Georgian Police Arrest 26 Far-Right Hardliners

| News, Georgia

Late on July 1, police arrested 26 far-right extremists who were planning to disrupt an upcoming LGBTQ music event at Tbilisi Pride. Among them were a number of Alt-Info group leaders who were close to the Kremlin.

According to the Georgian Ministry of Interior, arrests were made for unruly behaviour and failing to follow valid police instructions in accordance with Articles 166 and 173 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. In defiance of police orders, homophobic organisations allegedly blocked the roads leading to the festival and created fictitious traffic delays.

The Russia-leaning Alt-Info organisation, which became a political party in November, was also organising outside the Parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi's major artery, in an effort to disrupt the event. The Interior Ministry urged the far-right organisations to abide by the law because police were spotted in large numbers close to the Parliament.

Shota Martinenko, one of the Alt-Info leaders, said: "The Georgian Dream is a gay propaganda party." His brother, Irakli Martinenko, reportedly was one of those detained. He announced, "From now on, this is an anti-Western march, as the people were physically challenged yesterday to authorise the event. Debauchery propaganda is commanded from the West." 

Earlier, Caucasus Watch reported that the Georgian Ministry of the Interior opened an investigation into the Conservative Movement party leaders' statements threatening to disrupt the next LGBT+ Pride Week. The Ministry stated that the investigation was launched in accordance with Articles 2391 and 151 of the Georgian Criminal Code, the first of which deals with the public incitement of violent acts and the latter with the threat of death, bodily harm, or property destruction. Article 151 may result in 120–180 hours of community service, corrective work, or up to a year in jail, while Article 2391 may result in a fine or 200–400 hours of community service.

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