Second Initiative to "Protect National Values" Launched in Georgia in a Week

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.

Последние новости
Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan must be
Politics
Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan must be "ten times stronger" than Armenia and recalled a "stab in the back"
5 October 2026

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that the country must be "ten times stronger" than Armenia "every day," explaining this by the need to maintain military superiority even after the initialing of a peace agreement between the two countries. He outlined his position on October 2 at the 8th Congress of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party in Baku.

Rally held in Oslo demanding investigation into death of 14-year-old Chechen girl
Society
Rally held in Oslo demanding investigation into death of 14-year-old Chechen girl
5 October 2026

A rally by members of Norway’s Chechen diaspora was held outside the Norwegian parliament in Oslo on 4 October, calling for an investigation into the death of 14-year-old Maryam Mutsalkhanova, who died while in the care of the child welfare service Barnevernet.

Kadyrov assumes office as Head of Chechnya for the fifth time on his 50th birthday
Politics
Kadyrov assumes office as Head of Chechnya for the fifth time on his 50th birthday
5 October 2026

Ramzan Kadyrov assumed office today as the Head of the Chechen Republic for a new five-year term.

Another Moscow man apologises on his knees for insulting Chechens
Society
Another Moscow man apologises on his knees for insulting Chechens
5 October 2026

A Moscow blogger recorded a video apologising after making offensive remarks about Chechens during a livestream. In the video, he is seen kneeling and addressing the Chechen people:
​“I want to sincerely apologise to Chechnya for my words. At the time, I was drunk and said too much, but that is no excuse for my behaviour. I understand that my words could have been perceived as disrespectful to you and to your people, the people of Chechnya. I did not intend to show disrespect, and I sincerely regret what I said. I ask for your forgiveness! I respect you and understand that I should have watched what I said, regardless of the state I was in. This will not happen again on my part,” the blogger said.