Georgian MMA fighter launches movement to defend 'traditional values'

Georgian mixed martial arts fighter Giorgi Kartvelishvili announced the creation of a new civic movement that he said would defend Georgia's traditional values, culture and Orthodox Christian faith, while opposing “foreign-funded groups” promoting a "distorted ideology."

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Kartvelishvili said the initiative would seek to unite "patriotic Georgians" and campaign against individuals and organisations that he alleged were serving external interests.

He said the movement would be active and "as constructive as possible," but added that its members were prepared to accept responsibility for their actions, including imprisonment if necessary, in defence of what they described as Georgia's cultural and national identity.

Kartvelishvili also called on comedian Onise Okriashvili to apologise to the Georgian public over remarks that he said had insulted religion, national figures and other issues he described as sacred to Georgians.

He added those involved should also publicly ask prosecutors not to seek the pre-trial detention of Niko Khurtsilava, who has been charged for physically assaulting the comedian.

Kartvelishvili noted that if those involved failed to acknowledge that they had crossed "red lines", the new movement would seek accountability for actions it viewed as insulting to the dignity of the Georgian nation, adding that it would try to act "within the law."

He further alleged that Georgian traditions, Orthodox Christianity and prominent historical figures had become the targets of coordinated attacks orchestrated by foreign-funded groups, politicians, activists and media representatives, claims for which he did not provide evidence. He argued that such efforts were aimed at undermining the national values around which Georgians are united.