Georgian transgender woman dies after attack
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 23 November 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Georgian transgender woman dies after attack, 23 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a2835.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
November 23, 2016
Although homosexuality and gender-change are legal in Georgia, society's view of the LGBT minority remains negative.
A 34-year-old Georgian transgender woman has died in a Tbilisi clinic after succumbing to injuries inflicted on her during an assault in October.
Zizi (formerly Zurab) Shekeladze was hit several times by a concrete bar and her throat was slashed by a blade several times in the Georgian capital on October 14. She had been hospitalized since then.
A man suspected in the attack, Giorgi Murjikneli, was arrested and charged with attempted murder on October 15.
A preliminary hearing into his case is scheduled for early December.
LGBT rights defenders in Georgia have demanded the suspect be charged with a "hate crime."
Although homosexuality and gender-change are legal in Georgia, society's view of the LGBT minority remains negative.
In 2013, Georgian LGBT activists were severely beaten up in Tbilisi after trying to hold a rally against homophobia.
Based on reporting by Apsny.ge and 1tv.ge
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
