Taklama

Analysis, book reviews and photography from Abkhazia and the wider Caucasus --- updates when time permits

Authorities in Kutaisi pull down World War II monument (killing two)

Authorities in Kutaisi have pulled down a World War II monument, making headlines because it cost two people's lives and it injured several others. Which is a tragedy, and I wonder why they had to pull down the monument in the first place. Supposedly it stood on the site where the new parliament building will be constructed, now that it has been decided that some of Parliament's sessions will be held in Georgia's second city. But surely there were other suitable locations? The monument looked rather impressive, and however much Georgian authorities like to condemn Russia's role in history, I couldn't think of a reason why commemorating World War II should be controversial in Georgia? In fact, Civil Georgia reports that many local inhabitants were unhappy about the plans.

Category: Georgia

Tagged: Kutaisi, monument, parliament