In July 1994, continuous protests were held in Georgia demanding the return of displaced persons to Abkhazia. On July 11, internally displaced people from Abkhazia, living in Zugdidi and surrounding areas, marched toward the Enguri Bridge. They called for an accelerated return process with clear deadlines. At the bridge, they were met by Russian peacekeeping commander Yakushev, other military representatives, and the head of the Gali district administration. About 5,000 demonstrators drafted an appeal to UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, the president of Russia, and the Georgian leadership, demanding immediate resolution of the Abkhazian conflict.

Protests continued throughout the month. On July 21, thousands again gathered at the Enguri Bridge. Among the speakers were Khuta Guguchia, head of Ochamchire district; Vakhtang Kolbaia, head of Gali district; and Russian peacekeeping colonel Evgeny Drobinin. Displaced people voiced frustration that Russian peacekeepers were protecting only the Abkhaz side and not Georgians.

At the rally, participants cited crimes committed by Abkhaz separatists, including the case of Mamuka Kuprava from the village of Mziuri, who was tortured and had his ear cut off. Protesters argued that such incidents were used to exert psychological pressure on displaced persons in Samegrelo.

Press reports at the time often used the terms “refugees” and “displaced persons” interchangeably. According to the newspaper Droni, despite their suffering, the displaced were not hostile toward Abkhaz civilians, holding slogans such as: “We are ready to negotiate with the Abkhaz people,” “We agree to a peaceful resolution of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict,” and “We do not want war.” A six-member protest committee was formed, and on July 22 the demonstrations continued with a sit-in.

That same day, after the deportation of 20 ethnic Georgians from Gali district, a headquarters was established in the village of Rukhi to document human rights violations against Georgians in Abkhazia and present them to the peacekeeping leadership. Another protest in Rukhi called on peacekeepers to stop abuses, resume demining operations, allow Georgian observers into the conflict zone, and ensure the protection of civilians.

Reports of human rights violations circulated widely in the press. For example, Resonansi, citing the Iberia news agency, wrote that an armed group of 30 men entered the village of Nabakevi in Gali district, encircled the central neighborhood, and detained residents. Attackers severely beat a couple, the Gvatserelias, along with several others, and expelled the entire village population to the left bank of the Enguri River toward Zugdidi. Despite being informed, Russian peacekeepers in the northern zone did not respond.

On July 26, Defense Minister Vardiko Nadibaidze assured displaced people at a meeting that “the process of refugee return will begin very soon.”