MMA fighter Giorgi Kartvelishvili has announced the creation of a “people’s movement” which, according to his claims, will work to protect Georgian values and traditions.
Kartvelishvili held a briefing on the issue with several associates on Tuesday. He said the movement has not yet been registered in the Public Registry and did not specify what legal form it would take.
He did not name potential members of the movement, introduce the associates present at the briefing, or answer all questions from journalists.
The MMA fighter said the movement was “starting a fight” against “people with perverted ideology and groups formed by them, who are financed from abroad and are in slavish obedience to external interests.”
“We want to tell the public that our movement will be very active, solid, and at the same time, as constructive as possible. But if it is necessary for the protection of our culture and national identity, we will not shy away from any danger. We are ready to answer for each of our actions, even to go to prison if necessary,” Kartvelishvili said.
Asked by a journalist whether he understood that he was announcing a possible criminal offense, Kartvelishvili replied that he was ready not only to go to prison but also to “sacrifice himself for his country.”
At the same briefing, Kartvelishvili also spoke about comedian Onise Okriashvili, who he said is a friend of the person accused of attacking others. He said that not only Okriashvili but also those who “sit on stage with him and have fun” in certain footage should apologize to the Georgian public.
Kartvelishvili also said these people would show “the best proof of their remorse” if they appealed to the Prosecutor’s Office not to request the detention of Niko Khurtsilava, who is accused of violence.
“Otherwise, if the public sees a reaction to their steps and they fail to understand that they are crossing red lines, we will demand an answer for every action and comment that undermines the dignity of the Georgian nation. I repeat, we will try to do all this within the framework of the law. However, if the relevant circumstances and conditions leave us no other way, we will not be afraid of imprisonment,” Kartvelishvili said.
The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) responded to Kartvelishvili’s briefing, saying the announcement of an informal group aimed at confronting critics raises concerns over possible intimidation and violence.
GYLA said Kartvelishvili’s statements indicate the group could be used to pressure or retaliate against people critical of the government, pointing to his remarks that members would not fear imprisonment if “circumstances leave no other way.”
The organization said violence by third parties against government critics has increased in recent years and called on law enforcement agencies to take all necessary measures to prevent intimidation and violence.
GYLA also warned that creating or participating in illegal violent groups is prohibited under Georgian law and urged state representatives and pro-government media outlets to stop encouraging attacks or targeting individuals through discrediting campaigns.
