Some priests support protest in Georgia

Many priests of the Georgian Orthodox Church have accused the organizers of the "Tbilisi Pride" of the July 5 incident and regard that the use of violence was justified. However, some priests called violence against any people unacceptable.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on July 11, journalists and opposition supporters went to large-scale protests in Tbilisi and other major Georgian cities, demanding resignation of the government and investigation into the death of Lekso Lashkarava, a cameraman of the "TV-Pirveli" Company.

The clergymen of the Georgian Orthodox Church have differently assessed the July 5 incidents, the edition named "Echo of the Caucasus"* reports.

"What do you mean by no to violence?! You are obliged to use violence for the sake of the Motherland, for the sake of the country, for the sake of purity," the edition quotes Archpriest Spiridon Tskipurishvili as saying.

"How can we assess murder and bullying? God doesn't tell us that those who are not like us should be killed," Foma Kolambegashvili, a priest of Saint George's Church in Okrokana (Tbilisi), told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Priest Zaza Tevzadze spoke at the rally on July 12. According to his story, it is unacceptable to tolerate violence against journalists, since they are "symbols of enlightenment."

The "TV-Pirveli" Company announced that on July 13, during the funeral of the cameraman, Lekso Lashkarava, a march of his colleagues and acquaintances is planned.

According to Gigi Ugulava, one of the leaders of the "European Georgia" Party, rallies are necessary. At the same time, he regretted that due to the government's inaction and the aggressive behaviour of certain citizens, Georgia has lost this year's tourists.