Ombudswoman addresses Prosecutor’s Office to launch criminal prosecution against a cleric

Georgian Public Defender Nino Lomjaria has addressed the country’s Prosecutor’s Office to launch a criminal prosecution against archpriser Spiridon Tskipurishvili ‘for his calls for violence’ during Tbilisi Pride events back in July. 

 

Lomjaria says that Zurab Makharadze, a right-wing activist and an anchor of Alt-Info channel, must also be hold accountable for violence as he was one of the organisers of a rally of right-wing activists on the day when the supporters of sexual minority had plans to hold a march in central Tbilisi. 

 

On July 5 the right-wing activists attacked journalists and damaged several buildings. 

 

Lomjaria says that 53 individuals have received the victim status, while 27 others have been held accountable. 

 

However, Lomjaria states that none of the individuals has been arrested so far for organising the demonstration of right-wing activists. 

 

One of the journalists who was attacked on July 5, died after several days from the incident. 

 

Police are also investigating the death.