On December 7-8, 2016, the Public Defender of Georgia met with the Muslim and Orthodox Christian communities of the villages of Mokhe and Chela in the Adigeni municipality. The two-year dispute between the local Muslims and Christians remains unresolved. The Muslims claim that the building in the center of Mokhe is a mosque and they are ready to defend it, though this is opposed by the local Orthodox Christians.

"One of the main recommendations is to establish the origin of the building. Particularly, specialists should study the issue and present a report about the origin of the building, which should serve as a ground for the resolution of the dispute", - said Ucha Nanuashvili.

During the visit, the Public Defender also met with Samtskhe-Javakheti Governor Akaki Machutadze and discussed the issue of the disputed building, social problems of the municipality, shortcomings in the law on the development of the mountainous regions, construction-rehabilitation of schools and pre-school educational facilities, lack of medical establishments and village ambulatory centers, problems of road infrastructure and water supply, needs of eco-migrants and abuse of power by police officers.

The Public Defender discussed the issue of the disputed building of Mokhe with Tao-Klarjeti and Samtskhe-Javakheti Metropolitan Archbishop Teodore as well.