Right-wing businessman blames US Ambassador for death of TV Pirveli cameraman

Right-wing counter protesters of the Tbilisi Pride march in front of the parliament on July 5. Photo: NIno Alavidze/Agenda.ge. 

Agenda.ge, 11 Jul 2021 - 22:33, Tbilisi,Georgia

Right-wing businessman Levan Vasadze, who founded political movement Unity, Essence, Hope earlier in May, has blamed US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan for the death of TV Pirveli cameraman Lekso Lashkarava, who had been previously beaten up by the right-wing counter protesters of the Tbilisi Pride march. 

Vasadze said that the events of July 5 happened because of the US Ambassador, ‘who despite the church’s calls did not remain silent and called on the government to carry out this provocation.’

I believe, most likely Lekso Lashkarava would be alive now if not the provocateurs, who tried to force the pride to our society. First of all, here I remember US Ambassador Kelly Degnan,” said Vasadze. 

He sent his condolences to the family of deceased cameraman Lashkarava and said that it is necessary to find out why he died, stating that he ‘didn’t seem on the verge of death.’

Levan Vasadze earlier in June called on the Georgian government to cancel the Tbilisi Pride events, saying that it could cause ‘destabilisation in the country.’ 

Right-wing businessman Vasadze says he didn’t attend the Tbilisi Pride counter rally due to health issues.