Pride Week Death in Georgia Prompts Anti-Government Protest

  • Cameraman was among activists, journalists attacked on July 5
  • EU issues condemnation, backs freedom of media and assembly

A protester holds up a sign during a rally in Tbilisi, on July 11.

Photographer: Vano Shlamov/AFP via Getty Images 

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Thousands of protesters rallied against the government in Tbilisi after a cameraman who was beaten during a Pride Week event in the Georgia capital died.

Lesko Lashkarava was beaten when anti-LGBTQ+ protesters attacked community activists and journalists in the Georgian capital on July 5, leading organizers to abandon a planned Pride Week march. Lashkarava’s death, reported by police on Sunday, was condemned by the European Union’s ambassador to Georgia, Carl Hartzell.