Tbilisi, Georgia – The 2023 Equality Report by the Public Defender of Georgia has cleared the police of any blame for failing to protect the Tbilisi Pride Festival from a violent mob on July 8, 2023. According to the report, the rapid increase in far-right supporters at the festival site, coupled with its large size, made it impossible to stop the violence.
The report emphasizes that the events of July 8 demonstrate the inadequacy of relying solely on police forces to protect the LGBT+ community and prevent such large-scale violence and discrimination. It calls for timely and coordinated efforts across various agencies and the public to address these challenges effectively.
On the day of the festival, ultra-conservative groups gathered in the morning, making threats to disrupt the event. Despite police presence at Lisi Lake, where the festival was held, the mob easily overpowered the weak cordons and entered the festival site. Organizers accused the Ministry of Internal Affairs of orchestrating the violence, while the Human Rights Center criticized the insufficient police presence for failing to protect participants.
The report also highlights the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ explanation for not using water cannons, tear gas, or other special equipment to control the mob, citing concerns about endangering participants in the counter-rally, including elderly and children present.
In a broader context, the report raises concerns about ongoing violence, discrimination, and harassment faced by the LGBT+ community in Georgia, attributing these issues to homophobic attitudes, hate crimes, and discriminatory behavior. It criticizes the lack of significant governmental efforts to improve the rights of LGBT+ individuals, particularly noting their exclusion from the National Human Rights Strategy 2024-2026.
Apart from the focus on the Tbilisi Pride Festival, the report also addresses challenges faced by other vulnerable groups, including women, persons with disabilities, religious and ethnic minorities. It underscores the importance of protecting equality rights and highlights the Public Defender’s actions in this regard.
Specific sections of the report delve into issues such as discrimination against women, rights of persons with disabilities, challenges faced by teachers in non-Georgian schools, discriminatory practices in labor relations and service provision, incitement to discrimination against the LGBT+ community, and investigation of hate crimes. The report reflects on various cases and disparities affecting these groups and the need for comprehensive efforts to address these issues effectively.