UNM’s Bokuchava says Independence Day rally important for having protest voices heard

Tina Bokuchava,chair of the opposition United National Movement, on Tuesday said gatherings held on Georgia’s Independence Day are important to ensure that the voices of protesters are heard both domestically and internationally.

Speaking at a protest rally in the capital city of Tbilisi, Bokuchava said democratic political forces must work to maximise public mobilisation and maintain the continuity of anti-government demonstrations.

“On such an important date, gathering today is important so that our voice is heard both inside and outside the country,” she said.

The opposition leader also criticised representatives of the Government, claiming they could not genuinely participate in Independence Day celebrations because they were “responsible for undermining independence.”

Bokuchava added that protesters continue to gather daily on Rustaveli Avenue in order to preserve what she described as the centre of ongoing public protest.