Participants of the protest in Tbilisi took an oath at Heroes' Square

The participants of the protest in Tbilisi took an oath at Heroes' Square. The oath was read by Zurab Tsetskhladze, the father of Zviad Tsetskhladze, who was detained during the protests.­

According to Zurab Tsetskhladze, it was his son's wish that he be the one to read the text. He also told the demonstrators that from now on, he will be their leader in every struggle that takes place for the good of Georgia.

It is noteworthy that on April 19 of last year, students also took an oath at the Heroes' Memorial, which at the time was read by Zviad Tsetskhladze.

As for today’s oath, the text was as follows:

“We, citizens of Georgia, Georgian patriots, have gathered here at Heroes’ Square to honor their memory and to take an oath before their spirits.

I swear that I will never give up the freedom won at the cost of their lives!

I swear that I will never accept the force that seeks to hand our country over to its enemy, Russia.

We will stand side by side and defend Georgia’s statehood, our language, our homeland, our unity, and our faith.

I swear! I swear! I swear!

Glory to a united and independent Georgia!”

In addition, Zurab Tsetskhladze stated that today's rally was organized by his son, Zviad Tsetskhladze, though he mentioned that he had been advised not to use the word “organized.” According to him, he was told that saying this could worsen his son’s situation in prison. Regarding that, Zurab Tsetskhladze quoted his son’s own words: “It’s not a firing squad yet, I’m already in prison.”

After reading the oath together with Zurab Tsetskhladze, the demonstrators listened to a voice message from Zviad Tsetskhladze, recorded from prison. They also sang the Georgian national anthem. The protestors are continuing their march toward Kashveti Church.