Another public initiative aimed at protecting "national values" has emerged in Georgia. This time, the launch of a platform was announced by actor Giorgi Shanidze, director Giorgi Sikharulidze, and Kote Mzhavia, the director of the Batumi Drama Theater. They propose drafting a law intended—in their view—to protect the church, sacred sites, historical figures, and other "fundamental values" of the country.
The initiators claim the move was prompted by the actions of "destructive and foreign-funded groups" allegedly sowing division within society.
"Freedom of expression is a vital value for every individual; however, this right cannot become a tool to insult the sacred sites and fundamental values that constitute the country's historical, cultural, and spiritual foundation," the organizers' statement reads.
They plan to involve lawyers, historians, cultural figures, and athletes in drafting the bill, after which the document will be submitted to parliament.
This marks the second such initiative in just a few days. Previously, MMA fighter and government supporter Giorgi Kartvelishvili announced the creation of the "National Generation" movement. He stated that the organization would defend national identity and combat "pseudo-liberal ideology," adding: "We will not back down in the face of any danger. We are ready to take responsibility for every action we take and, if necessary, even go to prison to defend our culture and identity."
This wave of initiatives began following an attack on stand-up comedian and activist Onise Okriashvili. He was beaten after making a joke that used a profanity in reference to Nodar Dumbadze, a classic figure of Georgian literature. The assailant later claimed he had acted to defend national values; he is currently at liberty, having been released on bail. The emergence of new movements sparked a sharp reaction from the opposition. Nika Gvaramia, a leader of the "Akhali" party, described them as an "incitement to mass violence and revenge under the guise of pseudo-morality." Meanwhile, the ruling "Georgian Dream" party generally supported the idea of defending national values, emphasizing that any such initiatives must remain within the bounds of the law.
The Georgian Orthodox Church also distanced itself from the radical rhetoric, stating that the defense of sacred sites cannot justify violence.
