Jehovah's Witnesses' Books Burned

Over the past few years the Georgian government has been criticized by many for its weak protection of religious freedom and its refusal to stand up to religious bigotry. That bigotry was on show for all to see recently when parliamentary deputy Guram Sharadze burnt several Jehovah's Witnesses books at a press conference.

Interfax reports:

He said this act conveys his solidarity with priest Vasil Mkalavishvili, who was expelled from the Georgian Orthodox Church and entered on the wanted list for allegedly organizing pogroms at Jehovah's Witnesses congresses and burning their books. He said "no one can be persecuted for burning literature belonging to a sect that has not been registered by the Justice Ministry."

Granted, what he did wasn't illegal - nor should it be. What he did is, however, an expression of hatred and bigotry which is unseemly in an elected representative. He has a position of trust, responsibility, and authority - and he has demonstrated quite clearly the he does not deserve trust, responsibility, or authority.

Read More:

• International Religious Freedom Report: Georgia
• Jehovah's Witnesses (glossary entry)
• Jehovah's Witnesses (critiques)