One year after June 20 rally, peaceful demonstrators to gather in front of parliament
Anti-occupation activists, who have been protesting for several months since June 20, will gather in front of the parliament of Georgia later today. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge
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A peaceful demonstration will be held in front of the parliament of Georgia in downtown Tbilisi later today, one year after the June 20 protest, triggered by the presence of Russian MP Sergey Gavrilov in the Georgian parliament.
- In pictures: Morning of June 20 protests outside Georgian parliament
- Human rights defender on June 20 protest: some politicians were ‘destructive, irresponsible, shameful’
The rally, which was dispersed by police after demonstrators ignored the appeal of the Interior Ministry to obey law enforcers and decided to break into the parliament building, left about 240 people injured; several demonstrators lost eyesight.
Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge achieve
Calling on citizens to join them at 7pm today, the organisers of the rally from Shame Movement said they will follow all of the recommendations of the World Health Organisation:
- everyone will wear face masks;
- 2-meter distance will be maintained;
- microphone will be disinfected before each speech.
Shame Movement has tweeted:
On #20June20, 7:00 PM We are gathering in front of the parliament to protest Russian occupation, @GovernmentGeo's #Shame and Injustice.
— Shame Movement (@shamemovement) June 16, 2020
We remember what you did last summer!
We will speak loud regardless of yesterday's punishment (₾1800 fine).
Event: https://t.co/y5Y90le3B2 pic.twitter.com/9rpnQPBZNA
The organizers said that one year later they believe that ‘defeating evil on this scale is only possible by standing together’
Instead of learning from their mistakes, the government intensified the declared war and opposed free thought with an administrative resource, government-controlled media and hundreds of fake accounts on social media”, the Shame Movement wrote on Facebook.
Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge archive
The Georgian Dream ruling party claims the 'justified and peaceful' protest of people was transformed into violence due to the 'provocative and destructive' actions by opposition members.
- June 20 demonstrators ‘unleash war’ against Georgian Dream ruling party founder Ivanishvili
- Interior Minister gives televised explanation of June 20 developments
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, who served as interior minister during the June 20 rally dispersal said that one year ago the Georgian government prevented ‘a large-scale destabilization and chaos’ in the country.