Residents of Georgian Akhaltsikhe against reconstruction of minaret

Christian residents of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region are holding a protest against reconstruction of a minaret in the village of Chela.

“The mass media reported that the minaret would be reconstructed in Chela. We are against it and want to hold a referendum, as the Georgians should decide whether minarets can be built or not. Moreover, the parliament should adopt a law on the rights of religious groups,” one of the protesters, Goderdzi Kublashvili said, Georgian Online reports.

Participants in the protest stated that they would shut off the road to prevent transportation of the construction to Chela.