Georgian Journalist Dies After Being Attacked By Anti-LGBTQ Mob

A cameraman in Georgia died after being assaulted by homophobic personas during a demonstration march against LGBTQ groups. Alexander Lashkarava, a 37-year-old cameraman for TV Pirveli, was discovered dead in his home in the early hours of Sunday, according to the channel.

According to reports, he was assaulted by a violent crowd of anti-LGBTQ protestors last Monday, and his facial bones were fractured. Lashkarava was among the 50 journalists that were attacked by anti-LGBTQ protesters who opposed the scheduled Pride March in Tbilisi.

The organizers canceled the Tbilisi March For Dignity owing to safety concerns.

“War was declared against civil society and democratic values,” the organizer told media outlets. “The actions of the government have clearly shown that they don’t want to perform its direct duty. The inaction of the executive power has put the health and lives of Georgian citizens in real danger.”

Anti-LGBTQ protesters blocked the capital's avenue and called out journalists as pro-LGBT propagandists, thus, pelting them with clubs and bottles. Lashkarava was allegedly assaulted by a crowd of 20 individuals, according to his coworker Miranda Baghaturia.

Local news media showed Lashkarava with bruises on his face.

According to reports, he suffered several injuries and required surgery before being released from the hospital on Thursday.

The reason for his death remained unknown at the time.

Journalists received injuries including concussion, chemical burns, and broken limbs, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Officials were accused of "culpable passivity" and authorities neglected to protect journalists.

Police opened an investigation over Lashkarava's death that was termed as "a tragedy" by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and President Salome Zurabishvili.

According to LGBTQ groups and the Tbilisi Pride organizer, the government and the Georgian Orthodox Church are supporting opponents of the homophobic march.

Human rights groups have called for a protest later on Sunday and demand Garibashvili's resignation. Garibashvili's administration has been accused by prominent personalities of organizing a brutal crackdown against journalists.

The human rights groups have slammed Garibashvili for speaking out against the Pride march, calling it "unacceptable for a large segment of Georgian society," The Guardian reports.

Garibashvili, on the other hand, stated that the march was organized by "radical opposition" groups commanded by former president Mikheil Saakashvili.

Georgia, a conservative Black Sea nation, has a high level of animosity toward LGBTQ communities.