Prosecutor’s Office refuses to recognize organizers of gay pride in Tbilisi as victims

Members of the “Ashamed” movement were not victims of attacks during the disruption of the gay pride parade in Tbilisi, and their office was not damaged, the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office declares. The Institute for the Study of Democracy criticizes investigators for the fact that none of the organizers of the riots has yet been detained.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that the “LGBT Week” was held in Tbilisi from July 1 to 5. Opponents of the gay pride parade also organized an action, which led to clashes. According to the journalists’ estimates, 53 media representatives were beaten. Lekso Lashkarava, a cameraman of the “Pirveli” TV Channel, was later found dead. By July 30, the number of detainees reached 31.

The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) did not reveal the fact of the attack on the office of the “Ashamed” movement. According to the MIA’s version, the rioters insulted and threatened the activists, but there was no physical contact between them. In connection with the above, the members of the “Ashamed” movement were denied recognition as victims, the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office announces.

The Institute for the Study of Democracy emphasized that the organizers of the riots on July 5 have not yet been detained and urge the Georgian MIA to detain them.

According to the Institute for the Study of Democracy, the investigation is underway under Article “Participation in group riots” of the Criminal Code of Georgia.”The impunity of the persons guilty of such large-scale crimes allows them committing new criminal acts and poses a serious threat to the security of the state and society,” the NGO claims.

The Institute for the Study of Democracy also notes that when identifying the guilt of the participants in the riots, it should be taken into account that the crime was committed on the basis of intolerance towards the LGBT community.

According to the Institute for the Study of Democracy, the investigation into the cases against the leaders of the violent groupings “is being suspiciously delayed.”