We once again honour the memory of the heroes who paved the way to freedom at the cost of their blood and express our gratitude to every citizen who determined the future of not only Georgia but also the countries of the Soviet Union in those heroic days with unanimity, dedication, and support, Irakli Garibashvili, Georgia’s Prime Minister, issued a statement on Facebook.

As the government’s head notes, on April 9, all of Georgia, united by the idea of freedom, announced to the world the decision to build an independent, democratic, European country, and the Soviet regime’s brutality only strengthened the Georgian people’s will, their desire for independence.

“On this day, Georgia as a whole, united by the idea of independence, showed the world its intention to construct an independent, democratic, European country. The cruelty of the Soviet regime only strengthened the Georgian people’s determination to achieve independence.

“Everything can be taken away from the nation, but no one can take away the feeling of freedom,” Zviad Gamsakhurdia stated. On April 9, 1989, this sentiment, which defined our entire history, was most visibly manifested.

Today is both a day of sorrow and pride. We again honour the memory of the heroes who paved the way to freedom at the cost of their blood. We express our gratitude to every citizen who determined the future of not only Georgia but also the countries of the Soviet Union in those heroic days with unanimity, dedication, and support.

Our progress towards a better Georgia should be based on such unanimity around the ideal of freedom,” Irakli Garibashvili said.