MMA fighter founds 'Defence of Traditional Values' movement in Georgia. What do lawyers say?

MMA fighter Giorgi Kartvelishvili, together with several associates, has announced the creation of a new civic movement in Georgia aimed at “protecting traditional values, culture and national identity.”

Kartvelishvili unveiled the initiative at a special briefing, saying the organisation would “respond immediately” to issues involving the country’s ancestors, religion, history and other matters that the group considers offensive.

“If necessary, we’ll even go to prison,” Kartvelishvili said.

It remains unclear who will join the movement, how it will operate or what form it will take. Kartvelishvili said those details would be announced at a later date.

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Kartvelishvili’s rhetoric has already won the backing of Archil Gorduladze, an MP from the ruling Georgian Dream party, who said the initiative was “important and positive” but stressed that it “must operate within the law and fully comply with it.”

Lawyers, however, argue that the proposed group amounts to an illegal formation, and that establishing, leading or joining such an organisation is a criminal offence under Georgian law.

Kartvelishvili has previously been accused by some activists of mobilising titushky — organised groups of aggressive enforcers often used to intimidate opponents. Several days ago, pro-government media also described him as a friend of Niko Khurtsilava, who recently attacked comedian Onise Okriashvili.

What Kartvelishvili said

According to Kartvelishvili, Georgia’s identity, traditions, religion and cultural heritage have come under deliberate attack in recent years.

“Our identity, traditions, values and religion, as well as the achievements that have enriched Georgian culture throughout its history, have repeatedly been the target of coordinated attacks,” the MMA fighter said.

According to Kartvelishvili, these developments are being driven by “foreign-funded groups, politicians, activists and media representatives” seeking to undermine Georgian values.

He said the new movement would begin confronting individuals and groups that are “under the influence of external interests” and called on supporters to join the initiative.

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Lawyers’ comments

Lawyer Boris Kurua told Netgazeti that it was unlikely Kartvelishvili had launched such an initiative without the approval of the security services.

Kurua said: “If anyone still had even the slightest doubt that they might not actually be planning to commit a crime, the statement made at the briefing — ‘we’re ready to go to prison’ — makes everything more than clear.

“If members of this group arm themselves with nothing more than wooden sticks, it would already fall under Article 223 of the Criminal Code. In other words, this would constitute an illegal formation, and establishing, leading or joining such a group is a criminal offence.

“Article 223 of the Criminal Code covers the establishment of an illegal formation, its leadership, joining such a formation, participating in it, or carrying out any other activities on its behalf. The offence is punishable by three to seven years in prison. If such actions result in serious consequences, the prison sentence increases to between four and eight years.

“If, for a moment, we imagine that this group is being created without the approval of the security services, then, assuming law enforcement is functioning effectively, those involved should be prosecuted even at the stage of preparing the crime. It’s difficult for me to imagine Kartvelishvili taking such an initiative without the security services’ approval.”

Lawyer Omar Purtseladze also commented on the situation for Netgazeti. In addition to the potential criminal offence, he argued that Giorgi Kartvelishvili’s briefing amounted to a political statement.

“The creation by individuals or groups close to the authorities of an organisation whose purpose is to persecute people on ideological grounds is not only a serious legal issue but also a political statement. I hope someone will show at least a minimum degree of prudence to prevent the situation from becoming even more radicalised in an already deeply polarised environment,” Purtseladze said.

Protecting traditional values in Georgia