No to Violence – Demonstration of Pupils in Batumi

Maka Malakmadze, Adjara

On October 2, pupils of different schools from Batumi celebrated the International Day against Violence with walking in the streets.

“We Condemn Violence,” “Mariam Koachalidze, Fighter Against Violence, Became Victim of Violence Herself” “We do not want to be victims of violence, “ “No to Violence” – demonstrators started movement under these slogans from the Europe Square to May 6 Park.

“Today is the International Day against Violence; with this demonstration we condemn murder of Mariam Kochalidze,” a participant of the demonstration Miranda Takidze said. 

“Last year, Mariam Kochalidze actively participated in our demonstration and as you know she was assassinated this year. Today, our main purpose is to demonstrate to the society that we need active people like Mariami. Violence shall not kill people, particularly those who struggle against it,” Giorgi Kebuladze, another participant, said.

On July 22, 2013 Mariam Kochalidze, 16, was found dead on the beach, close to the new boulevard. According to the investigation, the murderer was Citizen of Iran Bohamadin Ruintania, who then left Georgia via Sarfi Custom.

Demonstrators light candles in the streets to the memory of Mariam Kochalidze.