Mamuka Mdinaradze, the executive secretary of Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party, on Wednesday assured the public the government would continue to respond to “any provocations with dignity”.
Addressing reporters amid tensions surrounding the April 9 commemoration, Mdinaradze stressed the importance of maintaining calm and restraint “in the face of attempts to incite violence”.
“Today, they are trying to bring violence, to provoke us, but we did not follow through,” Mdinaradze said. “We chose to come out to the service in Trinity Cathedral and respond to this day with dignity. We will always try to respond to attacks on our independence with dignity.”
Mdinaradze recalled the April 9, 1989 Soviet military crackdown, in which 21 Georgian civilians were killed, and noted that this day later came to symbolize Georgia’s declaration of independence two years later.
“This is a day of both tragedy and triumph,” Mdinaradze said. “We must teach our children about the heroism and self-sacrifice of those who lost their lives, as well as the spirit of independence that this day represents.”
Mdinaradze also commented on the current political climate, referring to those attempting to challenge Georgia’s independence and sovereignty. He warned against groups who, he believed, “aim to undermine the country’s unity”. “There are those who may sincerely believe they are doing good [during protests sparked by the Government’s decision late last year to halt the country’s EU integration until 2028, with demonstrators also gathering at April 9 memorial in Tbilisi, accusing the authorities of aligning with Russian interests], but many know the history of efforts to occupy our land,” he said. “We will not let these individuals attack the idea of independence.”
The Georgian Dream executive secretary also condemned attempts to “turn the day into one of division and violence”. “While today should be about unity, peace, and love for our country, some are trying to bring confrontation to this day. We did not give in to their provocations,” he claimed.
“We will continue to answer cruelty and evil with dignity,” Mdinaradze concluded. “It is important that we protect our citizens, even those who may be misled by divisive narratives, and keep them out of harm’s way.”
