Massive Attack cancels concert in Georgia due to protest

Through their official social accounts, Massive Attack have announced the cancellation of one of their concerts scheduled for July 28th at the Black Sea Arena in Batumi, the second largest city in Georgia: as reported by the band itself, the decision was made to protest against the government in Tbilisi, which for weeks has been the subject of protests by local citizens due to a law on “foreign agents” (a text which requires non-governmental entities whose funds come more than 20% from abroad to register as realities dependent on foreign powers) which according to a part of public opinion would bring the country closer to Russia, distancing it from Europe.

“At this time, performing in the state-owned arena may seem like an endorsement of the violent repression of peaceful civil society protests,” explained Massive Attack: “Beating, arresting and threatening peaceful protestors, activists, along with laws that threaten civil society and deny rights to the LGBTI community, go against everything we stand for. We stand in solidarity with the peaceful protesters in Georgia who challenge the violence of the authorities, and feel that their voices must be heard to keep their fight in the spotlight of the international community.”