Orthodox in Southern Georgia protest against frequent Muslim gathering for prayer in local house

A group of Orthodox individuals, including clergy members, on Friday gathered once again in Adigeni municipality of Southern Georgia on Tsereteli street near a two-story building where the Muslim community conducts prayers. 

The building, owned by Merab Mikeladze, a member of the Muslim community, has become a focal point of contention. While Muslims utilize the space for prayer, protestors argue that it “should not be converted into a mosque”.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has advised protestors to abide by legal parameters concerning freedom of expression. Given that it is Friday, Muslims will engage in their customary prayers. The Orthodox demonstrators have congregated near the building due to their perception that the Muslim community has reneged on promises not to establish a mosque there.

In a proposed resolution, the religious agency has offered the Muslim community up to 50,000 GEL to construct a mosque or acquire a property in the nearby village of Ijareti, located a few kilometers from Adigeni. Mikeladze, however, maintained that if a mosque is built, it will be transferred to the Muslim mufti and will no longer remain his property. He questioned the necessity of relinquishing ownership of his property.

This gathering follows a previous protest in Adigeni on March 8, during which a physical altercation occurred. To prevent further escalation, law enforcement was deployed to the site.