Protesters in Tbilisi demand release of political prisoners

Tbilisi protesters block Rustaveli Avenue near the parliament on the 265th day of continuous protests and announce new actions in support of political prisoners.

As "Caucasian Knot" wrote, since November 28, 2024, protesters in Tbilisi have been holding daily rallies near the Georgian parliament and blocking traffic along Rustaveli Avenue, demanding the release of all arrested supporters of European integration and the appointment of new parliamentary elections. On August 17, on the 263rd day of protests, Zura Menteshashvili and Lado Berozashvili were detained at a rally near the parliament, both charged with administrative offenses of petty hooliganism and disobeying police orders.

Pro-European protesters in Tbilisi blocked Rustaveli Avenue near the Georgian Parliament building again this evening. The protesters' demands have remained unchanged for the 265th day in a row: they demand new parliamentary elections and the release of all detained protesters. Activists held the protests with Georgian flags and posters in support of political prisoners, some of them wore T-shirts with portraits of prisoners of conscience, Publika reports.

Protesters announced new protests for August 20 and 21. Before the traditional gathering on Rustaveli Avenue on August 20, they plan to hold a rally in support of the arrested poet and translator Zviad Ratiani on Freedom Square. On Thursday, August 21, a rally in support of independent online publications under the slogan “The Light Must Not Go Out” is planned on Republic Square; its participants will march to the parliament building, Tbilisi_life writes.

One of those detained on Rustaveli Avenue on August 17, Zura Menteshashvili, was fined by the court 4,000 lari (about 1,500 dollars) under the administrative article on disobeying the police, NEWS.On.ge reports.

The case of another participant in the rally detained on the same day, Lado Berozashvili, was not considered today; during the hearing, the man felt ill and an ambulance was called for him. The court postponed the hearing to August 29. Berozashvili claims that he did not insult the police officer or resist him, while the security forces hit him several times, insulted him and threatened him, writes Netgazeti.

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