Radical Orthodox Faction Holds Meeting in Center of Georgian Capital

(Tbilisi, June 10, Civil Georgia) – Dissident Christian Orthodox group led by excommunicated priest Basil Mkalavishvili, who repeatedly led attacks against the non-Orthodox religious groups, hold a protest rally in the center of Georgian capital Tbilisi on June 10.

Mkalavishvili and his supporters (approximately 100 people) demanded at the meeting today to proclaim Orthodox Christianity as a state religion of Georgia.

They slammed activity of Nana Devdariani – Public Defender, Elene Tevdoradze – former Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Rusudan Beridze – Deputy Secretary of the Security Council for Human Rights Issues. Mkalavishvili’s supporters consider these officials as defenders of only Jehovah’s Witnesses.
 
Basil Mkalavishvili is known for frequent attacks against the Jehovah’s Witnesses. International as well as local human rights organizations demand from the Georgian government to curb radical Orthodox faction’s outlaw activity.

Fifteen members of the Untied States Congress sent a letter to President Eduard Shevardnadze on May 15, 2002 calling on him to help bring an end to the increasing violence against religious minorities in Georgia.

Related Story:
US Congressmen Urge Shevardnadze to Act Against Religious Violence

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