GRASS Disinfo Brief - October 18 – 23
01 November, 2023
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- Impeachment of President Zourabichvili fails in Parliament, ruling party continues criticism
- Otar Partskhaladze’s case reinvigorated as the President changed her position for the third time, terminating the former Chief Prosecutor's citizenship
- Head of State Security Service of Georgia reports to Parliament, boosts narrative about a planned revolution in Georgia
- Parliament adopts controversial amendments to “the Law on Broadcasting” and “the Law on Manifestation and Assembly”
- Pro-Russian propagandists are in line with GD’s attacks against the President, but criticise the ruling party for adopting amendments in the “Law on Broadcasting”
- Anti-EU propaganda targets candidate status as the European Commission’s conclusion is only weeks away
- Propaganda around the Israel-Hamas conflict blames the West for inciting war, promotes anti-semitism
- Propaganda wave hits Ukraine’s liberation efforts as the Ukrainian Rada allows same-sex civil partnerships and outlaws the Russian Orthodox Church
- Pro-Russian propaganda urges Georgia to join the 3+3 platform
Impeachment of President Zourabichvili fails in Parliament, ruling party continues criticism
On October 16th, the Constitutional Court concluded that the President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, violated the Georgian constitution (See previous edition). The following day, ruling party members launched a wave of criticism towards the President, with Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili stating that Salome Zourabichvili had the support of only one percent of the population and it is thanks to the Georgian Dream that she is President today. Additionally, as he claimed, instead of giving an example to others, civil servants and future Presidents, on how to defend the Constitution, Salome Zourabichvili blatantly and demonstratively violated it more than once. “On the one hand, it is disappointing, but we demonstrated democratic values, Europeanness, and underlined that no one is above the law”, stated the Prime Minister, adding that the impeachment process does not affect the situation in terms of the candidate status. Chairman of the Georgian Dream, Irakli Kobakhidze, assessed the President’s speech as “an attack on the Constitutional Court”. Moreover, according to Kobakhidze, Zourabichvili violated the Constitution in hopes of receiving support from the United National Movement. “The radical opposition is in full coordination with Zourabichvili”, noted Kobakhidze. Secretary General of the Georgian Dream and Mayor of Tbilisi, Kakha Kaladze made similar remarks, highlighting that although the ruling party understands that it could not garner enough votes to complete the impeachment process, Zourabichvili deserves it because she was supposed to be the first to defend the Constitution. “She is separated from reality, she does not understand how she became President and what was going on during the Presidential elections”, stated Kaladze.
On September 18th, the Parliament failed to complete the impeachment process. While a total of 100 votes were required for the impeachment, only 90 MPs registered for the vote, with 86 of them voting in favour. The President attended the vote and made a statement in the Parliament, noting that October 16th will go down in history not as a victory for rule of law, but as the day of consolidation of one-party supremacy over the judicial system. The President underlined that she plans to do anything to ensure that Georgia receives candidate status, and nothing can stop her on this path. She also called on the European partners that despite the anti-European impeachment process, Georgia should not be abandoned, Russia should not be allowed to strengthen its influence in this region, thus Georgia should be granted candidate status.
Despite the failed impeachment process, the ruling party continued its attacks on the President, with Chairman of the party, Irakli Kobakhidze, in the forefront, who accused the President of violating the constitution, being in coordination with the United National Movement, completing tasks for foreign patrons, and attempting to drag Georgia in a war against Russia. According to Kobakhidze, the impeachment process revealed the alliance between Zourabichvili and the United National Movement. Kobakhidze, without providing any evidence or specifying who the President’s patrons are, stated that Zourabichvili has “orders to take the country out of the Constitutional framework”. Additionally, the Chairman of the ruling party recalled a meeting with President Zourabichvili in 2022, after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, during which the President allegedly told Kobakhidze and the Chairman of the Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, that “Zelenskyy has become a hero, and what are you doing?”. Kobakhidze suggested that Zourabichvili hinted at the importance of opening a second front against Russia, underlining that if Zourabichvili was in charge of internal and foreign policy, she would drag Georgia into a war against Russia.
