Sex and religion bring Georgian radicals to jail

Eight activists of Georgian radical movement of “Georgia’s Union of Orthodox parents” were sentenced to 4 and a half years in prison, Georgia Online agency reported. The activists were jailed after several months ago they put up a fight at the Caucasia television channel’s building.

According to reports, the fight was caused by a discussion of a book by Georgian writer Erekle Deisadze, “The Saidumlo Siroba,” which is an unprintable version of The Last Supper-linked theme. The scandalous book touches upon issues related to sex and religion and was presented in early May at the Chavchavadze State University.

Immediately after the presentation, members of Orthodox organisations started campaigns against the writer and held rallies in Tbilisi. The independent Caucasia television channel aired on May 7 a show, aimed at discussion of the book. The discussion raised hot debates and several participants of the show got away, leaving the studio. However, when they stepped into the street, they were attacked by radical activists of the mentioned organisation. The fight occurred not only outside the studio, but spread inside, where several journalists were wounded.

Police launched an investigation into the incident on charges of hooliganism and obstructiveness against journalists.