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Anonymous FB Account Spreads Out-of-Context Quotes from Georgian Politicians About War

Anonymous FB accounts in Georgia disseminate short videos, accusing the Georgian opposition of wanting to drag Georgia into military conflict. Myth Detector examined the viral video, concluding that it is being spread manipulatively with the intent to discredit the Georgian opposition, as the quotes of people featured in the video are entirely taken out of context and have no connection to calls for war.

On September 26, an anonymous Georgian-language Facebook account published a short video (a so-called “reels”) featuring quotes from Georgian opposition figures and public personas, including Gigi Ugulava, Levan Berdzenishvili, Zurab Chiaberashvili, Nino Lomjaria, and others, creating the impression that they are calling for war. The video is accompanied by the caption “Say no to war! Choose peace.” The final segment of the video features more politicians, showing only the word “war” from their statements.

On the same day, the phrases from the video were also circulated on Facebook in written form, alongside the authors’ photos.

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The phrases about “war” presented in the video and post are spread manipulatively with the intent to discredit their authors. Footage of Gvaramia, Khoshtaria, Gakharia, and Zourabichvili is entirely taken out of context and has no connection to calls for war.

The video compiles quotes from various Georgian politicians and public figures, all of which pertain to war. The footage used in the video includes images of destroyed Ukrainian buildings and graves of fallen Ukrainian soldiers, resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war.

Gigi Ugulava

The first segment of the video and the post features a phrase from opposition politician Gigi Ugulava: “Yes, war is also acceptable, it is acceptable, do you understand?” This quote was made by Ugulava during his appearance on the show Timely Questions on Georgian Times TV on April 4, 2022. The host asked Ugulava about the statements made by Georgian government representatives, who referred to opposition figures as members of the “war party.”

Gigi Ugulava: “People, it’s no longer time for this, believe me, it’s not, it has already come. This flirtation by the opposition, like, ‘Oh no, I don’t want to be called this’… They can call us whatever they want. It’s election time, there will be no elections if Russia arrives, and then what? They can call us the war party if they want, let them call me that! If it comes to defending my country, then yes, war is also acceptable, it is acceptable, do you understand?” Everyone should understand that the country needs to be defended!”

Ugulava’s phrase was made in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, but he was discussing statements by the Georgian government, made after the war began. According to Ugulava, 90% of the statements about war come from the ruling Georgian Dream party, which he claims is using fear to manipulate the public.

In another part of the show, Ugulava discusses the topic of war and states: “As a Georgian citizen, I’m not ashamed to declare that if this country needs defending, I will defend it however I can. If it’s with a weapon, then I’ll defend it with a weapon. If it’s in another way, like delivering water to those who have weapons, then I’ll do that.” Instead of making statements about war, Ugulava emphasizes that the government should focus on improving civil defense structures.

Thus, Ugulava was not advocating for starting a war against Russia but was emphasizing the necessity of defending the country in case of Russian aggression.

Levan Berdzenishvili

In the next segment of the video, a phrase from writer and philologist Levan Berdzenishvili is presented: “If necessary, we must want war.”

This quote is taken from the February 22, 2023, broadcast of Your Afternoon on Mtavari TV. Berdzenishvili was discussing the draft law on “foreign influence” and the rhetoric of the government, which contrasts peace with freedom.

Levan Berdzenishvili: “From the beginning, as soon as it was said that peace is the greatest value, which, naturally, who could argue with that, the point of it all is they say—oh, so you want war? Well, I must tell you, that if necessary, we must want war. And when they claim we follow in the footsteps of King David the Builder, let me remind them that this man achieved his accomplishments through war. If anyone doubts that, they should simply look at a history textbook. But if you declare peace and security as your primary values, then, gentlemen, give up freedom. That’s their entire philosophy.”

In the same program, Berdzenishvili clarifies that peace is a very fragile term, and in Georgia today, we cannot speak of peace, as part of our territory is occupied by the enemy.

Levan Berdzenishvili: “Peace is a very fragile term, what does it mean… is there peace in Georgia now? When territories are occupied, when the enemy stands on those territories, when their army stands there, and when no foreign army should be on a country’s land—what peace are we talking about, where is the peace?”

Thus, Berdzenishvili’s statement does not contain a call for war; rather, he is discussing the government’s narrative that contrasts freedom with peace, where he prioritizes freedom.

