The cruise ship “Astoria Grande” carrying hundreds of Russian tourists was met with egg-throwing and booing in the coastal city of Batumi, Georgia. This after Russian tourists spoke out about the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia – which Georgia considers to be occupied by Russia.
The ship “Astoria Grande” departs from Sochi in Russia and stops along several cities in the Black Sea, including Batumi in southern Georgia.
When the ship last arrived, the Russian tourists were asked questions about two disputed regions in Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which have declared independence with the support of Russia.
The tourists then answered things like “everything is the Soviet Union anyway” and “we helped Abkhazia to free itself from you (Georgia)” – which stirred up strong emotions.
Throwed eggs and waved the EU flag
Demonstrators showed their displeasure at the Russian tourists and what they see as the Russian occupation by throwing eggs, waving a large EU flag and large Georgian flags.
23 protesters were taken into custody during the sometimes violent protests.
The cruise line operating the Astoria Grande left the port of Batumi early on Tuesday and has since removed the city from the route.
Pragmatic relationship with Russia
In Georgia, there is discontent within the opposition against the incumbent ruling party Georgian Dream, which has adopted a pragmatic approach to Russia.
For example, they have given humanitarian support to Ukraine after Russia’s invasion – but at the same time they have not agreed to impose any sanctions against the country.