**Thousands Protest on Georgia’s Independence Day Anniversary**
On March 31, thousands of people gathered in Tbilisi to demand new elections and the release of those who were detained unfairly. The protesters want a fair democracy and are against the current government. They chanted slogans like “The People’s Spring is Coming” as they marched through Rustaveli Avenue.
**President Calls for Resistance**
Georgia’s President, Salome Zurabishvili, spoke to the crowd and said that the resistance should have a clear political plan. She proposed creating a “Platform of Resistance” with people from all pro-European parties to achieve two main goals: new elections and the release of all political prisoners.
**Government Plans**
The Prime Minister of the ruling party, Georgian Dream, Irakli Kobakhidze, announced plans to make the government more powerful. He wants to create a department that will oversee how the government makes decisions. This is inspired by a similar system in the United States.
**New Laws and Restrictions**
The Parliament’s Committee has approved a law that would ban broadcasters from getting money from abroad. This means that TV stations and radio stations cannot get funding directly or indirectly from foreign countries. The proposal is expected to pass soon.
**Journalist Denied Entry**
A French photojournalist, Jérôme Chobeaux, was not allowed to enter Georgia on March 31. He had been covering protests in Tbilisi.
**Man Released After Long Imprisonment**
Irakli Bebua, a Georgian citizen from the occupied Gali district, has been released after being imprisoned for four years and six months. He was arrested by Russian-backed authorities for burning a flag banner and sentenced to nine years.
**Direct Flights Between London and Tbilisi**
British Airways has started direct flights between London and Tbilisi. This is expected to boost tourism and make it easier for people to travel between the two cities.
Read More @ civil.ge