Georgians prepare to protest arrival of cruise ship carrying Russian tourists
Residents of the Georgian city of Batumi are expected to arrange more protests against the arrival of the Astoria Grande cruise ship carrying Russian tourists on 31 July.
Source: SOVA, citing members of the youth wing of the United National Movement opposition party
Details: Georgy Dumbadze, a member of the youth movement, said the protests will be resolute and unswerving.
"The Georgians' position will become known, and everyone will be reminded that Batumi and Georgia belong to the Georgian people. It’s important to understand that Russians are a nation of ruthless murderers. A propagandist hiding under the guise of a tourist can enter and later make claims that [Russia] saved Abkhazia from us. We are against occupation," Dumbadze said.
Background:
- On 31 July, the Astoria Grande is expected to arrive in Batumi for the second time. Russian propagandists and artists who support the war are expected to be aboard the cruise ship.
- The Astoria Grande ship is officially registered in the Seychelles so as to avoid sanctions.
- Pirveli, a Georgian TV channel, claimed that the Astoria Grande’s real owner is Dmitry Purim, a Russian businessman.
- On 27 July, the Astoria Grande cruise ship carrying Russian tourists arrived in Batumi, Georgia, causing local residents to protest. They chanted "Russian ship, go f**k yourself" and "Abkhazia is Georgia", and brought photographs depicting Abkhazia and the events of the August war [in 1992, between Georgia and Russia, in the region of Abkhazia, currently under Russian control – ed.].
- That same evening, the ship left Batumi, two days earlier than planned.
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