US Embassy in Georgia pays tribute to April 9 victims, marks 37 years since 1989 tragedy

The US embassy in Tbilisi commemorated April 9 by honouring the victims of the 1989 Soviet military crackdown, paying tribute to those who lost their lives during a peaceful pro-independence demonstration in Georgia’s capital.

In a social media message, the embassy remembered the violence carried out by Soviet troops and expressed respect for the 21 Georgians who were killed and the hundreds who were injured while calling for freedom.

“On April 9, we remember the Soviet army's violence in 1989. Today, 37 years later, we pay tribute to the 21 Georgians who lost their lives and the hundreds who were injured while peacefully demonstrating for Georgia’s freedom”, the message said.

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On April 9, 1989, thousands of demonstrators gathered in front of Georgia’s parliament building in Tbilisi, demanding independence from the Soviet Union and protesting Moscow’s policies.

In the early hours of the morning, Soviet troops moved in to disperse the crowd using force, including batons, tear gas, and military vehicles. The operation resulted in the deaths of 21 civilians - most of them young women - and left hundreds injured or affected by toxic gas exposure.

The tragedy became a turning point in Georgia’s independence movement, strengthening public resolve against Soviet rule. Exactly two years later, on April 9, 1991, Georgia formally declared the restoration of its independence. Nowadays, April 9 is observed annually as a day of remembrance and national unity, honoring those who died in the struggle for freedom.