Nika Gvaramia, one of the leaders of the Ahali party and the Opposition Alliance, stated that the political coalition does not intend to alter the route of the protest planned for May 26, despite the authorities’ refusal to approve the installation of a stage, screens, and sound equipment on Rustaveli Avenue.
He noted that the rally had been announced two months ago, but the city hall and the Ministry of Internal Affairs rejected requests to install equipment and hold a full-scale event in the center of Tbilisi.
Gvaramia declared that the Alliance has no intention of complying with the “unconstitutional decisions of the Ivanishvili regime” and plans to march along the previously announced route.
The opposition politician announced that participants will begin gathering at 7:00 p.m. near the first building of Tbilisi State University (TSU), before marching toward Rustaveli Avenue.
Gvaramia also commented on the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ statement that a section of Rustaveli Avenue past Chanturia Street would be closed off and left empty. He emphasized that the opposition considers this very area to be the lawful venue for the rally.
“Rustaveli Avenue is traditionally the place of protest in Tbilisi, much like Hyde Park in London. Historically, it is here that the most crucial political processes have unfolded, dating back to the final years of the Soviet Union,” the Ahali leader said.
Gvaramia added that the protest remains peaceful and is grounded in the constitutional rights of citizens. He urged the authorities to avoid any provocations or escalation, noting that a high-level US delegation is currently in Georgia and that the situation is under close international scrutiny.
On March 31, the Opposition Alliance announced the start of a “national mobilization” campaign and scheduled a mass rally for May 26.