Georgian politicians commemorate the victims of the April 9 tragedy. They lay flowers and wreaths at the memorial in front of the Georgian Parliament building in the centre of Tbilisi.

“April 9 is a tragic day in the Georgian history that united the whole nation. The day is the symbol of national unity,” Kakha Kaladze, Tbilisi Mayor said.

“For 32 years, this day has been filling us with pain and pride. We are proud of the spirit of generations that brought independence to Georgia on the second anniversary of the tragedy. We need this quality of unity today. April 9, 1989, demonstrated that building a modern and democratic statehood will be possible only through unity,” former PM Giorgi Gakharia claimed.

“April 9 is an important day in the history of Georgia. This is a day that laid the foundation to struggle for freedom and independence,” said David Zalkaliani, Foreign Minister. He added that the struggle is not over since Georgian territories remain occupied, and the country continued to struggle for integration in the European and Euro-Atlantic community.

Georgia commemorates the 32nd anniversary of the tragedy of April 9, 1989, that claimed the lives of 21 people. On this day, the Soviet Army brutally dispersed the anti-Soviet peaceful protest at the Parliament building in Tbilisi. Hundreds were injured and poisoned by some unknown gas. On April 9, 1991, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Georgia proclaimed Georgian sovereignty and independence from the Soviet Union.