News
Georgia pays back old debt to Gamsakhurdia family
Manana Archvadze Gamsakhurdia, widow of Georgia’s first president after independence. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s new government will transfer USD 80 000 to the family of Zviad Gamsakhurdia, the country’s first president after independence. Finance Minister Nodar Khaduri told journalists on Tuesday that this money was debt that Eduard […]
Saakashvili era foreign policy deputy resigns
Nikoloz Vashakidze was appointed during the National Movement’s time in government. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Nikoloz Vashakidze resigned on Tuesday, citing incompatibility with the current foreign policy of the country. Vashakidze is one of the officials who have stayed over from the previous government. He […]
Georgia’s winning coalition criticized by its own activists
TBILISI, DFWatch — Activists for the governing Georgian Dream coalition continue to rally people around the country in their demand to replace local government tops, including those appointed by their own party. Tuesday, two rallies are being launched in Tsalka, a town […]
Saakashvili says Georgia must choose between Russia and NATO
President Mikheil Saakashvili criticized the new Georgian government of trying to combine the impossible: Good relations with Russia and NATO at the same time. (CoE photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili criticized his own prime minister for saying that Georgia should have good relations with both Russia and NATO. In a speech to the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (CoE) Monday, the president criticized his […]
Hailstorm victims to get compensation
The storm in Georgia in July 2012 ripped the roof off many houses. (DF Watch photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch — The victims of a hailstorm in Georgia last summer will finally get compensation, ranging from USD 3 600 to USD 4 800. Davit Narmania, Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure, said Monday that the loss was estimated in such extreme […]
Ivanishvili in Davos to market Georgia
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili in an interview with DF Watch Dec. 20, 2012. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili is attending the World Economic Forum in Davos and plans to hold meetings with leaders of several countries – but not Russia. Foreign Affairs Minister Maia Panjikidze said at a press conference Monday […]
New refugee plan to offer 300 families new homes
Refugee Minister Davit Darakhvelidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — The government in Georgia has decided to offer more than 300 refugees their own house in the regions for a symbolic price of one lari, or USD 0.60. Refugee Minister Davit Darakhvelidze told journalists after the government session Monday that even more […]
Georgia’s torture scandal gets worse: rape and urination
Georgia’s Chief Prosecutor Archil Kbilashvili (Interpressnews). TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s chief prosecutor says he has “material” which is even more violent and shocking than videos leaked two weeks before the parliamentary election last year, which set off a wave of demonstrations. Chief Prosecutor Archil Kbilashvili […]
Georgian patriarch Ilia II visiting Moscow
Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk (left), welcoming Georgian Patriarch Ilia II (right) in Moscow Jan. 20, 2013. (Photo published by the Russian Church.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s Patriarch Illia II on Sunday left for Russia to receive an award. His visit will also include a meeting with the Russian president Vladimir Putin. “I want to ask you that I leave for Moscow and we will have a conversation on very […]
Escaped justice minister accused in Cartu case
Ex Justice Minister Zurab Adeishvili is believed to be in hiding in Belgium. All his four passports have been revoked. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Former Justice Minister Zurab Adeishvili has been detained in absentia for things he did to Cartu Bank, which has links to current Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. Five other persons who are also implicated in the case were released on bail. […]
Body of Georgian mafia boss sent back to Moscow
Aslan Usoyan, or Ded Hassan (“Grandpa Hassan”), was shot and killed in Moscow January 16, 2013. TBILISI, DFWatch — The body of a mafia boss who was killed in Moscow was on a plane to Georgia to be buried, but had to be sent back after Tbilisi refused to let it in. Aslan Usoyan, better known as Ded Hassan (Grandpa Hassan), a 76 year-old mafia boss was shot in […]
Georgia’s foreign trade turnover grew 11%
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s foreign trade turnover increased by 11 percent in 2012 compared to the previous year. Georgia’s National Statistics Department on Friday published a report which showed that the country’s foreign trade turnover of goods was USD 10 220 […]
Prison torture whistleblower released on bail
Vladimer Bedukadze was released on bail January 19, 2013. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — The man who published the videos that spurred the prisoner abuse scandal was today released on USD 1 200 bail. Tbilisi City Court Saturday evening released Vladimer Bedukadze, the former employee of Prison No 8, where the majority of torture cases […]
Political prisoners were blessed by the patriarch
190 political prisoners were released last Sunday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Political prisoners, who were released last Sunday when the new amnesty law came into force, visited the Georgian Patriarch, who blessed them. The prisoners came to Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi to attend the prayer for the Orthodox holiday of Epiphany, […]
Israel’s ambassador to Georgia offers cooperation
Yuval Fuchs, Israel’s Ambassador to Georgia. (DF Watch photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Yuval Fuchs, Israel’s Ambassador to Georgia, tells DF Watch that cooperation between Israeli and Georgia should be strengthened and he thinks Israel is able to help Georgia in terms of economic development, especially in agriculture. But there was […]
Saakashvili loses security force
TBILISI,DFWatch — The Special State Protection Service of Georgia is now under the control of the government, and not the president. Parliament passed the law by 88 votes against 1 on Thursday. Earlier, the president had a right to appoint the chair of the Special […]
Prisoner abuse whistleblower returns to Georgia
Vladimer Bedukadze blew the whistle on the abuse of prisoners in Georgia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Police in Georgia Thursday morning detained former prison guard Vladimer Bedukadze at Tbilisi airport, as he arrived from Istanbul. Bedukadze last year published five video clips documenting prisoner abuse, which caused a public outrage that led […]
Saakashvili wants expanded military pensions
