"There is a big gathering tomorrow. We are coming together—all those who care about this country. We must be many to burn down, exhaust, and break the system—there is no other way!" This statement was made by poet Paata Shamugia during a press conference held with representatives of the literary field.

As mentioned at the press conference, writers, poets, translators, and editors from the literary community will join the planned demonstration in Tbilisi on February 15 at 18:00, starting from Europe Square.

"We all understand the situation. Practically, there is not a single decent person left in this country who hasn’t been fined, arrested, beaten, tortured, or smeared by government-controlled television. The country is facing a serious crisis. Most importantly, we can now officially say that the freedom of assembly and expression has been abolished because when simply walking on Rustaveli Avenue results in a 5,000 GEL fine, you are effectively depriving people of their right to protest. This is the definition of dictatorship. Of course, even worse things have happened in this country, including the torture and mutilation of people.

That is why there is a big gathering tomorrow. We are coming together—all those who care about this country. We must be many to burn down, exhaust, and break the system—there is no other way! This is the most effective method. We must not stop. If we stop, the country stops. The only solution is to keep moving forward. This march will start from Europe Square and, naturally, culminate on Rustaveli Avenue," said Paata Shamugia.

Translator Khatuna Tskhadadze also spoke about the ongoing protests in the country.

"It is impossible for the PEN Center to remain silent when our colleagues are in prison. There are many such cases, but first and foremost, we are here in solidarity with Mzia Amaghlobeli. Additionally, our Azerbaijani colleague Avgan Sadigov is in a dire situation. Our state is doing nothing to ensure his safety and freedom.

In the name of these two individuals, we want to express solidarity with everyone whose freedom has been restricted because of their profession. The PEN Center could not justify its existence if it did not stand with journalists at this moment. Unfortunately, our fight is through words. Here, we have gathered people who fight with words and pens, not with fists. But if necessary, we will express our protest in every possible way. This is an extreme moment. As a translator, I also feel the gravity of the situation," said Khatuna Tskhadadze.