LGBT activists in Georgia have cancelled a Pride march in the capital Tbilisi after violent clashes ahead of the parade.

Tbilisi Pride march cancelled after violent anti-LGBT demonstrations

LGBT activists in Georgia have cancelled a Pride march in the capital Tbilisi after violent clashes ahead of the parade.

Violent groups stormed and ransacked the office of gay rights campaigners on Monday, Georgian authorities confirmed.

Activists posted photos and videos of people breaking into the premises and some journalists had reported that their equipment was broken in the attack.

After scuffles between anti-LGBT groups and the police, the organisers of the 2021 Pride said they would be cancelling the event.

 

“The authorities did not ensure the security of the community and our supporters,” a statement on Facebook read.

“We can not go to the streets full of violent people backed by the authorities and patriarchate and put people’s lives at risk.”

“War was declared against civil society and democratic values.”

Organisers said they had been “actively communicating” with the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs about security ahead of the march.

“The actions of the government have clearly shown that they don’t want to perform its direct duty,” organisers added.

“The inaction of the executive power has put the health and lives of Georgian citizens in real danger.”

Campaigners also called on the international community to oppose “radical groups” and pro-Russian anti-LGBT voices in Georgia.

The country remains under the influence of the powerful Orthodox Church, which has been a vocal critic of governments deemed too progressive.

Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili himself had spoken out against the event, saying that holding a Pride March is “not reasonable” and would create “the threat of civil confrontation”.

Organisers of the event have described the Prime Minister’s comments as “shameful”.

Source: euronews.com