Joint Statement of the Embassies of Austria, Bulgaria, Estonia, the European Union Monitoring Mission, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, UN system in Georgia, the United States, and the EU Delegation to Georgia concerning violence in Tbilisi.
"We condemn today’s violent attacks on the civic activists, community members and journalists, as well as the failure of the government leaders and religious officials to condemn this violence. Participation in peaceful gatherings is a human right guaranteed by Georgia’s Constitution. Violence is simply unacceptable and cannot be excused. Those who incite or threaten violence or commit violent acts are interfering with the efforts of Georgia’s law enforcement professionals to uphold a safe and secure environment. They should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. We call on all Georgia’s leaders and law enforcement to act swiftly to protect those exercising their Constitutional rights to freedom of expression and assembly, to protect journalists exercising freedom of the press, and to publicly condemn violence."
On the morning of July 5, violent groups gathered on Rustaveli Avenue. They announced the disruption of the Tbilisi Pride - march of dignity.
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili said at the government session that it is not expedient to hold a pride march. After that, violent groups attacked opposition tents, beat journalists, and destroyed the Pride offices in Tbilisi. The perpetrators are still walking the streets of the city, throwing stones at cars. They even tried to break into the UN office.
No one has been arrested by the police so far. An investigation has been launched into allegations of violence, obstruction of journalists and damage to other people's property.
