13 arrested in Tbilisi in crackdown on neo-Nazi and fascist groups

Vazha Siradze, the Director of the Tbilisi Police Department, on Monday announced that police detained 13 individuals linked to neo-Nazi and fascist groups during a coordinated operation in Tbilisi. Seven of those arrested are minors.

Speaking at a press briefing, Siradze said the suspects were involved in extreme physical and psychological violence against people of various ages, motivated by fascist ideology.

He added that, in connection with the same investigation, four additional individuals currently in penitentiary facilities will face charges for organizing and participating in group violence, based on evidence collected during the operation.

“The investigation revealed that the violent groups identified themselves as neo-Nazis and promoted fascist ideology. To gain notoriety and increase their influence, they subjected victims to brutal attacks using blunt and sharp objects, including batons and knuckle-dusters. Those who did not share their ideology were targeted especially severely,” said Siradze.

Victims were also robbed and extorted, and perpetrators documented the abuse through photos and videos, which were intentionally shared online. Internal conflicts among different neo-Nazi groups were also reported, with evidence showing members attacked one another.

Approximately ten individuals, including two minors, have been affected. Searches of the suspects’ homes resulted in the seizure of firearms, non-lethal weapons, cold weapons, Nazi memorabilia, mobile phones, masks, and other electronic devices.

Investigations are ongoing under Articles 144¹, 225, 178, 181, and 236 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, covering crimes such as torture of minors, group violence, illegal possession of firearms, organized violence, robbery, and extortion, carrying penalties of up to 15 years’ imprisonment.

Siradze noted that some leaders of the radical groups were already serving sentences, and that 24 additional members had been previously detained.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs urged citizens to report any signs of extremist activity to prevent violence against minors and the spread of radical ideologies. Siradze concluded by thanking the Tbilisi Police Department staff for their role in the successful operation.