23:53, 22 May 2026

Protesters in Tbilisi expressed solidarity with journalists and sick children.

Protesters outside the Georgian Parliament, marking the 541st day of continuous protests, demanded the release of political prisoners and funding for medications for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," on May 21, protesters in Tbilisi, despite heavy rain, took to the streets for the 540th consecutive day of their daily protest against the Georgian Dream party's policies. The May 19 protest was dedicated to solidarity with journalist Nanuka Zhorzholiani, who was arrested for three days on administrative charges of "blocking a sidewalk."

Protesters on Rustaveli Avenue regularly support demands for modern medications for children with Duchenne syndrome, whose parents have been holding a non-stop, round-the-clock protest outside the government administration building for the second month. According to the organization "Together Fighting Duchenne Dystrophy," there are approximately 100 children with this diagnosis in Georgia. Three of them have died recently, one of the most recent deaths occurred in early March, Tbilisi_life notes.

Supporters of Georgia's European integration, carrying national and EU flags, gathered this evening on Rustaveli Avenue in front of the parliament building for the 541st time in a row. Participants in the gathering issued a relentless demand for the release of all political prisoners.

Protesters held the rally with posters reading: "Defenders of May 26th Behind Bars," "Kobakhidze the Tightwad," "Strength in Unity," "Media Solidarity," "The Collapse of the Regime," and "Collect Signatures to Fund Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy," according to posts by photographer Mo Se and Georgian media outlets on Facebook*.

TV presenter and founder of the Nanuka Zhorzholiani Charity Foundation, who was previously arrested for three days, left the Mtskheta detention center today, Pirveli TV reports.

Participants in the student protest initiative "Defend Ilia University" began a marathon on May 20 in support of children and young people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. They initially planned to raise 100,000 lari for sick children, but in two days they managed to raise a much larger sum, over 700,000, 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".

Translated automatically via Google translate from https://www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/423470