Zourabichvili Condemns Kobakhidze's April 9 Tragedy Statement
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has faced strong criticism over his statement marking the 36th anniversary of the April 9 tragedy. In his speech, he referred to the 1989 crackdown as the work of a "foreign power," but did not mention Russia by name, leading to criticism from Georgia's 5th President Salome Zourabichvili.
"April 9 is the day when a foreign power committed violence against our fellow citizens. At the same time, April 9 is the day that united Georgia, the day when love triumphed over hatred among Georgians. April 9 is also the day when the idea of freedom triumphed over slavery. That is why today, more than ever, we must distance ourselves from all violence, defeat hatred, and protect the idea of freedom," the Prime Minister said.
He claimed that even now, Georgia faces interference from abroad:
"Today, 36 years after the tragedy of April 9, a foreign power is still committing violence on Rustaveli Avenue. Today, on Rustaveli Avenue, a foreign power is stirring up hatred, trying to artificially disrupt the unity among Georgians, and fighting against the idea of freedom. However, the experience of April 9 has taught us that the 'existence of foreign powers is short-lived' and that love and freedom will inevitably triumph over hatred and slavery.
Today, a foreign power attempted to provoke violence on Rustaveli Avenue, and when it failed, it resorted to violence itself. We will not give hatred additional energy and will protect our country from any provocations, even small ones, planned by foreign forces.
I believe this is exactly what the souls of the heroes of April 9, who sacrificed their lives for the idea of love and freedom, are waiting for from us. Today, we honor their memory with the proper respect. In Georgia, love and freedom will triumph over hatred and slavery!"
The lack of a direct reference to Russia drew immediate criticism from Salome Zourabichvili, who called out the Prime Minister and his government for avoiding the truth.
"Only Russians and their servants bring war and violence! Shame on you - so-called Government of Georgia! Those ruthless soldiers were Russians, not some 'foreign force,' and you don't even dare say it!" she wrote on social media.
Zourabichvili emphasized that April 9 was both a tragedy and a moment of victory for Georgia's peaceful resistance:
"April 9 is the day of a brutal and ruthless crackdown carried out by Russian troops.
April 9 is the day of victory for Georgia's peaceful struggle.
Only Russians and their servants bring war and violence!
No to the Russian war! No to Russian violence!
Peace, faith in the future, freedom, and independence will prevail!
Glory to the heroes!
Shame on you - so-called Government of Georgia!
Those ruthless soldiers were Russians, not some 'foreign force,' and you don't even dare to say it!"
The April 9, 1989 tragedy remains one of the most defining moments in Georgia's recent history, when Soviet troops violently dispersed peaceful protesters in Tbilisi, killing 21 and injuring hundreds. The day is commemorated annually in honor of those who lost their lives fighting for Georgia's freedom.