Zurab Chiaberashvili

In another segment of the video, a phrase from Zurab Chiaberashvili, the former Minister of Labor, Health, and Social Affairs of Georgia and a member of the 9th Georgian Parliament, is featured: “If war is necessary, yes, I want war.”

This statement was made by Chiaberashvili on Formula TV‘s show Kviris Formula [Formula of the Week] on June 5, 2022. The discussion primarily focused on the characteristics of authoritarianism and the methods of combating it.

According to Chiaberashvili, defeating authoritarianism is impossible without a political process, and in Georgia, political parties must lead this process. When the journalist asked about the public’s lack of trust in these parties, he noted that this was largely the parties’ fault, and they must speak more boldly against the political messages of the government.

“Political parties must speak much more boldly and break down the stereotypes that ultimately, are necessary to defeat authoritarianism. What do I mean? The first and foremost is a strong message. When political parties speak not from their own agenda, but in response to what [Georgian Dream chairman] Kobakhidze accuses them of, it’s impossible… At that moment, even the opposition voters feel that there is no strength in those responses.

In reality, when they accuse you, saying ‘So, do you want war?’ If necessary, you must say that for the sake of the country’s freedom, if war is necessary, yes, I want war. After all, independence doesn’t come otherwise, sovereignty doesn’t come otherwise. The essence of a state is sovereignty, and the essence of sovereignty is that if you must defend it, you may need to do so with arms.”

It is important to note that Chiaberashvili was not speaking about Georgia’s position in the Russia-Ukraine war, but rather about the necessity for opposition parties to strengthen themselves to defeat authoritarianism.

Nino Lomjaria

The next segment of the video includes a quote from former Public Defender of Georgia, Nino Lomjaria: “Somehow, a fire caused by bombs might be better…”. The footage is from TV Pirveli‘s program Nodar Meladze’s Saturday. Lomjaria, who was attending a rally in support of Ukraine, spoke about a statement made by the then-Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, the previous day, in which he declared that Georgia would not join the economic and financial sanctions against Russia.

Nino Lomjaria: “Yesterday, I felt deeply ashamed. Sometimes there comes a moment when a fire caused by bombs might somehow be better than the shame and burning feeling that many Georgians felt after hearing those words. I fully understand that we must be cautious, and I also understand the dangers—that joining sanctions may not achieve much—but I think that yesterday the Prime Minister deliberately and unequivocally made that statement. He wanted it to be heard by those who would be pleased by it. I’m sure it was painful for Ukrainians to hear, so if we can’t help, at least let’s not hurt these people.”

As the quote makes clear, Lomjaria was not advocating for Georgia to enter the war and even highlighted the dangers of joining sanctions. However, she also emphasized the importance of expressing moral support for the war-torn country.

Tina Khidasheli

In a video circulated on Facebook, we find a phrase from former Georgian Minister of Defense Tina Khidasheli: “We will fight no less than Ukraine does.” Khidasheli made this statement on June 2, 2022, on the PalitraNews TV program “Newsroom,” where she discussed the nihilism instilled by the government.

In one part of the program, the host and Khidasheli discussed the armament of the Georgian army and a new arms package from NATO. The host mentioned that the government does not try to publicize these topics. In response, Khidasheli stated that instead of talking about these issues, the government attempts to instill a sense of helplessness in Georgia.

Tina Khidasheli: “Publicizing is not the problem. The problem is that instead of the government talking to us about these issues, it constantly sows pessimism and creates a mood that we can’t do anything, we would quickly lose, we can’t fight… This is tragic because, God forbid, if something really happens, instead of the public being in an optimistic mood, ready to face the challenge knowing its army will protect it, it [the public] will be ready. No war on Earth has ever been won solely by the army without the support and attitude of society…”

When asked what Georgia is actually capable of, Khidasheli replies that she is optimistic about the capabilities of the Georgian army, and success in war also depends on the mood of the people.

Khidasheli: “We will fight no less than Ukraine fights today, but only if… Much of what we see now in Ukraine is the result of the mood—the attitude of society, the whole country, the families of those soldiers on the battlefield, the support behind them. If we can ensure this, I am very optimistic about the Georgian army. But if we suddenly find ourselves in a situation where the rest of the society is setting up banquets on tanks for the Russians, well, of course, then the Georgians can’t do anything…”

Therefore, Khidasheli is not talking about joining the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war but discussing the capabilities of the Georgian army in case of potential Russian aggression and the government’s efforts to sow nihilism.

