The priests of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Genadi Gogilashvili and Iakob Mestvirishvili, as well as the deacons Spiridon Tskipurishvili and Basil Akhvlediani, burned the flags of the European Union. In this way, they express their solidarity with Lasha Sharukhia, who has been sentenced to pre-trial detention for taking down and burning the European Union flag erected near Mtskheta City Hall.
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In the released footage, deacon Basil Akhvlediani says that „for Christians, the flag of the European Union is a symbol of depravity.“
This is not the first time these clerics have emerged with anti-Western and anti-EU messages. They, like the detained Lasha Sharukhia, are supporters of the pro-Russian, violent, and homophobic movement Alt Info.
“Record a video – “I, your name, express solidarity with Lasha, he should not be in prison, I hereby join him and burn the flag of the European Union.” If you have a flag, you can use it, if not, print it on a printer in A4 format. The point is symbolic support. Send us videos; I want to make this into a big campaign. I will do it too,” said Zurab Makharadze on December 19, on the air of Alt Info.
Lasha Sharukhia was arrested a few days ago under Article 187, Part 2 of the Criminal Code, which stands for damaging or destroying someone else's property by arson, explosion, or other generally dangerous means. He was sentenced to prison time.
“Mtskheta City Hall raised flags in connection with receiving the EU candidate status. As a sign of protest, Sharukhia burned the flag. No one was injured. The flag was worth 1000 GEL, therefore, he was charged under the 2nd part of Article 187,” said Sergi Khurtsidze, the lawyer of the detainee. “At the court, prevention of similar criminal activity was named as the grounds for detention by the prosecutor's office. Both the prosecutor's office and the court were looking to arrest this person not only due to the crime, but because of his ideology, beliefs and views.”
If found guilty, Lasha Sharukhia faces 3 to 6 years in prison.
Members and supporters of Alt-Info have publicly burned EU flags several times before. At the rally held on March 14, 2023, they destroyed the flag erected near the parliament building. At that time, the leader of the radical movement, Zurab Makharadze, and four other persons, were fined 1000 GEL.
The flag erected in front of the Parliament was taken down and burned at the rally on July 6, 2021. After this incident, the Code of Administrative Offenses was amended, and today, desecration of the flag or coat of arms of the European Union, NATO, or other international organization erected/exhibited by a public institution provides for a fine of 1000 GEL for an individual. Repeated offense is punishable by a fine of 2000 GEL or up to 15 days of administrative imprisonment.
