Mamuka Mdinaradze: In the past, it was Rodionov trying to occupy Rustaveli Avenue, now it’s the Burchuladze-Rodionovs – It doesn’t matter whether the foreign power is Russian occupiers or someone else undermining our independence

“Many of those standing there [on Rustaveli Avenue] know well that, back in the day, it was Rodionov who tried to occupy Rustaveli Avenue, and now it’s the Burchuladze-Rodionovs trying – the same person who called himself part of the ‘Russian gang.’ Can you imagine someone being, pardon the expression, dragged out and then others placing tulips there?” – said Mamuka Mdinaradze, Chairman of the Georgian Dream parliamentary faction.

According to him, the people gathered on Rustaveli were attempting to stage a scene and provoke unrest.

“This day has a dual meaning – first, the great tragedy when 21 peaceful, passionate citizens of ours were killed by the brutality of Rodionov’s Soviet army,and second, it became a symbol of victory, as two years later, our country declared and celebrated independence.When we talk about this date, we must raise our children on examples of heroism and self-sacrifice, and also on the spirit of independence – that is the true essence of today.

Regarding the current events, he continued:

“Many of those standing there today know that once it was Rodionov attempting occupation on Rustaveli Avenue, and now it’s the Burchuladze-Rodionovs, who called themselves a ‘Russian gang.’A day that represents unity, peace, mutual love, and national solidarity is being used to provoke division and violence.We didn’t fall for the provocation. They wanted to stage a certain image – again, how can you imagine someone being dragged away and then others placing tulips at the site?That’s why we chose instead to go to Sameba Cathedral, attend a prayer service, and honor the souls of the deceased.We will always strive to respond to cruelty, evil, and attacks on independence with dignity – to ensure our citizens, even those swept up in this dirty narrative, are not put in a difficult situation.”

Mdinaradze also commented on Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s earlier statement, in which he said:“On April 9, a foreign power committed violence against fellow citizens, and today, a foreign power is again committing violence on Rustaveli Avenue.”Mdinaradze emphasized that anyone who undermines Georgia’s independence must be seen as an enemy, regardless of nationality.

“I want to reiterate exactly that – yes, an equal sign must be placed.Whether the foreign force is Russian occupiers or any other power that violates our country’s independence – it makes no difference to Georgia or Georgian identity.Whether Russia attempts occupation or another country does – it doesn't matter.Today, it is Russia attempting it – and they are the enemy. If someone else tries tomorrow, they too must be called the enemy.Georgia will always fight for its independence, no matter who stands on the other side. We must be independent of everyone.Everyone knows that it was Rodionov and the Soviet Russian army in 1989 – that is an established fact, not requiring further confirmation.We must be independent from all sides.”

Mdinaradze concluded:

“In my opinion, the healthy public consensus should be this – when someone openly says, ‘I’m part of the Russian gang’ –and then, after the August War, prevents someone like Irakli Kadagishvili – a leader of the April 9 protest – from going to the memorial,that’s immoral. Isn’t that a paradox?We didn’t fall for the provocation. Just because we didn’t start a fistfight at the April 9 Memorial doesn’t mean anyone should be celebrating.

Georgia will never give up the freedom that was won, including by the heroes of April 9.”