Page 14 - GEORptJul22

2.8 Polls & Sociology
Georgian police pledge to protect Tbilisi Pride Week
16% increase in people who believe Georgia should limit economic ties with Russia
Internal Affairs Ministry of Georgia released a statement on June 27 that it will “take all necessary measures” to hold closed events organised by the LGBTQ+ community Tbilisi Pride during the week of June 28 to July 2, as well as to protect freedom of speech and assembly.
"Herewith, it should be noted that according to some media sources, certain groups plan to disrupt the closed events planned for the “pride week”. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia condemns violence of any kind and calls on the groups opposing Pride Week to adhere to the law, follow the rightful demands of the police, and not to exceed the limits of the right to assembly and manifestation permitted by law. If otherwise, the police will act in accordance with its mandate, and each case of violation will be immediately foiled and followed by a strict legal response," the MIA commented on possible attacks by far-right groups against the events. MIA told Civil.ge that law enforcement started a probe against the far-right group Alt-Info who earlier threatened to attack the rally.
Pride Week from June 28 to July 2, organized by Tbilisi Pride, includes several events, including the screening of a new Georgian queer film about homophobia, struggle and survival; a regional conference that will bring together LGBTQ activists from Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Belarus; a Grand Pride Festival that will bring together local and international artists. Tbilisi Pride announced on May 31 that it would not hold a March of Dignity this year, as "we do not have any space and opportunity to hold a March of Dignity".
The number of people in Georgia who believe the country should limit its economic ties with Russia has increased by 16 percent, a new survey published by the National Democratic Institute on Thursday shows.
The NDI poll also revealed the European Union, the United States and Turkey were the top three most desired economic partners for the majority of Georgians following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The number of people believing the EU will improve the Georgian economy has increased to 62 percent following Russia's launch of its invasion of Ukraine in February, the same survey indicates.
The poll also shows ruling party supporters and senior citizens being “more likely to approve not joining economic sanctions against Russia", NDI said. The findings also reveal 81 percent of people believe the ongoing hostilities in Ukraine will negatively affect the economic well-being of their families, while 80 percent expect an economic decline in the country.
The survey was carried out by the NDI and the Georgian office of the Caucasus Research Resource Centers with a total of 2,036 complete interviews recorded between February 3-15, while 2,024 interviews were conducted between March 9-20.
14 GEORGIA Country Report July 2022 www.intellinews.com