The April 9 Memorial in Kutaisi
On 9 April 1989, an anti-Soviet, pro-independence and nationalist demonstration was suppressed by the Soviet army on Rustaveli Avenue and around the government building in Tbilisi, resulting in 21 deaths and hundreds of injuries. These events, known as the "April 9 tragedy", "Tbilisi massacre" or "Tbilisi tragedy", are now commemorated every 9 April, a date that has become National Unity Day and an annual public holiday. According to the website Georgia Today «the events of April 9, 1989, were a turning point in Georgia’s history, leading to further developments that would eventually culminate in the country’s independence from the Soviet Union. A year later, on April 9, 1990, Georgia declared its Declaration of Independence, setting in motion a series of events that would shape the nation’s future. On the second anniversary of the tragedy, April 9, 1991, Georgia took a monumental step by declaring its sovereignty and independence from the Soviet Union, following the results of a nationwide referendum.» These photos were taken in August 2025 and show some views of the April 9 Memorial statue by Georgian sculptor Rezo Ramishvili in Kutaisi Central Park.