**Georgian Protesters Mark Easter with Vigil and Protests**
In a unusual blend of faith and politics, Georgian protesters gathered on Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue to celebrate Easter together. Activists and members of the Orthodox community lit candles, sang Easter songs, and prayed together during the holiday service in front of the Kashveti Church.
**Easter Celebrations Amid Ongoing Protests**
Easter is one of the most important and widely observed religious holidays in Georgia, a time when many Georgians head to the countryside to spend the long weekend with their extended families. However, this year’s Easter celebrations have been overshadowed by ongoing protests against the government.
**Protesters and Families of Imprisoned Activists March**
Earlier in the evening, protesters and families of imprisoned activists marched to the Heroes’ Memorial to repeat the protest oath sworn by young activists exactly one year ago. The oath was read by Zviad Tsetskhladze, a student and one of the leaders of last spring’s anti-foreign agents’ law rallies, who remains in prison after being arrested during the December protests.
**Photos from Easter Vigil**
[Image: Protesters gathered on Rustaveli Avenue to celebrate Easter]
The photos taken by Guram Muradov/Civil.ge show protesters gathered on Rustaveli Avenue, holding candles and Georgian flags. The atmosphere was peaceful, with protesters singing Easter songs and praying together.
**President Attends Protest Rally**
In a surprising move, President Salome Zurabishvili attended the protest rally on Rustaveli Avenue. Her presence was seen as an attempt to show support for the protesters and their demands.
**Easter Celebrations and Protests: A Reflection of Georgian Society**
The blend of faith and politics that characterized this year’s Easter celebrations in Georgia reflects the complexities of the country’s society. Georgians are deeply proud of their cultural heritage, but they also face significant challenges, including economic struggles and a growing sense of disillusionment with the government.
**A Message from Civil.ge**
For more photos and updates on the situation in Georgia, visit civil.ge.
