A major gathering organized by the United National Movement, the largest opposition party in Georgia, unfolded along Rustaveli Avenue in the heart of Tbilisi. Local observers and national media covered the event as party supporters voiced their perspectives on a range of political matters affecting the country. The demonstration drew attention from residents and political commentators alike who watched as a show of civic engagement unfolded in a central urban setting that is often a stage for Georgia’s political debate.
Leader Levan Khabeishvili addressed the crowd and highlighted a set of four specific demands directed at the authorities. Among these, the most prominent was the call for the release of Mikheil Saakashvili, the former president and founder of the United National Movement. Khabeishvili framed the release as more than a partisan request; he portrayed it as a matter touching the nation’s broader interests and its trajectory toward democratic principles. He referenced the health and well-being of a former president as a focal point in a moment of national reflection on justice and human rights.
During his remarks, Khabeishvili argued that the question of Saakashvili’s freedom extends beyond party lines and touches fundamental national considerations. He asserted that public officials and citizens alike should be attentive to the human condition of political figures who have played significant roles in shaping the country’s recent history. The speaker linked Saakashvili’s situation to wider concerns about rule of law, due process, and the balance between accountability and humane treatment, presenting it as a matter of national consequence that transcends partisan boundaries.
In addition to the Saakashvili pledge, proponents of the protest called for the release of Lazare Grigoriadisi, a 21-year-old participant detained during demonstrations that occurred in connection with the controversial foreign agents law. They also urged the release of Nika Gvaramia, the general director of Mtavari Arkhi TV, who had been detained amid protests tied to the same legislative push. The detentions were framed by demonstrators as actions that underscored concerns about civil liberties, freedom of expression, and media independence, with advocates arguing that such measures could dampen the public’s right to dissent and to receive information from multiple channels.
The crowd’s agenda extended beyond immediate releases. Demonstrators pressed for systemic reforms including de-oligarchization, judicial reform, and a reorganization of the electoral commission. These items were presented as steps toward restoring balanced governance, ensuring transparency, and reinforcing checks and balances within Georgia’s political institutions. The protestors also called for accountability by urging the removal of judges who had been sanctioned by international partners, signaling a broader desire for alignment with international standards of judicial independence and governance practices.
The event organizers and participants emphasized that the day’s focus was not only about specific individuals but about Georgia’s long-term path toward greater integration with European democratic norms. Khabeishvili articulated the central aim as a shared aspiration among supporters to steer the country toward closer ties with Western institutions and international partners. The messaging suggested that advancing Georgia’s EU trajectory would require reforms, responsible governance, and sustained public involvement in political processes that determine the nation’s legal and constitutional framework.
On the health front, Mikheil Saakashvili had previously received medical attention at a clinic in Tbilisi after his health reportedly deteriorated during a hunger strike. A public statement issued by supporters on the day of the protest underscored concerns about his condition and urged international actors to consider all available avenues to safeguard his life and ensure humane treatment. The appeal to international audiences reflected a broader pattern in which domestic political struggles intersect with global attention to human rights and the welfare of individuals involved in high-stakes political disputes.
Observers noted that the event represented a complex moment in Georgia’s political landscape. While supporters presented a united front around certain reforms and democratic principles, commentators also noted the tension inherent in a politically polarized environment. The gathering on Rustaveli Avenue showcased citizens who are deeply invested in shaping the country’s future, prompting discussions about the balance between protest, policy change, and the maintenance of social order in a vital regional democracy.
As the day concluded, participants remained resolute about their goals while the broader public watched with interest. The discourse surrounding Saakashvili’s release, the welfare of detained individuals, and the proposed reforms continued to echo through public forums, media outlets, and political discourse across Georgia. The unfolding narrative highlighted the ongoing process of political negotiation, constitutional debate, and the pursuit of governance that reflects both national aspirations and the evolving international context in which Georgia operates.