Safety of "LGBT Week" participants is Georgian authorities' important mission

Three closed events will be held in Georgia during the "LGBT Week". They will be a test of how authorities are able to protect the rights of sexual minorities and prevent violence; it is focused on the conditions of the European Union (EU) for the country's status as an EU candidate member, analysts have noted.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the "Tbilisi Pride" organization had abandoned the idea to hold a "March of Dignity" in Tbilisi this year, explaining that it is not safe for its participants. Georgian authorities must guarantee the safety of the "LGBT Week" participants as LGBT opponents threaten to disrupt the events, the "Tbilisi Pride" has stated.

Anna Subeliani, an activist, told the "Imedi TV" that the country's Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) had guaranteed the protection of the "LGBT Week" participants in connection with the threats voiced out by the radical groups adhering to traditional views on gender relations.

Meanwhile, on June 28, several dozen opponents of LGBT people gathered near the building where the film was shown as part of the "Week". However, the police would not allow them to approach the building.

Zaal Andjaparidze, an analyst, has pointed out that in case of violence during the "LGBT Week", the country may have problems with the EU, since a number of recommendations have been received from it, including on ensuring the protection of sexual minorities' rights.

"Authorities have learned a lesson from the mass violence in 2021, which had heavily damaged the government's prestige," Mr Andjaparidze has added.