In Tbilisi, protestors claim connection between Christmas and Georgia’s European future

In Tbilisi, participants of the protest actions admitted that they came to Rustaveli Square on Christmas night to remind people of humanity and the need to continue the country’s European path.

Participants of the protest action in Tbilisi told a “Caucasian Knot” correspondent why they came to Rustaveli Avenue on Christmas night. There is the Kashveti Temple near the site of the protest action, and many protesters went to take part in the worship, stood in the temple holding candles in their hands, and then returned to the square.

“We are holding a protest, demanding early parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners. It so happened that on the same day there is a church holiday. While we celebrate the Christmas holiday, many people are in political imprisonment, and some are undergoing medical treatment after the brutal dispersal of the rally. Christmas is a reason to remember our humanity and duty to protect each other,” said Temo, a resident of Tbilisi.

Several young people in carnival costumes stated that the celebration of Christmas is a day when people should remind each other about the unity of Georgia and Europe.

“Talks about how we, Georgians, should preserve our exclusivity and not negotiate with anyone are narratives of the Russian propaganda,” claimed Guram, a guide from Tbilisi.

“I am dressed as Tovlis Babu (Santa Claus), but I would like to remind you that both in the pre-Christian era and during the Christian era, Georgia was part of Europe and even its centre. Even the wife of King Minos, one of the characters of the most ancient Minoan culture in Europe, was a sister of King of ColchisAet and a sister of well-known Medea. So, we have always been together with Europe,” explained reenactor Zurab Makatsavriya.

Mamuka Khazaradze, one of the leaders of the “Strong Georgia” Party, called the rally an important milestone. “The protests are taking place non-stop, and people are protesting against the unfair parliamentary elections and geopolitical reversal,” the politician emphasized.

Mamuka Khazaradze has noted that sanctions from the United States will soon be strengthened, and Bidzina Ivanishvili will not be able to reach an understanding with Donald Trump. The Georgian politician believes that not only the country’s largest banks, TBC and Bank of Georgia, but also all business in general will soon come out against Bidzina Ivanishvili.