The Georgian Woman With The EU Flag

Nana Malashkhia, 47, became an icon of the March demonstrations in Georgia after she was seen waving a European Union flag while being blasted by a water cannon. She told RFE/RL about how she came to be at the heart of the protests.
Originally published at - www.rferl.org/a/georgia-woman...

[@Saukko31]

Respect to this woman and all Georgians who participated.

[@EeeEee-bm5gx]

I was crying with joy and hope the whole time I was watching this. It feels as though a family member has started getting better after a severe illness. Georgian patriots, greetings from Latvia 🇱🇻🇪🇺🇬🇪🇺🇦

[@1jediwitch]

Yes, I'm crying too, tears of joy for these courageous human beings who want to be FREE & Democratic! 🇺🇦✌️🇬🇪✌️🇪🇺 #ruSSiaIsANaziState #ruSSiaIsATerroristState

[@ctrl-del630]

Let me guess, you are American?

[@Darkseidsolosfiction]

​@@ctrl-del630he literally said that he is Latvian

[@prb9934]

This fearless georgian woman with the EU flag impressed me very much! Thank you for your courage! ❤❤❤

[@user-gc5nx3vk5r]

Да, удивительное желание плевать на флаг Грузии, своей страны. Её хорошо этому обучили.

[@xavierfelix2567]

​​@@user-gc5nx3vk5r You're biased

[@decaesaris5093]

@@xavierfelix2567 Nope. He's tr0II from prygozhyn's troll farms

[@Netavi2009]

​​@Е. К. Based on what do you make this completely groundless conclusion?

[@ctrl-del630]

She should have burned the damn flag. And I am allowed to say so. I am from the damn EU.

[@east_coast_ceo1070]

God Bless Georgia 🇬🇪 Love From America 🇺🇸

[@Lysapet]

Georgia on my mind

[@obeyUK100]

It's Brave people like this woman who will force change for the Georgian people! Russia needs to ask itself why all the ex-soviet countries choose the European way of life not the Russian!

[@moscowneversleeps-qx3xc]

We don't have to ask anything, we already know everything. All countries that broke away from the USSR do not have the opportunity to earn and provide a decent life for their citizens. Therefore, they want to join the union in which they will be supported. Everyone wants to get visa-free in the EU in order to be able to earn money to feed their families.

[@ninoberulava6272]

@@moscowneversleeps-qx3xc No, all of the former USSR states want to be protected from Russian aggression and occupation. If that is taken care of, the rest will be simple to do.

[@user-gc5nx3vk5r]

@@ninoberulava6272 а кто нападал на абхазов и осетин????? Россия?????

[@ninoberulava6272]

@@user-gc5nx3vk5r Yes, that was 100% ruzzias doing.

[@user-gc5nx3vk5r]

@@ninoberulava6272 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Lukatz]

The world needs more people like her... people who speak up.

[@OrthodoxSerb_]

Excpecialy in Washington or London...

[@ronnyrudeboy7461]

@@OrthodoxSerb_ No, USA n UK have free speech and democracy, Free Serbia and rest ruzzkinazi down pressed countries.

[@TS-bj8my]

@@ronnyrudeboy7461 From the US Washington needs it badly!

[@OrthodoxSerb_]

@@ronnyrudeboy7461 yes i saw a free speach in usa... and I saw how gb seling democracy all over the world.. very inspiring.

[@OrthodoxSerb_]

@@ronnyrudeboy7461 why U shut down all Russian media in your country?

[@heavysoftness8530]

Thumbs up to Georgia striving for democratic values. Democracy is not perfect but I am so glad to have been living and still live in European democratic countries. You are an entity and have own identity yet demonstrate you belong with us to EU 🇪🇺🥰love from 🇨🇵🇮🇹🇩🇪

[@karoltomis5704]

Here is like the police in pro-Western/pro-US Czech Republic is treating the protesters recently: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5CkY5Vji72UmJY

[@johannesnicolaas]

I have some Armenian friends who I respect much but now I have to put the Georgians too on my list! great respect from Holland to you all in Georgia! Such courage. Warms my heart.

[@ctrl-del630]

Why, because they dare to wave an EU flag, not knowing what it actually means? Ask Orban or Vucic. They can tell you.

[@ecoelegant12]

@@ctrl-del630 Ask Orban, ask Orban, Vucic, may we ask Janukovich as well?)) Haha.

[@Qartlos]

@@ctrl-del630 what kind of response is this? What is your point here?

