Interior Ministry calls on Tbilisi Pride to call off the march planned later today
The Interior Ministry calls on ‘those gathered on Rustaveli Avenue to observe law and order, adhere to the lawful requests of the police and exercise their right of expression in full compliance of the law.’ Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge
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The Ministry of Internal Affairs has called on Tbilisi Pride to call off the march scheduled for 6 p.m. today, due to security risks caused by the counter rally of right-wing groups and the patriarchate.
Individuals gathered at the counter rally on Rustaveli Avenue in central Tbilisi attacked and insulted journalists and obstructed their professional activities.
An investigation has been launched into the incidents, the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced.
The final event of Tbilisi Pride carries risks regarding the safety of persons involved in the event. The organisers of the event have repeatedly been informed about the risks…We call on the participants of Tbilisi Pride to refrain from holding the march in a public space”, reads the statement of the Interior Ministry.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs calls on ‘those gathered on Rustaveli Avenue to observe law and order, adhere to the lawful requests of the police and exercise their right of expression in full compliance of the law.’
Any fact of violation will be strictly and immediately responded by the representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs”, says the statement of the Interior Ministry.
The Ombudswoman Nino Lomjaria responded to the violent events against journalists on the counter protest and called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to stop the ongoing violence in public space, which poses a ‘threat to the lives and health of citizens.’
Tbilisi Pride organisers announced yesterday that the march will take place on July 5, with the announcement of the final plan in the first half of the day, stating that the organising team is working on security issues.
More than 20 people from right-wing groups have been detained during counter-protests in recent days.
Tbilisi Pride week started on July 1 and is planned to end with a ‘march of dignity’ later today.
NGOs and opposition politicians have stated that the inaction of the government and inflammatory statements by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili regarding the Tbilisi Pride march encourage violence by right-wing groups against civic activists and media representatives.
Organisers of Tbilisi Pride march have announced their cancellation of the event on Monday, citing "shameful" comments by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and "inaction" from the interior ministry on ensuring safety for participants in the face of right-wing counter-demonstration in the capital.
The Georgian Patriarchate has reminded demonstrators protesting the Tbilisi Pride march today that their actions ‘must only be peaceful’ after demonstrators demolished tents on Rustaveli Avenue, threw eggs and bottles at several buildings, attacked journalists and broke into the Tbilisi Pride office.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili says that the conduct of the Tbilisi Pride march at 6 p.m. today ‘is not reasonable’ because it may lead to civic confrontation.’
Individuals protesting the Tbilisi Pride march scheduled for 6 p.m. later today are now gathering in central Tbilisi for a counter rally, following the calls of the Patriarchate and right-wing groups. Both sides say that there might be a clash and urge police to ensure safety. Right-wing activist Guram Palavandishvili has stated that the police may stand by the Tbilisi Pride participants which may irritate the public and spark tension.
The ruling Georgian Dream party says that ‘political interests’ and not the interests of the LGBT community stood behind today's Tbilisi Pride march.
Police are investigating an attack on the offices of Tbilisi Pride and the Shame movement by right-wing groups protesting the Tbilisi Pride march earlier today, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced. Civil movement Shame reported that no one was injured in the attack on their office.