Youth leader of Georgian Dream party caught on camera chanting slurs, spitting at demonstrators, and verbally abusing a journalist.
In the heart of Tbilisi on Wednesday evening, an anti-government protest took place, marking another chapter in Georgia's ongoing political turmoil. The demonstration, held at the opening of Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze's local elections campaign headquarters, saw protesters gathering to oppose the ruling party's policies and the mass sentencing of people detained in the ongoing anti-government demonstrations.
The latest wave of protests in Georgia began on 28th November 2024, following the suspension of the country's EU membership bid. The suspension, a blow to many Georgians who aspire for closer ties with the West, has fuelled the fire of discontent among the protesters.
Amidst the chaos, several disturbing incidents were reported. Giorgi Shukvani, a leader of Georgian Dream's youth movement, was seen spitting in the faces of several activists and a journalist. Tamuna Kirtava, one of the spit-on activists, posted about the incident on Facebook. Magda Mamukashvili, another victim, stated that Shukvani acted after she called his actions a betrayal of the country and a service to the Russian regime.
Beka Odisharia, a former Georgian Dream MP, was splashed with water during the protest, and he responded with insults towards demonstrators and journalists. Lika Zakashvili, the editor in chief of Georgian media outlet Publika, claimed a man accompanying Shukvani tried to prevent her from recording the incident by striking her hand.
Despite the disturbing incidents, the Interior Ministry, Georgian Dream, and the Georgian Dream youth movement have remained silent regarding the incidents or if an investigation has been opened. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze avoided giving a direct answer when asked about the actions of Georgian Dream representatives.
The police, who were present during the incident, mostly stood by as the chaos unfolded. This inaction has raised questions about the authorities' commitment to maintaining law and order during the protests.
The term 'Natsititushki orcs' is used by the government to describe Georgia's pro-Western opposition groups. However, the violent actions of some Georgian Dream representatives have cast a shadow over the party's image and raised concerns about the state of democracy in the country.
In response to the incidents, several complaints have been filed. Mamukashvili made a complaint at a nearby police station after officers refused to take her complaints seriously regarding the spitting incident. Zakashvili also filed a complaint with the Prosecutor General's Office regarding possible interference with her journalistic work.
As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in Georgia. The country is at a crossroads, and the actions of its leaders in the coming days and weeks will shape its future.
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