Former President Zourabichvili honours April 9 victims, calls for resolute protest

Georgia’s fifth president, Salome Zourabichvili, on Thursday paid tribute to the victims of the April 9 tragedy at the memorial in the capital city of Tbilisi, saying the protesters “stood to the very end” in defence of the country’s independence.

“These are the people who gave their lives for Georgia’s independence. This is our destiny, and we will continue it. Independence is the most precious thing for all of us. Those who were here did not hesitate for a single moment, they stood and remained steadfast,” Zourabichvili said.

She added that the path of protest must remain unwavering, no matter the cost. “This is how the road of protest will continue - until the very end - because letting them go is not an option,” she said, referring to political actors she accused of betraying Georgia’s independence for personal gain.

The remarks come as Georgians mark the 37th anniversary of the April 9 tragedy, when Soviet troops confronted peaceful demonstrators demanding independence, resulting in the deaths of 21 people.