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili asks the government to award pension to all families which have had one of their members die in the military. He presented the initiative at New Year’s and described it again at a press conference at his palace […]
Saakashvili wants tougher privacy protection
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili proposes to make it a crime to publish material exposing someone’s private life. A few days ago, the Prosecutor’s Office released information about a former government official ordering Defense Ministry officials […]
Saakashvili wants to decriminalize economic crime
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili suggests that the government decriminalizes economic crime, because of the importance of continuing to attract investments. Saakashvili said at a press conference at his palace in Tbilisi Thursday that […]
Tbilisi vice mayor released on bail
TBILISI, DFWatch — A former Interior Ministry top was Thursday released on bail. Shota Khizanishvili, who after the National Movement’s election loss became Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi, was included in a mass amnesty which applies to more than 18 500 prisoners. The […]
Georgia and Armenia plan common market
TBILISI, DFWatch — A common economic market between Georgia and Armenia. This was one of the tangible results of a visit by Georgia’s Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili to neighboring Armenia Thursday. He was accompanied on his official visit by a government […]
Police: No pressure used against musician
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Ministry of Internal Affairs has finished looking into what happened when a well-known musician was questioned, and says it did not find any indications that he was pressured. Beka Gochiashvili, 16, a jazz pianist who lives in the US but […]
Tight security around Kutaisi hearing
TBILISI, DFWatch — Another public hearing is ongoing in Kutaisi to discuss constitutional amendments about changing the location of parliament and limiting the president’s power. Members of parliament from the majority Georgian Dream and the minority National […]
Rikoti tunnel closed for repair work
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Rikoti tunnel, which connects the western and eastern parts Georgia, will be closed from January 18 to January 30, from 20:00 in the evening until 08:00 in the morning, because of work to repair the electric system. […]
Further charges against Tbilisi vice mayor
TBILISI, DFWatch — Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi, Shota Khizanishvili, was given an additional charge in relation with the disappearance of Besik Surmava, a former security guard for Bidzina Ivanishvili. Surmava disappeared shortly before the parliamentary election, […]
Ex Revenue Service head admits trying to bankrupt Cartu
TBILISI, DFWatch — The former chairman of the Revenue Service ‘kind of admits’ being part of an effort to bankrupt Cartu Bank. Cartu Bank was one of the first targets of President Mikheil Saakashvili’s government after the billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili […]
Freedom House calls Georgia an electoral democracy
TBILISI, DFWatch — The human rights group Freedom House writes in a new report that Georgia is now an electoral democracy. The group gives Georgia an improved democracy score in its report Freedom in the World 2013, as a consequence of the peaceful transfer […]
Ex intelligence official detained for abuse of powers
TBILISI, DFWatch — Police in Georgia have detained a regional director of the feared domestic intelligence service, the Constitutional Security Department (CSD). Temur Pataridze, who headed the CSD (in Georgian abbreviated to KUD, or ‘Kudi’) in the Autonomous […]
Georgia TV channel hyped crisis over Karabakh comment
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian TV channel Rustavi 2 claimed there was a crisis between Georgia and Armenia after the Georgian Foreign Minister was misquoted regarding Nagorno-Karabakh. The comment fell during a visit to Lithuania. Mrs Panjikidze was asked by […]
UK has new temporary ambassador to Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — Ambassador David Moran on January 14 began work as the temporary trustee of the UK to Georgia, the UK embassy in Tbilisi informs. On his arrival, Moran said he was pleased to be in Georgia and to start working and living in this beautiful country. […]
Musician says he was pressured by police
TBILISI, DFWatch — A well-known Georgian musician claims he was harassed by police during a short stay in Georgia. Beka Gochiashvili, 16, a jazz pianist who lives in the US but spent his holidays here in Georgia, told the TV station Rustavi 2 about the incident […]
21 Georgians detained in France for bank card theft
TBILISI, DFWatch — French gendarmes have detained 21 Georgians suspected of cooperation with Russian mafia. According to reports in French media, they are accused of stealing hundreds of bank cards and attempting to break into accounts and steal money. The operation […]
Released political prisoners demand Saakashvili’s impeachment
TBILISI, DFWatch — The political prisoners who were released on Sunday demand to impeach President Mikheil Saakashvili. The former prisoners think a person who allowed having hundreds of political prisoners, and having a torture policy in the prison system, where many […]
Georgia’s FM calls back ambassadors
TBILISI, DFWatch — The president’s administration has published a letter written by the foreign minister, who writes to the president asking to call back several ambassadors. This comes amid a period when the president and the prime minister are trying to portray […]
Georgian military intelligence used sex to blackmail
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Prosecutor’s Office has published a video clip apparently showing that officials in the previous government ordered the secret filming of public persons while engaging in sexual acts, as a means to blackmail them. A statement issued by […]
Saakashvili and Ivanishvili seen in rare tète-à-tète
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Georgian President and Prime Minister, who only have met once after the parliamentary election, Sunday celebrated the jubilee of the Georgian patriarch and shared what seemed to be a serious conversation. Last time the two leaders met […]
On hunger strike to demand town’s regime change
TBILISI, DFWatch — Local supporters of the governing Georgian Dream coalition in a town in western Georgia are on hunger strike for the eighth day demanding that the local mayor resigns. Organizers plan to hold a demonstration January 16 if their demand is not met. […]
Orthodox church leaders leaving Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — Clerics from different Orthodox countries will leave today, Monday. The guests arrived five days ago in order to congratulate Georgian Patriarch Ilia II with his 80th birthday and 35th year since his inauguration. Patriarch Bartholomew I of […]
