It has been 36 years since the April 9 tragedy. On the morning of April 9, 1989, units of the Soviet Armed Forces violently dispersed a peaceful protest rally near the Parliament building in the heart of Tbilisi, resulting in the tragic loss of life.

The assault led to the deaths of 21 individuals, while hundreds of citizens suffered from poisoning due to a gas of unknown composition.

Two years later, on April 9, 1991, the Supreme Council declared the restoration of Georgia’s state independence.

April 9 is etched in Georgia’s recent history as both a day of tragedy and a pivotal moment in the restoration of the nation’s independence.

We honour the heroes who lost their lives on that fateful day: Aza Adamia, 22; Natia Bashaleishvili, 16; Eka Bezhanishvili, 15; Nato Giorgadze, 23; Tamuna Dolidze, 28; Tina Enukidze, 70; Nino Toidze, 22; Zaira Kikvidze, 61; Manana Loladze, 34; Tamar Mamulashvili, 50; Venera Metreveli, 45; Mamuka Nozadze, 21; Nana Samarguliani, 41; Shalva Kvartriziliashvili, 35; Marina Chkonia-Samarguliani, 31; Eliso Chipashvili, 25; Tamar Chovelidze, 16; Nodar Jangirashvili, 40; Mzia Jincharadze, 43; Manana Melkadze, 26; and Gia Karseladze, 25.

April 9 tragedy in Tbilisi is commemorated as the Day of National Unity.