Georgia's Speaker warns foreign diplomats will be held responsible for potential violence at Independence Day rally

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has warned that any outbreak of violence during the planned opposition rally on May 26 will be the responsibility of foreign diplomats and donor-backed organizations.

Papuashvili said on Friday that the behavior of demonstrators would be shaped by “signals given by donors and foreigners,” and drew comparisons to the unrest seen during April 9 protests. He accused some ambassadors and non-governmental organizations of “shielding those who incite violence while claiming to uphold democratic values.”

“If there is any provocation or violence, like we saw on April 9, the responsibility will lie entirely with donors and some ambassadors who are supporting the perpetrators and engaging in parlor conversations,” Papuashvili said.

He also singled out Transparency International and unnamed NGOs for allegedly orchestrating violence during the April rally, asserting that they turned the Day of National Unity into a “shameful act” with the backing of foreign funding. The Swedish ambassador was mentioned as a major supporter of the organizations, with Papuashvili criticizing the lack of condemnation from diplomatic circles.

His comments come as several Members of the European Parliament, including Lithuanian MEP Rasa Juknevičienė, are expected to arrive in Georgia for the Independence Day events. Papuashvili accused Juknevičienė of making “fascist” remarks and claimed that her presence, along with others, was intended to influence internal affairs.

While ruling out expulsion of the visiting European lawmakers, Papuashvili said their involvement in domestic matters constituted a violation of international law.

“No one has the right to come to a country and stir up the situation,” he said. “Today, when they talk about Russia, what are they accusing it of? Violation of the rules-based international order. And what are they doing themselves?”