Tbilisi, Georgia – The Public Defender’s 2023 Equality Report has cleared the police of any wrongdoing in relation to the violent incident at the Tbilisi Pride Festival on July 8, 2023. The report highlights the rapid growth of far-right supporters at the festival site and the challenges faced by law enforcement in controlling the situation.
According to the report, the protection of the LGBT+ community and the prevention of violence and discrimination cannot solely rely on police forces and often prove to be insufficient. The report calls for coordinated efforts involving various agencies and the public to address such challenges effectively.
On the day of the festival, ultra-conservative groups gathered in the morning and made threats to disrupt the planned event, leading to police mobilization at Lisi Lake. However, the police presence was deemed inadequate by festival organizers and human rights groups, who accused the Ministry of Internal Affairs of orchestrating the violent mobs.
The report also reveals a letter from the Ministry of Internal Affairs citing the ineffectiveness of certain crowd control measures due to the demographics of the rally participants, including elderly and children. The issue of proportionality in the use of force was noted as a concern in the letter.
Regarding the rights of LGBT+ individuals in Georgia, the report emphasizes the continued presence of violence, discrimination, and harassment fueled by homophobic attitudes and hate crimes in society. It criticizes the government for not taking significant steps to improve the rights situation of LGBT+ persons, citing the exclusion of LGBT+ rights from the National Human Rights Strategy 2024-2026.
The Public Defender’s comprehensive report also addresses challenges faced by other vulnerable groups, such as women, persons with disabilities, religious and ethnic minorities. It examines cases of discrimination, harassment, and inequality across various sectors, highlighting systemic issues that need urgent attention and resolution.