[@ctrl-del630]

@@Qartlos If you have to ask me this then you are either lost or lazy, or both. I am tired of being the teacher for the world. Ifound out the truth, so can you.

[@Qartlos]

@@ctrl-del630 9 year old's response when can't argue☝️

[@oldwarvet6425]

Great heroic display by you. Remember your never to old to stand up for your rights. I wish you and the people of Georgia much success..

[@user-gc5nx3vk5r]

Почему грузины из ВСУ быстро переместились в Тбилиси????? Поучаствовать теперь в этих беспорядках, видать побольше заплатили, чем платит Зеленский. А кто может заплатить больше????

[@xavierfelix2567]

​@@user-gc5nx3vk5r Say whaaat?? You make absolutely no sense!!

[@jb-jw9kw]

Slava Georgia from Latvia.

[@SL-sd3sg]

And from 🇬🇧

[@user-gc5nx3vk5r]

Латвия всегда с теми, кто хочет лечь под США. !!!

[@decaesaris5093]

And from 🇷🇴Romania

[@ctrl-del630]

"Slava Georgia".... Because she waves an EU flag?

[@decaesaris5093]

@@ctrl-del630 Slava Georgia because has the guts ti stand their tyrants and because they praise the democracy opposite to you ruBotsky 🤡

[@susanwestern6434]

Respect to you Nana. Georgia needs people like you.

[@FishingSGsWild]

her bravery and utter selflessness brought tears of anger to my throat.... TOTAL RESPECT for her.

[@rffromusa8319]

The picture of her being surrounded by all those people trying to protect her will be something I will not forget. It's a powerful symbol. And I hope the world will support Georgian citizens in choosing their path into the EU if that is the route they continue to want to take.

[@ctrl-del630]

You have a Ukrainian flag as your avatar here on youtube. Then you know exactly what happened in 2014 in Kyiv. Who insigated it and what came after. I foresee the same thing happen for Georgia.

[@rffromusa8319]

@@ctrl-del630 it's already happened. russia can't have democratic European values in it's neighbors, so they invade and annex/occupy land. It was done twice in Georgia prior to 2014.

[@ctrl-del630]

@@rffromusa8319 Your response is exactly as expected. Are you payed to push this story or are you really that stupid?

[@fgadenz]

Nana Malashkhia, you bring tears to my eyes. As a symbol of all the brave and free people from Georgia, your stand was as beautiful as strong. May Georgia democracy become stronger everyday! My deepest respect and admiration for all Georgians you represented in your defiant gesture!

[@itsallinthehead]

That’s a very courageous woman, and quite young looking for 47! Good for her!

[@johannesschubert403]

WOW just WOW!!! This woman is so impressive in her emotionality and will. and bravery to stand up for her ideas. She is a rolemodel for Gen Z. And she is beautifull with her smile. I wish her all the best and I wish Georgia to become a part of the western world! ❤

[@mavigogun]

Seems like there's always some guy that can't let a woman accomplish something without commenting on her appearance. Seriously, dude- work on your issues.

[@johannesschubert403]

@@mavigogun work on your own issues. She would have achieved the same without being beautiful, but I think giving a compliment should not be criminalized. I like to receive compliments as well. And this was simply a display of my emotions. Perhaps you‘re jealous? ;-)

[@mavigogun]

​@@johannesschubert403 If you are lucky, there are women in your life that will speak to you frankly about your behavior. Go ahead, tell them about this conversation, see what they have to say about their experience, the impact your comments make. If your ego can take it, you may even earn some respect- and develop some in the process.

[@johannesschubert403]

@@mavigogun thanks for your remarks. I have many very smart, beautiful and independent women around me. If you believe or not we have discussions about many things regulary, but never about this one issue you have. They in turn also make compliments about good looking men (and women). And to be honest, I rather live in a peaceful world, where men and women are allowed to make compliments than in a socalled „feminist“ world, where there exist „evil“ men and „good“ women like you see yourself. Just look at the latest behaviour towards the ukrainian issue by the german main feminist Alice Schwarzer. She has lost all her trustworthiness by now…

[@darcyroyce]

​@@johannesschubert403oh damn, we should've stopped at being kind and complimentary towards each other. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I, for one, appreciate a compliment. 😊❤️🙏

[@lukeamato2348]

Respect

[@FreeTerran]

You are welcome in our EU family! Very strong! 🇬🇪🇪🇺

[@gladlawson61]

One of the best stories I've woken up to in a long while.

