Transgender Model Kesaria Abramidze Murdered in Georgia

Kesaria Abramidze, a prominent Georgian transgender model and influencer, was brutally murdered in her apartment shortly after the passage of a controversial 'family values' bill. The bill, criticized for stigmatizing LGBTQ people and compared to Russia's 'gay propaganda' law, has heightened concerns over LGBTQ rights and safety in Georgia. Abramidze, known for being the first openly transgender person in Georgia, suffered multiple stab wounds in what authorities describe as a 'premeditated murder' with aggravating gender circumstances. A male suspect, identified as her boyfriend, has been arrested. The murder has sparked outrage and condemnation from various quarters, including pro-EU President Salome Zurabishvili, who called for societal awakening against intolerance. Critics accuse the ruling Georgian Dream party of fostering an anti-Western agenda and increasing violence against the LGBTQ community.