“Rebel from Guria” Thrown to Rubbish Dump

 Aleksi Bezhanishvili

Late at night on November 17, statue of the Rebel from Guria was removed from the pedestal. Before that, people rumored, the Minister of Internal Affairs Vano Merabishvili said, if people really want it, the statue of the Rebel from Guria must remain on the place.

Exclusive photos of the dismantling of the Rebel from Guria were spread by Guria News. The journalists were near the statue when it was dismantled and prepared reportage. According to their information, local population was against it and the local authority chose the late night for the dismantling. Several minutes after journalists arrived at the place, police officers and representatives of the local authority arrived there.

“Guria News” discovered special equipment in the central district and when the journalist was taking photos, a driver got out of the car.

-What are you taking of? He asked

-We have taken photos of the cars. Is it yours?

-Yes it is.

-I took only photos

-Why?

-I am a journalist

-Did we do anything wrong?

- Nothing; did we blame you in anything?

-Then why did you take our photos? We have done nothing wrong!

-It is good. Though, according to our information, you have not come here for good job.

At that moment the driver went towards the car and the journalist asked final question: “Where are you from?” “From Poti”, he answered.

Afterwards, Guria News took photos of the dismantling process and spread them by internet. Next day, the journalists discovered the removed statue nearby the agriculture market which has turned into a rubbish dump recently.

The top of the statue was on the road-metal, and the lower part was covered by canvas.