Otar Partskhaladze’s case reinvigorated as the President terminates the former Chief Prosecutor citizenship
Former Chief Prosecutor of Georgia, Otar Partskhaladze, who was sanctioned by the US on September 14th for spreading Russian malign influence in Georgia, had dual citizenship – Georgian and Russian. Soon after sanctioning former Prosecutor, the National Bank of Georgia amended the rules on the enforcement of sanctions, according to which international sanctions do not apply to Georgian citizens until a Georgian court issues a guilty verdict. Thus, Georgian citizenship effectively shielded Partskhaladze from international sanctions. In September, the President initially stated her intention to sign the report on the termination of Georgian citizenship for Partskhaladze, pending its receipt from the Ministry of Justice. However, she later announced a change in course, indicating that Partskhaladze should face trial as a Georgian citizen. Ultimately, on October 18th, the President signed the report delivered by the Ministry, resulting in the revocation of the former Chief Prosecutor's citizenship.
During the same week, the Head of the State Security Service of Georgia, Grigol Liluashvili, presented the agency's 2022 activity report to the Parliament. He also addressed questions related to Partskhaladze's case. According to Liluashvili, Partskhaladze was interviewed, but the information he shared during the questioning did not differ from what he had already made public. Liluashvili emphasized that the Georgian authorities had requested evidence from their U.S. counterparts, but as of yet, they had not received any. This is notable, given that more sensitive information is routinely exchanged between Georgian and U.S. security services. "I am confident that if our partners had prior knowledge of Partskhaladze's potential criminal activities, they would have provided us with the necessary evidence," said the Head of the State Security Service of Georgia. As of latest information provided by Liluashvili, Partskhaladze left the country after he was questioned and people in his close circle are still being interviewed.
- When asked about Partskhaladze’s case by TV Formula journalist, Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili responded with an argument that since TV Formula is funded by Davit Kezerashvili, the journalists should not be asking such questions. " What is this talk about Partskhaladze when Kezerashvili, the main corrupt person, a man who robbed all of Europe, robbed our army, racketed businesses, stole more than a billion in Europe is financing your TV network”, Gharibashvili said.
- Chairman of the Georgian Dream, Irakli Kobakhidze assessed that Partskhaladze’s case is closed as he is not a Georgian citizen anymore, although it is interesting that while he was accused of being an agent of FSB, a Russian intelligence service, no relevant evidence was presented.
- The Chairman of the Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, made the argument that, in general, it is the responsibility of the accuser to provide evidence. The Georgian authorities have engaged with the U.S. State Department and Department of Justice in an attempt to obtain evidence, but nothing has been forthcoming from the American side. According to Papuashvili, it has been a month since the accusation against Partskhaladze was made public, and no evidence has emerged to support it. Additionally, it has been seven months since visa restrictions were imposed on several Georgian judges, yet no evidence has been presented in that case either, which is thought provoking for the Chairman.
Head of State Security Service of Georgia reports to Parliament, boosts narrative about a planned revolution in Georgia
Head of State Security Service of Georgia, Grigol Liluashvili presented the agency’s 2022 activity report to the Parliament on October 20th. As Liluashvili pointed out, hybrid threats against Georgia were an important challenge to Georgia's national security in 2022. According to Liluashvili, there were active attempts by specific groups to use the hostilities in Ukraine for their own political agendas. Information campaigns were aimed at deliberately misleading the public and artificially inciting protests among the population. Liluashvili underlined that the SSSG and other state agencies were also targeted by disinformation campaigns, which were actually directed against the country's security, served to reduce the population's interest in matters of state importance and, ultimately, damage the country's peace and security environment.
The head of the SSSG was asked about the so-called “revolutionary scenario” investigation, in the framework of which the SSSG secretly recorded a training for civic activists funded by USAID and questioned people involved in it. Grigol Liluashvili stated that no one has been able to question the authenticity of the evidence provided by the SSSG. All of the people that were questioned during the investigation had short answers and could not recall most details, which according to Liluashvili is suspicious. Additionally, Liluashvili underlined that the SSSG informed the public on September 18th about a potential plan to incite a revolution in the country, which also highlighted a plan to train young activists on revolutionary activities. On September 25th, the training actually took place, further proving that the plan to overthrow the government is credible and real.
