Georgian Church condemns President's call for children to join protests

Schoolchildren at a protest. Photo: Civi Georgia

The Patriarchate of Georgia addressed President Salome Zourabichvili and other state officials, calling for greater responsibility in their rhetoric in relation to the mass protests against the authorities' decision to postpone negotiations on EU membership until 2028. The statement from the Patriarchate's public relations office was published on its official website.

The protests began on November 28, with hundreds of people gathering each evening outside the parliament building to oppose the government's decision. Some protesters have resorted to violence, damaging infrastructure, throwing stones at police and special forces, and using fireworks. In response, law enforcement has deployed water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray.

The Patriarchate expressed particular concern over a statement made by President Salome Zourabichvili on the social media platform X, where she remarked that "after universities, it's now time for schoolchildren to show solidarity with the protests." The Patriarchate emphasized that such statements, especially from the president, are unacceptable in the situation at hand: "Calls to involve schoolchildren and minors, particularly amidst escalating violence, are deeply troubling."

The Patriarchate stressed that in such heated circumstances, national leaders should focus on reducing polarization and tension in society, safeguarding the health and future of the younger generation.

"In conclusion, we once again call on the President of Georgia and others to be more responsible during these tense days, as every word spoken could lead to dire consequences for all," the Patriarchate stated.

On December 3, Father Andria Jagmaidze, head of the Patriarchate's public relations office, sarcastically commented on social media: "Madam Salome, we hope that after schools, you won't call on kindergartens to participate in protests."

As the UOJ previously reported, the Georgian Patriarchate issued a statement regarding the protests, urging all parties to respect each other's political views and refrain from violence "in the spirit of Christian values."

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