Georgian religious associations accuse authorities of discrimination amid epidemic

The anti-epidemiological restrictions adopted by the Georgian authorities are discriminatory for non-Orthodox organizations, 11 religious communities have stated. Believers asked not to violate the freedom of religion and not to create obstacles to charitable services.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that by the end of November, Georgia came out to the first place in the world in terms of coronavirus spread. The country's authorities have announced the introduction of severe restrictions since November 28. The quarantine will worsen the economic situation; and ordinary people will suffer, while small entrepreneurs will go bankrupt, Georgian residents assert.

"The government has taken discriminatory steps against religious confessions. In particular, the Prime Minister has stated that the majority of Georgian population is Orthodox; they celebrate Christmas at night on January 7; therefore, the government cancelled the curfew at night on January 7. Unequal treatment on religious grounds is prohibited," believers have stated, the "Rustavi-2" has reported.

Nino Lomdjariya, the country's Ombudsperson, has called on the government to introduce exceptions for religious holidays that are celebrated at night.