Participants of the pro-European protests in Tbilisi called not to give up.

Supporters of Georgia's Eurointegration gathered on the 588th day of protests at the walls of parliament and demanded the release of political prisoners. Today, a court in Tbilisi heard testimonies from those affected during the dispersal of the action on "Gavrilov's Night."

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on July 7, despite heavy rain, supporters of Georgia's Eurointegration gathered on the 587th day of protests at the walls of parliament and demanded the release of political prisoners.

Unceasing protests continue on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. Citizens have been gathering in front of the parliament building for 588 days demanding the return of the country to a Euro-Atlantic course, the release of political prisoners, the abolition of repressive mechanisms, and the conduct of elections in a free and fair environment, reports the publication Publika.

Protesters stood with placards: "There is always meaning in the struggle," "Don't give in!" and "Ivanishvili - go away, freedom for political prisoners," according to photos published by photographer Georgy Mosiashvili (Mo Se) on Facebook*. At least 150 people participated in the action, according to a video published by Tamara Bartaya.

Today, in the case regarding the events of June 20, 2019, on "Gavrilov's Night," the court heard testimonies from people affected by rubber bullets. The prosecution presented four witnesses, including media representatives.

In court, testimony was given by Lika Alelishvili, who worked as a journalist for Public Television, Kakhaber Jojua - a cameraman for Public Television, and journalist Elene Abashidze. All of them have the status of victims, informs the channel "Pirveli."

Alelishvili demanded punishment for those responsible for the violence on June 20. She also informed the court that during the dispersal, she noticed Kaha Sabanadze, then Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Giorgi Gakharia, on Rustaveli Avenue, who, according to her, was communicating with someone via radio and phone.

"I have numerous injuries, including nerve damage, muscle cuts, and bone deformation caused by a rubber bullet. Of course, I demand punishment from the very first day for both the executors and the one who gave the order. Judging by where the special forces were standing and where I was, I think it was intentional," Alelishvili stated.

At today's court session, the defense submitted a motion to attach the report adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe as evidence in the case.

According to Giorgi Gakharia's lawyer, Berdi Sichinava, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which is responsible for enforcing the decisions of the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights, explicitly stated that the government of Georgia is using the decision in the case of June 20 to persecute Giorgi Gakharia.

The judge determined that the discussion of the motion will take place at the next court session.

Since November 28, 2024, participants in the protests in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners. 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".