Cultural representatives demand release of political prisoners

A march of cultural representatives took place today in Tbilisi, protesters blocked traffic at the Georgian parliament, demanding fair parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners.

As "Kavkazsky Uzel" wrote, on July 26, on the 241st day of continuous protests, protesters in Tbilisi demanded the release of political prisoners and the resumption of the course towards European integration. The protest took place against the backdrop of the opposition's demands that the city mayor apologize for demanding the expulsion of the EU ambassador from Georgia.

The march of cultural figures began today from the Philharmonic to the building of the Georgian Parliament, Publika reported.

"Representatives of culture and art, for whom the denial of the European future of the country means betrayal of the statehood and cultural identity of Georgia, continue their uncompromising fight against growing authoritarianism in order to save the democratic development of our country. We will not accept the stolen choice, imprisoned citizens, captured courts and disregard for full membership by our unconditional choice," the organizers of the action are quoted as saying in the publication.

At the beginning of the march, near the Philharmonic, the protesters embroidered on a black banner with white thread: "Case sewn with white thread." In addition, the names of citizens arrested during the protest were written on the sheets of paper. According to the protesters, there is injustice in the country that needs to be changed, Interpressnews reported today.

Protesters blocked Rustaveli Avenue

Family members of prisoners detained during the protests are also taking part in the protest. The protesters are demanding new, fair elections and the release of citizens detained during the protests. They are carrying banners with various messages, as well as flags of Georgia and the European Union. They are chanting: "No to the Russian regime! Long live free Georgia! Freedom for the prisoners of the regime!" Law enforcement officers have been mobilized in the surrounding area, the publication says.

The Caucasian Knot published a report "The Main Thing About the Persecution of Protesters in Georgia". The Caucasian Knot collected materials about the parliamentary elections and the protests that followed on the page "Elections in Georgia-2024".

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