TBILISI, July 29 – A new patriotic movement founded by a Georgian MMA fighter has triggered accusations the initiative will lead to street violence.
The initiative was launched by Giorgi Kartvelishvili, and pledges to defend national traditions. Members say they are ready to face prison to achieve this, if necessary, Interpressnews reported.
Kartvelishvili and his supporters launched the group, called National Generation, in Tbilisi on Monday. They said it would defend Georgian identity, culture, religion and traditional values.
He made clear the movement would be “very active, solid and as constructive as possible,” but that, if necessary to protect Georgian culture and national identity, its members would “not shy away from any danger” and were “ready to answer for every action and, if necessary, go to prison.”
Some opposition politicians and rights groups were alarmed, warning that the movement appears to be describing itself as a vigilante outfit, claiming powers that duly belong to the police and the state.
Levan Lortkipanidze of the Social Democrats said the authorities were effectively creating a new profession called “patriot” for unemployed athletes. He accused the movement’s backers of encouraging such people to confront and assault fellow citizens in the name of defending the country.
Vakhushti Menabde, a constitutional expert and member of the Social Justice movement, said protecting public order, culture and national heritage was the government’s responsibility. He alleged that National Generation was created by the authorities to intimidate critics.
The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association said statements made at the group’s launch suggested that it could act informally against government critics through intimidation or physical retaliation. The organization called on law enforcement agencies to prevent violence and noted that Georgian law prohibits associations that engage in violence.
Several opposition figures reasoned like Menabde, claiming that the ruling Georgian Dream party and its founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili, were behind the apparent vigilante initiative. The allegations have so far not been addressed by Georgian Dream, but one of its lawmakers warned the new movement to stay within the law.
Georgian Dream MP Tengiz Sharmanashvili said the group had the constitutional right to defend national values through speech and other lawful methods, but warned that violence or other illegal action would trigger a strong response from the state bodies, even if those involved were government supporters.
“If any of them think they can act illegally or use violence, I assure them that the state will respond,” he said.
The controversy follows a recent attack on comedian Onise Okriashvili, who was assaulted after a joke about Georgian writer Nodar Dumbadze was circulated. One suspect said he had acted to defend Dumbadze and Georgian values.
National Generation’s founders have not said that their movement is planning violence, but many have made that inference, an interpretation likely influenced by their willingness to risk prison, combined with Georgia’s tense political climate and recent street attacks.