Georgia releases 190 political prisoners
TBILISI, DFWatch — 190 persons determined to be political prisoners were Sunday released from jail as a mass amnesty comes into force in Georgia. Prison Minister Sozar Subari was present at Prison No 6, which is in Rustavi, a town 20 km south of the capital. […]
Georgia releases prisoners against the president’s veto
TBILISI, DFWatch — The speaker of the Georgian parliament Saturday signed into law a bill which will release 3 000 prisoners and halve the sentence for 17 000 others in a mass amnesty. The bill is one of the most tangible results of the unexpected outcome of the […]
Saakashvili still appointing “his” people where he can
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili says he will continue to appoint his party members to bodies under his control. Saturday, Saakashvili appointed Khatuna Ochiauri, member of parliament (MP) before the last election, as governor of Mtskheta Mtianeti […]
Georgia to declare ex justice minister wanted through Interpol
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia is sending documentation to Interpol in order to announce former Justice Minister Zurab Adeishvili wanted and issue a so-called Red Notice. The Interior Ministry on Friday said Interpol’s National Central Bureau in Georgia has submitted […]
Saakashvili’s party under pressure in Tetritskaro
TBILISI, DFWatch — Friday, another rally was held to demand the resignation of the local government in a small town in eastern Georgia. The population of Tetritskharo, which lies in the Kvemo Kartli region, doesn’t want the former ruling party to govern their town, […]
Saakashvili wants a doubling of pensions for veterans
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili has presented a new initiative to double pensions for veterans and allocate permanent pensions for families of soldiers and policemen who have died in the line of duty. The president’s administration has prepared a […]
Georgia amnesty to begin on Sunday
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Prison Ministry plans to release political prisoners no later than Sunday, immediately after a new law on amnesty comes into force. Prison Minister Sozar Subari said after the government session today that the ministry will publish a list […]
Okruashvili free on bail
TBILISI, DFWatch — Former Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili was Friday set free on bail, as prosecutors have dropped two of the four charges against him. The charge regarding setting up illegal armed units was today withdrawn, while a USD 9 000 bail was set […]
Extradition of Melnikov to Georgia postponed
TBILISI, DFWatch — A court in Kiev has prolonged the pretrial detention of a former Georgian interior ministry employee for 12 more months. Oleg Melnikov, who used to work at the Constitutional Security Department, probably the most feared body in Saakashvili’s […]
Georgian government forgives Saakashvili associates
TBILISI, DFWatch — Parliament’s judiciary committee has started reviewing a draft bill which will free former government officials from responsibility for crimes committed while in office. Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili first announced the idea in the end of […]
Bacho wants to be tried by a jury
TBILISI, DFWatch — The former Georgian defense minister Bacho Akhalaia who is now in detention facing three charges wants to be judged by a jury. Davit Dekanoidze, lawyer of Akhalaia, on Wednesday said at a press conference that his client wants his […]
Saakashvili appoints official accused of corruption as governor
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvil has appointed a former government official who has twice been detained after the change of government as new governor in the Samegrelo region. Tengiz Gunava used to be Chairman of the General Inspection […]
Further testimony withdrawn in Okruashvili trial
TBILISI, DFWatch — Another witness has changed his testimony in one of several court cases against former Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili. The changed testimony led the Appeals Court to strip the case of one of the charges. Orkuashvili was minister […]
Three Russian climbers dead in avalanche
TBILISI, DFWatch — Four Russian climbers have been taken by an avalanche in the Kazbegi mountains in northern Georgia. One has been brought to safety alive, the other three are presumed dead. Rescue workers have been unable to find their bodies because of thick fog. The four […]
Saakashvili claims Ivanishvili gov’t halting construction projects
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili accuses the new government of suspending a number of projects which his government started, and causing a loss of thousands of jobs. A few days ago, he said that the previous government started many projects and […]
Juries to decide fate of ex officials in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia is to use juries in trials concerning crimes committed by officials, including abuse of powers. The initiative comes from the Prosecutor’s Office and was picked up by the Justice Ministry, which has prepared a draft bill and presented […]
Witnesses change testimony in Okruashvili trial
TBILISI, DFWatch — Two witnesses have changed their testimony in the case against Irakli Okruashvili, the former Defense Minister who turned against Saakashvili’s government and had to leave the country before he was sentenced to eleven years in jail. There are four […]
Thick snow slowing down traffic in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — Thick snow is now covering most of Georgia. Some villages are isolated while there are restrictions on traffic on several roads. Tbilisi airport works normally, but a few flights have been canceled: 17:00, January 9, from Mestia to Tbilisi, 09:30, […]
Further details about fraud at pro-Saakashvili campaign rallies
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Prosecutor’s Office has forwarded the National Audit Office results of its investigation into the National Movement Party’s eleven rallies last September. The rallies were held September 8 in different regions of the country to show off support. […]
Prosecutors drop some of the charges against Okruashvili
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Prosecutor’s Office has dropped two out of four charges against former Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili. He was part of the government of Saakashvili’s National Movement party, but turned against him and was forced to leave the country […]
Georgia to end the draft by 2016
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Ivanishvili government is reducing the length of compulsory military service from fifteen to twelve months. Defense Minister Irakli Alasania on Tuesday said this will be the first stage of a reform to reduce the length of military service […]
Jubilee brings congregation of world church leaders to Tbilisi
