Statement by Non-Governmental Organizations on the 14 and 16 June Events
Tbilisi. Non-governmental organizations release statement on the 14 and 16 June events.
“The public saw clearly that the LGBT+ activists were prevented from exercising their right outside the Chancellery on 14 June. They, as well as other peaceful citizens, journalists and representatives of the Public Defender, became a target of threats and violence on the part of the groups whose leaders have links to the Russian Federation.
Considering all the above, we believe that, in the situation that has taken shape, the following is necessary:
The law enforcement bodies must investigate in a timely and efficient manner the violent actions committed and calls made at the rallies on 14 and 16 June;
All necessary preventive measures must be carried out in order to ensure the safety of LGBT+ activists during the Tbilisi Pride Week so that they are able to freely exercise their right to public assembly and expression;
The government must be particularly careful and pay special attention to the extremist forces stepping up their activities in the country, study their possible links to the Russian special services and efficiently respond to the threats and challenges that exist in this respect,” is noted in the statement.
Source: isfed.ge