Giorgi Margvelashvili

The next part of the video shows Georgia’s fourth president, Giorgi Margvelashvili, who says, “Maximum armament, maximum army mobilization.”

These frames are cut from the TV Pirveli program “Reaction.” Margvelashvili said this phrase on March 22, 2022, while discussing the Russia-Ukraine war.

Giorgi Margvelashvili: “I definitely don’t want war, and I believe that anyone who wants war is either a scoundrel, someone who wants killing and the death of others, or insane. But there are simple truths: first, Inga, we have started questioning the defense of the homeland as if it’s madness… If needed, we must fight for the homeland, and there’s nothing extraordinary about it. All our ancestors fought so that those who now speak Georgian and are citizens of Georgia can do so. That’s one point, that we should not say war is something humanity has never seen… Now the second thing: as the Romans said, if you want peace, prepare for war. If we want peace, no one will grant it to us on our knees… Therefore, if we want peace, we need maximum armament, maximum army mobilization, maximum reserve mobilization for peace.”

Thus, Margvelashvili was not advocating for starting a war but emphasizing the necessity of strengthening defensive capabilities to protect the homeland. Regarding Georgia’s position on the Russia-Ukraine war, in the same program, Margvelashvili said that it was essential to clearly express Georgia’s position verbally.

Margvelashvili: “If we do not clearly express an important position with words—and words are very important today—in this battle, then of course, even if you’re not directly killing anyone with bloody hands, you stand alongside those who will stain your hands with that blood because you’re standing next to them.”

David Usupashvili

The video also includes a phrase from former Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, David Usupashvili: “If this is the kind of government I have, then they should go home, and I should have one that will say, ‘We will fight.'” This segment is taken from TV PalitraNews’ program “Free Studio,” where on March 10, 2022, Usupashvili discussed possible actions Georgia might take in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

According to Usupashvili, neither he nor his party advocates for aggressive actions, but it is essential for Georgia to demonstrate that it stands with the democratic world.

David Usupashvili: “The main thing is that in this case, Georgia, as a state, should take a clear position. ‘Lelo’ has never called for and does not consider overly aggressive actions appropriate, but we firmly believe it is necessary to stand by the democratic world. Everyone understands that we ourselves are occupied…”

When asked whether Georgia stands with the democratic world, Usupashvili responded that due to the government’s serious communication problems, Georgia cannot demonstrate its position. “Lelo’s” demands are about taking a clear stand.

Usupashvili: “We are nearby, and we cannot even demonstrate where we stand because today’s leaders of Georgia have serious problems, they communicate with the world as if they are addressing their opponents at a rally on Rustaveli Avenue, and this has done a lot of harm. We are not asking for war in Georgia; we are asking for measures to prevent war, which is why… ‘Lelo’s’ demands from day one were clear steps to ensure we take a firm, principled stance, especially since we are already occupied, already a victim of Russian aggression.”

Therefore, Usupashvili himself clarifies that he is not in favor of war. The citation used in the video is taken out of context, altering the meaning of his statement.

Nika Gvaramia

The video continues with clips of various Georgian opposition figures and President Salome Zourabichvili, where only the word “war” (“omi” in Georgian) is shown from their speeches, and it ends with the caption “No to war! No to agents!”

This part of the collage begins with footage of Nika Gvaramia, co-founder of the political alliance “Akhali.” Based on Gvaramia’s attire and other video details (glasses, microphone, part of the show’s title behind Gvaramia), we can conclude that this was cut from the July 16, 2024, broadcast of the show “Different Accents” on TV channel Formula.

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Left: Screenshot from the video circulated on Facebook. Right: Screenshot from the show "Different Accents."

In this episode, Gvaramia discussed Bidzina Ivanishvili’s speech during the opening of the new office of the Georgian Dream on the same day. According to Gvaramia, the main messages of Ivanishvili’s speech have not changed in the past 12 years and have no connection to the well-being or other needs of the Georgian people.

Nika Gvaramia: “If you compare it to speeches from twelve years ago, it’s the same thing. Everyone in this country is tired of hearing about the ‘bloody nine years,’ hearing about the ‘collective National Movement.’ It’s an endless cacophony that has the same effect on our well-being, our pursuit of happiness, and our security, including on the issue of war and peace, as the subject of who dances how at the Opera and Ballet Theater.”

