Demonstrators on Rustaveli Avenue demanded fair elections

Participants of the meeting in front of the Parliament of Georgia on the 582nd day of continuous protests demanded open elections and the release of prisoners of conscience, as well as opposed politically motivated dismissals.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on July 1, on the 581st day of continuous protests, activists Mindia Shervashidze and Tornike Toshkua, who had been imprisoned since August 2025, joined the meeting on Rustaveli Avenue.

Supporters of Georgia's Eurointegration held a rally today in front of the Parliament for the 582nd evening in a row. Demonstrators with national flags and EU flags lined up at the edge of the sidewalk near the roadway of Rustaveli Avenue. At least 100 people participated in the rally, according to a video posted on social media by Tamar Bartaia.

The protesters had placards reading “The road to freedom goes through Rustaveli Avenue,” “Freedom for political prisoners and Georgia without a regime,” “Freedom for Nane Sander,” “Hold open fair elections,” and “How long? Silence is complicity,” according to publications by photographer Giorgi Mosiashvili (Mo Se), as well as the publications Publika and Netgazeti on Facebook*.

One of the placards was dedicated to the illegal dismissal of civil servants for disagreeing with the “Georgian Dream” policy. “Caucasian Knot” reported that such dismissals began in the first month of protests on Rustaveli Avenue - in January 2025, the advisor to the chairman of the CEC, a lawyer from the National Agency of Public Registry, the head of the Juvenile Affairs Center, and heads of departments of the Crime Prevention Center reported unlawful dismissals.

Doctors visited Elene Khoshtaria today at the “VivaMed” clinic, where the imprisoned opposition figure was transferred from prison due to a deterioration in her health. Considering the new test results and changes in the patient's condition, the medical council must determine what additional examinations she needs, said doctor Ani Kavtaradze, a member of the coalition “For Change,” to journalists.

Speaking about Khoshtaria's mood, she noted that the leader of the “Droa” party was encouraged. “Her message: continue the fight, do not give up, do not cooperate with the regime,” Kavtaradze's words were reported by the Pirveli TV channel.

Protesters in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners since November 28, 2024. Law enforcement has conducted harsh dispersals of protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and detained protesters. During the protests, thousands of people have faced administrative prosecution. “Caucasian Knot” has prepared a report “Main points on the persecution of protest participants in Georgia.”