14:00, 2 November 2010

Monument to Stalin removed off pedestal in Kutaisi

The administration of the Georgian city of Kutaisi has taken the monument to Iosif Stalin, located in Victory Square, away from its pedestal. The disappearance of the monument has angered local residents.

The Kutaisi Mayoralty has reported that they started restoration of Victory Square; and in this regard the Stalin monument was removed from its pedestal and placed to temporary storage. The city officials have assured that after the restoration of the square the monument will be placed again to its original place, the "Interfax" reports.

In June 2010, by the decision of the authorities, the monument to Stalin was dismantled in his hometown Gori. In the square, where the monument stood, they plan to erect a monument in honour of the victims of the 2008 August war and Stalin's repressions.