Metropolitan Grigol (Berbichashvili) of Poti and Khobi appeals to the government and asks to stop or suspend the adoption of the Russian law on so-called Foreign Agents. The Holy Synod, this "bold and magnanimous step" will avoid the danger to Georgia.
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"The tension and public protests that have been developing in the Georgian Parliament and around it for the last few days, as well as the escalation of this tension, provide more than enough arguments to stop or suspend the procedures for the accelerated adoption of the disputed draft law. This law has created the foundations for extreme tension in Georgian society.
I believe that this bold and magnanimous step will pave the way for civil peace, and our homeland will avoid the danger that, in case of further escalation of tension, the extremely angry enemy will use it for revenge and will cause irreparable damage to the historical aspirations of Georgia in the current situation. Our friends and partners will not be able to save our long-suffering homeland in that scenario.
Respected government representatives, I humbly appeal to you with a heartfelt request: you can ease this dangerous tension and avoid possible grave consequences for our children and all of Georgia. I believe you will be able to overcome personal grievances! I believe in your Christian generosity!
During this Great fasting, as we approach the upcoming glorious Easter holiday, we all must forgive each other and give ourselves to our neighbor, not the other way around!" - said Bishop Grigol in his statement.
Bishop Saba (Intskirveli) of North America, the Georgian Holy Synod member, responded to the reintroduction of the Russian law by the ruling Georgian Dream. The cleric considers it unacceptable to make any decision hastily, especially when the leaders of all the partner countries and unions of Georgia are calling on us to think more and analyze the potential results of adopting the new draft law.
On April 17, despite thousands of protests and criticism from international partners, Georgian Dream passed the draft law on so-called foreign agents in the first reading. Of the 83 deputies supporting the Russian law, 73 are members of Georgian Dream, and the rest belong to satellite parties of the ruling party - People's Power and European Socialists. The opposition did not participate in the voting.
For the third day, there have been numerous protest demonstrations in Tbilisi. On April 16, the rally was dispersed, with members of the special forces chasing participants from street to street and physically assaulting them. Pepper spray was also used against peaceful demonstrators. Citizens state that they will continue to rally until the Russian law is revoked. They also demand the release of those who have been arrested.
