The Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili, commented on the 70th anniversary of the tragedy of March 9, 1956, on social media, writing that March 9 was the first large-scale demonstration in the socialist camp.

According to him, on this very day, for the first time in many years, a demand for independence was again heard in Tbilisi.

“Today marks the 70th anniversary of the tragic event when Soviet troops opened fire on a peaceful rally in Tbilisi, held in response to Khrushchev’s anti-Stalinist policies.

The exact number of deaths is still unknown. According to various sources, the number of victims ranges from several dozen to several hundred people.

In 1956, 35 years had passed since the Sovietization of Georgia. Much had changed during this time. The era of early Bolshevism was replaced by the policy of late Stalinist nationalism, which gave rise to a national self-consciousness integrated with the Soviet environment in Georgian society. After Stalin’s death, the announcement of anti-“Beladic” policies caused the greatest reaction in Georgia. The majority of the population perceived the new policies as an affront to national pride.

March 9 was the first large-scale demonstration in the socialist camp within and against the Soviet system. Then there were Poznan, Budapest, Prague and on this very day, for the first time in many years, the demand for independence was heard again in Tbilisi.

35 years since the loss of independence and another 35 years until the restoration of independence. 35 years have already passed since 1991, and we are still fighting to preserve and strengthen our independence.

If this historical event teaches us anything, it is that no Georgian forgets his identity in any time and under any circumstances, under the influence of any empire or foreign power. Our striving for freedom and independence is constant and this struggle will never stop.

May the souls of those who died on March 9, 1956 rest in peace! - Papuashvili writes.