30 years from the April 9 tragedy- On April 9, 1989, the military units of the Soviet Union raided a peaceful protest rally on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. 21 innocent people died, mostly women, including school children.
Apart from those killed, up to 2000 demonstrators were poisoned by unidentified chemical substances.
The April 9 tragedy laid the basis for the restoration of freedom of Georgia and state independence. Exactly two years after the tragedy, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Georgia, under the auspices of Zviad Gamsakhurdia, adopted an Act of Restoration of Independence of Georgia.
Traditionally, the politicians arrived at 9 April memorial honoring the memory of the dead.
According to MP Zviad Kvachantiradze, April 9 is a symbol of freedom..
Member of the National Movement Koba Khabazi speaks about the importance of April 9.