MP Tengiz Sharmanashvili: Defending national values is constitutional, but any unlawful actions will face severe state response

“There is nothing unconstitutional about protecting national sanctities. They have every right to do so, but if they intend to pursue this through unlawful, unconstitutional means, the state’s response will be extremely severe,” a member of the parliamentary majority, MP Tengiz Sharmanashvili, told GPB First Channel.

Sharmanashvili was asked about the statement made by MMA fighter Giorgi Kartvelishvili on the founding of the People’s Movement.

“If what is meant by a principled response is simply expressing a counter-view within the bounds of the law, then they have every right to do so. But if anyone thinks they will act unlawfully, whether through some form of violence or by committing some other act that runs contrary to the law, the state will respond, and it will give little thought to whether that person is regarded as one of our supporters or not. So I would tell such young people to think carefully before talking about a ‘response,’ and to keep any response within the bounds of the law. If they step outside that boundary, they can be certain that the state will respond with the appropriate lawful measures.

Everyone should understand that the state will react immediately to any violence, and no one should be under the illusion that anything will be covered up. Nor is it right for us to discuss what kind of organisations may or may not be established; I say this based on the Constitution.

There is nothing unconstitutional about protecting national sanctities. They have every right to do so, but if they intend to pursue this through unlawful, unconstitutional means, the state’s response will be extremely severe. Anyone who genuinely wants to protect national sanctities and values needs to keep their nerves in check and do so through constitutional methods,” Tengiz Sharmanashvili stated.

On July 27, Giorgi Kartvelishvili announced the founding of the People’s Movement: “Our initiative group is founding a popular movement to protect Georgian values, principles and traditions, and is launching a struggle against externally funded outside interests, people in a state of servile submission with a distorted ideology, and the groups they form. Our movement will be highly active and steadfast, while also being as constructive as possible. But if it becomes necessary to protect our culture and national identity, we will not shy away from any danger.”