Public demonstrations subject to violent homophobic attacks in Georgia

Background

Homophobic violence has continued since the events in the Identoba case took place. This photo is taken in 2013: it shows a bus with Pride march participants being attacked by an angry mob.

Identoba, an NGO promoting and protecting LGBT rights in Georgia, organised a demonstration on 17 May 2012 to mark the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT). Identoba duly notified the government of their intention to hold a peaceful march and requested sufficient protection from the government against possible violence.

Despite these precautions, the event was accompanied by counter-demonstrations which culminated in homophobic attacks. Several IDAHOT participants were injured. Although the police officers were asked for help, they remained passive in the face of the violence.

Judgment of the European Court of Human Rights

The Court found that the Georgian authorities had failed to provide adequate protection for the demonstrators, even though they knew the risks surrounding the march. They also failed to conduct a proper investigation into the applicants’ ill-treatment.

The Court further found a violation on account of the authorities’ failure to ensure that the march could be held peacefully.

Shortcomings in Implementation

It is still not possible in Georgia for Pride marches to be carried out in peace and security on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Discrimination and intolerance remains pervasive.

 The case is followed closely by a series of local and international NGOs, as well as the Georgian Human Rights Defender.

EIN Activities

The case has been monitored closely by an EIN board member, Nigel Warner, working in conjunction with ILGA-Europe and local NGOs. The case has also been presented in EIN briefings to representatives of the Committee of Ministers.

-        Case Summary on Hudoc-Exec

-        Submission by NGOs (August 2019)