GEORGIA: Freedom of religion or belief, equality and secularity in February, a report of a Georgian NGO
TDI (18.03.2025) – During the reporting period, the “Georgian Dream” parliament rapidly initiated new repressive laws, marking another step toward consolidating authoritarian rule in Georgia.
The “Georgian Dream” continues to manipulate pseudo-religious narratives, portraying itself as the defender of Christianity and traditional values while labelling its opponents—NGOs, critical media, and the political opposition—as adversaries of Georgian traditions, religion, and national identity.
When justifying the necessity of repressive legislative changes, the Georgian Dream and its affiliated groups also exploit the argument of “hostility toward the Church” in a manipulative manner.
Anti-Western and propagandistic messages regarding financial assistance from partner countries have been widespread. For example, allegations have been made that
“USAID used to fund anti-state activities, a fight against the Church, and national traditions,” and that “EU financial assistance will be used to fund radicalism and anti-Church activities in Georgia.” A satellite party of the “Georgian Dream” has further claimed that “the EU Ambassador in Georgia acts as a Viceroy, defaming Georgian traditions and the Church while opposing the will of the Georgian people.”
A central component of Georgian Dream propaganda remains the discrediting of ongoing pro-European demonstrations, attempting to depict protesters as forces opposed to the Church and Christian values.
As in the previous reporting period, a positive trend is the increasing number of statements by Orthodox clergy expressing strong support for pro-European demonstrators, political prisoners, and individuals fighting for freedom. From a Christian perspective, they emphasize human dignity, equality, and freedom, condemn political repression, and advocate for Georgia’s European integration.
Meanwhile, certain Orthodox clergy continue to promote rhetoric in support of the “Georgian Dream” government while opposing civil society, human rights, and the European Union in their sermons and public speeches.
Table of Content
Key findings
- Manipulation or Religion and Identity by Georgian Dream and Its Stellites
- Georgian Dream’s Pseudo-Religious Narrative on the Protection of Christianity
- Anti-Western and Propagandist Messages Regarding Financial Support from Partner States
- Discrediting Pro-European Protests in a Religious Context
- Propagandistic and Anti-Western Statements by Orthodox Clergy
- Orthodox Clergy Condemning Violence and Supporting Protesters
3.1 Condemnation of Violence
3.2 Statements on Repression Against Protesters
3.3 Statements on the Unlawful Imprisonment of Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli
The present report covers February 2025
You can also access the 2024-2025 reports on monitoring the pre-election and post-election environments regarding freedom of religion or belief, equality, and secularity:
pre-election period (2024)
August 25 to September 25
September 25 to October 25
post-election period
October 26 to November 26, 2024
November 26 to December 26, 2024
December 26- January 31, 2025
Further reading about FORB in Georgia on HRWF website
Photo Credit: Tolerance and Diversity Institute/ TDI