German Ambassador honours April 9 victims, calls the day symbol of freedom, independence

Germany’s Ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer, on Thursday marked the 37th anniversary of the 1989 April 9 tragedy, saying the day represents freedom and independence for Georgia.

Speaking at the memorial, Fischer paid tribute to those who lost their lives defending Georgia’s sovereignty.

"This day symbolises freedom and independence for Georgia. The events of April 9, 1989, occurred just six months before the fall of the Berlin Wall, linking Georgia with Germany and with all peoples striving for liberty and self-determination," Fischer said.

"I am here to honor the memory of the victims of April 9. I stand here for freedom and independence," he added.

On April 9, 1989, Soviet troops violently dispersed peaceful demonstrators in Tbilisi demanding independence, resulting in the deaths of 21 people and injuries to dozens more.