[@cherchezlesoir7166]

Here we see the core of democracy and freedom! God bless you...

[@lukeamato2348]

Georgians have something the russians don't...Courage!

[@user-wz3cg1gg5z]

А что у них есть ? Биолаботариии по всей стране ? И вино которым Европа брезгует...🤮🤮🤮 и которое покупает Россия - без России они грузины сдохнут с голоду .. У меня в квартире газ ⛽️ ⛽️ ⛽️ ⛽️ ⛽️ ⛽️ а у вас ? 😅😅😅😅😅

[@nanna1334]

@@user-wz3cg1gg5z oink oink Russian imbecile, Without you we would have been more than better, it's funny how you say that we thrive cause we have Wine import to Russia LOL, we have many source of income, also to brag about having a gas in your apartment in 21 Century which is accessible shows how ignorant you really are, you need to get educated and stop being arrogant cause you sound sh1t.

[@nichderjeniche]

@@user-wz3cg1gg5z Thanks for the good example why nobody likes you.

[@nickbregadze4497]

@@user-wz3cg1gg5z did you ask Putin for permission to write a comment

[@nickbregadze4497]

@@user-wz3cg1gg5z we have electricity, gas, heating and human rights. You and your whole occupant country can fuck off with your own Soviet machines.

[@speedtrap420]

Hugs of freedom to this lady, keep waving your flag! Freedom is universal and in demand!

[@bloggalot4718]

This reflects badly on the Georgian authorities and shows a lack of respect for democracy.

[@angelangel1]

Thank you Nana and all freedom fighters all over the world for your courage and strength, the world needs more people like you! 🌹

[@mv_5878]

Respect. Takes courage.

[@KrlKngMrtssn]

As an EU citizen, it makes me proud when the common flag, which unites us all Europeans, serves as symbol for freedom, peace and prosperity. I only hope and wish your country will one day be as free, sovereign and peaceful as any other proud and sovereign European nation walking under that flag! 🇪🇺 ❤ 🇬🇪

[@KougaJ7]

During the day, Georgian woman is a polite and kind civil servant. But at night, Georgian woman turns into a fierce warrior fighting for European membership for her country!

[@ecoelegant12]

Yup!

[@bobnh05]

In the interview, she states that she grew up under the Soviet occupation. That says it all., and it is something Putin doesn't understand. None of the former Soviet States (Georgia, Lithuania, et al), none are going back to those days. It would be a fight to the death, such as is happening in Ukraine.

[@logicalsgt8829]

I’m with Georgia 🇬🇪 stay strong ✊

[@giobbymenta]

It takes a Georgian woman to remember us how important European Union values are!

[@isotropisch82]

@@user-gc5nx3vk5r Gay Pride yes, that Europe is a haven for beastiality is made up Russian propaganda that only the lowest form of gandon, like yourself, would believe.

[@MrKim-kv2vv]

What a great interview! Stay strong Georgia 🙋🏼

[@watjejanssen7535]

great woman respect !

[@wilfriedholscher7029]

Strong Woman, strong Georgia.🇪🇺🇬🇪

[@melindabraun6060]

oh wow! her bravery and humbled attitude made me cry! 😭I am german and about her age. I feel that we need them as much as they need us. where there is unity there is also victory and freedom to us all.

[@Mac-ix4qp]

Sometimes anger provides that energy and courage needed to resist Oligarchs and their toadies. Good for her.

[@kristalkristal2506]

I'm moved to tears, truly. Georgia deserves freedom, security and democracy just as much, if not more, than we do.

[@debralucas9519]

Absolute battle queen 👑

[@Aussie-Mocha]

Wow! Powerful words from the heart and soul of a regular human. Let’s hope no one has to die on the streets of Georgian cities for them to become an EU member! Glory to Georgia 🇬🇪 ✊🏻

[@Silveirias]

Love and support to Nana and the Georgian people from Finland. ❤ 🇪🇺 🇫🇮 🤝🏻 🇬🇪 🇪🇺

[@lievenmoelants]

Great!

[@toolsandstuff8538]

Rise UP for freedom, brave georgian people !

[@ellasmommy9278]

What a great woman! Sometimes it just takes one person to do what's right and everyone will follow. She may have been angry, but she was also courageous. I'm glad everyone stood behind her, with her, around her and held her up because she won the day . 🇪🇺

[@donquixote1502]

Dear Nana, you are amazing and no matter what you think, you were very brave that day ❤ from Sweden

[@Windfree07]

We all saw the bravery and the courage of the georgian's people. Even the woman with the EU flag and the people who helped her. The world saw you. Never stop fighting for your freedom and democracy. You fully deserve it !

