Bokuchava: Alt Info and Other Violent Groups Operate with Impunity as 'Satellites' of the Georgian Dream
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Tina Bokuchava, the chairperson of the United National Movement party, responded to the violent rally of the pro-Russian radical group Alt Info, which occurred near the residence of activist Nata Peradze. The rally was triggered by Peradze's act of splashing paint on Joseph Stalin's icon in Sameba Cathedral, an icon that had been donated by Alt Info to the cathedral.
According to Bokuchava, violent groups, including Alt Info, operate freely and with impunity because they are satellites of the government and implement government policies. She condemned any form or context depicting Stalin's image in the cathedral.
"Alt Info is one of the violent satellites of the Russian Dream. There are also other pro-Russian, anti-Western entities that are violent towards journalists, cameramen, and citizens of Georgia, who may have a different opinion or defend the European future of our country.
Naturally, they operate with such freedom and impunity precisely because they function as satellites of the government, representing its interests and executing its policies. This is why there exists a syndrome of impunity towards these forces.
Joseph Stalin was one of the bloodiest dictators in the history of mankind, who fought against the Georgian Church. For me, as an Orthodox Christian, it is, of course, unacceptable to see his image in the cathedral in any form, with any context. I am sure the same holds true for the absolute majority of Georgian citizens. Regardless of our political views, there are issues on which we should agree as a society, and I am sure we do. This is just such an issue," said Bokuchava.
