Georgia’s ruling party MP alleges Joe Wilson paid for legislative initiatives targeting Georgia

Irakli Cheishvili, an MP from the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Wednesday responded to recent remarks by US Congressman Joe Wilson, claiming that the congressman’s statements about developments in Georgia are financially motivated.

In his remarks, Cheishvili noted that Wilson receives payment for introducing or supporting specific legislative acts, which, he argued, explains his strong criticism of Georgia.

“This person is paid, and that is why he does it. Joe Wilson is paid a specific amount for every act he introduces or supports, and that is why he is so agitated. We fully understand what freedom of speech means. Joe Wilson is not a young man - he could have made similar comments and statements during [Georgian former President] Mikheil Saakashvili’s time in power”, he said.

“If Joe Wilson were 20 years old today, I would say that he was too young during Saakashvili’s rule and perhaps did not read enough or understand what was happening. Hate speech, restrictions on freedom of expression, and everything of that nature took place during the Saakashvili period”, Cheishvili concluded.