[@thefisherking78]

Wow, her courage is truly impressive

[@smeraldoderosa7556]

I hope I will have the same courage!!!

[@hansericsson7058]

Respect!!

[@joaomaxado65]

I saw more faith on EU from those who aren't in EU than here inside !!! Our children will hate Merkel's generation, Sarkozy, Schroder, (mine), etc. because we were so "naïve" to believe in a democratic Russia! But, I have doubts if these politicians were so naïve ...

[@johnl7710]

Great lady, very brave and very smart. If she is an example of what Georgia has to show the world then lets see a lot more. Respect from UK.

[@nenasiek]

Most heroes dont see themself as heroes, they just acted. That is what inspires the rest of us

[@robertturner5848]

The power , strength and conviction of a woman! Awesome!

[@bayoumeme7743]

It takes every person with that strength and stubbornness to make a change for the better of mankind. Just one person can turn the tide of change to lead the charge. And, it happened. Georgia should be in the EU. History dictates that.

[@peacehope23]

I'm so proud of the bravery of the people of Georgia especially this lady...respect u ma'am and I salute u...❤️

[@lornamorgan3575]

An iconic image. When righteous anger overcomes fear, then dictators tremble.

[@joaomaxado65]

That's what the Georgians must do against the cannons (even of water): UNITED AND FIGHT.

[@robertbate5790]

LORD may they win their peace ♥️🙏♥️🙏♥️🙏 🇬🇧

[@birouldoi1776]

I hope European Union will support Georgia to become part of our great family. Greetings and prayers from Romania. 🇬🇪🇪🇺🇷🇴❤️

[@b0w3rick43]

Respect to that woman 🙏🇪🇺👍🏻❤️

[@Deelom100]

Respect for this women and all protesters in Georgia. Greetings from Belgium! Capital of the EU

[@sophiaabramovich8401]

This one woman has more strength than all Russians put together

[@anitagorse9204]

EU parlament should invite her to Brussels to a parlament session and give her a standing ovation. And a new flag! 👍🇪🇺

[@flamehairdisaster1]

You embody what is pure good in the world. Your country deserves real freedom, and to be free of the Russian invaders. Respect to the lady, and to Georgia!

[@PedroCostaLopes]

Change is made of small heroic and unreasonable acts like yours. I hope Georgia and Moldova are accepted in EU, as well as Ukraine. You deserve our solidarity.

[@Vixctor13]

It's interesting to see people from non-EU countries put so much hope in the EU. Being from a EU country I'm so used to hearing all the complaints.

[@stevemcgowen]

The funny part is those complaining are from other countries, mostly, or are from the EU, yet wont move out of the EU- which they claim to hate. It's like Ruzzians and Chinese who move to the West, and endlessly go on and on about how their home country is better. Yet they live in the West...

[@EeeEee-bm5gx]

Well, outside 'the West' things are so terrible that any EU problems seem pretty insignificant. EU is probably the best region to live in on the globe.

[@CC-fi9gp]

What wonderful woman standing up for freedom against Soviet oppression ❤

[@markusbbb9627]

We Europeans, united we are strong, separated we are weak. The European "umbrella" covers us under any aspect. Economic, diplomatic, and even military aspect. Before the invasion of Ukraine we didn't have the exact frame, now we realize what it means being united. Surely it's also and mainly because of NATO but economically we resisted because of EU

[@CutterCo]

I have special feelings to Georgia because we smuggled our cat from Tbilisi to Finland about 10 years ago. Georgia is located between Europe and Asia but the culture seems totally European to me (historically too; it's the second Christian country in the world after Armenia). I think Georgia absolutely belongs to the European community if they want it. I asked it from the hostel owner back then and she seemed willing to join, at least.

[@nikiTricoteuse]

Beautiful AND brave! The Georgian people have much to be proud of.

[@emveeie1391]

Stay strong and Georgia will prevail nl❤ge

[@michaelhannemann7565]

❤❤❤Awesome Respect Nana, you may feel like a normal human being standing up for your "Freedom of Speech" in tough times, but it is this very "ACT" that makes "YOU stand much TALLER than your fellow human beings because you choose to make such a stance against a political regime which is doing its best to take your freedom away and turn its people into "living, breathing, zombies" with no "will" to stand against the political government that the citizens (of that country (which ever it maybe)) feel and know that their "Freedom of Speech" is being taken away ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉.... Great Respect Nana... Great Respect to the people of Georgia 🇬🇪 Blessings from Australia 🇦🇺 🙏

[@imaginemetoo]

Respect Georgians stand up for their rights 🇬🇪✌️ Not like ruzzians.....

