“These dates are not just history. They are national consciousness, responsibility, and a constant reminder of the price we paid for independence,” — writes one of the leaders of “Lelo – Strong Georgia,” Mamuka Khazaradze, on social media.

As Mamuka Khazaradze notes, April 9 must become action — the strengthening of the state, the protection of freedom, and the responsible building of the future.

“37 years ago, 21 heroes sacrificed themselves for the idea of a free, dignified and independent Georgia. It was an act of self-sacrifice that can never be rewritten — neither by time nor by political conjuncture.

Today, it is our duty to ensure that this sacrifice does not remain only a memory. It must become action — the strengthening of the state, the protection of freedom, and the responsible building of the future.

Let us remember how we have reached today, and let us know where we must go!” Mamuka Khazaradze writes on social media.

For information: 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.