TBILISI, DFWatch — A large number of clerics from different Orthodox countries will start gathering in Tbilisi tomorrow to mark the 80-year jubilee of the Georgian Patriarch Illia II. Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople is among the guests arriving in Georgia […]
Georgia ends battle operations in Afghanistan after 2014
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian troops serving in Afghanistan will not carry out battle functions after 2014, when the ISAF mission will end, but they will help Afghan security structures and army in military training. Irakli Alasania, Georgia’s Defense Minister, […]
Georgia makes it free to give birth
TBILISI, DFWatch — The new Georgian government has decided to make child delivery completely free from July 1, 2013. Dimitry Khundadze, head of the parliamentary committee on healthcare, said on Monday that expenses for child delivery will be completely covered […]
GD: Saakashvili can dissolve parliament, not dismiss gov’t
TBILISI, DFWatch — Parliament will go back to work from mid-January in order to start work on a bill about constitutional amendments which will prevent the president from dismissing the government. Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili’s government proposes to change […]
Heavy snow fall in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — There are restrictions on road traffic in northern Georgia due to heavy snow fall. There is danger of landslide on the road between Kobi and Gudauri, a resort in Kazbegi the mountains, and along the road Mtskheta-Stepandtsminda-Larsi, due to a snow […]
Saakashvili supporters gather signatures for him to stay
TBILISI, DFWatch — A group of supporters of the former government have started gathering signatures in support of President Mikheil Saakashvili. The group has published a petition on its Facebook page which says that according to the constitution, Mikheil Saakashvili […]
Two Alilo processions in Tbilisi
Tbilisi, DF Watch – Georgia marks Christmas on January 7 by Julian calendar by two major picturesque processions in Tbilisi and many other towns of Georgia. Alilo, a Christmas chant, is organized almost in each district and regions of the country. […]
800 000 Georgians demand Saakashvili’s resignation
TBILISI, DFWatch — Five years after the last presidential election in Georgia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) claim that they have gathered 800 000 signatures in support of a demand that President Saakashvili should resign. Georgian Dream, the new ruling party, […]
Escaped ex Justice Minister detained in absentia
TBILISI, DFWatch — Tbilisi City Court Saturday sentenced former Justice Minister Zurab Adeishvili in absentia to preliminary detention. Both his Georgian passport and diplomatic passport have been suspended. He left Georgia after the National Movement’s election […]
Saakashvili celebrated two terms as president
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili’s second term ended on Saturday, January 5. Five years ago, on January 5, 2008, Georgia held a snap presidential election, following a period of social unrest. The protests reached their peak on November 7, 2007, […]
Georgian ISAF soldier buried today
TBILISI, DFWatch — Sergeant Giorgi Kikadze, the nineteenth Georgian soldier to lose his life in Afghanistan, was buried today in Rustavi. This was the second public funeral organized for a Georgian soldier dying while taking part in ISAF operations. His body was […]
Saakashvili agrees to dismiss many of “his” ambassadors
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili Friday evening signaled that he largely agrees with the Ivanishvili government over what to do with the ambassadors. In a statement, Saakashvili’s press office writes that the president has decided to call […]
U.S. military sends condolences to Georgia over dead soldier
TBILISI, DFWatch — Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff and James G. Stavridis, Commander of the U.S.’ European Command and NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe have expressed their condolences over the death of Georgian Sergeant Giorgi […]
Georgian worshipers denied entry to Israel
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s Foreign Ministry is looking into why the Israel has denied a group of Georgian worshipers entry visa. Foreign Affairs Minister Maia Panjikidze responded to reports that Georgian worshipers were denied entry into Israel for Christmas. […]
Government partners to compete in local election
TBILISI, DFWatch — The parties that make up the Georgian Dream coalition will compete against each other in the local election in 2014, Levan Berdzenishvili, one of the coalition leaders, said today. The next election is the presidential election in October, 2013. […]
‘Georgia to replace 18 ambassadors’
TBILISI, DFWatch — Salome Samadashvili, Georgia’s ambassador to the EU, claims 18 ambassadors will be replaced by the new government, but Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze says the number is only five. Samadashvili on Friday told Maestro TV that she was told that […]
Ilia II to receive religious award
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian Patriarch Ilia II will visit Russia in the end of January to receive a special award. He is to receive the Russian Church’s International Foundation for the Unity of Orthodox Christian Nations, which is granted annually as a recognition […]
Georgian amnesty to free 3 000, halve sentence for 14 000
TBILISI, DFWatch — The law on amnesty, which is in about to be enforced, will release 3 000 prisoners and halve the sentence for 14 000 more. Prison Minister Sozar Subari explained to journalists on Thursday the exact number of prisoners the new law will apply to. […]
Body of Georgian soldier brought home from Afghanistan
TBILISI, DFWatch — The nineteenth Georgian soldier to die as part of the ISAF mission in Afghanistan will be buried January 5. The Ministry of Defense will cover the total costs of the funeral. December 19, Sergeant Giorgi Kikadze was announced missing. He was last […]
Saakashvili marks New Year with troops in Afghanistan
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili celebrated New Year together with Georgian soldiers serving in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan. The president’s press office yesterday informed that there was intense shooting while the president was in the […]
Georgia becomes chair of GUAM
TBILISI, DFWatch — From January 1, 2013, Georgia holds the chairmanship of GUAM, an international organization between Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova. After assuming leadership Tuesday, Georgia presented a program to other member states. Georgia’s […]
Olympic champion’s house riddled with bullets
TBILISI, DFWatch — The house of an Olympic champion who represents the Georgian Dream coalition in parliament was riddled with automatic rifle fire the early morning on New Year’s Day. The shooting happened at 1 am on Tuesday in Akhmeta, a town about 150 […]
