In Georgia, a tragic incident occurred where a transgender woman was fatally stabbed in her apartment in what authorities described as a deliberate attack. The country’s ruling party has been under scrutiny for promoting a bill that critics liken to Russia’s anti-LGBTQ law, drawing backlash from the European Union and rights organizations for its discriminatory nature.
The victim, Kesaria Abramidze, was a well-known figure in Georgia’s entertainment scene, being the first openly transgender person in the country. She was a respected actress, influencer, and model who represented Georgia in an international transgender beauty pageant. Tragically, she was killed in a brutal knife assault just a day after the controversial bill passed its final reading.
The interior ministry is investigating the murder as a premeditated act with gender-based motives, revealing that the victim sustained multiple stab wounds. A suspect, reportedly Abramidze’s boyfriend, has been apprehended by the police.
The heinous crime has sent shockwaves through Georgia, a nation already grappling with social unrest and political tensions. LGBTQ rights advocates in the country have strongly condemned the murder, urging society to combat intolerance and safeguard the LGBTQ community.
Critics have accused the ruling party of pursuing an anti-Western and illiberal agenda, particularly as the country gears up for crucial upcoming elections. President Salome Zurabishvili, who has clashed with the government, labeled the incident a “horrific murder” and called for societal awakening in the face of such violence.
Abramidze had previously spoken out against the government’s handling of domestic violence and women’s rights, highlighting the prevalent issue of femicide in the country. The LGBTQ community in Georgia continues to face discrimination and violence, as acknowledged by the country’s rights ombudsman.
The bill proposed by the ruling party, if enacted into law, would severely restrict LGBTQ visibility in educational settings and media, while also prohibiting gender transition and adoptions by LGBTQ individuals. International bodies like the EU have criticized the bill for undermining fundamental rights and perpetuating discrimination against a segment of the population.