On this day 36 years ago, horror descended upon Tbilisi as Soviet forces violently cracked down on peaceful protesters, leaving 21 people dead and hundreds injured in the streets of the capital. Since then, this day has become one of the most significant in Georgia’s history and so again today, people are gathering on Rustaveli Avenue in remembrance and protest.
Honoring this memory I am sharing a now-iconic photograph made on this day by Georgian photographer Yuri Mechitov, that was also featured in our 2018 book „Tamar, Where Are You?“.
For over 130 consecutive days, people have been protesting in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, and across the country, demanding free and fair elections, the release of all political prisoners, and the continuation of the EU accession process. Slowly, however, voices of doubt are beginning to emerge—not questioning the necessity of the protests, but rather the prospects of their success.
One such voice belongs to Tornike Metreveli, Associate Professor at Lund University, who is, as he describes it, writing „from grief, solidarity, and stubborn hope“. In an article published on his Substack he discusses why „Georgian protests need a paradigm shift“.
„What Georgia needs now is something closer to a vineyard. A vineyard doesn’t bloom overnight. It is planted with care, rooted deep into hard soil, pruned through seasons, and tended across generations. It requires patience, labor, trust in cycles. And when it bears fruit, it does so not just once, but year after year—sustaining life long after the storm has passed. Protest may spark change, but only the slow, deliberate work of cultivation can make that change endure.“
It is a thought-provoking perspective on how to move forward and definitely food for thought. „What I am calling for is not less resistance, but deeper resistance—not retreat, but resilience.“
You can subscribe to his Substack or pledge your support here.
„Never too small to make a difference“ – success starts with belief, Tbilisi, May 2024.
Ghia Nodia is a professor of political science at Ilia State University and director of the Caucasus Institute for Peace, Democracy, and Development in Tbilisi, Georgia. In a recent article published online in the Journal of Democracy, he analyzed the current situation in Georgia, laying our why Georgians will never give up. „Everyone realizes that if the public is defeated now, there might not be another chance for a long time.“
Meaning another chance to turn things around because, as he states, „the ruling party’s fundamental weakness is that its policies go against the core of Georgia’s national project as long understood and endorsed by most of its people“. It’s a compelling read to understand what’s at stake for the Georgian population.
Flashing a victory sign during a demonstration behind the Georgian Parliament, May 2024.
Thirty-Four years ago on March 31st., the Georgian people were asked a very simple question: „Do you agree or disagree with restoring Georgia’s state independence based on the Act of May 26, 1918?“
To which an overwhelming majority of 98,9 % answered „Yes“. Thus, the Georgian independence was once again restored, following its first independence from 1918 to 1921 and 70 years of Soviet occupation.
So today, once again be a big rally will take place in Tbilisi celebrating the referendum including an appearance of President Salome Zourabishvili who is said to announce an action plans of democratic powers.
Picture of the referendum, copied from a Bluesky post of journalist and editor Anna Gvarishvili.
In 2023, I had the opportunity to meet Mariam Nikuradze, an award-winning journalist and co-founder of the Georgian independent media platform OC Media, at their office in Tbilisi. She shared the history of OC Media, their focus on reporting issues concerning the Caucasus region, the political situation in Georgia, and the challenges they were already facing due to increasing pressure on independent journalism in the country.
Fast forward to early 2025, erratic developments in U.S. politics led to a standstill in major funding sources for this independent journalism outlet, threatening its very existence. In response, they launched a campaign to gain new subscribers, aiming to sustain their work independently—free from external financial influence and accountable only to their readers and supporters.
According to co-founder Dominik K. Cagara, they need 4,000 members out of approximately 450,000 active users of the platform. I’m one of them … will you join too?
Mariam Nikuradze, co-founder of OC Media, Tbilisi, May 2023
On this day in 1921, Georgia was occupied by the Soviets as Tbilisi fell to the Red Army. To commemorate the occupation, demonstrations will take place across Tbilisi, each honoring a hero of the 1921 war. The groups will unite at Heroes Square before marching toward the Georgian Parliament where a final rally will be held.
Look at this country, look at these people.
Carrying the torch last year in May during the demonstrations against the „Russian Law“ in Tbilisi.
Commitment, determination, a spirit of resilience—along with a sense of unity and moments of joy—left a strong impression on me during the protests against the ‚Russian Law‘ in Tbilisi in May 2024.
Eighty days and counting. The Georgian people continue to take to the streets every day and night, protesting in the capital, Tbilisi, and cities across the country. They are demanding new and fair elections, the release of all political prisoners, and the continuation of the EU accession process.
This is a prime example of unwavering civic engagement in the fight for democracy—organized by civil society. We, as the „Western world,“ should watch and learn.
„Never surrender“—this idea has carried the protests from May of last year, when I met this young man, to today, 80 days after the current demonstrations began.
The road to authoritarianism is paved with “let’s wait and see.” The Georgian government has just announced a set of repressive laws that will further dismantle democracy and centralize power. In short, this means criminalizing dissent, silencing opposition, and seizing total control.
This is the most dangerous moment for Georgia’s democracy since it gained independence in 1991. Essentially, it marks a step closer to the authoritarian axis of Russia, China, and Iran. If Western alliances hope to counter this, they must urgently step up their support for the Georgian civil society and opposition—and they must do it now.
For a deeper understanding of what’s at stake, read Terje Helland’s excellent analysis on BlueSky, which served as the source for the thoughts expressed above. And if you want to see more, consider supporting his efforts to inform and engage.
As releveant today as it was on October 28, when I photographed this protester on the steps of the Georgian Parliament in Tbilisi.
While the protests are still going on and going strong in Georgia, for the 58th day in a row, new and creative ways are emerging. Such as today, the hacking of payment machines in Tbilisi busses, so that people heard the declaration of Georgian independence: „I am Georgian, therefor I am European“ among other protest songs and speeches.
Embodying resolve and resilience – a woman protesting the „Russian Law“ in Tbilisi, May 2024.
