Pro-Russian Group Holds Rally in Tbilisi

Demonstrators at a rally outside the presidential palace in Tbilisi, September 24, 2015. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge

Over hundred people gathered outside the presidential palace in Tbilisi protesting against Georgia’s NATO integration and calling on the authorities to declare “neutrality.”

The rally was organized by two pro-Russian groups – the Eurasian Choice-Georgia and Society of King Erekle II.

A participant of rally holds a poster reading: “No foreign country’s military base on the territory of Georgia.” Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge

Some demonstrators were holding banners calling for the restoration of diplomatic relations with Russia and the posters had slogans like “Russia is a force to be reckoned with” and “Russia is our good neighbor."

“We are calling on the President to declare Georgia’s military neutrality; we also demand restoration of diplomatic relations with Russia… The President’s response that he’s not meeting people, who do not support Georgia’s NATO integration, is irresponsible,” said Archil Chkoidze, head of the Eurasian Choice.

A man holding poster at pro-Russia rally in Tbilisi reading: “Russia is our good neighbor, reliable friend and spiritual brother.” Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge

Activists from Free Zone held a counter-demonstration nearby; the police were not allowing counter demonstrators to approach pro-Russian rally. Activists from the Free Zone, a group affiliated with the opposition UNM party, were blaming Georgian Dream coalition’s government and its policies for encouraging pro-Russian forces in Georgia to get active.

Police detained a man who was confronting pro-Russian rally outside the presidential palace in Tbilisi on September 24. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili/Civil.ge

A minor scuffle occurred when a counter demonstrator appeared at the pro-Russian rally; he was detained and taken from the scene by the police.

This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)