Georgian Parliament official denounces “outrageous provocation” by foreign-funded activists outside ruling party’s campaign office

Rati Ionatamishvili, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee, on Wednesday responded to the events that occurred outside Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze’s campaign office, describing the activists’ actions as a deliberate provocation.

In his remarks, Ionatamishvili noted that the Georgian Dream party witnessed outrageous provocation by foreign-funded activists.

“We witnessed an outrageous provocation by foreign-funded activists of the United National Movement and this is exactly the face of rootless people. They were commissioned to spread hatred. They are ready to do anything to unleash this hatred. But the fact is that no one will fall for their provocations, and everything will receive a very dignified and strict response”, Ionatamishvili.

The remarks follow renewed protests on Tuesday outside the campaign headquarters of Tbilisi Mayor and ruling party candidate Kakha Kaladze. Demonstrators shouted insults, attempted to provoke staff inside the office, and damaged an election banner.

During the rally, members of radical groups also clashed with journalists from media outlets they consider unfavourable.