GYLA: 'Georgia has effectively created an informal 'morality police', which could become a new form of violence'
GYLA warns violence could escalate in Georgia
The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) has responded to reports about the creation of a movement to protect traditional values, warning that alongside existing legal restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and civic participation, the initiative could introduce new mechanisms of violence in the country.
The movement was announced on 26 July by MMA fighter Giorgi Kartvelishvili and several supporters. At a press briefing, he said the organisation would “respond immediately” to issues involving the country’s ancestors, religion, history and other subjects that the group considers offensive.
Kartvelishvili said the movement would be “highly active, respectable and constructive”, adding that any “patriotic Georgian” would be welcome to join. Members of the group also said they were prepared to take responsibility for their actions, including serving prison sentences if necessary.
GYLA described the initiative as the creation of an informal “morality police”, warning that it poses a threat to freedom of expression in Georgia.
According to the organisation, “everything suggests that the group’s aim may be to informally monitor, intimidate or pressure people who are critical of the authorities.”
GYLA’s lawyers added that “attempts to establish vigilante groups in the country are particularly alarming” given the rise in violence and intimidation targeting government critics in recent years.
GYLA said members of the new group are using defamatory and disinformation-laden language that closely mirrors narratives promoted by the authorities and pro-government media.
In particular, the group says it is launching a campaign “against people and organisations funded from abroad, enslaved to foreign interests and driven by a perverse ideology.”
According to GYLA, the group’s statements contain signs of incitement to violence. The lawyers pointed in particular to its declaration that “if circumstances leave no alternative, members of the group will not be afraid of going to prison.”
GYLA said the group has already demanded an apology from stand-up comedian Onise Okriashvili, who was recently severely beaten in the street after making a joke referring to Georgian literary classic Nodar Dumbadze.
The group has also asked prosecutors not to seek a prison sentence for the person accused of attacking Okriashvili. Otherwise, its representatives warned, there could be reprisals, according to GYLA.
“We will hold people accountable for every action and comment that insults the dignity of the Georgian people,” the group said in a statement cited by GYLA.
GYLA said such statements echo remarks made by senior officials from the ruling Georgian Dream party which, in the organisation’s view, call for greater control over freedom of expression.
The organisation also noted that attacks by third parties targeting people critical of the government were widely documented during the 2024 protests and in the months that followed.
According to GYLA, such incidents were often accompanied by statements from state officials appearing to support the attackers or by an inadequate response from law enforcement.
“Against this background, it is clear that the creation of a vigilante group and its declared intention to police citizens’ freedom of expression are closely linked to the state’s ongoing normalisation of violence,” GYLA said.
The organisation noted that Georgian criminal law prohibits the creation, leadership or membership of illegal armed or violent groups. It also bans the establishment of associations, or participation in them, if their activities involve violence against individuals.
GYLA said law enforcement authorities must take all measures provided for by law to prevent violence or intimidation against people exercising their fundamental rights.
According to the organisation, “pro-government media are actively contributing to the demonisation and targeting of individuals, which may amount to incitement to violence and complicity in it. The inaction or delayed response of state institutions creates an environment that enables violence to spread.”
GYLA warns violence could escalate in Georgia
