Demonstration in conflict zone: Georgians protest Russian occupation

A group of Georgian citizens have gathered near the occupation line separating the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region from the rest of Georgia today.

Under the slogans ‘No to occupation’ and ‘Russia is an occupier’, they voiced their opposition to Russian occupation forces’ moving the occupation line further into Georgian territory.

The demonstration, organised by several Georgian journalists and joined by general citizens, is being held in the village of Bershueti where Russian forces moved the so called "border” sign and occupied 10 more hectares of Georgian territory.

The participants of the demonstration brought and installed an alternative banner saying that the state border between Georgia and Russia is not in Bershueti but near the Roki Tunnel 101 km away from that area.

An alternative banner says that the state border is 101 km away. Photo by Goga Aptsiauri

The Georgian Police have been mobilised at the site in order to ensure safety and avoid incidents along the occupation line.

Russia occupied Georgia’s Tskhinvali region after the brief war in the summer of 2008. Since then Russian troops remain in the breakaway region and move the occupation line further into Georgian land every now and then.

Later today, at 8 P.M. another group of citizens are preparing to travel to Bershueti and hold a silent demonstration.

"Occupation is the most alarming problem for our country. We must be aware that the Russian army is the real enemy to the territorial integrity of Georgia”, they say, adding that the Russian army now stands only a few meters away from the country’s main road.

Last week, another demonstration was held near the occupation line where Georgian youth protested the Russian occupation.