Georgia’s Opposition Alliance is set to hold a protest rally in Tbilisi on May 26, marking the country’s Independence Day, with organizers saying the demonstration will underline citizens’ continued struggle for freedom, sovereignty and democracy.
Organizers say citizens will gather at 19:00 in the courtyard of the first building of Tbilisi State University, before marching to Rustaveli Avenue and the area near Parliament.
The organizers say the rally, taking place on Georgia’s Independence Day, will demonstrate that citizens “do not stop fighting for freedom, sovereignty and democratic statehood.” They also described the protest as universal, arguing that May 26 should become a day of civic unity.
Meanwhile, Tbilisi City Hall and the Ministry of Internal Affairs have refused permission for the Opposition Alliance to install structures, including a stage, at the planned demonstration.
Authorities cited official Independence Day events scheduled in Tbilisi and temporary changes to traffic schemes as the reason for the decision, saying the installation of a stage near Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue would be inadmissible.
Despite the restriction, Nika Gvaramia, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, said the protest would proceed as planned.
“We will gather at 19:00 near TSU’s first building and march to Rustaveli. We do not intend to obey what we consider the unconstitutional restrictions of Ivanishvili’s regime. We will try to bring in equipment and install a stage and screens,” Gvaramia said.
