Beyond the city’s size playing a role, that key figure of civil society in western Georgia explains this by describing #Batumi as the “2nd place of corruption” involving the ruling party, notably linked to the construction business in an increasingly vertical city. 7/10

In #Batumi, the second largest city in Georgia, the situation remains similar. On the 56th day of continuous protest, Ruslan Tsulukidze notes that the city might be « the 2nd important place of #protests ». 6/10

In #Zugdidi, protestors like Keren Batok are willing to integrate other #social problems, whether national or specifically local, within the scope of this national movement and to « put new context » alongside the geopolitical one. 5/10

In the small but vibrant #Zugdidi, demonstrators have gathered daily in front of the regional administration of the State representative, facing a dense line of policemen monitoring them. The city has its specificity: #Abkhazia, a #Russian-occupied region of #Georgia, is 10km away. 4/10

That same evening, protesters from Tbilisi visited them, assuming it was important to bring support to the regions of the country and to fight the feeling of being left over. Before joining their counterparts in #Kutaisi, the crew of #activists just spent the day in #Zugdidi. 3/10

In #Kutaisi, last Sunday, for the 53rd day of #protests in a row and despite the storm of melted snow, a group of demonstrators gathered in front of the city hall. They noted the importance of « taking the protest to » their smaller city as « local citizens » rather than going to Tbilisi. 2/10

“From the beginning, I and everybody here, already had resolved to keep fighting for as long as it takes”, develops Giorgi wrapped in his #EU flag.
“We should continue!”, concluded Tata. 7/9

Quite consensually, on that landmark date, the will to continue was there! “I am more motivated than ever”, noted Saba. “50 days it’s nothing, we can stand forever!”, added Irakli. “Maybe in a few months or weeks, we will achieve our goal”, said Nika, proud of what has been achieved so far. 5/9

[THREAD] On January 16, #Georgians protested in several cities for the 50th consecutive day (starting on November 28, 2024).
On the ground, it was a perfect occasion to question how people felt after such a long run. 1/9