Rector of the Georgian Technical University, Students and Professors Paid Tribute to the Memory of the Heroes of April 9

The Rector of the Georgian Technical University, Academician David Gurgenidze, students and professors of the university paid tribute to the memory of the heroes who died for the independence of Georgia on April 9th, 1989, and held a funeral service in memory of their souls at the St. George Church in Kashueti.

“36 years have passed since the tragic events of April 9th, 1989, when Soviet troops, with extreme cruelty, violently dispersed a peaceful demonstration of thousands of people gathered on Rustaveli Avenue, filled with love for their homeland. Those unfortunate events claimed the lives of twenty-one people, and many were injured. Among the dead were students and graduates of our university. Their perseverance and courage that laid the foundation for a historic turning point in the history of our country.

Today, we honor the memory of those who died – our sons, sisters, brothers, and friends. Their heroism is eternal – a heroism that shook the Soviet empire, awakened national consciousness, and strengthened our desire for freedom and independence.

This date has a double meaning in the history of our country and along with boundless sadness, it is a day filled with infinite joy – the blood shed for freedom laid the foundation for the restoration of Georgia’s independence. Two years after the tragic events, on April 9th, 1991, the Georgian government, under the leadership of the first President, Zviad Gamsakhurdia, issued the Act on the Restoration of Georgia’s State Independence based on the results of the referendum held on March 31st, 1991 demanding the restoration of independence. The Constitution of Georgia states: “Georgia is an independent, united and indivisible state.”

We congratulate all of Georgia on the 34th anniversary of issuing the Act of Restoration of State Independence! Together we continue to build a fair and democratic Georgian state. We wish success to the next generation of Georgia! Glory to the heroes of April 9! Glory to Georgia! Glory to the struggle for freedom and independence!” said David Gurgenidze.

For information, five of the heroes who died on April 9, 1989 – Nato Giorgadze, Gia Karseladze, Nino Toidze, Aza Adamia, and Manana Melkadze were students and graduates of the Georgian Technical University.