Saakashvili suggests plan of cooperation
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili says he is ready to cooperate with the governing Georgian Dream and its leader and has proposed a plan of cooperation. The invitation came during Saakashvili’s New Year’s speech Monday night. He focused on cooperation […]
Tbilisi mayor cancels outdoors New Year’s party
TBILISI, DFWatch — 2012 ended differently than previous years for Tbilisians, as there was no concert or other event organized in the center of the city on New Year’s Eve. Mayor Gigi Ugulava said the reason is that people don’t like outside concerts and therefore […]
Ivanishvili paid USD 122 000 in taxes
TBILISI, DFWatch — The richest person in Georgia, Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, paid a total of USD 122 407 in taxes, according to property declaration published in accordance with legal requirements. The declaration is 30 pages long and shows that apart from […]
Georgia preparing for wine export to Russia
TBILISI, DFWatch — Twenty Georgian companies are preparing to export their product to Russia. A conference was organized at Tbilisi Marriott Hotel bringing together representatives of those companies and discuss the issue of Georgia exporting to the Russian market. […]
Crime is under control, says government
TBILISI, DFWatch — The crime situation in Georgia stabilized in December, as the number of criminal incidents has been significantly reduced, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. During a visit to a family who had been attacked by robbers, President Mikheil […]
Another Stalin statue goes up in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — A statue of Josef Stalin which had been torn down has been put up again in a village in eastern Georgia. Locals in Akura restored the monument of the Soviet dictator two years after it was taken down. Villagers rehabilitated the monument to […]
Saakashvili visits crime victims, calls for tougher policing
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili says there should be declared an emergency situation in the Georgian police. He said it while visiting a family which a few days ago was attacked by burglars. December 29, the Ministry of Internal Affairs detained […]
Anti-NATO demonstration in Georgia quashed
TBILISI, DFWatch — An attempt at demonstrating against Georgian NATO membership was Sunday quashed by a counter-demonstration. The two rallies took place on Pushkin Square in the center of Tbilisi and started with a call the same day to support friendship with Russia, […]
Georgian soldier missing in Afghanistan found dead
TBILISI, DFWatch — A Georgian soldier who has been missing for ten days was found dead in Afghanistan December 29. Sergeant Giorgi Kikadze is the nineteenth Georgian soldier to lose his life while carrying out his duties as part of the NATO-led ISAF mission […]
Another witness questioned in Girgvliani case: minister’s wife
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia has questioned the wife of the former interior minister regarding a case of beating of policemen. This is a case in which former officials in the Interior Ministry have been charged. Tako Salakaia, wife of […]
Ivanishvili government gets rid of tuition fees
TBILISI, DFWatch — The new government has decided to cancel tuition fees for many popular studies. Bachelor students in 14 fields of specialization at state universities will have their tuition fees cut to zero from 2013. The free subjects will be agronomy, education sciences, energy […]
Georgia charges missing ex justice minister with torture
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office has officially charged a former Justice Minister in absentia for abuse of power and being responsible for torturing prisoners. Zurab Adeishvili, the former Justice Minister in Saakashvili’s government who […]
$2 mill of emergency aid for 2008 war still stowed away
TV sets were among the aid found. The items were meant for refugees in the 2008 Russia-Georgia war. (Photo published by the ministry.) TBILISI, DFWatch — The Ministry of Refugees and Internally Displaced People has discovered five unregistered warehouses, where there were kept humanitarian aid which should have been distributed to refugees in 2008 and 2009. The ministry on Friday published photos […]
Georgian parliament overturns Saakashvili’s veto
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Georgian parliament overrode President Mikheil Saakashvili’s veto against a law about mass amnesty. 91 MPs voted against Saakashvili’s new version of the law, while 4 supported it. Now, the Georgian Dream coalition’s law, which was passed […]
Parliament to return to Tbilisi in spring
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Georgian Dream coalition says parliament will return to Tbilisi by the end of the spring session. After the parliamentary election in October, 2012, the eighth parliamentary assembly has been holding sessions in a new building in Kutaisi, […]
Amid crisis, Georgia moves to give president more powers
TBILISI, DFWatch — The governing Georgian Dream coalition suggests bringing forward a planned reform to give the president power to immediately dissolve parliament and announce a new parliamentary election. The powers are part of a package of constitutional […]
Saakashvili presents downsized amnesty bill
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili has vetoed the coming into force of a law on amnesty, and sent his own version of the law to parliament. Speaker of Parliament Davit Usupashvili on Friday said the legislative body has received the president’s […]
Saakashvili vetoes mass amnesty
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili will veto a planned mass amnesty passed by parliament, arguing that the new government is about to release dangerous people into society. The amnesty was passed by parliament December 22 after much […]
Witness confirms Cartu Bank bankruptcy plot
The leader of a business chamber in Georgia says he helped the previous government try to bankrupt Cartu Bank, which was owned by current Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. Giorgi Isakadze, Chair of Georgia’s Small and Medium Enterprises Association, […]
Fraud allegations against Saakashvili campaign rally
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia says public money was spent on campaign rallies for President Mikheil Saakashvili’s National Movement party last September, which is illegal, and that documents were falsified to cover it up. The party […]
Kars-Akhalkalaki will not be halted
TBILISI, DFWatch — Construction of the Kars-Akhalkalaki railway will continue as before. Irakli Kovzanadze, Chair of Georgia’s Partnership Foundation, said this in Azerbaijan on Wednesday, during a visit there by Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili and […]
Georgian Public Broadcaster gets new director
