“Victory is ours, power lies with students!” – Protest march underway in Tbilisi

A protest march is underway in Tbilisi on April 14 in honor of Mother Language Day, with students and families of those detained during previous rallies joining the demonstration.

The march began in the courtyard of Tbilisi State University and is heading toward the Parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue, where daily protests have continued for 138 consecutive days.

“April 14 is the Day of the Protection of the Georgian Language. The oligarchic regime is trying to strip our language of powerful words like dream, hope, peace, dignity, and homeland. On April 14, 1978, the unity of students and professors preserved the Georgian language and its status as the state language,” student organizers stated.

“This year, on April 14, we unite to reclaim the true meaning of Georgian words and give them voice in the name of solidarity, unity, and victory. We unite for peace based on justice. We unite for those imprisoned by the regime. We unite for free elections and the right to vote. We unite for the victory of our homeland,” the statement continued.

The protest will culminate in front of the Parliament building, the central site of ongoing opposition rallies.