Nina Kraviz, Rødhåd, The Black Madonna, more share support for Tbilisi protesters
Global dance music community vocalises solidarity with demonstrators in Tbilisi following a “protest rave” in response to armed raids of nightclubs...
DJs and producers around the world have shared their support for demonstrators in Tbilisi following after protests took place this weekend in response to armed raids of two nightclubs.
Bassiani and Café Gallery were both subjected to armed raids in which approximately 60 people were arrested including Bassiani’s founders. Subsequent statements from the clubs and demonstrators have pointed to unjustified actions from the authorities, suggesting that the venues were being targeted right-wing political forces in a smear campaign seeking their closure. A statement from Bassiani said, “there is no doubt that the state is waging a war against the only sphere of the culture of the independent Georgia”.
Protests took place over the weekend outside the Parliament of Georgia where, reportedly, thousands gathered to demonstrate against the government's attitude toward the clubbing culture in the city and its extreme zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drug use in the country. A number of DJs played sets during the demonstrations – including those who had played Bassiani on the night of the raids, Ateq, Sa Pa and DJ Dustin – turning it into a “protest rave” of sorts.
Online support and solidarity for the demonstrators has come from the likes of Nina Kraviz, Ben Klock, Ellen Allien, Rødhåd, The Black Madonna, Dax J, Etapp Kyle, Leon Vynehall, DJ Nobu and Ciel. You can read the messages of support below.
Ok everyone, what can we who are outside Georgia do to support #Bassiani ? Does anyone know if there is fundraising for legal support? Cc @boilerroomtv
— THE BLACK MADONNA (@blackmadonnachi) May 12, 2018
respect to everyone in tsibili protesting the club raids in front of georgian parliament. more power.
— l l ɐ ɥ ǝ u ʎ ʌ (@vynehall) May 12, 2018
