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Georgians prepare to protest arrival of cruise ship carrying Russian tourists

Sunday, 30 July 2023, 15:54

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.

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"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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