TBILISI, DFWatch — The supervisory board of Georgia’s Public Broadcaster Wednesday elected a new director as replacement for Giorgi Chanturia, who unexpectedly resigned almost two weeks ago. The board chose Giorgi Baratashvili, who has a background from different […]
Ivanishvili and Aliyev discussed energy export
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili Tuesday met the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, during an official visit to Baku. The two held a closed meeting which took place at Aliyev’s Zagulba palace. Also present were Georgia’s Foreign […]
Earthquake hits Georgia again
TBILISI, DFWatch — An earthquake hit Georgia Wednesday morning; the second one in three days. Two strong quakes were felt early morning December 26, at 02:44 and 03:00 am. According to the seismic monitoring center, the strength of the earthquakes were 5.5 and […]
Georgia prison rape video was real
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Georgian Prosecutor’s Office has concluded an investigation of a handful of videos showing torture of prisoners which sparked protests two weeks before the election in October, 2012. The videos were published September 19, and showed […]
Security Council spent money on lobbyists, Ivanishvili claims
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Secretary of the Security Council and the Prime Minister disagree about the expenses and financing for the National Security Council of Georgia. The issue surfaced when the 2013 budget was presented to parliament, showing that the […]
Georgian sailors returning home
TBILISI, DFWatch — The twelve Georgian sailors who have been adrift on a ship abandoned by its owner off the coast of Panama are returning home. The sailors aboard the Maria del Carmen 2, sailing under a Nigerian flag, were rescued by staff at the Georgian embassy […]
Georgia sends rescue team to Afghanistan
TBILISI, DFWatch — A military search team left for Afghanistan on Monday in order to search for a Georgian soldier who has been missing for almost a week. The team is headed by the deputy chief of the Joint Staff. ISAF isalready conducting a search and rescue […]
Georgia will never return to the Commonwealth, the PM says
Tbilisi, DFWatch – Georgia’s new government’s declared foreign policy priorities haven’t changed and country will have good relations with its neighbors, but will never return to the Russian-dominated CIS, said prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili of Monday’s […]
Ivanishvili to ask for quota system for Kars-Akhalkalaki
TBILISI, DFWatch — Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili is considering proposing a quota system for sharing cargo load between the existing railway through Georgia and a new railway under construction which will bypass Georgia’s Black Sea ports Poti and Batumi. […]
Georgia cuts electricity price by a quarter
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili promises that electricity prices will be reduced by around 25 percent from January 1, 2013. As winter has arrived in Georgia, Ivanishvili brought good news to a press conference Monday at Sheraton […]
Georgia’s Interior Ministry auctions off luxury cars
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s Interior Ministry has decided to put its luxurious cars up for auction. The new leadership at the ministry has prepared around 50 cars for sale, and models range from Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Vogue, to BMW […]
Five policemen dismissed in one of Georgia’s controversial cases
TBILISI, DFWatch — Five policemen who were involved in one of the controversial cases against officials in Georgia have been dismissed. The five were based at the Central Criminal Police Department and carried out the first detention of Tengiz Gunava, a former […]
Phone outage after earthquake in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — There was an earthquake in Georgia on Sunday, causing minor damage in parts of the country. According to the national seismic monitoring center, the earthquake struck at 17:31 local time and had a magnitude of 5.7. The epicenter was 46 km […]
Saakashvili addresses party, delegates return to parliament
TBILISI, DFWatch — The National Movement party of President Mikheil Saakashvili will return to parliament on Monday. This became clear at a party conference Sunday. The president addressed his party’s activists and tried to fire them up as they are […]
‘Justice Minister arranged fake torture video to defuse scandal’
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Georgian Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into one of the prison torture videos that shook the country two weeks before the 2012 parliamentary election. The first of six videos was published in the morning of September 18, […]
Six released on bail in corruption ring case
TBILISI, DFWatch — Six suspects in a corruption case involving a one million dollar bribe, a dummy company and three power stations were Saturday released on bail. The two most high profile names among the suspected conspirators are Nika Gvaramia, former education […]
Vera Kobalia questioned about Cartu Bank bankruptcy scheme
TBILISI, DFWatch — Former Economy Minister Vera Kobalia was Friday evening questioned regarding the bankruptcy of a bank connected to Prime Minister Ivanishvili. Former Justice Minister Zurab Adeisvhili was also called in for questioning in the same case, […]
Supreme Court tightens surveillance oversight
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Supreme Court of Georgia is establishing a special group which will oversee the issuing of warrants for secret surveillance. Kote Kublashvili, Chair of the Supreme Court, said Friday that Zaza Meishvili, Chair of the Criminal Law Chamber, […]
Georgia gives 3 500 prisoners amnesty
TBILISI, DFWatch — The parliament in Georgia has finally passed an amnesty law which will mean that 3500 prisoners will be released. The goal of the bill is to soften the crime policy. It aims to achieve this by releasing some prisoners and halving the sentence for others. […]
Kitsmarishvili fined for damaging Maestro’s equipment
TBILISI, DFWatch — A court has fined the former manager of Maestro TV, Erosi Kitsmarishvili, with USD 845 204 for damaging equipment belonging to the TV company one year ago. November 30, 2011 Erosi Kitsmarishvili and a group of strangers scaled the walls of […]
Saakashvili will not dismiss Ivanishvili’s government
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili says he has no intention of dismissing the new government. In a live televised press conference late Thursday night, he said that he has no plans to use his constitutional powers to dismiss the cabinet. […]
Saakashvili will veto bill about Georgian court system
TBILISI, DFWatch -- The Georgian president says he will veto a new bill to reform the oversight of the justice system. President Mikheil Saakashvili Thursday evening held a televised briefing about recent events in the country. He said parliament is reviewing a bill which will place the Council of Justice and the courts completely [...]
