The protest in Tbilisi took place amid expectations of a pardon.

Supporters of European integration gathered outside the Georgian Parliament for the 418th consecutive day. Protesters demanded the release of prisoners of conscience. Relatives of political prisoners have been waiting outside prisons since this morning for the publication of the pardon document, with which the Georgian President released 159 prisoners on the occasion of Epiphany, but the list of those pardoned is still unknown.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," on the 417th day of daily protests in Tbilisi, protesters, despite the weather, gathered outside the Georgian Parliament for the 417th consecutive day. Three activists who participated in the protests in previous days were charged under a criminal offense for blocking a sidewalk.

Supporters of European integration gathered on Rustaveli Avenue outside the Georgian Parliament for the 418th consecutive day. The protest is taking place despite the inclement weather. Participants are also holding Georgian and European Union flags. The demonstrators chanted, "Freedom for the regime's prisoners!" Interpressnews reported.

The protesters' demands remain unchanged: holding new parliamentary elections and the release of those detained during the protests.

Since this morning, family members of prisoners of conscience, despite the snow and cold, have been waiting outside the prisons for the publication of the pardon document. This applies not only to prisoners of conscience. Those prisoners who have submitted applications for pardon are also awaiting Mikheil Kavelashvili's decision, Pirveli TV reports.

This evening, it was announced that President Mikheil Kavelashvili pardoned 159 prisoners on the occasion of Epiphany. However, it is currently unknown who exactly was pardoned. According to Nargiz Davitadze, the mother of convicted prisoner Zviad Tsetskhladze, she does not expect his release. Nargiz Davitadze, standing outside Gldani Prison, said the release of female prisoners is very important.

"I'm not thinking about Zviad's pardon, I'm thinking about everyone. Just as I waited for Zviad, I'm waiting for these boys. Zviad, I know you're worried about us, but don't worry, everything will be fine. The main thing is that he was strong there. I really want to hear that Mzia Amaglobeli is free, and the rest of the women, our boys, are strong and will endure everything. If the women are released, it will be important for us," said Nargiz Davitadze.

According to cleric Ilia Toloria, Georgian Dream must admit that it was wrong to imprison participants in pro-European rallies. "Open the prison doors and let everyone out," the clergyman wrote on his Facebook page*.

"This government doesn't know Epiphany or Christmas—it has nothing to do with Christianity at all. Since this morning, in this snow and frost, the mothers of prisoners have been standing outside the prison, and still no one has been released. This isn't a pardon—they should apologize to prisoners of conscience, political prisoners, admit their guilt for their unjust imprisonment, open the prison doors, and let everyone out. But they're not doing this. Do you know why? Because this is a regime, a dictatorship, and nothing more. Freedom for the regime's prisoners," wrote Ilia Toloraya.

"Caucasian Knot" also reported that Judge Tornike Kapanadze dismissed the case against civic activist Anna Bdeyan for "blocking sidewalks" and transferred it to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for further investigation. In addition, Giorgi Tsulaia, an activist with the United National Movement youth organization, faces up to a year in prison for protesting on the sidewalk in front of the parliament building. The court dismissed the administrative case, finding Tsulaia's actions to be criminal. Doctor Vazha Gaprindashvili and activists Konstantin and Kakha Mikai also reported the threat of criminal prosecution.

Since November 28, 2024, protesters in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners. They have been holding daily protests on Rustaveli Avenue. In October 2025, after laws on assemblies and demonstrations were tightened, security forces began mass arrests of protesters on Rustaveli Avenue. Most of them were accused of blocking the avenue and obstructing traffic.