35 years have passed since the tragic events of April 9, 1989 in Tbilisi, when the Soviet army with the help of tanks and poison gas dealt with thousands of peaceful demonstrations in Tbilisi for the independence of Georgia; 21 people died on Rustaveli Avenue.

The violence dispersal resulted in 21 civilian deaths and hundreds of injuries. April 9 is now remembered as the Day of National Unity.

On March 31, 1991, Georgians voted overwhelmingly in favor of independence from the Soviet Union in a referendum. With a 90.5% turnout, approximately 99% voted in favor of independence.

On April 9, the second anniversary of the tragedy, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Georgia proclaimed Georgian sovereignty and independence from the Soviet Union.

The names of heroes who died 33 years ago are: Aza Adamia, 22; Eka Bashaleishvili, 16; Eka Bezhanishvili, 16; Nato Giorgadze, 23; Tamuna Dolidze, 28; Tina Enukidze, 70; Nino Toidze, 25; Zaira Kikvidze, 61; Manana Loladze, 33; Tamar Mamukishvili, 50; Venera Metreveli; Mamuka Nozadze, 22, Nana Smarguliani, 41; Shalva Kvasroliashvili, Marina Chkonia-Samarguliani, 31; Eliso Chipashvili, 25; Tamar Chovelidze, 16, Nodar Jangirashvili, 40; Mzia Jincharadze, 43, Manana Melkadze, 23; Gia Karseladze, 25.