Georgian villager detained after Muslims' conflict with Orthodox Christians

After a brawl over the construction of a mosque in the Guria Region of Georgia, two persons have been hospitalized, and their fellow villager detained.

The incident broke out on January 12, in the village of Buknari of the Chokhatauri Municipality because of the fact that the Muslim community wanted to build a mosque in the village, and local Christians were against it. The brawlers threw stones at each other; both victims are Muslims, the "News-Georgia" has reported.

Several dozen people arrived from Adjara to support the Muslim community. "We came to express solidarity with our Muslim sisters and brothers," said Firuz Tsulkidze, an activist.

Aslan Beridze, the Mufti of Kobuleti and Guria, had a meeting with members of the Muslim community. "Our people don't demand the construction of a fundamental building. When we reach an agreement, a place for praying may be allocated," the Mufti said on air of the Georgian Public Broadcaster.

Nino Lomdjariya, the Public Defender (Ombudsperson) of Georgia, has urged to take measures for all the villagers to have equal opportunities in religion. The state "must ensure social peace among believers," the website of her office has stated.

Ms Lomdjariya has noted that there were cases in Georgia when Muslims' religious rituals aroused the discontent of the Orthodox Christians.

Let us remind you that human rights defenders have also stated discrimination against Muslims in Georgia.