Georgia’s ruling party official says externally funded activists carry out well-planned provocations almost daily

Levan Machavariani, an MP from the ruling Georgian Dream party and the head of the Tbilisi election headquarters of the ruling party, on Tuesday said that “well-orchestrated provocations” were taking place on an almost daily basis, carried out by “externally funded activists distinguished by aggression and adherence to pseudo-liberal fascism”.

His remarks followed a confrontation outside the party’s campaign office.

Machavariani called on the Georgian Dream supporters to refrain from violence, stressing that provocations were designed to escalate tensions.

“We observe that, practically every day, well-calculated, planned provocations are carried out by externally funded activists who are distinguished by their aggression and adherence to pseudo-liberal fascism”, the official said.

“They are staging provocations. They come to your home with insults and provocations. I urge all our supporters to avoid violence, as this only serves their agenda. I must also emphasise that it is very difficult to restrain so many people within the headquarters itself”, he concluded.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has launched an investigation under the article concerning group violence after the clashes near the election headquarters of Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze.

According to reports, activists used hate speech and insults directed at party members and supporters present at the headquarters. The altercation escalated into a physical confrontation. Two journalists were reportedly injured during the incident.