MMA fighter Giorgi Kartvelishvili has announced the creation of a new social movement aimed at protecting Georgian traditions, values, and national identity.
Speaking at the office of the Journalists’ Federation of Georgia, he stated that the movement will operate actively and constructively. Kartvelishvili stressed that members of the association are prepared to take any risks to defend Georgian culture and, if necessary, even face criminal prosecution.
The fighter noted that in recent years, Georgian traditions, culture, religion, and national identity have increasingly become targets of deliberate attacks. Kartvelishvili believes that foreign-funded groups, proponents of pseudo-liberal ideology, politicians, activists, and affiliated media outlets are behind this.
In light of this, the new movement aims to unite people who want to defend national values. Kartvelishvili urged everyone who shares these views to join the organization.
«Insulting the memory of our ancestors, the culture, and the national identity of the Georgian people, followed by the active discussion of these topics and attempts to present such behavior as the norm for society, serves a single purpose: to devalue the national values around which the Georgian people are united.
That is why, as of today, our initiative group is establishing a popular movement in defense of Georgian values, traditions, and national identity. We are launching a struggle against individuals and groups who, in our view, are funded from abroad, serve foreign interests, and adhere to a distorted ideology. Any patriotically minded citizen of Georgia can join this effort, and we will warmly welcome such support.
We want to tell society that our movement will be very active, serious, and at the same time as constructive as possible. But if the protection of our culture and national identity requires it, we will not back down before any threat. We are ready to answer for every one of our actions and, if necessary, even go to prison», declared the fighter.
It is worth recalling that the ruling Georgian Dream party has also raised concerns about the undermining of Georgia’s family values and traditions by foreign-funded «organizations and individuals.» In response, the country passed the law «On Family Values and Protection of Minors,» which is perceived by part of the Georgian public as an anti-LGBT law.