The News in Brief
Monday, July 10, 2023
Prepared by Messenger Staff
US Embassy in Georgia Urges Accountability and Denounces Violence as Tbilisi Pride Event is Cancelled
In a statement issued the US Embassy in Georgia expressed deep concern over the cancellation of Tbilisi Pride's planned and closed event due to the presence of an unruly crowd that posed a threat of violence. The Embassy emphasized that every citizen of Georgia is entitled to their Constitutionally protected right to peacefully assemble, and it is the responsibility of the Georgian authorities to safeguard these fundamental human rights.
The use or mere threat of violence and intimidation to suppress diverse opinions is not in line with the principles of democracy, and it goes against Georgia's rich history of tolerance, compassion, and pluralism. The Embassy called upon the authorities to take decisive action, holding accountable all individuals who violated the law, and to send a clear message that violence is unacceptable in any circumstances.
"Today, Tbilisi Pride was forced to cancel its planned, closed event because an uncontrolled crowd threatening violence denied attendees their Constitutionally protected right to peacefully assemble. The Georgian authorities have a duty to protect the basic human rights of all of Georgia's citizens. The use or threat of violence and intimidation to silence differing views is undemocratic and contrary to Georgia's history of tolerance, compassion, and pluralism. We call on the authorities to hold accountable all those who broke the law and make clear that violence is unacceptable," the statement reads.
Ombudsman Urges Prompt Response by Ministry of Internal Affairs to Address Law Violations
The Ombudsman has called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to take swift and appropriate action in response to all law violations. In light of the recent anti-LGBT group attacks on the Tbilisi Pride Festival, the Public Defender has emphasized the need for the Ministry to protect the freedom of expression and assembly for all citizens and to promptly address any breaches of the law.
The Public Defender reiterated that the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly is safeguarded by the Georgian Constitution, allowing any group to exercise this right, regardless of societal acceptance of their views. It is the responsibility of the state to ensure the protection of all rights enshrined in national legislation.
Despite the prior agreement that the Ministry of Internal Affairs would ensure the safe conduct of the event and undertake preventive measures, the final outcome was unsuccessful, as stated by the Public Defender.
"As mentioned by the Public Defender in a statement earlier this week, the Constitution of Georgia guarantees the right to expression and peaceful assembly in our country. This right applies to all groups, regardless of societal acceptance of their opinions.
Undoubtedly, the responsibility for safeguarding the protection of rights granted by national legislation lies with the state. Despite the pre-arranged agreement that the Ministry of Internal Affairs would ensure the event's safe execution and implement preventive measures, the final outcome was unsuccessful," stated the Public Defender.
US Embassy in Georgia Urges Accountability and Denounces Violence as Tbilisi Pride Event is Cancelled
The use or mere threat of violence and intimidation to suppress diverse opinions is not in line with the principles of democracy, and it goes against Georgia's rich history of tolerance, compassion, and pluralism. The Embassy called upon the authorities to take decisive action, holding accountable all individuals who violated the law, and to send a clear message that violence is unacceptable in any circumstances.
"Today, Tbilisi Pride was forced to cancel its planned, closed event because an uncontrolled crowd threatening violence denied attendees their Constitutionally protected right to peacefully assemble. The Georgian authorities have a duty to protect the basic human rights of all of Georgia's citizens. The use or threat of violence and intimidation to silence differing views is undemocratic and contrary to Georgia's history of tolerance, compassion, and pluralism. We call on the authorities to hold accountable all those who broke the law and make clear that violence is unacceptable," the statement reads.
Ombudsman Urges Prompt Response by Ministry of Internal Affairs to Address Law Violations
The Public Defender reiterated that the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly is safeguarded by the Georgian Constitution, allowing any group to exercise this right, regardless of societal acceptance of their views. It is the responsibility of the state to ensure the protection of all rights enshrined in national legislation.
Despite the prior agreement that the Ministry of Internal Affairs would ensure the safe conduct of the event and undertake preventive measures, the final outcome was unsuccessful, as stated by the Public Defender.
"As mentioned by the Public Defender in a statement earlier this week, the Constitution of Georgia guarantees the right to expression and peaceful assembly in our country. This right applies to all groups, regardless of societal acceptance of their opinions.
Undoubtedly, the responsibility for safeguarding the protection of rights granted by national legislation lies with the state. Despite the pre-arranged agreement that the Ministry of Internal Affairs would ensure the event's safe execution and implement preventive measures, the final outcome was unsuccessful," stated the Public Defender.