Salome Zurabishvili: Tomorrow marks 100 days of protest, and spring has arrived – Standing firm for 100 days is already a victory
"Tomorrow marks 100 days of protest, and spring has arrived. 100 days of resilience, endurance, mutual respect, civility, and an exceptionally peaceful protest," wrote Georgia's fifth president, Salome Zurabishvili, on her Facebook page.
According to Zurabishvili, the country is divided into two: one side represents repression, hate speech, insults, beatings, and endless threats, while the other side stands for dignity and solidarity.
She emphasizes that "standing firm for 100 days is already a victory."
"The Russians have always relied on winter – the Russian winter – to win wars... The same was expected here: a harsh winter and some illusions that the cold would extinguish hope. But no! Tomorrow marks 100 days of protest, and spring has arrived. 100 days of resilience, endurance, mutual respect, civility, and an exceptionally peaceful protest. 100 days of solidarity and love.
It is tragic that the country is so divided: on one side, there is repression, hate speech, insults, beatings, and endless threats ('We will arrest you, fine you, fire you...'), slander ('They are all radicals, they are all agents…'). On the other side, there is dignity – even when standing against water cannons or unjust judges; solidarity – even in something as simple as offering coffee (despite being mercilessly beaten for it); boundless loyalty to the homeland; faith in God – without the hypocrisy of public displays; faith in the nation; and most importantly, love… This means a living society that withstands and ultimately defeats a dead regime.
The final victory lies in this difference! As the period of fasting, forgiveness, and repentance begins, they have chosen this moment to intensify repression and keep innocent prisoners behind bars. They are not called prisoners of conscience for nothing – because conscience and composure are on their side. Meanwhile, 'titushky' roams the city, trying to spread fear. But the city stands firm! It has stood for 100 days! And standing firm for 100 days is already a victory!" Zurabishvili wrote on social media.
