 made Georgia's path toward independence irreversible”, he continued.

Kavelashvili further expressed deep gratitude to those who stood fearlessly on the frontlines of Georgia’s struggle for freedom and sacrificed their lives for the country’s sovereignty.

“We are infinitely grateful to those who fearlessly stood guard for Georgia's freedom on April 9th and sacrificed their lives for the independence of the homeland. We will never forget their memory. Their heroism will remain in our nation’s history as a proud example of selflessness for future generations”, he noted.

He concluded his message with a call to unity and responsibility, urging every citizen to protect the freedom won at such a high cost and to continue strengthening the nation’s sovereignty.

“It is the duty of each of us to protect and cherish the freedom of Georgia, which was obtained at the cost of the blood of our compatriots, and to steadfastly continue moving forward on the path of strengthening our sovereignty!” the President concluded.