Armenians in Georgia denied permission to commemorate genocide near Turkish Embassy

Georgia Denies Armenian Group Permission to Protest Near Turkish Embassy

Tbilisi, Georgia – Georgia’s Interior Ministry has denied a request from the Armenian Community of Georgia to hold a demonstration commemorating the Armenian Genocide near the Turkish Embassy in Tbilisi. The organization, which had planned a rally for Friday, was informed of the refusal at the end of March. According to the Armenian Community of Georgia, the police contacted them, stating that the demonstration would be prohibited due to potential “risks.” The Ministry cited the Georgian law on assemblies and demonstrations, asserting the need to balance freedom of assembly with the rights of individuals and businesses in the area.

They argued that holding the event at the specified location could create a situation where those rights would be hindered. The organization expressed frustration with the lack of coordination between government agencies, struggling to obtain a formal written refusal until April 21st. The Ministry’s letter referenced the law, emphasizing the need to prevent disruptions.

The Armenian Community of Georgia, led by Zhaneta Baghdasarian, stated that the denial was “unclear,” noting that similar demonstrations had occurred near the embassy for over two decades. The group maintains its demand for Turkey to recognize the Armenian Genocide and has not considered alternative locations for the planned rally. Recent restrictions passed by the ruling Georgian Dream party in December 2023 have increased oversight of protests, requiring notification to the police and allowing them to alter the location and timing of demonstrations.

This has impacted previous demonstrations near the embassy, including a 2017 event where the City Hall advised against the location due to potential traffic issues, and a 2016 rally that was moved at the government’s request to avoid provocations during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Armenian community has long sought to hold its remembrance event near the embassy, highlighting the ongoing issue of recognition. The Armenian community held a torchlit procession the day before, which was approved by the Interior Ministry with stipulations regarding participant behavior.

The conflict underscores tensions between the Armenian and Turkish governments and the broader issue of the Armenian Genocide. This situation is taking place within Georgia, and involves figures like Mikheil Gvadzabia.

Topics: #armenian #georgia #genocide