The state must protect the freedom of expression and the right for peaceful assembly - Holtgen

The spokesman for the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Daniel Holtgen, took to Twitter yesterday to respond to the July 5 protest by violent and homophobic groups and the violence against journalists.

Holtgen writes that the state should ensure the right of people to expression and peaceful assembly.

"We condemn the violent clashes that took place before Tbilisi Pride, which led to the cancellation of the march after threats against the LGBTI community and violent attacks on journalists. The state must ensure and protect the freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly," wrote Daniel Holtgen.

Human Rights Commissioner Dunja Mijatovic also responded to the incident. Mijatovic Calls on the Georgian authorities to protect human rights and punish the perpetrators of the attack.

"Violence against activists and journalists during Tbilisi Pride is a deplorable illustration that LGBTI people face repeated threats in Georgia. The government has a responsibility to protect human rights, freedom of expression and assembly, to protect the security of demonstrators and journalists, and to prosecute the violent goups" Dunja Mijatovic.