Georgia’s Ombudsman Demands Prosecution of Anti-LGBTQ Rally Organizers

The Georgian Public Defender, Nino Lomjaria, has named a priest and a blogger as the primary organizers of the July 5 anti-LGBTQ rally in Tbilisi, which turned violent and resulted in the injury of over 50 journalists and activists. The rally was sparked by the planned Pride march, which was eventually canceled due to security concerns. The Public Defender’s office has been investigating the events surrounding the rally and has concluded that the priest and blogger played a key role in organizing and inciting the violence. The priest, who has been identified as a prominent figure in the Georgian Orthodox Church, has been accused of using his position to spread hate speech and promote violence against the LGBTQ community. The blogger, who has a large following on social media, has been accused of using his platform to coordinate the rally and encourage his followers to participate in the violence. The Public Defender’s office has called for the prosecution of both individuals, citing their role in inciting and organizing the violence. The Georgian government has been criticized for its handling of the situation, with many accusing it of failing to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community. The European Union and other international organizations have also condemned the violence and called on the Georgian government to take action to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The LGBTQ community in Georgia has faced significant challenges and discrimination in recent years, with many experiencing violence and harassment. The July 5 rally was just one example of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice faced by the community. The Public Defender’s office has pledged to continue its investigation and to work towards ensuring that those responsible for the violence are held accountable. The Georgian government has also announced plans to establish a special task force to investigate the events surrounding the rally and to prevent similar incidents in the future. However, many are skeptical about the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of the LGBTQ community, given its past record on the issue. The international community is watching the situation closely, with many calling for greater action to be taken to protect the rights of all citizens in Georgia. The Georgian Orthodox Church has also faced criticism for its role in promoting hate speech and violence against the LGBTQ community. The church has a significant influence in Georgian society, and its leaders have been accused of using their position to promote discrimination and intolerance. The Public Defender’s office has called on the church to take a stronger stance against hate speech and violence, and to work towards promoting greater understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ community. The situation in Georgia is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice faced by LGBTQ communities around the world. It is a call to action for governments, civil society, and individuals to work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting society, where all citizens can live without fear of violence or discrimination. The Georgian government must take concrete steps to address the issues faced by the LGBTQ community, including providing greater protection and support for those who have experienced violence and harassment. The international community must also continue to put pressure on the government to take action, and to provide support and solidarity to the LGBTQ community in Georgia. The fight for equality and justice is ongoing, but with the support of the international community and the determination of the LGBTQ community in Georgia, it is possible to create a more just and inclusive society. The Public Defender’s office will continue to play a crucial role in promoting the rights of the LGBTQ community, and in holding those responsible for violence and discrimination accountable. The Georgian government must work towards creating a society where all citizens can live without fear of violence or discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The July 5 rally was a wake-up call for the government and the international community, and it is time for action to be taken to address the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in Georgia.

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