Tbilisi, Georgia – The Public Defender’s 2023 Equality Report has absolved the police of any responsibility for the violence that erupted at the Tbilisi Pride Festival on July 8, 2023. According to the report, the rapid increase in the number of far-right supporters, coupled with the large festival site, made it difficult to prevent the violence. The report underscores the challenges of protecting the LGBT+ community from discrimination and violence, stating that police forces alone may not be sufficient to address such issues effectively.
On the day of the festival, conservative groups gathered on Vazha Pshavela Avenue, where they made threats to disrupt the festival. As they approached Lisi Lake, where police were deployed to ensure peace, they failed to provide security as promised. The weak police presence allowed the violent mobs to overpower and break through the cordons. Both Tbilisi Pride organizers and the Human Rights Center criticized the police for their inadequate response and failure to protect festival participants.
The report also discusses a letter from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), which stated that using water cannons, tear gas, or other tactics would have been ineffective given the circumstances of the rally. The MIA expressed concerns about the potential harm to participants in the counter-rally, including elderly and children, and the question of the proportionality of force used.
In a broader context, the report highlights ongoing challenges faced by the LGBT+ community in Georgia, including violence, discrimination, and harassment. It points to homophobic attitudes, hate crimes, and societal discrimination as key factors contributing to these challenges. The report criticizes the government for not taking significant steps to improve the rights of LGBT+ individuals, particularly noting their exclusion from the National Human Rights Strategy 2024-2026.
The Public Defender’s report also delves into issues affecting other vulnerable groups, such as women, persons with disabilities, religious and ethnic minorities. It outlines various challenges these groups face, including discrimination, lack of access to services, and barriers to equality in different sectors. The report highlights specific cases of discrimination and shortcomings in government policies and responses to these issues.
Throughout the report, a strong emphasis is placed on the need for comprehensive and coordinated efforts across various agencies and the public to address systemic discrimination and ensure equal rights for all individuals in Georgia. The Public Defender’s analysis sheds light on the complexities of protecting vulnerable groups, highlighting the ongoing work needed to promote equality and combat discrimination effectively.