Georgian PM: we will be strict in enforcing law against any form of extremism

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday said the Government would take a tough stance against extremism in any form, emphasising the importance of strict law enforcement for the country’s proper development.

Responding to a journalist’s question about US President Donald Trump’s decision to designate Antifa as a terrorist organisation, Kobakhidze described the move as “harsh” but “pragmatic”.

“Extremism cannot be given such free rein. We, too, will be as strict as possible in enforcing the law against any form of extremism. This severity is necessary to ensure that both society and the country develop in the right way,” Kobakhidze said.

He also criticised reactions from what he called Georgian and American “so-called liberals” regarding the murder of an American activist, Charlie Kirk, noting that their expressions of approval and mockery were deeply disturbing. According to him, attempts by the so-called “deep state” to artificially sow hatred in Georgian society must be firmly resisted.