Pro-European protests in Tbilisi and Batumi have been ongoing for 653 days.

One of the leaders of the UNM, Georgy Baramidze, was detained in Tbilisi on the 653rd day of continuous protests. Participants of the pro-European action in Batumi reminded the authorities of the provisions of the Constitution of Georgia.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on September 10, supporters of Georgia's Euro-integration took to the streets for the 652nd consecutive day, demanding the release of political prisoners and a change in political course.

Supporters of Georgia's Euro-integration gathered this evening for the 653rd consecutive day in front of the Parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue and at the Tbilisi City Council building. Activists are making their unchanged demands: the release of prisoners of conscience, the repeal of repressive laws, a return to the Euro-Atlantic political course, and the holding of free elections, reports Publika.

As in previous days, demonstrators came to the Parliament with national flags and EU flags, and some also had flags of the USA and Ukraine. Judging by the videos and photos published on social media by users Giorgi Jibla and Giorgi Mumladze, at least 150 people gathered in front of the Parliament.

Even before the action began, it became known that one of the leaders of the opposition party "United National Movement", Georgy Baramidze, was detained in Tbilisi. During the presidency of Mikheil Saakashvili, he held key positions in the country's law enforcement agencies, notes "News Georgia".

In August, the prosecutor's office initiated a case against Baramidze on charges of treason and sabotage. The reason for the prosecution was his words in a television interview: Baramidze stated that during the war in Abkhazia in 1992-1993, the Georgian side had no prisoners for exchange, as they "executed" them. The politician later clarified that he was referring to the first weeks of the war when Georgian fighters did not take prisoners during combat operations.

Deputy Attorney General Amiran Guluashvili stated at a briefing that Baramidze was detained by court order in connection with charges of treason and sabotage. The agency stated that the investigation completely refuted the information about the execution of prisoners by Georgian servicemen, and Baramidze's words harmed state interests and damaged the reputation of the Georgian Defense Forces.

In Batumi, where protests are held daily near the Constitutional Court of Georgia, demonstrators took to the streets today with posters dedicated to the fundamental law: "Article 21.3 of the Constitution - the right to assemble peacefully and without weapons... where?", "The Constitution has the highest legal force... where?", "Article 11.1 of the Constitution - all are equal before the law... where?", "Article 9.1 of the Constitution - the honor of a person is inviolable and is protected by the state... where?".

Activists in Batumi also had posters saying "This will never happen to me" - it will happen!", "Russia is an occupier" and "Antsukhelidze is immortal", according to a publication by Batumelebi.

Protesters in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners since November 28, 2024. Law enforcement has conducted harsh crackdowns on protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and detaining 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".