Protesting Georgian writers and publishers at the Writers’ House attacked by director’s son Macharashvili

On Dec 3-4, a peaceful protest by cultural figures took place at the Writers’ House in Tbilisi against the beating and arrest of demonstrators participating in rallies following the announcement of parliamentary election results on October 26. This was reported to Chytomo by Nuka Gambashidze, publisher and rights manager at Sulakauri, one of Georgia’s largest publishing houses.

The protesters brought photos of public figures beaten and arrested during the protests, including poets Zviad Ratiani and Tornike Chelidze and translator Data Kharaishvili, which complement the Museum of Repressed Writers located within the Writers’ House.

The current president of PEN Georgia, Khatuna Tskhadadze, broadcasted live from the protest. Protesters continue to await the arrival of the head of the Writers’ House, Ketevan Dumbadze. According to Nuka Gambashidze, the protesters want to ask Dumbadze why the institution remains silent while literary figures who participate in protests are arrested.

Gambashidze shared with Chytomo that Dumbadze has not commented on the protests, although she did contact one of the writers involved, expressing concern with a promise to come. However, Dumbadze later claimed she was unable to attend due to high blood pressure. She advised protesters to seek a comment from the public ombudsman.

The next day, on Dec 4, instead of Keti Dumbadze, her son Nodar Macharashvili met with the writers who returned to the Writers’ House for another peaceful protest. Macharashvili insulted and struck writer Torresa Mossy.

Although Nodar Macharashvili has published several novels in recent years, the protesters label him a criminal, citing his five years in prison for murder and his subsequent move to Russia after his release. Responding to claims in 2018 that he lived as a criminal authority in Russia, Keti Dumbadze stated that her son had no connections to the criminal world.

Macharashvili dismissed the request to support the imprisoned writers, saying, “Are you teaching me how to protect a prisoner? I’ve spent my life in prison!” to one of the protesters. Natasha Lomouri, director of PEN Georgia posted a video:

“He was very aggressive,” Gambashidze said. “It’s shocking how [these questionable individuals] think they can get away with this and how they have infiltrated the cultural sphere.” 

The protesters left the Writer’s House as revolutionary fireworks exploded near police and special forces. Today, the government confiscated all the fireworks at the warehouses where they were stored.

The Writers’ House has not issued any statements; its Facebook page remains silent on the ongoing protest.

The current Writers’ House was built between 1903 and 1905 by David Sarajishvili, a renowned patron, industrialist, and doctor of chemistry and philosophy. It is located at 13 Ivane Machabeli Street in Tbilisi.

As reported earlier in June 2024, Sakartvelo enacted a law mirroring Russia’s “foreign agent” legislation, bypassing a presidential veto. The October 26 parliamentary elections, officially won by the ruling Georgian Dream party with 54% of the vote, were widely contested. Opposition parties rejected the results, and international observers criticized the elections as unfair.

On October 27, President Salome Zourabichvili declared the election results invalid and announced a protest, joined by opposition parties. The opposition demanded new elections, citing widespread violations. European Parliament also refused to recognize the results, calling for a re-vote. However, Georgian courts dismissed opposition lawsuits.

Amid escalating protests, the Georgian Dream party unilaterally approved a new parliament, scheduled presidential elections, nominated their candidate, and announced the suspension of EU accession talks until 2028. This decision triggered mass protests and clashes, intensifying public outrage.

On November 24, publishers and writers joined demonstrations. On November 30, during a protest in Tbilisi, poet Zviad Ratiani was assaulted.

Copy editing: Terra Friedman King