The Ministry of Culture has fired Lasha Bakradze, Director of the State Museum of Georgian Literature, after he made a controversial statement about female representatives of the ruling Georgian Dream party. Bakradze joined the opposition UNM party in July.
On September 3, at a public meeting, Bakradze said that the choice between GD and Unity Platform was easy, especially when you see the women who stand with them. He then went on to say that the women from the ruling party were “used faces,” which was widely criticized.
The Ministry of Culture released a statement saying that Bakradze’s statement damaged his reputation and the authority of the museum. They also said that his statement insulted the dignity of women and went beyond the bounds of freedom of expression.
The Minister of Culture, Tea Tsulukiani, condemned Bakradze’s statement and announced that a disciplinary procedure had been initiated against him. She said that the decision had not been made yet, but that it was up to her to decide what action to take.
Ironically, the Minister herself had published a statement just two weeks ago that was deemed derogatory and sexist towards opposition women politicians. She called them “ungrateful,” “untalented,” “withered,” and “losers.” She also told them to stop annoying people with their messages and behavior.
Bakradze had been the Director of the State Museum of Literature since 2010.
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