Conflict between local Muslim and Christian communities over cemetery in a village of Adigeni in Samtskhe-Javakheti region, which grew into a physical confrontation on February 29, appears to be solved.
The two communities have agreed to expand the existing Christian cemetery to an adjacent plot of land, which will serve as a cemetery for the local Muslim community.
Muslim and Orthodox Christian clerics, as well as officials from the local government were present at a meeting between the two communities on March 2 after which the agreement was announced.
Last year Muslim community in the village of Adigeni in the municipality of the same name requested a plot of land for their separate cemetery, which was opposed by the local Christians. Although the issue fully falls within the competence of the local authorities, it was referred to the State Agency of Religious Issues. On February 25 the agency recommended allocation of plot of land for a Muslim cemetery in the village. But dispute continued and on February 29 when head of Adigeni municipality, Zakaria Endeladze, arrived in the village to discuss allocation of plot of land for the cemetery, according to the Muslim community representatives, they were attacked by a group of young men from the local Christian community.
The Interior Ministry said investigation was opened under the first part of article 156 of the criminal code, involving “persecution of persons because of their opinion, faith or political, social, professional or religious activities.” No one has been charged as of March 2.
