Statement of the Public Defender on Yet Another Fact of Religious Intolerance Against Muslims in Kobuleti

Developments in Kobuleti present an extremely alarming picture of religious intolerance. Freedom of movement and religion of Muslim citizens are limited, their dignity and self-respect are violated. Rights of children interested in studying and living in madrasah are restricted while these basic rights, including right to freedom of education and religion, are safeguarded by international and national legislation.

On September 10, 2014, at 13 Lermontov Str. in Kobuleti,  citizens gathered for the purpose of interfering with work and functioning of the Muslim madrasah, slaughtered a pig at the entrance of the school and nailed its head on the door. To this day local Orthodox Christians remain opposed to functioning of the madrasah. Participants of the rally continue to block the entrance road and pupils are unable to enter the building. A representative of the Public Defender has been observing and studying events in Kobuleti. According to local Muslims, intolerant actions of one group of residents against opening of the madrasah have been going on for several months.

The Public Defender believes that in this situation the matter of resolving the situation, restoring violated dignity of Muslims, overcoming discrimination and prevention of intolerance will need more than just a dialogue.

The Public Defender once again calls on law enforcement agencies to make every effort to ensure that Muslim citizens in Kobuleti municipality can exercise their right of religious freedom. These agencies should respond accordingly to discrimination on religious grounds and facts of interference with movements of Muslim citizens.

Source: Ombudsman.ge