EU commemorates April 9: Georgia paid high price while being liberated from Soviet rule

The European Union representation in Georgia on Tuesday responded to April 9 events, when Soviet troops violently dispersed a peaceful demonstration in Tbilisi demanding independence. 

“Georgia paid a high price on 9 April 1989 while being liberated from Soviet rule. Many Georgians sacrificed their lives for independence.  On this day, we honor this legacy and pay respect to the lives lost for Georgia’s freedom”, the mission said. 

The dispersal resulted in the tragic loss of at least 20 lives among the demonstrators. 

Hundreds more were wounded or exposed to poisonous gas during the crackdown.