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<\/p>\nThousands Orthodox anti-gay activists broke through police cordon and pursued gay rights protesters in Georgia\u2019s capital, Tbilisi, injuring at least 17 people in the process. The violent brawl marred the May 17 International Day Against Homophobia.<\/p>\n
The first sanctioned anti-homophobic rally in Georgia organized
\nby Identity NGO activists had to be moved to a public garden on
\nTbilisi\u2019s Freedom Square after a 10,000-strong Orthodox crowd
\ngathered at the initial rally spot on Friday.<\/p>\n
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But heavy police cordons failed to contain furious anti-gay
\nactivists led by priests, who rushed to the new gay parade
\nlocation. Upon breaking into the public garden, the agitated crowd
\nengaged in a violent pursuit, beating and throwing stones at all
\nthe people who were thought to be representing and advocating for
\nthe minorities.<\/p>\n
At least 17 people were injured in clashes, and 12 of them
\nhospitalized, Georgian Rustavi 2 TV reported. A journalist and a
\npasser-by were among the injured.<\/p>\n
The police and special task forces managed to evacuate the rally
\nparticipants using minibuses, but several vehicles were attacked in
\nthe process. Counter-demonstrators blocked the way and smashed the
\nwindows of a yellow van, in which minorities were thought to be
\ncarried.<\/p>\n
Georgian ombudsman Uchya Nanusahvili was also compelled to leave
\nthe scene guarded by a dozen police after trying to persuade the
\nOrthodox believers not to obstruct the gay rally, according to
\nInterfax. The angry crowd responded to the rights commissioner plea
\nby shouting insults.<\/p>\n
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