Georgia: LGBT Pride Week held in Tbilisi June 18-23

Event

Georgian LGBT groups will hold the country's first Pride Week in Tbilisi from Tuesday, June 18, to Sunday, June 23. Events will be held throughout the week, including a "March of Dignity" on Sunday, June 23, in the city center, including Rustaveli Avenue and Liberty Square. Associated transportation and commercial disruptions are likely during public events.

The government has warned against holding public demonstrations on main streets, stating it would be unable to provide security. The Georgian Orthodox Patriarchate condemned the events and called on the government to ban the events. As in previous anti-homophobia protests, counterprotests are likely during any public event. Violent clashes cannot be ruled out. 

Advice

Individuals in Tbilisi, and Georgia more generally, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all public demonstrations due to the risk of violence, and anticipate localized disruptions.