Hundreds have gathered in the country’s second largest city, Kutaisi, in western Georgia, to protest the government they claim stole the elections and is trying to steal their European future.
On Kutaisi’s Rustaveli Avenue, Georgian and European flags are being waved, shouts are heard supporting Georgia, and at times the entire crowd lights up their mobile phones in a show of united belief that their will will be victorious and their voices will be heard.
“European integration! Free and fair elections! Kutaisi chooses Europe! Imereti chooses Europe!” are the messages being loudly proclaimed.
“Every day we are meeting here. We want legitimate elections overseen by an international body. We want a legitimate government. Victory is ahead!” one protester told a Mtavari Arkhi journalist.