German Ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer, visited the April 9 Memorial. The diplomat laid a wreath at the memorial to those who died for Georgia’s freedom and paid tribute to their memory.

While the German Ambassador was at the memorial, shouts of “Thank you, thank you!” could be heard from citizens present at the site.

“This day means freedom and independence for Georgia.

The events of April 9, 1989, took place here half a year before the fall of the Berlin Wall. That is why it connects Georgia and Germany, as well as all the peoples of the world who strive for freedom and independence,” Fischer stated.

Fischer did not answer questions related to Georgia’s internal politics.

“I am here to pay tribute to the memory of the victims of April 9. I am here for freedom and independence,” the Ambassador replied to journalists.

For information: Earlier, representatives of the diplomatic corps from various countries were also present at the memorial, including EU Ambassador Pavel Herchinsky and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Alan Purcell.

In addition, representatives of the Georgian government were also at the April 9 Memorial.

37 years have passed since the tragedy of April 9, 1989. On the morning of April 9, 1989, units of the Soviet armed forces dispersed a peaceful protest rally in the center of Tbilisi, near the Parliament building, resulting in casualties.

As a result of the crackdown, 21 people were killed. Thousands of citizens gathered in front of the Parliament were poisoned with gas of unknown composition.

On April 9, 1991, the then Supreme Council declared the date as the Day of Restoration of Georgia’s State Independence.