‘At the torchlight procession we called on Georgian society to recognize the Armenian Genocide’ — Zhanetta Baghdasaryan

A torchlight procession, marking the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, took place in Tbilisi on April 23. Alpha News spoke with Zhanetta Baghdasaryan, a representative of the Armenian Community of Georgia NGO, about the event.

“For 20 years, events commemorating the Armenian Genocide have been held here. The first event was held in 2005, on the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. And the day before, the traditional torchlight procession was also held. It started near the Isani metro station and concluded at the khachkar (cross-stone) commemorating the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide, which is installed in the courtyard of the St. Echmiadzin Armenian Church in Tbilisi. Afterwards, a memorial service was held at the church and flowers were laid at the khachkar. During the procession, we called on Georgian society to recognize the Armenian Genocide and reiterated the issue of our prisoners illegally detained in Baku,” Baghdasaryan said.

Speaking about the events scheduled for today, she noted, “A memorial service for the souls of the innocents killed in 1915 is currently being held at the Surb Gevorg Armenian Church in Tbilisi. An exhibition dedicated to the Armenian Genocide and the destruction of Armenian culture is planned to take place outside the Turkish Embassy. Later, we will hold a rally at the same location, demanding recognition of the genocide.”15:32