Georgian soldier goes missing in Afghanistan
TBILISI, DFWatch — A Georgian soldier serving in Afghanistan has disappeared, according to the defense ministry. The soldier, who was serving as part of the ISAF mission, disappeared on December 19, and no one has seen him since. […]
Ambassador Norland questions detention of Gvaramia
TBILISI, DFWatch — US Ambassador to Georgia Richard Norland says that when a director of a TV company is detained, it naturally raises questions. Norland on Thursday held a closed meeting with Prison Minister Sozar Subari. After the meeting he commented on the […]
Court says wiretap was without warrant
TBILISI, DFWatch — A court in Georgia says it did not give permission to eavesdrop on the former Interior Minister and the Director of Rustavi 2 TV. Police Wednesday detained two former government officials on suspicions of bribery and falsification of documents. […]
Saakashvili’s party boycotting parliament
TBILISI, DFWatch — The National Movement party of President Saakashvili is boycotting parliament. Its representatives have returned to Tbilisi, saying they are moving into ‘another regime of activity’. Vano Merabishvili, former Prime Minister and Secretary […]
ICC to investigate 2008 Georgia-Russia war
TBILISI, DFWatch — The International Criminal Court (ICC) is considering launching an investigation into the war between Georgia and Russia in August 2008. The Justice Ministry of Georgia on Wednesday released a statement which says that in accordance with Georgia’s international […]
Former energy minister detained for corruption
TBILISI, DFWatch — The ex-energy minister in Georgia, Alexandre Khetaguri, has been detained, suspected of accepting bribes in connection with power stations only months ago. Also other former government officials have been detained in the case, suspected of having received […]
Ivanishvili considers tearing down ‘ugly’ new buildings
TBILISI, DFWatch — In Georgia, the prime minster and the president have clashed over what to do with newly built and half finished buildings. During President Saakashvili’s rule, modern complexes have popped up around the capital Tbilisi and in other towns […]
EU rewards Georgia’s reforms with €22 million
TBILISI, DFWatch — EU is giving another €22 million to Georgia this year in recognition of its reform efforts. Stefan Fule, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, on Wednesday attended the EU-Georgia Cooperation Council in Brussels. […]
Another ex-prime minister questioned
TBILISI, DFWatch — Another former prime minister in Georgia was Tuesday called in for questioning. This time, Nika Gilauri spent five hours with the investigative service of the finance ministry, answering them about the sale of a park area in Tbilisi. The head […]
Ivanishvili looks forward to meeting Putin
TBILISI, DFWatch — Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili hopes to meet with the Russian leaders Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev in the future. Recently Georgia’s special representative for Russian relations met the deputy foreign minister of Russia in Geneva. […]
Okruashvili is on hunger strike
TBILISI, DFWatch — A former defense minister who is in prison awaiting trial has gone on hunger strike. Irakli Okruashvili, who is charged with abuse of powers and extortion, says he is doing it to express solidarity with ten other prisoners who didn’t make […]
Saakashvili to fund free media
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili has decided to finance media and non-government organizations and issued a special decree December 17, 2012. A program to contribute to the civil sector and development of free media will […]
80 % of Georgians like Ivanishvili
TBILISI, DFWatch — 80 percent of the Georgian population likes the new Prime Minister, while only 29 percent likes the president. 63 percent support the Georgian Dream coalition, while 10 percent support the former ruling party. Those are the results of a survey […]
Georgia makes it illegal to sell condoms that enhance pleasure
TBILISI, DFWatch — Lawmakers in Georgia want to make it illegal to use condoms that enhance sexual pleasure. Other condoms will be legal. On Monday, a disputes was brought to a calm in parliament after a debate about what specifically can be called a sexual […]
Friends of Buta Robakidze will not be prosecuted
TBILISI, DFWatch — Tbilisi City Court has ruled out that there will be criminal charges brought against the friends of Buta Robakidze, who was killed by police in 2004. November 24, 2004 Giorgi Kurdadze, Kakhaber Azariashvili and Akaki Bartaia, all friends of […]
Ivanishivili’s coalition is winning the trust of Georgians
TBILISI, DFWatch — The political party section of NDI’s first survey after the parliamentary election shows a U-turn compared to the situation a couple of months ago: Politicians in the coalition which recently came into government score high on trust […]
Experts ask for legal reform to improve media freedom
TBILISI, DFWatch — A handful of media experts are calling for legislative reforms to address problems with media freedom in Georgia, and have prepared a draft bill as a first step. The bill would amend the law on broadcasting, and was presented by its authors […]
Stranded Georgian sailors plan lawsuit in Panama
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Georgian sailors who are stranded off the coast of Panama plan a lawsuit at the marine court in that country. The twelve Georgian sailors on a ship sailing under Nigerian flag plan to file the suit on Monday if their demands aren’t met. “The temperature is […]
Large ammunition depot found in south Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian police have seized a large amount of ammunition in an abandoned house in a town in the south of the country. According to Interior Ministry, the ammunition was hidden at an abandoned airport dormitory house in the town Akhalkalaki. […]
Traffic restrictions after first snowfall
TBILISI, DFWatch — The season’s first snowfall has led to restrictions on traffic several places in Georgia. The snow is causing problems in the Kakheti region, in east Georgia. Local media also report that ice is making it difficult for people to move around […]
Ex-minister’s uncle detained for illegal tree-cutting
