On April 29, Facebook users shared photos of sex toys, whips, and handcuffs, claiming that the items were seized during a search of the apartment of Nanuka Zhorzholiani, TV host and founder of “Nanuka’s Found.” Reactions to the posts suggest that some Facebook users perceive the claim as factual.
The photo circulated in connection with the search of Nanuka Zhorzholiani’s apartment does not depict items seized from her home. In reality, the photo was originally published in 2021on a sex forum and has no connection to the TV host.
The photo of sex toys and other items, allegedly seized from Nanuka Zhorzholiani’s home, has been available online since 2021. It was posted on the sex forum of Mumsnet, a UK-based platform created for parents. One forum user asked, “How many sex toys do you own?” In response, a user named PinotPony uploaded the now-circulated photo and simply wrote, “A few.”
The photo shared by Davit Jebashvili shows it was posted on TikTok. The TikTok photo also features the account Avoe.ge. This TikTok account posted the video on April 29. The same account has previously shared a video manipulation about politician Ana Dolidze.
On the morning of April 29, searches were conducted at the homes of Nanuka Zhorzholiani, her daughter, Head of the Human Rights Center Aleko Tskitishvili, and a co-founder of the civic movement “Shame,” Mariam Bajelidze. According to the prosecutor’s office, the aim of the searches was to obtain evidence for an investigation into sabotage. The investigation was launched on February 8, following an application filed by the movement United Neutral Georgia. The leader of the movement is Vato Shakarashvili. On march 17, the bank accounts of five foundations that had been helping participants in the ongoing protests were frozen.
In the past, similar claims were made, suggesting that sex toys were seized during a search of the opposition party Ahali’s office. At the time, a photo taken in a brothel set up in the Girchi party office in 2019 was used to discredit the party.
About the source:
Among those linking the photo to Nanuka Zhorzholiani’s house is Davit Jebashvili, who spreads disinformation on social media through two accounts (1, 2). Myth Detector has previously fact-checked multiple posts by him aimed at discrediting the ongoing protest and activists.
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