Abkhaz Government officials honour victims of April 9 tragedy in Tbilisi

The Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, Giorgi Jincharadze, together with members of the Abkhaz government-in-exile, laid flowers at the memorial to those killed during the events of 9 April 1989 on Rustaveli Avenue, paying tribute to their memory.

Also present at the memorial were Georgia’s president, prime minister, speaker of parliament, and other representatives of the executive and legislative branches.

The commemoration marks 37 years since Soviet forces dispersed a peaceful demonstration in central Tbilisi during the early hours of 9 April 1989, ending protests that had been calling for Georgia’s independence.

A total of 21 people were killed, while hundreds more were injured, poisoned, or permanently harmed in the crackdown.