“Dangerous parallels emerge with the February 1921 occupation” – historians
After the parliamentary elections, various types of protest events have been held almost every day. The main epicenter is Tbilisi and the Parliament building. People of different professions and generations are demanding the release of those detained during the demonstrations and the holding of new elections. This time, the protest march was held by Georgian historians, current lecturers and their students.
The historians presented their address to the public:
“The political crisis in Georgia is intensifying. The official aspiration of the state towards European integration has come under doubt. This is when the choice of the historical absolute majority of the Georgian people has been declared. Georgian historians know well that Europe is the civilized space to which Georgia has always aspired. It is precisely European integration that is still the best promoter of our statehood, sovereignty, peace and security. A punitive operation is being carried out against citizens to protect the historical will of the nation. Free thought is being suppressed by brutal methods. The country has created an explosive and dangerous environment for civil strife.
Dangerous parallels emerge with the occupation of February 1921, the bloody operation of April 9, 1989, and the coup d’état of 1992.
We are aware of the situation, we condemn violence against our compatriots. We protest the attempt to change the course of foreign policy and support the struggle of representatives of all generations for the historic choice of independence and a better future.
We demand: the release of prisoners of conscience and the holding of new parliamentary elections.
The wave of protests in Georgia continues. Part of the population is actively calling on the international community for support. They are demanding visa and financial sanctions against those who change the political course of Georgia and return the country to occupation.
Author/Journalist: Manon Bokuchava