Georgian Transgender Woman Dies After Attack

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