Activists gather on Rustaveli Ave. during curfew hours in protest
By Nika Gamtsemlidze
Monday, April 5
Over the last few weeks, several restrictions were lifted in the country, however, a curfew remains, restricting people from going outside from 9 pm to 5 am without a special permit. Those violating the curfew are fined GEL 2,000.
The curfew has been in place since November, and in the past few weeks, the public protest against curfew grew dramatically, resulting in several rallies. On Saturday, April 3, a group of activists decided to gather in protest during curfew hours, demanding that the restriction be abolished.
Those participating in the protest said that the curfew is a 'political weapon' in the hands of the government, which negatively affects everyday lives. Among the participants of the rally are the representatives of the movement ‘It's a Shame’, platform 'Droa', and parties such as Girchi and Lelo.
Those in protest say that the curfew is affecting people's mental health and is destroying the Georgian economy. They note that because of the restriction, public transportation is more crowded, increasing the chances of infection.
Protestors claim that the Georgian government is using the pandemic, and the curfew to control people.
On the other hand, health experts and the representatives of the Georgian government claim that the current epidemiological situation is bad enough to keep the curfew, adding that it is one of the most useful tools for fighting against the spread of the virus. During the protest, a special stage was built on Rustaveli Avenue, where several Georgian bands performed.
Protesters believe that the curfew is unconstitutional and add that it is not helping reduce the infection rates.
