Georgian Parliament Speaker: violent extremism has one face in Los Angeles, Berlin, Paris, Tbilisi

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Monday condemned violent extremism, stressing that its manifestations were universal, whether in Western capitals or in Georgia.

Papuashvili’s comments followed after protests erupted across Los Angeles in response to a recent wave of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids targeting undocumented immigrants. The demonstrations, which began on June 6, had quickly intensified, drawing thousands of protesters into the streets and prompting a forceful federal response.

In a social media message, Papuashvili noted that fighting against violence and extremism, and distancing oneself from it, was not only a European value but also a hallmark of a civilised society.

“Violent extremism has one face in Los Angeles, Berlin, Paris, and Tbilisi. A mask equally hides the faces of abusers, Molotov cocktails equally burn police officers, and flares equally harm people and buildings”, the Speaker said.

He highlighted that combating and disassociating from violence and extremism is not only a European value but also a sign of civility. He stressed the fundamental role of the state in protecting citizens from those who violate their rights, property, and dignity.

“The fight against violence and extremism, and distancing oneself from it, is not only part of European values – it is a sign of civilization. The state exists to protect its citizens - their rights, property, and dignity - from violent offenders. When you attack the police or judiciary responsible for preventing violence, you are standing on the side of violence”, he continued.

Papuashvili further expressed concern over what he described as support for extremism from some European representatives.

“Distancing oneself from violence is the bare minimum a civilised society must achieve. However, instead of distancing, we are witnessing Brussels and certain European government representatives supporting, encouraging, and even funding extremism in Georgia. The truth only becomes evident when the defenders of extremism are forced to respond to violence in their own countries”, he concluded.