Protesters in Tbilisi took to the parliament for the 491st day in a row.

The traditional protest on Rustaveli Avenue on the 491st day of pro-European demonstrations was preceded by a mass picket outside the Georgian government building.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," on April 1, a Tbilisi court sentenced Tornike Toshkhua and Mindia Shervashidze, protesters outside parliament, to one year in prison. Before announcing the verdict, the judge noted that the defendants pled not guilty.

Supporters of Georgia's European integration gathered on the pedestrian section of Rustaveli Avenue this evening for the 191st day in a row. Activists brought national and EU flags to the parliament, as well as posters with various demands.

Protesters carried posters reading, among other things, "Freedom for Mindia Shervashidze," "Kremlinists, Georgia is ours, get out," and "Fire of the Oligarchy," according to posts by photographer Mo Se and Georgian media outlets on Facebook*.

One of the posters, "Soon they'll burn us like dogs, they have no humanity," references facts recently uncovered by animal rights activists. It turns out that microchipped and sterilized stray dogs are once again being taken from the streets in some Georgian cities. Activists say the animals are being euthanized and then burned. Authorities deny the killing of safe and controlled dogs.

The rally outside parliament was preceded by a mass picket in front of the Georgian government building. During the day, protesters unfurled banners there, reading "The police serve Ivanishvili," "The regime is destroying our statehood," "We still don't recognize you, leave," and "Give the emigrants their votes back," Netgazeti reports.

Protesters in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners since November 28, 2024. Security forces violently dispersed the protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and detained protesters. Thousands of people were subjected to administrative prosecution during the protests. The "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a report, "The Main Thing About the Persecution of Protesters in Georgia".