Protests erupt in Tbilisi and Batumi over Astoria Grande arrival

Friday, July 28, 2023

The protests erupted in the Georgian cities of Tbilisi and Batumi following the arrival of the cruise liner Astoria Grande in Georgia on July 27, carrying over 800 tourists, most of whom were Russian citizens. It is according to the local media report on the incident, which led to significant public outrage and demonstrations.

The anger among Georgians was not only directed at the cruise liner’s arrival but also sparked by troubling statements made by some Russian tourists on board. These tourists claimed that “Russia liberated Abkhazia from Georgians,” a region that has been occupied by Russia since 2008, in defiance of Georgian law. The presence of Russian tourists in Abkhazia, considered an occupied territory, further fueled the discontent.

Protesters in Batumi gathered near the cruise liner, displaying placards condemning Russian occupation and demanding that the tourists leave the country. They voiced their determination to hold those responsible for offensive remarks accountable and ensure they face dignified consequences.

The situation escalated when a Russian flag was briefly displayed in one of the ship’s cabins, leading to heightened tensions between the protesters and some Russian tourists who responded with offensive gestures.

Similar protests were reported near the Parliament of Tbilisi, illustrating widespread public discontent and anger over Russia’s occupation of Georgian territories. In response to the demonstrations, the cruise liner decided to leave the port two days ahead of schedule.

The incident highlights the deep-rooted historical and geopolitical tensions between Georgia and Russia, particularly concerning the occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The protests underscore the sensitive nature of the issue and the strong emotions it evokes among the Georgian population.

The protests in Tbilisi and Batumi serve as a potent reminder of the complex political dynamics in the region and the lasting impact of Russia’s actions on Georgia’s sovereignty and national identity.

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