Georgian Interior Minister vows to identify, fine far-right activists burning parliament’s EU flag

The Georgian Interior Ministry on Tuesday said it would identify and fine those members or activities of the pro-Russian Conservative Movement, who took down and burnt the European Union flag erected in front of the parliament building earlier the day. 

The body said it was investigating the incident with an article on “desecration of official symbols”, the violation that is punishable by ₾1,000, with a repeat offence envisaging a doubled fine or 15-day imprisonment. 

The far-right activists were protesting the parliament’s decision last week to recall a foreign agents bill amid large-scale protests, which was condemned by the international community as a “Russian law”.