Protests in Tbilisi in Support of Saakashvili

The "United National Movement" (UNM) party is once again holding a protest today on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi in support of Georgia's third president, Mikheil Saakashvili, reports Aliq Media.

UNM president Nika Melia addressed the citizens gathered on Rustaveli Avenue from the podium, stating that the rally would not disperse until Mikheil Saakashvili is transferred to the hospital. According to Nika Melia, Eka Kherkheulidze is currently meeting with the convicted former president in the 18th building of Gldani, after which it will be known what decision Saakashvili will make and whether he will agree to the proposal for transfer to the military hospital in Gori.

“On the way here, we were informed that Mikheil Saakashvili would be transferred to the Gori hospital. Our non-violent struggle has led to the international community making supportive statements every hour,” declared Nika Melia.

According to the UNM president, the authorities knew that the opposition had gathered on Rustaveli Avenue with a specific plan and had chosen a form of protest that was very expressive but non-violent.

Nika Melia did not clarify what plans the protesters have, but noted that there has not been a protest of this magnitude in Georgia for 33 years. “Today, we compelled the regime and the authorities to make the statement we made. They knew very well what we were going to do today. It will also be non-violent but much sharper,” Melia said.

According to Melia, today’s statement means that the authorities have accepted defeat and retreated; however, the struggle continues, and in his assessment, the “Georgian Dream” has seized power illegally.

During the protest, Gigi Ugulava also spoke. He announced that for two months they have been asking Kobakhidze and Ivanishvili (the founders and leaders of the ruling party) to resolve the issue of transferring Saakashvili to the hospital.

It is noteworthy that former president Mikheil Saakashvili has been on hunger strike for 50 days. On November 18, it was reported that he was transferred to the intensive care unit of Gldani prison due to deterioration in his health and had lost consciousness.