The United Nations Human Rights Office condemns threats and assaults at Tbilisi Pride 2021 venues on journalists and organizers.
“We call on Georgia to protect participants in peaceful assemblies, and to investigate violence and discrimination against LGBTI people. Those responsible must be held accountable,” UN Human Rights Office tweeted.
?? #Georgia: We condemn threats and assaults at #TbilisiPride2021 venues on journalists & organizers. We call on Georgia to protect participants in peaceful assemblies, and to investigate violence & discrimination against #LGBTI people. Those responsible must be held accountable. pic.twitter.com/BWj4bw6OF5
— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) July 5, 2021
Today, the ultranationalist groups rallied on Rustaveli avenue hours before the Tbilisi Pride march. They aggressively thwarted reporters to do their work.
The tension mounted as they stormed the Pride office. Rioters hiked up the second-floor balcony of the building as the police blocked the main door. They removed the LGBTQ Pride colours, burnt them and hang the Georgian national flag.
Georgian Interior Ministry (MIA) urged Tbilisi Pride Week organizers to cancel the March of Dignity since various protesting groups were holding counter-rallies on Rustaveli avenue. MIA reported on increased security risks.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili also echoed the march, saying that “it is inappropriate as it poses a threat of civil strife.”
Hours after the clashes, Tbilisi Pride cancelled the March of Dignity, the final event of Tbilisi Pride Week, saying that “the authorities did not ensure the security of the community.”
Tbilisi Pride Week kicked off on July 1.
