Tbilisi Protesters Mark Ukraine Independence Day Amid Government Crackdown

Protesters in Tbilisi marked Ukraine's Independence Day on August 24 by marching from the Ukrainian embassy to the Taras Shevchenko monument. The event took place during the 635th day of continuous demonstrations against the ruling party's policies, which began on November 28, 2024. Participants demanded the release of political prisoners and a return to Eurointegration.

Salome Zourabichvili and Ukrainian embassy representative Anatoly Khrystenko addressed the crowd, framing the struggles of both nations as identical. Following the march, protesters moved toward the Tbilisi City Council and the parliament building. Concurrent rallies demanding similar reforms were also held in Batumi.

Police restricted the march to sidewalks and used force to compel protesters to fold a large Ukrainian flag at the monument, sparking verbal confrontations. These demonstrations have been met with ongoing police crackdowns involving water cannons and tear gas.