Georgia marks anniversary of April 9, 1989 killing of peaceful protesters by Soviet forces
The date also marks the restoration of Georgia’s independence, as the declaration of independence was passed on the same date two years later, based on the results of a referendum on March 31, where an overwhelming majority of people voted for the country to secede from the Soviet Union. Photo: National Archive of Georgia
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Institutions and individuals across Georgia are on Tuesday marking the 35th anniversary of the April 9, 1989 violent dispersal of a peaceful protest by Soviet forces in Tbilisi that killed 21 individuals and injured hundreds.
The date marks the event where Kremlin-directed military dispersed a demonstration demanding independence for the country, with many of those killed aged between 16 and 31.
The date also marks the restoration of Georgia’s independence, as the declaration of independence was passed on the same date two years later, based on the results of a referendum on March 31, where an overwhelming majority of people voted for the country to secede from the Soviet Union.
The date is recognised as a public holiday in Georgia.