29 years on from April 9 tragedy: officials, public pay tribute to victims
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Today, Georgia remembers the youth who tried to stop Russian tanks with their bare hands and other people who were killed by Russian troops as they supported the independence of Georgia 29 years ago.
On April 9, 1989, at least twenty people were tragically killed as Soviet troops attacked peaceful protesters in the centre of Tbilisi.
The date has been etched into the minds of locals and is remembered as the day of National Unity. It is recognised as a public holiday in Georgia.
The April 9 memorial in frong of the old Parliament Building on Rustaveli Ave. Photo by the PM's press office.
This morning, the family of the fallen, community members and officials gathered outside the old Parliament Building on Rustaveli Ave in central Tbilisi at the April 9 memorial, where 29 years ago the tragedy occurred.
Some lit candles while others presented flowers in remembrance of those who died during the demonstration.
Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said this date was "especially important” for Georgia and it would always remain as a symbol of love for the motherland, the fight for freedom and the sacrifice for homeland.
Georgia's PM, Tbilisi Mayor heading the the April 9 memorial to pay tribute to victims. Photo by the PM's press office.
The President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili thanked those people who sacrificed themselves for freedom and said "we are free today thanks to them”.
Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, who today also paid tribute for the victims of the April 9, said that what happened on this date in 1989 was "the biggest tragedy of the country”.
Click here to read the full history behind the April 9 tragedy.
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Georgian high officials are today remembering the people who died in the hands of Russian troops as they supported the independence of Georgia.
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The Interior Ministry of Georgia has thanked and awarded former police officers who stood by peaceful protestors demanding independence for Georgia on April 9, 1989, when Soviet troops forcefully tried to disperse the demonstration.
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