EU Ambassador to Georgia Paweł Herczyński has paid tribute to the victims of the April 9, 1989 tragedy, visiting the memorial on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi.
During the visit, the ambassador laid a wreath and honored those who lost their lives when Soviet troops violently dispersed a peaceful demonstration in the Georgian capital.
In a statement shared on social media, the EU Delegation to Georgia described April 9 as “a painful reminder of Soviet troop violence against peaceful demonstrators,” noting that the protesters’ defiance became “a symbol of Georgia’s pursuit of freedom, dignity and independence.”
“We honour those who lost their lives before witnessing the restoration of independence just two years later,” the statement said.
The EU also reaffirmed its continued support for Georgia’s sovereignty, emphasizing that independence remains “a hard-won achievement that generations of Georgians continue to uphold.”
April 9 is one of the most significant dates in Georgia’s modern history. The 1989 crackdown marked a turning point in the country’s independence movement, and exactly two years later, on April 9, 1991, Georgia declared the restoration of its independence.
This year marks the 37th anniversary of the tragedy, with commemorative events held across the country to honor the victims and reflect on the legacy of the struggle for independence.
Image source: 1TV
