Georgia celebrates National Unity Day

April 9 is National Unity Day in Georgia, and celebrations are taking place across the country. The day recalls two major events in the recent history of the country.

In April 1989, the Soviet Army broke up an anti-government demonstration in front of what now is the Georgia's parliament, resulting in the deaths of twenty people and hundreds of injuries.

Two years later, shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union, Georgia's future first president Zviad Gamsakhurdia proclaimed the country's independence.

In recent years, the day has become a national holiday in Georgia.