The NGO Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) has stated that the creation of a new movement by MMA fighter Giorgi Kartvelishvili could pose a threat to people who are critical of the authorities.
The organization points out that statements made by members of the movement indicate an intention to influence their opponents through intimidation and threats. This rhetoric echoes statements by representatives of the ruling Georgian Dream party, who, according to GYLA, have previously contributed to justifying violence.
The NGO draws attention to the words of the movement’s representatives: “If circumstances leave us no other choice, even imprisonment will not scare us.”
«The group’s founders use disinformation and disparaging language characteristic of official and pro-government narratives, declaring that they are launching a struggle against ‘foreign-funded people and groups who are in slavish submission to external interests and adhere to a perverted ideology,’» reads the NGO’s statement.
GYLA notes that the MMA fighter’s movement is demanding apologies from comedians who “offend” the feelings of the Georgian public, threatening them otherwise.
«Members of the group demand that Onise Okriashvili and other comedians apologize, as well as petition the Prosecutor’s Office not to seek pre-trial detention for the person who attacked Okriashvili. Otherwise, they threaten Onise Okriashvili and his colleagues,» the organization’s statement notes.
GYLA recalled that the creation of illegal or violent groups is prohibited under Georgia’s criminal law. The organization called on law enforcement agencies to take all measures provided by law to prevent potential violence and protect citizens, and urged state institutions and pro-government media to abandon rhetoric and practices that could escalate violence.
«It should be particularly emphasized that against the background of ongoing cases of intimidation, harassment, systematic torture, targeted restriction of citizens’ rights through legislative means since 2024, as well as the existence of political prisoners, the creation of punitive squads is a matter of particular concern.
When pro-government media actively participate in the harassment and demonization of individuals, this may contain signs of incitement to violence and complicity in it. Meanwhile, the strategic silence of state institutions and formal, protracted investigations create an institutional environment that directly fosters this violence,» GYLA stated.
As a reminder, MMA fighter Giorgi Kartvelishvili, along with like-minded associates, announced the creation of a new public movement that will actively defend Georgian values, traditions, and national identity. The athlete stated that members of the movement are ready to take responsibility for their actions and, if necessary, even go to prison.
Additionally, on September 17, 2024, the Parliament of Georgia passed in the final third reading the law “On Protection of Family Values and Minors” (the anti-LGBT law). The document was supported by 84 MPs, with no votes against. The opposition did not participate in the vote.
The law bans the registration of same-sex marriages and civil unions, adoption of children by same-sex couples, gender reassignment, as well as surgical operations and hormone therapy related to gender transition (except for medical indications). In addition, it imposes restrictions on the dissemination in media, advertising, educational institutions, and at public events of materials that, according to the authorities, promote same-sex relationships, incest, or gender reassignment among minors.
The fifth President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, refused to sign the law, but on October 3, 2024, it was signed by Parliamentary Speaker Shalva Papuashvili. The law entered into force 60 days after its official publication.