Message for U.S. Citizens: Tbilisi Pride Week July 2-9 – Security Notice and Prohibitions for Embassy Staff
Tbilisi Pride and other LGBTQI+ non-governmental organizations and supporters will hold several events from July 2-9 in Tbilisi. Residents of and visitors to Tbilisi should expect numerous road closures and police checkpoints, making travel around the city difficult. There will also likely be a strong police presence in and around metro stations.
The United States is committed to the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons and communities, and places human rights at the center of the Administration’s domestic and foreign policy, including the fundamental right of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. Unfortunately, there is a high likelihood of demonstrations aimed at disrupting Pride Week events. Please be aware that violence could result from these counterprotests, as was the case in July 2021.
Some U.S. Embassy Tbilisi staff members will participate in Pride Week events in an official capacity with additional security measures in place. U.S. citizen members of the Embassy Tbilisi community are prohibited from participation in Pride Week activities, unless attending as part of official duties and/or under strict protocols, due to the aforementioned security concerns.
If you plan to participate in the Pride Week activities, please exercise caution and take all appropriate precautions while in and around large gatherings. Large crowds can be unpredictable and confrontations and violence between event attendees, counterdemonstrators, and police can occur without warning.
Actions to Consider:
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Avoid demonstrations.
- Keep a low profile.
- Notify friends and family of your whereabouts.
- Be aware of your surroundings.