Businessman promises anti-LGBT activists will not patrol in Tbilisi
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Businessman Levan Vasadze, who had earlier called for anti-LGBT activists to form ‘patrols’ to prevent events for Tbilisi Pride, says no such groups will be formed for now.
The decision came after the statement of the Ministry of Internal Affairs earlier yesterday, saying that the formation of such groups is illegal.
We cancel patrolling as we respect our Ministry of Internal Affairs. We hope that no LGBT events will take place. If this happens, we will stand where we must stand [to defend traditional values],” Vasadze said.
The organisers of Tbilisi Pride will say later today whether the event will be held.
Tbilisi Pride was scheduled to take place between 18 and 23.
Read more about Tbilisi Pride and rallies regarding the issue here.
Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze says that human rights in Georgia, including those of sexual minorities, are protected and the issue has been “artificially exacerbated.”
The Georgian Interior Ministry has launched an investigation regarding a threat made by businessman Levan Vasadze last week to create self-organised groups in Tbilisi to prevent the holding of LGBT events during upcoming Tbilisi Pride – a week-long event to raise public awareness about the rights of sexual minorities in the country.
28 people were detained for resisting police officers and other petty hooliganism during last night’s demonstration against Tbilisi Pride in front of the Administrative building of the Government of Georgia. The Georgian Interior Ministry reported today that the detainees tried to break the police corton and threw eggs at the peaceful demonstrators supporting LGBT rights.
Georgian church urge cancellation of event
LGBT Pride Week is set to be held between June 18-23 in Tbilisi to raise the awareness about sexual minorities. The Georgian Patriarchate has urged the government earlier today not to allow the event to take place, “as it is known beforehand that the event will lead to unrest.”
Tbilisi Pride will be held despite threats of disruption, event organisers said in a statement released earlier today amid public tension. They say that “informal groups” pose threats to the LGBT events and the state is unable to ensure the rights of supporters and participants of Tbilisi Pride.
Turmoil around the first Tbilisi Pride - a week-long event dedicated to the rights of LGBT individuals - continues as organisers decided yesterday to hold the events despite threats coming from nationalist groups. the organisers said earlier today that LGBT march will not be held on the central streets of Tbilisi.
A leader of an anti-LGBT rally held in front of the Georgian parliament, Guram Palavandishvili, has been detained for insulting a police officer, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reports.
The Georgian March civil movement, known for its anti-LGBT rallies, has created a political party called Georgian March - National Movement earlier today.
Ultranationalist businessman Levan Vasadze, who has actively participated in anti-LGBT campaigns in recent years, has announced his plans earlier today to enter politics.