March for Dignity - Tbilisi Pride 2021

That this House is saddened and disappointed to note the cancellation of the recent March for Dignity Tbilisi Pride event after a violent counter demonstration; condemns the actions of Georgian authorities which allowed a mob to break in and ransack the offices of the organisers; notes with concern that 53 journalists were among the hundreds injured in the violence around the city; further notes that protecting minorities, and free and fair expression is a cornerstone of liberal democracy, and one which is enshrined in Georgia’s Constitution; gratefully acknowledges the joint letter issued by more than 20 Embassies and delegations in Tbilisi including that of the UK condemning the violence; supports their contention that those responsible for the violence should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law; notes that Georgia is one of the most ancient nations in the world, and that LGBT+ Georgians have existed as long as the nation; shows solidarity with those LGBT+ Georgians and their allies; and offers its support to their continued in the future.