“River of people will never stop flowing, flowing from the country’s heart,” proclaimed the long banner unfurled on the streets, a defiant response to the “Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence” proposed by the ruling party, Georgian Dream. A legislation, which curtails the operations of NGOs and independent media. Peaceful protests were met with unlawful force, as water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets were used to disperse the crowds.

Shared commitment to freedom, solidarity, and the urgent need to protect the natural environment brought hundreds of thousands together in the streets of Tbilisi for over three weeks. Realization that it is only through empathy, and an unwavering refusal to allow any fellow citizen to fall victim to oppression and terror that the promise of a brighter future can be kindled.

No Pasaran! - declared the people - “You cannot do this to us, not anymore!”