Kesaria Abramidze, a 37-year-old influencer, actress, and model, known for being an activist and openly discussing her transgender identity, was found murdered in her home.
This occurred a day after Georgia's Parliament passed a controversial law against the promotion of homosexual relations, Ukrinform reports, citing Le Parisien.
According to the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Abramidze died from multiple stab wounds.
A suspect, reportedly her boyfriend, has been arrested.
The investigation is focused on intentional murder, described as committed with "particular cruelty and under aggravating circumstances based on gender."
New Georgian law violates human rights
Abramidze's death came shortly after Georgia's parliament passed a law banning the "propaganda of homosexual relations and incest" in schools and on television, as well as restricting rallies and demonstrations.
The law has been criticized by human rights organizations for equating same-sex relationships with incest.
Both the European Union and the United States have condemned the legislation as repressive.
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, a pro-Western politician and vocal opponent of the ruling "Georgian Dream" party, called Abramidze's murder a wake-up call for Georgian society.
The new law has yet to be signed into effect, but it has already sparked widespread backlash, with the European Union urging Georgia to revoke the anti-LGBT legislation.
Prime Minister Iraklii Kobakhidze has warned that Georgia may reconsider its relations with the U.S. if new sanctions are imposed.
