Demonstrators in Tbilisi and Batumi demanded the release of political prisoners.

On the 649th day of continuous pro-European protests, demonstrators in Batumi and Tbilisi reiterated their demand to free prisoners of conscience.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on September 6, on the 648th day of protests, a pro-European demonstration outside the Georgian parliament was preceded by an action by animal rights activists, who demanded the release of Tamaz Elizbarashvili and protested against the killing of stray dogs.

Supporters of Georgia's Euro-integration took to the streets in Tbilisi and Batumi for the 649th consecutive day. In Tbilisi, demonstrators gathered outside the parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue and the city council building, while in Batumi, they gathered outside the Constitutional Court building.

Among the participants in the action in Tbilisi were, in particular, the parents of Zviad Tsetskhladze. They wore T-shirts saying “Freedom to Zviad Tsetskhladze” and “Zviad Tsetskhladze - political prisoner.” The gathered also held posters saying “Bidzina, come out of your hole” and “Freedom to Mzia,” according to photos published by photographer Giorgi Mosiashvili (Mo Se).

Activists held national flags, as well as flags of the European Union and the USA. A photo by Giorgi Mumladze on Facebook* shows that at least 150 people gathered in front of the Georgian parliament.

At the daily pro-European action near the Constitutional Court building in Batumi, activists held posters saying “Freedom to the regime's prisoners” and “Antsukhelidze is immortal,” according to a publication by Netgazeti.

"Caucasian Knot" reported that on August 18, the 629th day of protests, demonstrators in Tbilisi and Batumi took to the streets with posters saying “Antsukhelidze is immortal,” honoring the memory of the National Hero of Georgia on his birthday.

Georgy Antsukhelidze is one of the most well-known participants in the “Five-Day War.” For almost five months, Antsukhelidze was considered missing, and only on December 12, 2008, was his body identified through DNA.

In January 2009, two videos surfaced online showing the beating and torture of a Georgian soldier; the Antsukhelidze family identified him as Georgy. In one frame, Antsukhelidze is seen kneeling with his hands tied, his face covered in blood, barely holding up his head. Several men in military uniforms, with weapons pointed at the captive, stomp on his neck and push his face into the ground, according to a report by human rights defenders titled “August Ruins.”

Participants in the protests in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners since November 28, 2024. Law enforcement has conducted harsh crackdowns on protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and detaining protesters. During the protests, thousands of people have faced administrative prosecution. The “Caucasian Knot” has prepared a report titled “Main points on the persecution of protest participants in Georgia.”