The Public Defender of Georgia, Nino Lomjaria, responds to the "Pride Week" and emphasizes the importance of holding it in peaceful, non-violent environment both in terms of the proper realization of rights by the LGBT + community and their supporters, as well as the conduct of democratic processes in the country.

According to the Public Defender, it is necessary for the authorities to take into account the hard experience of July 5-6 last year and make every effort in the coming days to immediately prevent all possible actions of violent groups.

According to Nino Lomjaria, it should be taken into account that our country has a specific time for taking measures to obtain the status of an EU candidate, and during this period, the people exercising their rights unhindered is gaining additional importance.

"We would like to remind the public that last year, on July 5, groups organized by Zurab Makharadze and other members of Alt-Info carried out group violence in several locations. As a result, citizens and members of the media received various types of health injuries, people were not allowed to exercise their right to peaceful assembly and demonstration, items belonging to various persons were damaged, and journalists were prevented from carrying out their professional activities. Despite the evidence provided by the Public Defender, the Prosecutor's Office of Georgia has not launched a criminal prosecution against the organizers of the group violence," the Ombudsman said in a statement posted on the social network.

The Public Defender calls on the Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia Vakhtang Gomelauri:

In order to prevent possible violent actions, to take timely and effective measures so so as no danger is posed by violent groups to the organizers and participants of the Tbilisi Pride;

To Ensure that all events planned for Pride Week are carried out safely and smoothly. To carry out appropriate work in order to protect the territory adjacent to the Tbilisi Pride office;

To conduct an effective investigation into the alleged threats and incitement to violence in connection with the Tbilisi Pride Week, which started on June 6, 2022;

To respond promptly to any possible violations.

source: IPN