Grigol Liluashvili also said that most of the Georgians fighting in Ukraine are patriots, which will contribute to Georgia’s security, although they must act in accordance with the states declared policies to minimise risks. Liluashvili underlined that there is a group within the Georgians fighting in Ukraine which have expressed desire to conduct destructive activities towards Georgia. “I hope they will think and put their homeland’s interests first so that we can all save Georgia from destruction”, stated the Head of the SSSG.
- Shalva Papuashvili also commented on the investigation about the so-called “revolutionary scenario”, expressing disappointment that to date, the donour organisation has provided no proper explanations and has not distanced itself from these processes.
- Journalists also asked Secretary General of the Georgian Dream and Mayor of Tbilisi, Kakha Kaladze about the investigation. Kaladze stated that there are direct calls to overthrow the government and the public has seen footage of a training about how to incite a revolution, picket state institutions, etc. “We will not allow anyone to create chaos, incite revolutions and cause bloodshed in the country”, stated the Mayor.
Parliament adopts amendments to “the Law on Broadcasting” and “the Law on Manifestation and Assembly”
On September 30, the ruling party introduced amendments to the Law on Assemblies and Manifestations, swiftly passing them into law on October 5th (See previous edition). Similarly, after heated debates, the Parliament approved the amendments to the Law on Broadcasting, on the basis of which programs and advertisements containing hate speech and incitement of terrorism fall under the purview of the Communications Commission of Georgia. According to the current law, it is possible to respond to the violation of the mentioned prohibition only within the framework of the self-regulation mechanism of the media service provider. Broadcasters who violate the ban on hate speech and incitement of terrorism will first receive a warning. In case of committing a similar violation repeatedly within a year - a fine of 0.5% of last year's income, not less than 2,500 GEL, will be imposed. In case the broadcaster continues to violate the law, the fine increases. According to the ruling party members, the draft law was approved by the EU and is in line with EU directive. Critics of the amendments suggest that Georgian legislation does not contain a definition of hate speech. Therefore, it is unclear how the Communications Commission will define hate speech when responding to specific cases. According to NGOs, the new law leaves room for interpretation, as different views on the definition of the term risk expanding the number of cases that the government can sanction.
- According to the Chairman of the Georgian Dream, Irakli Kobakhidze, the regulation is completely based on the directives given by the EU. The ruling party proposed three different versions of the amendments to the EU and GD adopted the one that the EU had chosen and recommended, he said. Kobakhidze underlined that the Georgian Dream has no political interest in the matter and the proposed amendments are adopted to follow the directives of the EU. Talking about the amendments in “the Law on Manifestations and Assembly”, Kobakhidze argued that on the backdrop of the investigation launched by the SSSG regarding the USAID-funded trainings, as well as attempts to overthrow the government in June 2022 and March 2023, everyone who opposes the amendments in the law is a supporter of a revolution in Georgia.
- Chairman of the Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili stated that if issues regarding hate speech on broadcasting services was only self-regulated, the law proposes a new instance – the Communications Commission, in accordance to the European Commission’s request. The decisions made by the Communications Commission can also be appealed in court, a judiciary instance will be automatically added. “This is a European standard. Everyone who opposes such amendments opposes integration in the EU and supports hate, terrorism and perversion”, stated Papuashvili.
- Georgian Dream MP, Giorgi Volski emphasised that the amendments to the Law on Manifestation and Assembly could be assessed as anti-European if there was no evidence that certain groups are planning to engulf the country in flames by inciting a new “Maidan”. According to Volski, there are absolutely justified doubts and fears that require relative action.
Pro-Russian propagandists are in line with GD’s attacks against the President, but criticise the ruling party for adopting amendments to the “Law on Broadcasting”
- Pro-Russian propagandist and one of the leaders of Alt Info, Aleksandre Palavandishvili stated that President Zourabichvili is a lobbyist who prioritises the West’s agenda over Georgia’s interests. According to the propagandist, Zourabichvili’s rhetoric and actions are directed against Georgia. The propagandist also made remarks about the amendments in the “Law on Broadcasting”, underlining that the state will censor “conservative values”, traditions and moral norms in the name of free speech, labeling them as hate speech.
