May 17

Dozens injured as far-right groups attack Tbilisi Pride, journalists

By | July 5th, 2021|Categories: News|Tags: , , , , |

Far-right activists attacking a reporter for Formula TV. (IPN). TBILISI, DFWatch--Dozens of people were injured in Tbilisi on Monday as far-right activists attacked the LGBTQ Pride parade. There were incidents several places in the capital. The main targets of the attacks were journalists and cameramen for several opposition TV stations that are considered "propagandists for liberalism." [...]

Conservative millionaire Vasadze, who suggested anti-LGBT vigilante groups, to launch political movement

By | May 6th, 2021|Categories: News|Tags: , , |

Levan Vasadze with his followers threatening to set up vigilante patrols against LGBT activists in Vere Park in Tbilisi, 2019. (1tv.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch--After years of denying his intention to go into politics, the conservative millionaire Levan Vasadze finally announced on Thursday that he is launching a public movement. "I’ve made a very difficult decision in my [...]

First ever Pride march in the Caucasus to be held in Tbilisi on July 7 amid threats

By | July 7th, 2019|Categories: News|Tags: , , , , |

TBILISI, DFWatch--The first ever Pride march in the Caucasus region is scheduled to take place on Monday in Tbilisi, amid pressure and threats from conservatives. Both the organizers and supporters of Pride on the one hand, and socially conservative groups on the other, have announced full mobilization. Tbilisi Pride first was planned more than two weeks [...]

Nine detained in Tbilisi as conservatives and LGBT rights campaigners clash

By | June 15th, 2019|Categories: News|Tags: , , |

Levan Vasadze speaking at the counter rally. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--At least nine people were detained by police in Tbilisi at as defenders of LGBT rights clashed with conservatives on Friday. The police had to set up barriers between the two groups of protesters in order to avoid a physical confrontation. The LGBT activists gathered [...]

Gay rights rally canceled in Tbilisi following pressure from far-right groups

By | May 17th, 2018|Categories: Minorities|Tags: , , |

In 2017, activist in Tbilisi met under strict security to observe the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT). (Rustavi 2.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Organizers have called off a gay rights rally in Tbilisi out of security concerns. The rally should have been held in front of the government building in Tbilisi to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT). “Considering all existing […]

Georgia isn’t implementing law it passed in return for visa-free travel to Europe

By | April 2nd, 2017|Categories: Europe|Tags: , , |

Thousands of Orthodox Christians attacked gay rights activists in Tbilisi on May 17, 2013. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia passed a law against discrimination three years ago, and in return the European Union gave its citizens visa-free travel to Europe. But the local human rights watchdog now says the anti-discrimination law is not being fully implemented. […]

Georgia has become a more dangerous place for gays: Rights group

By | May 12th, 2016|Categories: Minorities|Tags: , , , |

TBILISI, DFWatch–The human rights of gays, lesbians and other sexual minorities are being less protected in Georgia, according to the organization ILGA, which monitors the situation internationally. International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex […]

CoE criticises Georgia’s record on religious minorities and LGBT rights

By | March 3rd, 2016|Categories: Minorities|Tags: , , , |

May 17, 2015 (DFWatch) TBILISI, DFWatch–A new report published by the Council of Europe (CoE) highlights persisting issues of hate speech, racism, xenophobia, direct violence, and systemic discrimination in Georgia. On Tuesday, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance […]

All defendants acquitted in 2013 anti-gay rights attack case

By | October 23rd, 2015|Categories: Minorities|Tags: , |

(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi City Court on Friday acquitted four people for organizing a violent anti-gay rights rally in 2013. The four, who also included clergy in the Georgian Orthodox Church, were on trial for urging protesters who disrupted a peaceful rally to mark the […]

Anti-homophobia day marked in secrecy in Tbilisi

By | May 17th, 2015|Categories: Minorities|Tags: , |

(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–When groups in Tbilisi wanted to mark the international day against homophobia May 17, they had to organize it in tightly-controlled secrecy and gather in silence. Time and location was secret, and everyone who showed up, including journalists […]

“This street is taken” – Tbilisi gay rights campaigners prepare for May 17

By | May 12th, 2015|Categories: Minorities|Tags: , |

(Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–“This street is taken – there’s no place for homophobia and transphobia here!” This is the slogan of another online campaign to prepare for the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), May 17. Behind the campaign stands […]

Gay rights activists in Georgia are confined to the Internet

By | May 8th, 2015|Categories: Minorities|Tags: , |

TBILISI, DFWatch–Two years after a violent mob attacked them, gay rights activists in Georgia are confining their protest to the Internet as they observe the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT). No-one has been prosecuted for the […]

Georgia has done nothing to protect sexual minorities: Ombudsman

By | April 1st, 2015|Categories: Minorities|Tags: , |

Anti-gay demonstrators in Tbilisi on May 17, 2014. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia has taken no real steps toward protecting the rights of sexual minorities, according to a new report by the Ombudsman. The report, which was published on April 1, says there is an increase not only in homophobic attitudes but also crimes motivated […]

Protests in support of ‘the invisibles’

By | May 19th, 2014|Categories: Minorities, News|Tags: , |

Several protests were held in Tbilisi in support of the ‘invisible’. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Several protest events were organized in the streets of Tbilisi on Sunday to express support for gays, lesbians and other sexual minorities. This followed Saturday’s massive rallies by conservative groups, who marked the newly announced […]

Conservatives rallied against gay rights on May 17

By | May 18th, 2014|Categories: Minorities, News|Tags: , |

The Georgian Orthodox Church organized many events to mark its non-acceptance of homosexual lifestyle, which it considers a sin. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The International Day Against Homophobia was in Georgia transformed into a day of family values, which was the initiative of the country’s most influential person, the Patriarch. A number of rallies and events were held on May 17 against LGBT […]

Gay rights protesters displaced as conservatives reclaim May 17

By | May 17th, 2014|Categories: Minorities, News|Tags: , |

Last year’s conservative demonstrators against the LGBT event May 17, 2013. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–There will be no gathering in Georgia today to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Instead, the Church and conservative groups plan a number of demonstrations to celebrate the recently announced day of family values. At […]

Georgian group calls on people to mark May 17 on the net

By | May 12th, 2014|Categories: Minorities, News|Tags: , , |

The website calls on people to find creative ways to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, May 17. TBILISI, DFWatch–A website has been created in Georgia to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, May 17. The website is the creation of Identoba, an organization working to promote the rights of lesbians, gays and other sexual minorities. It was Identoba […]