Director of Georgian Literature Museum fired over “discriminatory remarks”

Lasha Bakradze, a representative of the Unity – National Movement opposition alliance, has been dismissed from his position as director of the Giorgi Leonidze State Museum of Georgian Literature by the Ministry of Culture.

His removal comes after an investigation into remarks deemed “discriminatory and sexist”, which the ministry said “undermined the museum’s reputation”.

In a statement, the Ministry of Culture explained that the decision was based on the results of disciplinary proceedings against Bakradze.

“Bakradze committed a disciplinary offense by neglecting or violating moral and ethical norms, including inappropriate behavior that resulted in discrediting the institution,” the ministry claimed. It added that his comments, whether made during or outside of work, had damaged the museum’s standing.

The controversy centers around remarks Bakradze made during a September 3 political event, where he praised the “bright faces” of women of the United National Movement opposition while referring to the ruling Georgian Dream party as having “worn faces.”

The Ministry of Culture described the comments as an attack on the dignity of the individuals mentioned and as sexist in nature. It further noted that such behavior exceeded acceptable limits of freedom of expression and was incompatible with Bakradze’s leadership role.

The ministry also criticized Bakradze for past instances of alleged inappropriate conduct, noting that he had made “sexist remarks” during professional discussions and exhibited “intellectualized rudeness.”

Bakradze had served as director of the Giorgi Leonidze State Museum of Georgian Literature since March 16, 2010, having been appointed for an indefinite term.

In response to the backlash, Bakradze told RFE/RL that he did not intend to insult women or create divisions. He explained that his comment referred to the “uninteresting and faded faces” of the ruling party and was not aimed at its female representatives. “I couldn’t imagine that my words would be interpreted in such a different context,” he said.