In Georgia, they honor the memory of those who died during the tragic events on April 9, 1989 in Tbilisi.
On this day 36 years ago, Soviet troops in the center of Tbilisi dispersed a peaceful demonstration, as a result of which 21 people died, hundreds of citizens were poisoned by unknown gas.
In Georgia, April 9 is celebrated as a day of national unity, civil consent and memory of those who died for their homeland. At the same time, this is the day of restoration of the independence of Georgia. April 9 is also an official weekend.
Citizens traditionally gather in front of the parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue, near the memorial to the victims on April 9, bring flowers and candles.
In connection with this day, according to tradition, in all churches of Georgia, a memorial service will be held. The first persons of the country lay wreaths at the memorial installed near the parliament building in Tbilisi.
On April 9, 1989, the special forces of the USSR internal troops attacked demonstrators who advocated independence on Rustaveli Avenue. The special forces used sapper blades and poisoning gas against demonstrators, the composition of which has not yet been installed.
21 participants in the action were killed on the streets, of which three men and 19 women and girls, including three minors. 20 people died directly on the avenue, another was killed by the special forces later for violating the commandant’s hour.
To investigate the tragic events on April 9, the Congress of People’s Deputies of the USSR created a commission headed by Anatoly Sobchak. The commission came to the conclusion about the excessive use of the military against demonstrators.