Pro-Russian Conservative Movement announces violence to disrupt Tbilisi Pride festival

Koka Morgoshia, a leader of the pro-Russian and homophobic Conservative Movement, on Friday announced violence during the Tbilisi Pride festival, claiming the July 8 would be the “ final nail in the coffin of July 5”, in reference to 2021 violence during the planned Tbilisi Pride march that left more than 50 media representatives injured. 

“July 8 is also a day of great content and is in no way inferior to July 5. I will tell you directly – July 8 will be the last nail on the coffin of July 5,” he says in the movement’s Telegram channel. 

Tbilisi Pride, a domestic organization promoting the rights of sexual minorities, on June 2 announced it would  celebrate “the month of dignity and pride” by holding Pride Week in Tbilisi on July 1-8, adding “no march” would take place and events would be closed, including the festival on Saturday. 

Tbilisi Pride claims they had received security guarantees from the country’s Interior Ministry for the festival.