Georgian Parliament Speaker: we will not allow European Union to fund Molotov cocktails in our country

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Saturday accused the European Union of indirectly financing violent acts in Georgia, including the provision of Molotov cocktails and printing of posters encouraging such actions.

Speaking on the Imedi TV show Open Air - Debates, Papuashvili noted that discussions about “non-recognition” of state authorities should be viewed through the legal framework concerning extremism against the constitutional order.

“As for the so-called non-recognition [of the authorities], in reality it is enough to read the article concerning extremism against the constitutional order. That is its title and essence: calls for the mass violation of legislation, calls for mass disobedience towards state authorities, calls for the creation of alternative bodies of authority, and presenting oneself as an alternative Government”, he said.

The Speaker emphasised that donors could not distance themselves from the consequences of how their funds were used.

“You do not understand what a responsible donor means. You think that you give money and wash your hands of it - that’s it. That is not the case. When you give money so that Molotov cocktails are thrown here, and posters printed with your own funds encourage this, you must take responsibility”, he noted.

He further stated that Georgia would not permit the European Union to finance actions that, in his words, contribute to violence within the country.

“We will not allow the European Union to finance Molotov cocktails in our country”, Papuashvili concluded.