LGBT opponents announce protests in Tbilisi

Since morning on July 5, opponents of the gay parade in Tbilisi intend to take control over Rustaveli Avenue in order to prevent the "March of Dignity" from being held. The organizers of the action have called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) to react to violence threats.

Supporters of the preservation of Georgian traditional values intend to disrupt the "March of Dignity" of the LGBT community, as they treat it unacceptable to hold a gay parade in the central avenue of Tbilisi. Since morning on July 5, they will spread their supporters along the entire Rustaveli Avenue and establish full control over it, said Zurab Makharadze, a spokesman for the "Alt-Info".

"I announce a general mobilization; and we'll occupy the entire Rustaveli Avenue; there will be no place left beyond our control. No march will be held!" Mr Makharadze has stated.

The LGBT community is holding consultations with the authorities, who should ensure the safe holding thereof, said Giorgi Tabagari, one of the organizers of the march. "The work of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and the State Security Service (SSS) is to respond to threats and violence, we'll make them responsible. We'll not give up in front groups of fascists who simply intend to commit violence against people," the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent has translated Mr Tabagari's words said on air of the "Mtavari Arkhi" TV Company.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on June 24, 2021 at 10:45 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.