Counter-Protesters Storm Georgia’s Annual LGBT+ Pride Event, Forcing Evacuation

Georgia’s annual LGBT+ Pride event in Tbilisi was abruptly halted on Saturday after hundreds of counter-protesters stormed the site, leading to its evacuation by the police. The organisers of the festival announced that they were forced to shut down the event due to the authorities’ failure to maintain the perimeter. Tbilisi Pride stated that the developments indicated pre-coordination between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the violent group Alt-Info.

The interim deputy minister of internal affairs, Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, explained that the pride festival was planned to take place in an open territory, making it difficult for the authorities to provide adequate protection. As a result, attendees were instructed to board buses for their safety just moments before the counter-protesters attacked.

The scene at the site was chaotic, with smoke rising as LGBT+ rainbow flags were burned and right-wing activists danced to traditional Georgian folk music. The British Ambassador to Georgia, Mark Clayton, expressed his shock and sadness at the cancellation of the festival despite the planning and preventive measures taken. He called on the authorities to ensure that those who broke the law and disrupted the peaceful gathering would be brought to justice.

Shalva Papuashvili, chairman of Georgia’s parliament, defended the police response, stating that they had appropriately ensured the safety of participants and journalists. However, Remy Bony, executive director of LGBT+ NGO Forbidden Colours, called on EU countries to provide refuge to the organisers at their embassies, as their lives were in danger from anti-LGBTIQ individuals.

Alt-Info, a far-right group with ties to the Georgian Orthodox Church, has consistently organized counter-protests against the annual pride festivities. In 2021, dozens of journalists were injured, and a cameraman later died during the event. The EU mission to Georgia strongly condemned the direct attacks on the country’s democratic and pro-European aspirations and criticized the burning of an EU flag outside the parliament.

Levan Chachua, the leader of the nationalist and religious Georgian Idea political group, expressed his refusal to join the EU if it would prevent them from entering the heavenly kingdom. Georgia has expressed its intention to join the EU, but Brussels has raised concerns about the government’s backsliding on human rights and civil liberties, particularly in light of its closer ties with Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine.

What measures can authorities take to guarantee the safety of participants at future LGBTQ+ pride events in Georgia?

Thorities to guarantee the safety of the participants. He added that the counter-protesters’ actions were hostile and posed a threat to public order.

Despite the cancellation of the event, Tbilisi Pride vowed to continue fighting for equality and justice for the LGBTQ+ community. They condemned the government’s failure to protect their rights and accused it of turning a blind eye to the violence perpetrated by extremist groups.

The counter-protesters, affiliated with the group Alt-Info, have been known for their extremist views and anti-LGBTQ+ stance. Their participation in the disruption of the pride event raises concerns about the rise of hate groups in Georgia.

Human rights activists and supporters of the LGBTQ+ community have expressed their outrage over the incident. They believe that the cancellation of the pride event highlights the urgent need for stronger legal protections and a more inclusive society in Georgia.

International organizations, including the European Union and the United Nations, have also condemned the disruption of the pride event and called on the Georgian government to ensure the safety and rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

The incident in Tbilisi is not an isolated event in the region, as many countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia face challenges regarding LGBTQ+ rights. Activists and organizations continue to advocate for acceptance and equality while facing resistance from conservative groups.

The cancellation of Georgia’s pride event serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights worldwide. It underscores the importance of fostering a culture of acceptance and combating hate in order to create a more inclusive society.