Civil and opposition groups to hold peaceful protests, marches and events on Georgia’s Independence Day

Ahead of Georgia’s Independence Day on May 26, the organizing committee of civil groups released a statement outlining plans for marches, exhibitions, and discussions dedicated to the First Republic of Georgia.

One of the organizers, Baia Pataraia, stated that in light of what she called an "anti-Georgian government," the Georgian people have decided to take the celebration into their own hands by gathering on Rustaveli Avenue.

“We have a very diverse program. Starting from 3:00 PM, everyone is welcome to join what will be a real public celebration. Our independence still needs to be protected and preserved,” said Pataraia during a press briefing held on Rustaveli Avenue. “The entire area will be filled with meaningful events focusing on both recent history and the future. For example, in front of School No. 1, there will be activities and publishers for children; students will hold exhibitions and discussions directly on the street; and in front of the National Gallery, there will be displays dedicated to the First Republic. The day will conclude with a speech by the President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili.”

Another member of the organizing group, Tato Kelbakiani, announced that six different marches will converge on Rustaveli Avenue as part of the celebration:

“There will be the traditional march from the Public Broadcaster, a public sector union march from Republic Square, a march organized by SovLab also from Republic Square, an artists’ march from the Philharmonic, a Strong Georgia party march from Marjanishvili Square, and Federalists' march starting from the Rustaveli statue. Georgian citizens can either join one of these marches or come directly to Rustaveli Avenue, where they’ll find informative and educational events with protest elements. But this will be a completely peaceful demonstration. We’re expecting families and children.”

On May 25, the Resistance Platform, a movement comprising several opposition parties under the leadership of ex-President Salome Zourabichvili, also released a statement responding to the ruling Georgian Dream party's claims that civil society groups are planning provocations or acts of violence on Independence Day.

“The illegitimate regime of Georgian Dream, which is the main source of violence and instability, continues to make baseless claims that provocations are planned for May 26. We state clearly: on Georgia’s Independence Day, diverse Georgian society will gather on Rustaveli Avenue for one reason only — to celebrate our independence. The only group that stages provocations against its own citizens and country is Ivanishvili’s Russian regime. We invite everyone to join us on Rustaveli Avenue on May 26 to celebrate Georgia’s Independence Day together,” the movement’s statement reads.