Conflict of Tolerance Institute head with Russian woman causes resonance in Georgia

A Russian tourist has provided false information about the attack of the head of the Tolerance and Diversity Institute, Eka Chitanava, a participant of the clash, has stated. Tolerance towards Russian symbolism in Georgia has sparked a lively discussion on the Internet.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that a woman-Russian citizen accused the head of the NGO "Institute for Tolerance and Diversity" Eka Chitanava of physical abuse and insult while watching the Russia-Croatia football match in Batumi. According to Chitanava, the conflict arose because of the Russian flag, which fans from Russia were waving; however, she did not use violence – only foul language.

Georgia has no laws regulating the use of Russian symbols, said Vitaly Skoibeda, a former member of the "Lensoviet" (Leningrad City Soviet), who is now residing in Georgia and who in 1991 offered to replace the Soviet flag by the Russia's tricolour flag.

According to his story, he is not pleased to see Russian tourists driving along Georgian streets with Russian flags after the events of August 2008 and the separation of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

He suggested to limit the use of Russian flags, or at least to issue memos on the border that demonstrating in the territory of the country is undesirable.

Ms Chitanava's behaviour was supported, while Russians in Georgia should take into account the countries' specific relationships, Georgian fans have stated.

Network users argue about tough reaction to the Russian flag.

"Tourists are spending money here, helping our economy; therefore, is it surprising that they are supporting their national team?" asks Vakhtang Tskhvitava.

"And where have you seen sport without flags?" Anna Vishnevskaya asks the question on the "News-Georgia" website.