Georgia Photos: Religious Mob Attacks LGBT Activists

Giorgi Lomsadze May 17, 2013
Several thousand Georgians gather in Tbilisi to demonstrate against a rally held by LGBT activists. Several thousand Georgians gather in Tbilisi to demonstrate against a rally held by LGBT activists.
An Orthodox protester holds a strand of nettle as a symbolic whip for sexual minorities. An Orthodox protester holds a strand of nettle as a symbolic whip for sexual minorities.
While most of the protestors were young men, several hundred Orthodox priests led the mob. While most of the protestors were young men, several hundred Orthodox priests led the mob.
Some protestors carried signs that said “Stop Promoting Homosexuality in Georgia” and “Homosexuality is the Worst Sin.” Some protestors carried signs that said “Stop Promoting Homosexuality in Georgia” and “Homosexuality is the Worst Sin.”
On the eve of the clash, the leader of the Georgian Orthodox Church called on the city government to stop the LGBT gathering. On the eve of the clash, the leader of the Georgian Orthodox Church called on the city government to stop the LGBT gathering.
Gay-rights activists claim that the church fomented the display of violence by speaking out against the rally. Gay-rights activists claim that the church fomented the display of violence by speaking out against the rally.
Protesters chase gay-rights activists through Tbilisi's Freedom Square. Protesters chase gay-rights activists through Tbilisi's Freedom Square.
Police attempt to escort gay-rights activists from a house besieged by the protesters. Police attempt to escort gay-rights activists from a house besieged by the protesters.
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Shouting “Kill them! Tear them to pieces!” a mob of several thousand mostly young men, but also robed priests and women in headscarves, broke through police lines to attack several dozen gay-rights supporters gathered in Tbilisi's central Freedom Square.

For Full Coverage See: Tamada Tales: Angry Mob Scuttles Anti-Homophobia Rally

Giorgi Lomsadze is a journalist based in Tbilisi, and author of Tamada Tales.