Protest rally continues on Rustaveli Ave, demands remain unchanged

The peaceful demonstration in front of the parliament of Georgia in central Tbilisi is still underway.

The demands that were voiced by the protesters at the very beginning of the rally remain unchanged.

Three major demands that were initially put forward by the opposition leaders include:

1. the resignation of Interior Minister Giorgi Gakharia;
2. the release of people detained yesterday; 
3. holding of snap parliamentary elections with proportional electoral system

Although the opposition leaders are attending the protest rally on Rustaveli Avenue, the civilians do not let them make public statement.

Gigi Ugulava from the European Georgia opposition was among them. Some of the demonstrators threw bottles at him, urging to leave the rally.

Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

European Georgia’s Elene Khoshtaria recently told TV Pirveli that although the protests were initially announced by the opposition, the June 21 protest “does not serve any political interests” but rather shows a wider public attitude.

Meanwhile, the Georgian Foreign Minister Davit Zalkaliani condemned the Russian delegation's recent visit to Georgia that triggered public protest.

Condemn the fact of the occupying state’s rep. chairing I.A.O. meeting at Geo's Parliament and fully agree with public protests in this regard. Sadly peaceful protest was transformed into violence 4 political aims. Thanks to Dip. Corps 4 calling parties 2 uphold rule of law.

— David Zalkaliani (@DZalkaliani) June 21, 2019