In the video circulated on Facebook, only the word “war” is cut from Gvaramia’s statement. This selective use of the footage makes it impossible to understand the context of Gvaramia’s speech, and when placed alongside other clips, it acquires a different meaning.

Giorgi Gakharia

One of the clips shows former Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia. By examining Gakharia’s attire and the background of the video, we can identify that this footage was taken on August 8, 2022, and shows Gakharia’s visit to the memorial of the heroes of Shindisi.

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Left: Screenshot from the video circulated on Facebook. Right: Screenshot from TV channel Formula’s news story.

Giorgi Gakharia was asked a question about the start date of the August War, to which he responded that fighting for the country’s sovereignty and independence is more important than arguing about the date the war began:

“Unity is critically important today, and instead of arguing about when the war started or who started it, we should be working together to protect the country’s sovereignty and independence.”

Thus, Gakharia’s footage is used manipulatively and has no connection either to the thematic content of the other clips or to a call for starting a war.

Elene Khoshtaria

Another clip shows Elene Khoshtaria, founder of the political party “Droa.” By examining the background and the microphone in front of her, it becomes clear that this footage was taken on April 30, 2024, during Khoshtaria’s comment to Formula News.

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Left: Screenshot from the video circulated on Facebook. Right: Screenshot from Formula News.

Khoshtaria’s comment was regarding Bidzina Ivanishvili’s speech on April 29.

Elene Khoshtaria: “He [Bidzina Ivanishvili] declared war on the whole world practically, but it’s a very comical war from his side; Bidzina Ivanishvili is too small in the large context that he’s in, because the entire world, the West—Europe, America—has made it very clear that they are not planning to give up the fight for the people of Georgia.”

Therefore, Khoshtaria’s comment was not about the Russia-Ukraine war or about Georgia entering the war, and the clip is used manipulatively.

Salome Zourabichvili

The final clip used in the video shows President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili. As with the others, only the word “war” is cut from her statement. By examining her attire (collar shape, brooch, hairstyle) and the background, it becomes clear that this footage was taken from an interview Zourabichvili gave to TV Pirveli on March 24, 2023.

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Left: Screenshot from the video circulated on Facebook. Right: Screenshot from Diana Trapaidze's interview.

Throughout the interview, the president mentions war several times but never calls for war. Zourabichvili explained that Western partners need stability in the Caucasus region:

Salome Zourabichvili: “Georgia today is in a region, the Caucasus, which is very important for everyone’s stability and not for a ‘second front.’ Our stability is crucial.”

She again referred to the idea of a “second front,” saying that no one is actually preparing for such a scenario:

Zourabichvili: “We are a country that is occupied, and no one here is preparing a second front, and this narrative is a common theme shared by the government, Ardzinba, Lavrov, Simonyan, and whoever else; I don’t know all their names. This should be surprising to everyone—what second front? And when did our Western partners ever call us to engage in war?… Nobody wants extra destabilization anywhere… On the contrary, everyone dreams of having the ‘Black Sea,’ the Caucasus, and even under the conditions of the Armenia-Azerbaijan war, things calmed down and stabilized. No one wants to start anything new.”

Zourabichvili’s clip, like the others, is used manipulatively to create the impression that these individuals are calling for or planning Georgia’s involvement in the war. This contributes both to fear-mongering in the public and the discrediting of these individuals.

Other Politicians

The video also includes clips of Mamuka Khazaradze, Tina Bokuchava, and Nikanor Melia. However, due to the brevity of the footage and the lack of details, Myth Detector could not determine the exact source of these clips. Nevertheless, none of these individuals have made public statements calling for war. All three have previously criticized Georgian Dream for its decision not to join the sanctions (1, 2, 3). Additionally, Mamuka Khazaradze referred to the ruling party’s narrative of a “war party” as a Goebbels-style tactic, stating that “the war party is the one that betrays the national interests of Georgia.”

About the Source:

The anonymous Facebook account “Polit ologi” [Political Scientist in Georgian] regularly spreads information discrediting the opposition. In addition, in September 2024, the account manipulated a story related to a Georgian Transgender woman, Kessaria Abramidze’s murder, misrepresenting a journalist’s comment.

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