On March 5, 1996, approximately 80 protesters gathered in front of Georgia’s Government House to oppose a controversial land reform bill. Representatives of the “Zviadist Party” and various opposition groups rallied against the proposed law on agricultural and privately owned land, arguing that its adoption would be disastrous for Georgia. Demonstrators held Georgian and English banners reading “Stop Selling Georgia,” emphasizing their strong resistance to the government’s land policy.

Shortly after the protest began, police demanded that participants disperse. About 40 minutes later, the organizers left, but a special-purpose police van soon appeared and stopped nearby. Several plainclothes officers separated from the crowd and approached the vehicle, after which the van moved toward the demonstrators. According to the newspaper Resonance, authorities appeared to selectively detain four to five people, while others dispersed following police orders. The detained individuals were released after paying a 30-lari fine.