Georgian speaker accuses NGOs of spreading EU-backed hatred toward Russians

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has condemned anti-Russian rhetoric from non-governmental organisations in Georgia, describing it as xenophobic and an incitement to hatred.

In a post on his social media page, Papuashvili responded to criticism from a representative of a Georgian NGO, who had accused the government of being overly lenient toward Russian nationals, including allowing them to participate in competitions, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

The criticism followed the arrival of Russian fencers in Tbilisi to take part in the World Championships, where they are competing under neutral status.

“Of course, this is xenophobia, and of course, it is xenophobia financed and encouraged by the European Union embassy,” Papuashvili wrote. “The goal of xenophobia is to incite hatred and violence. And, of course, the EU embassy will neither condemn nor distance itself from the xenophobia of its NGOs.”

According to media reports, on Sunday, July 27, a group of activists burned a Russian flag outside a hotel in Tbilisi where the Russian fencers were staying. 

The World Fencing Championships are being held in Tbilisi from July 22 to 30, with Russian athletes participating under neutral status in accordance with international sports guidelines.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had recommended in March 2022 that international sports federations suspend athletes from Russia and Belarus. However, in December 2023, the IOC issued a new recommendation allowing Russian representatives to participate in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris under neutral status. As a result, 15 Russian athletes travelled to France for the event, competing without national symbols.

By Tamilla Hasanova