On July 6, information was circulated on Facebook regarding a march held in Marneuli. The account Fant Ina, which regularly spreads false information, published three posts (1, 2, 3) about the event, claiming that the march was a protest organized by “Azeris” aiming for Marneuli’s independence. Another Facebook post linked footage of the march to migration and included a call to sign an anti-immigration petition.
The claim that the July 5 march in Marneuli was about demanding independence for the region is false. The “Tasua” procession is held annually in Marneuli. This year, it also included political messages and symbols through which participants criticized the policies of Israel and the United States and expressed support for Palestine and Iran. The march was organized by local Muslims in Marneuli, so linking it to migration is a manipulative tactic aimed at stirring anti-immigration sentiment among the audience.
The footage circulated on Facebook depicts the march that took place in Marneuli on July 5, which was related to the Day of Ashura. Locals refer to the event as “Tasua,” a tradition that has been observed for over two decades.
The Day of Ashura holds special significance for Shia Muslims. It is associated with the Battle of Karbala in 680 and its aftermath, when Imam Hussein and members of his close circle were captured and killed by enemy forces. The way this day is commemorated varies by country. In Georgia, the 10-day mourning period typically includes processions, lamentations, and gatherings for prayer. In one of the videos shared on Facebook, an Arabic chant can be heard – “Here I am, Hussein!” (لَبَّيْكَ يَا حُسَيْن) – with the response, “Hussein!” (يَا حُسَيْن), through which participants express their devotion to the Imam.
The “Tasua” procession typically does not contain political messages. However, in 2024, Palestinian flags were displayed during the march.
Some participants of the 2024 “Tasua” procession holding Palestinian flags. Source: Marneuli TV
This year, the mourning period for Ashura began on June 27 and ended on July 7. According to local media, between 3,600 and 4,800 people participated in this year’s march. Notably, the number of women participants significantly exceeded that of men. This year’s procession again included messages of solidarity with Palestine. Additionally, footage shows banners with images of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and another banner featuring Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu with blood on their hands. The banner includes the inscription “Stop killing children!”
A banner featuring Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump, with posters of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the background. 2025. Source: 24News.ge
The Facebook posts misrepresent the nature and purpose of the “Tasua” procession. By labeling it a “protest rally” and referring to the participants as “Azeris,” the impression is created that they have political demands directed at the Georgian government. Drawing parallels to the events of April 9, 1989, and the August 2008 war places the march in a misleading political context, portraying it as a reactive political event rather than part of an annual religious observance. No calls for Marneuli’s independence were made during the procession.
The “Tasua” procession is organized by local Shia Muslims. Associating the march with migration issues serves the purpose of cultivating negative attitudes toward the participants and promoting anti-immigration sentiment among the audience.
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