Democracy Research Institute (DRI) continues its study of ultra-national and far-right discourse in Georgia. In July, 15 far-right groups and their leaders' Facebook pages were identified as the study objects. In addition, Democracy Research Institute also monitored nine online media outlets. The study identified key characteristics of the far-right rhetoric and target groups.

As in the past two months, in July the far-rightist discourse was characterized by overtly xenophobic and homophobic rhetoric. In parallel with the dissemination of anti-liberal messages and the attempt to stir up xenophobia and Islamophobic attitudes among the population, three major themes emerged in July: 1. The homophobic discourse was particularly intensified as a background to ,,Tbilisi Pride.” 2. The campaign against Rustavi 2 TV Company. 3. The issues connected to David Gareji.

Ongoing monitoring of the social media has also confirmed the close link between far-right leaders and particular clergyman, especially in the context of organizing the campaign against "anti-discrimination law" and "depravity propaganda”.

In July, the launch of the anti-immigration campaign, characterized by ethno nationalism linked to the dissemination of the pro-Russian narratives were prominent in Georgian far-rightist discourse. The demonization of the European Union and its identification as the condemnator of Orthodoxy and attempt to associate it with pedophilia and depravity was also noticeable in far-right discourse. The tendency to have the politicians and the leaders who form an ultra-rightist agenda in Georgia (such as Irma Inashvili, Levan Chachua, Jondi Baghaturia, Sandro Bregadze, Konstantin Morgoshia, etc.) as the respondents in the online media was also prominent.

The editorial team of the “Georgia and the World” was particularly active in proliferation of the pro-Russian narratives in the online outlets. They strenuously covered abusive statement by Giorgi Gabunia, the journalist of Rustavi 2, against the president of Russia and at the same time dedicated a positive article to Vladimir Putin's statement where he mentioned that he does not support sanctions towards Georgia because of the respect of Georgian nation.

In July, the intensification of anti-liberal messages was also linked to the case of Rustavi 2, the television which is associated with liberalism and condemnation of national interests.

The monitoring was possible with the financial support of the Embassy of the Netherlands in the framework of the project "Understanding and Combating Far-Right Extremism and Ultra-Nationalism in Georgia”.