Right-wing extremists have targeted an open-air event as part of Georgia’s so-called Pride week. Hundreds of them gathered on Saturday to storm the festival for more tolerance near the capital Tbilisi and vent their anger on the participants. Rainbow flags, posters and other items were burned and the stage damaged. The organizers express serious accusations against the police officers present.
Georgian media reported that attackers from several right-wing organizations shouted anti-gay slogans and broke through the fence around the festival. According to the report, clergy from the Georgian Orthodox Church also took part in a protest march that initially began peacefully. The festival would be the end of a week of various political, cultural and scientific events. According to police, no one was injured.
Organizers accuse the government of complicity with extremists
In a statement, the organizers of the Tbilisi Pride week accused the government of complicity with violent anti-LGBTQ groups. The attack was “pre-coordinated and agreed with the Ministry of the Interior”. In contrast, the Interior Ministry said the far-right demonstrators had managed to bypass police barriers and reach the site. The Interpress news agency reported that several attackers have been arrested.
President sees freedom of speech violated
President Salome Zurabishvili wrote on Twitter that the constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of assembly and freedom of expression had been violated. The security forces failed to protect the Pride festival. They also did not intervene against the violence, criticized the pro-Western head of state, who has hardly any powers himself.
The EU embassy in Tbilisi was “disappointed”. “Those who incite violence and use violence must be brought to justice,” the representation said on Twitter. The US embassy appealed to the Georgian government to protect the basic human rights of all Georgians. It is undemocratic to use violence and intimidation to silence other views. “It goes against Georgia’s history of tolerance, compassion and pluralism.”
In June, the month of the rainbow, there are numerous rallies, parties and parades worldwide to draw attention to the rights and problems of people from the LGBTQ scene. In some countries, participants sometimes risk their lives because they are not only marginalized by the law, but also exposed to public hatred.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
