33 years have passed since 9 April 1989.
The April 9 tragedy (also known as the Tbilisi Massacre or Tbilisi Tragedy) refers to the events in Tbilisi, when an anti-Soviet demonstration on central Rustaveli Avenue was dispersed by the Soviet Army, resulting in 21 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
Among the deceased were 17 females and 4 males, including many 16-year-old students and women of different ages. In the aftermath of the brutal raid, hundreds of peaceful protesters were poisoned by gas and many of them severely injured.
The protesters were led by the Independence Committee of Merab Kostava, Zviad Gamsakhurdia, Giorgi Chanturia, Irakli Bathiashvili and Irakli Tsereteli, who demanded the punishment of Abkhaz secessionists and restoration of Georgian independence.
Since the April 9 Tragedy, ordinary citizens, politicians and public figures gather at Rustaveli Avenue and honor the memory of the deceased, who died for freedom and independence of their homeland.
Photo: National Archives of Georgia