- Another propagandist on Alt Info argued that the United National Movement and other opposition parties were in debt of President Zourabichvili because she supported the protests during March 7-8th. The opposition returned the debt by not voting for her impeachment. The narrative suggests that the President is in coordination with the opposition parties.
- Sezoni TV anchor and pro-Russian propagandist Nikoloz Mzhvanadze also criticised the President, repeating Irakli Kobakhidze’s words that she is not the President of the Georgian people, but the President of the United National Movement from now on, who only expresses the interests of the US and the West. Another propagandist on Sezoni TV suggested that Zourabichvili the Georgian Dream was forced to choose Zourabichvili as a Presidential candidate by outside forces. Commenting on the amendments adopted in “the Law on Broadcasting”, Nikoloz Mzhavanadze stressed that the law will target “conservative broadcasters” that talk about protecting children from the LGBT agenda, protecting the Georgian Church, and opposing mass immigration.
- Prominent pro-Russian propagandist, Beka Vardosanidze claimed that the ruling party adopted the amendments in order to undermine the Alt Info. According to Vardosanidze, by promoting conservative values, Alt Info has become a threat to pro-governmental TV networks because they want to monopolise the conservative agenda.
Anti-EU propaganda targets candidate status as the European Commission’s conclusion only weeks away
- Kakha Kukava, leader of political party “Free Georgia”, appeared on pro-Russian Sezoni TV and claimed that a revolution is being prepared in the country as it is obvious that Georgia will not be granted candidate status by the EU.
- A pro-Russian social media profile posted that EU candidacy status is a trap for Georgia that is intended to exacerbate the destabilisation in the country and ultimately destroy it.
- A propagandist on Alt Info assessed that the EU is trying to undermine Georgia by forcing to adopt laws that go against its interests, for example, the anti-discrimination law was adopted to set the basis for ideological brainwashing, implementation of the LGBT agenda, and to grant privileges to minorities. The same propagandist propagated that the EU is an extension, puppet of the US, through which Washington is trying to colonise Georgia. Additionally, the propagandist underlined that European integration has not brought any progress in terms of restoring Georgia’s territorial integrity, it has rather damaged this cause, thus Georgia should abandon the idea of EU and NATO membership.
- A different speaker on Alt Info’s broadcast claimed that Georgia is being ruled not by the Georgian Dream, but by orders deriving from some ambiguous NGO’s which have infiltrated state institutions, including the judiciary. The EU prefers a more obedient government in Georgia, therefore it prefers to bring back the United National Movement to government, who terrorized the Georgian population, which logically means that the EU wishes to have the Georgian people under duress and repressions, utilised as cheap workforce and as a geopolitical tool.
- A propaganda source emphasized on the law that was adopted in Ukraine allowing same-sex couples to register a civic partnership. According to the propagandist, the Georgian people must wake up because the candidate status automatically means that Georgia also has to adopt same-sex marriage.
- A pro-Russian propaganda social media profile stated that the EU and the US are declining powers, and the EU is on the brink of dissolution. Despite that EU leaders are making positive statements about Georgia’s candidate status, although it is likely that the EU will have more demands from the Georgian government. Even if receives candidate status, it will still be of no use, and will not mean that Georgia will become a member.
Propaganda around Israel-Hamas conflict blames the West for inciting war, promotes anti-semitism
- Pro-Russian online website “GeWorld” amplified the narrative that Israel bombed a hospital in the Gaza strip, and although this information was debunked, the article suggests that the British and Americans encouraged Israel to conduct this attack. The article generally argues that “Anglo-Saxons” do not show mercy against Russians, Ukrainians, Palestinians nor Israelis, and they want to start a new world war.
- A pro-Russian social media account assessed the festival that was taking place near the Gaza strip during the Hamas attacks as “a provocation”, suggesting it was planned by outside forces. According to the propagandist Israel will be abandoned by the West against the Muslim world, just like Ukraine is abandoned against Russia. The propagandist also propogated a groundless claim that Jewish people will be forced to evacuate Israel and most of its population will be moved to predetermined territories in Ukraine and Georgia, endangering their respective national identities.
