Transgender woman dies in hospital after brutal attack in Georgia

A 32-year-old transgender woman has died in hospital following a violent attack in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi.

Gay Star News reports that the attack occurred on October 14 when Zizi Shekeladze was waiting for a bus. She was hit several times with a concrete bar and her throat was cut.

She suffered head fractures and severe skull trauma, subsequently leaving her unconscious and on life support.

Activists have come together to seek justice for Zizi and the groups are working to get the attack recognised as a hate crime.

A statement from Georgia Today said: “Fundamental defects in the justice system, and the absolute non-existence of equality laws in Georgia country have created an environment of impunity and transformed the LGBT community as the most marginalised social group in the country.”

Ucha Nanuashvili, a public defender, is working to determine if Zizi was targeted for her transgender identity.

He said, “Unfortunately, in most cases, hate crimes are not taken into consideration during investigations. What is troubling is how ambiguous and incompetent the investigative methods are when dealing with a case like this.”

A man suspected to be behind the attack has been arrested and charged with attempted murder. He currently awaits a court hearing which will be held on December 8.

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