[@FurryCruz]

How does a country have Police that act like thugs in this way. I understand the Ruzzian police that are hired by corruption, but expected more from Georgian police.

[@mnnglss_xstnc]

MONEY

[@stevemcgowen]

The government of Georgia takes orders from the kremlin...

[@kenjiione]

BRAVO BRAVO 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@giovannianni6742]

Hell yeah!! That gesture made us all incredibly proud of our democratic values. Georgia is relevant, proud and belongs in the EU, if the Georgians will want so ❤

[@tekk9995]

Deep deep respect for her and the people of Georgia. They realize the importance of an EU family where we can be united but still have our own identity and share common interests. I think of the protesters here in NL - although not many - who want to leave this project called EU. They don't know what they are talking about. And to be honest I'm a bit ashamed about it. Glory to you Georgia! Let's hope we can welcome you and Ukraine in the years to come. And give Russia a BIG FU.

[@JOEDIRTERULEZ]

WE STAND WITH YOU IN CALIFORNIA...................YOU HAVE MILLIONS OF BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CALIFORNIA

[@richardstephens9647]

Nana, You are wonderful!

[@alesh2275]

It’s the Eastern Europeans who better understand what liberal democracy and freedom really means …

[@AJ-Lohinska]

Good for you, Nana Malashkhia! This unity protects our right to be our own traditional cultures. If people feel protected, they feel safe to be what their cultural heritage is all about. If they wish to be more akin to the Europeans they are, then let it be so.

[@lennardschneider6847]

Thank you so much for telling your story, Nana.

[@pnf197]

One is never great, they are thrust into greatness in a moment they least expect, when their identity and freedom is being attacked, the ordinary person has the power to rise against the machine of hate. Hopefully we are all Nana Malashikhias.

[@andrewwarren4206]

Another brave woman. ❤ #Rolemodels.

[@kosh2001]

Great seeing the great people of Georgia stand up for their freedom....keep up the good work from America.

[@shanecrawford6023]

Brave woman.🇨🇦

[@Joycemcnamara]

How cool! 47 years old. She is awesome. And a beacon for the Gen Zers.

[@maxros8102]

Respect to the Georgian People 💪

[@stefanomirra3612]

"we need the strength that is the European Union" 💛💙

[@sirrodneyffing1]

Please, freedom from Russia at last.

[@meegomae]

thanks Nana

[@jrmerida]

Never doubt this truth: Besides God, there is no greater force than an entire people united toward a just cause.

[@dougalportree603]

Standing up for your rights is bravery. I hope she doesn’t get arrested now they know who she is

[@floriandanzinger6027]

I hope Georgia will soon join the EU. We need courageous women like her,

[@miriam7779]

I hope I'm at least half as strong as this brave woman.!❤

[@xavierfelix2567]

¡¡FREEDOM HAS A PRICE!! THIS WOMAN AND HER HUSBAND SUPPORTING HER ARE THE CORE THAT CREATES DEMOCRACY!!

[@decaesaris5093]

Bravo Georgia. Respect to this woman and all the protesters 👍

[@user-gc5nx3vk5r]

Она разве не свободна и зависима ???? Разве что уже от США и ЕС.

[@decaesaris5093]

@@user-gc5nx3vk5r U ruskyi nazi invaders invaded annexed and opressed ALL your neighbouring countries for centuries as you also invaded Romania when you nazi ruSSians were allied with the nazi Germany in Molotov-Ribbentropp Pact. As a romanian I tell you to go Fk Yourself out of Georgia & Ukraine you okupantyi

[@tbd-5160]

Most heroes are just ordinary people who chose to do extraordinary actions.

[@rorychivers8769]

Normally the fire department is only tasked with putting out fires, I'm not sure what they were thinking here.

[@youxkio]

Georgian Joan D'Arc. Brave Countries are made of Brave Men and Women. Huge hug to you, Nana, and to your peers. Audace Salut!!!!

[@clalmeida67]

SLAVA NANA! 💪🏼 SLAVA GEORGIA! 🇬🇪 ☮ Love from Portugal!

[@JanoschNr1]

That woman has more balls than entire Russia!