- Similarly, a prominent propagandist, Valeri Kvaratskhelia published an article on “GeWorld”, claiming that the West will force Georgia to accept thousands of Palestinian refugees in exchange for funding and EU membership candidate status.
- A pro-Russian propagandist, Arno Khidirbegishvili argued that the US is weaker than ever, and during its attempts to open a second front in Georgia against Russia, it was met with an unexpected second front in Israel.
- While condemning the Hamas terrorist attacks, a propagandist on Alt Info blamed the US for causing them. The narrative suggests that the false promises of the US to the people of Gaza and the US support towards Israel throughout decades ultimately resulted in terrorist attacks on October 7th.
- Founder and one of the leaders of Alt Info, Konstantine Morgoshia stated that Israel and Palestine should realise that they have fallen victim to a trap set by the globalists. The US does not care about safety and fate of Israel or Palestine, rather it wants to see Tel Aviv and Tehran bombarded with ballistic missiles.
- A guest on Alt Info also reiterated that it was in the Americans interest to incite a conflict in the Middle East, suggesting that a second front will force Russia and its allies to distribute its powers away from Ukraine.
- A social media profile posted that people with common sense should be praying for Palestine while “the idiots wave the flag of flesh-eating Israel”. Another social media account argued that “as soon as Zionism is defeated, there will never be a conflict between Christians and Muslims again”.
Propaganda wave hits Ukraine’s liberation efforts as the Ukrainian Rada allows same-sex civil partnerships and outlaws Kremlin-controlled religious institutions
- Alt Info broadcaster stressed that Ukraine is losing the war and is practically destroyed, it is only artificially functioning and on the verge of collapse, only maintained through foreign donations. Commenting on the law that will allow same-sex partners to register social partnerships in Ukraine, the propagandist claimed that the Ukrainians think they are fighting for freedom, democracy and a better future, but in reality they are fighting for Ukraine to be permeated with an LGBT agenda.
- A social media profile blamed the West for inciting the war in Ukraine and forcing the Ukrainian government to adopt a law allowing same-sex marriage. According to the propagandist, the West does not care about Ukraine’s territorial integrity and its only objective was to propagate same-sex relations in Ukraine.
- Disinformation was spread about Ukraine banning the Orthodox Church, although in reality the Ukrainian Rada banned the Kremlin-controlled Church from operating in Ukraine. On this basis, a propagandist on social media posted that anyone who supports Ukraine is fighting against Orthodoxy.
- Another social media account propagated that EU countries and the US are planning to stop their financial and military aid to Ukraine because of corruption within the Ukrainian government and military.
- Alt Info propagandist, Aleksandre Palavandishvili, reiterated the narrative that Ukraine was encouraged and provoked by the hands of the West, but now it is certain that Western funding is in its last stages, thus Ukraine will be abandoned.
Pro-Russian propaganda urges Georgia to join the 3+3 platform
- The meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Russia, Iran, Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Armenia in the framework of the 3+3 format took place this week. Pro-Russian propaganda sources reprimanded the Georgian government for not participating in the format, alleging that the West is forcing Georgia to distance itself from it. Social media posts were shared about the 3+3 meeting, underlining that the nine-point declaration released after the meeting emphasises on respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Sezoni TV anchor Nikoloz Mzhavanadze once again reiterated the narrative that if not for the Russian presence in the South Caucasus, Türkiye would occupy the Georgian region of Adjara. Moreover, Mzhavanadze expressed disappointment that Georgia exchanged Russia’s everlasting friendship for “LGBT Europe and America”, adding that Russia is indeed an occupier of Georgian territories, but that is due to mistakes made by Georgian governments for pursuing NATO membership.
- A propagandist on Alt Info argued that Georgian territorial integrity cannot be restored without negotiating with Russia. The idea that Russia will collapse, lose the war in Ukraine or weaken is unrealistic, therefore Georgia should restore diplomatic relations with Moscow and start negotiations about the restoration of territorial integrity and security guarantees.
- Alt Info leader, Aleksandre Palavandishvili also spread the same narrative, emphasizing that the key to restoring territorial integrity lies with Russia.
