Protest in Georgia against Ivanishvili, video
The traditional “Saturday march” took place in Tbilisi on the evening of 24 October. Hundreds of people once again marched through the city centre, as they have done almost continuously for nearly two years, carrying Georgian, EU and Ukrainian flags.
The main slogan was “Georgia against Ivanishvili’s one-party rule!” — a reference to billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder and honorary chair of the ruling party.
“Peace to Georgia”, “Glory to the heroes” and “Long live a Georgia without Ivanishvili!” the demonstrators chanted.
Passing cars honked continuously in a show of support for the marchers.
The “Saturday marches” are part of an ongoing protest movement that has continued in Georgia for more than 700 days.
Protesters are demanding that Georgia return to the path of European integration and that all political prisoners be released. They are also calling for the repeal of all anti-democratic laws passed by the ruling Georgian Dream party over the past two years.
Protesters and opposition parties point out that part of Georgian society still does not recognise the results of the parliamentary election held in autumn 2024. They are calling for early parliamentary elections.
Over the course of nearly two years of protests, dozens of people have been arrested. Many have been charged with criminal offences and sentenced to prison.
For the first time in independent Georgia’s history, the country has around 150 prisoners of conscience, including women. Among them is Mzia Amaglobeli, founder of the independent media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti. She was sentenced to two years in prison for slapping a police officer.
The protests continue despite an intensifying crackdown on civil society and the media.
News in Georgia