Ultranationalist demonstration, Tbilisi, Georgia © Onnik James Krikorian 2016
A meeting yesterday with a visiting US researcher looking at far-right movements in Europe reminded me that I hadn’t posted any of the photos I’ve taken at various ultranationalist marches and counter protests that have happened in Tbilisi. I had used one in my recent piece for Stratfor on radicalization in Georgia, but haven’t had much time this past year to do anything other than post them on Facebook.
Ultranationalist Demonstration, September 2016
Ostensibly planned as a demonstration dedicated to the full of the city of Sukhumi in Abkhazia on 27 September 1993, the march organized by several Georgia ultranationalist and Neo-Nazi groups such as Georgian Power and the Dinamo Tbilisi Ultras was very clearly aimed at immigrants. Unfortunately, while the demo was at first peaceful if boisterous, it ended with attacks on cafes and restaurants owned by muslims on Tbilisi’s Agmashenebeli Avenue. It was reported that one woman had her hijab forcibly removed and that 11 demonstrators were detained.
The “Georgian March,” Tbilisi, Georgia © Onnik James Krikorian 2017
The “Georgian March,” July 2017
In July the following year, another similarly targeted anti-immigrant march was held on Tbilisi’s Agmashenebeli Avenue. At around 2,000, turnout was significantly larger than the ultra-nationalist demonstration the previous year, but not quite as problematic in terms of public order. However, some muslim businesses closed early while some muslim onlookers did appear perturbed. A priest and a large portrait of David the Builder, a Georgian monarch who fought against muslim invaders in the 12th Century, led the march.
Some accused the organizers, and the Alliance of Patriots who participated in the march, of directly or indirectly working in the interests of Russia. The claims were denied and the organizers in return lambasted Soros-funded NGOs. Controversially, however, they also wrote on social media comments that most interpreted as threats to gang rape a prominent female critic of the march.
The “Women’s March,” Tbilisi, Georgia © Onnik James Krikorian 2017
“No To Russian Fascism,” Demonstration, Tbilisi, Georgia © Onnik James Krikorian 2017
