Latest on Upcoming Tbilisi Pride

LGBT activists gathered on the territory adjacent to the Administration of the Government of Georgia on June 14, to demand the government officials share their views regarding the upcoming Tbilisi Pride, scheduled to take place on June 18-23, as well as the statement of the Georgian Patriarchate condemning the Pride and calling upon the state not to allow the event to take place.

Part of society against the Pride also gathered at the same area. The rally grew into a physical confrontation between the representatives of the two sides, resulting in the police detaining 28 activists, in order to avoid further escalation. 21 were released late at night, whereas the individuals who were especially aggressive, remain in preliminary detention facilities.

“The Ministry protects and will further protect the right of assembly, as well as freedom of expression of every person, regardless of their political views, religious believes, sexual orientation and other features, if their freedom of expression does not exceed the limits granted by law,” reads the statement of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.

Salome Zurabishvili, the President of Georgia, spoke about the latest developments.

“I am President of everyone, nobody should be discriminated against, but I do not agree with the organization of provocation for confrontation from any side,” said Zurabisvhili, noting that Georgia is tired of confrontations.

By Ketevan Kvaratskheliya

Related Story: Church Urges Government Not to Allow Tbilisi Pride