TBILISI, DFWatch — Police have detained the uncle of a former interior minister for illegally cutting forest. Levan Tumanishvili the head of Tao LTD, was Saturday interrogated for violation of the conditions of a license for using the forest, after trees were […]
Georgia raises salaries for its soldiers in Afghanistan
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s Defense Ministry plans to improve conditions for Georgian soldiers serving in NATO’s ISAF mission to Afghanistan. Defense Minister Irakli Alasania on Friday stated that the salary will be increased for Georgian soldiers in Afghanistan […]
Georgia and Russia’s first step towards mending relations
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia and Russia representatives on Friday agreed to continue the dialogue. Zurab Abashidze, the Prime Minister’s special representative for Russian relations, and Gregory Karasin, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, on Friday met in Geneva. […]
Georgian Public Broadcaster director leaves
TBILISI, DFWatch — General Director of Georgia’s Public Broadcaster (GPB) Gia Chanturia has resigned. He handed in his resignation letter to the GPB’s supervisory board, which approved it today at a special session. Late Thursday night, there were unconfirmed […]
73 fired Telasi workers get their jobs back
TBILISI, DFWatch — The power company Telasi has brought back 73 out of 107 employees who were fired, according to the company’s director. Workers at Telasi, which distributes electricity in Tbilisi, have been out in the streets for two months. They were among the […]
Details published about Saakashvili’s flights
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Defense Ministry in Georgia has published details about flights made by the government with a Gulfstream G450 which was recently withdrawn from use due to budget cuts. The information used to be state secrets, but was published because of the […]
Georgia is losing out on foreign investments
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s direct foreign investments have significantly decreased in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, according to Georgia’s National Statistics Department, Geostat. According to the new report, the total amount […]
Saakashvili confidente financed Russian revolutionairies
TBILISI, DFWatch — Russian police have published new evidence which seems to strengthen the case that Georgian politicians tried to foment social unrest in Russia. The evidence relates to the connections between the Russian opposition and the Georgian […]
US supports Georgia having direct talks with Russia
TBILISI, DFWatch — The US supports Georgia’s decision to start direct talks with Russia, Thomas O. Melia, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, said Thursday. Melia, whose full title is U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, […]
Georgia and Russia plan rare meeting Friday
TBILISI, DFWatch — The two countries fought a brief war in August 2008. Tomorrow they will meet face to face for the first time. The meeting will take place on neutral ground in Geneva, Switzerland, on the sidelines of periodic talks between the sides in that war. […]
U.S. monitoring how Ivanishvili and Saakashvili cooperate
TBILISI, DFWatch — The U.S. is closely monitoring the transition of power from President Saakashvili’s National Movement to Prime Minister Ivanishvili’s Georgian Dream coalition. Also subject to scrutiny is how well the two political blocs are working together, […]
Ivanishvili’s election promises considered unrealistic
TBILISI, DFWatch — The new government’s proposed budget is in some regards unrealistic, according to a new report. Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC) presented the report Analysis and Recommendations on 2013 year Draft Budget of Georgia on Tuesday. […]
Saakashvili loses one of his jets
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili has lost one of his two business jets. The new government has decided not to allow the president to use it anymore. Alexandre Burchuladze, Deputy Defense Minister said in an interview with Rustavi 2 that the reason […]
MP investigated for beating of businessman
TBILISI, DFWatch — A member of parliament from Saakashvili’s National Movement party is being called in for questioning regarding the beating of a businessman. According to the prosecutor’s office, Paata Lezhava on September 23, 2012 beat businessman […]
U.S. officials visit Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — Two U.S. government officials arrived in Georgia Wednesday as part of a tour of the Caucasus. Thomas Melia from the State Department and Catherine Newcombe from the Department of Justice, will meet with Georgian government officials, media and […]
Crime wave is receding, says interior minister
TBILISI, DFWatch — The interior minister says the crime situation in Georgia now is under control, but remains difficult. Interior Minister Irakli Gharibashvili says criminals have taken advantage of the process of handing over power. “We weren’t able to timely […]
South Ossetia: one of the world’s worst repressive regimes
TBILISI, DFWatch — South Ossetia – a breakaway region of Georgia – is ranked among the world’s most repressive regimes by Freedom House. Freedom House, a non-governmental organization, has published a new report called ‘The Worst of the Worst: The World’s […]
Knife re-offender stirs debate ahead of mass amnesty
TBILISI, DFWatch — A man who was recently released from prison has reportedly attacked someone with a knife. The interior ministry December 10 reported that a prisoner named Tengiz injured a 31-year old man called Tamaz with knife and escaped from the scene. […]
Lukashenko will beg on his knees for Georgia’s return to CIS
TBILISI, DFWatch — The president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko says he is prepared to beg on his knees for the Georgian government to return the country to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Lukashenko said this in Minsk on Tuesday during a meeting […]
Court rules that Okruashvili must remain in prison
TBILISI, DFWatch — Tbilisi City Court Tuesday heard two separate set of charges against former Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili, and determined that he must remain in pre-trial custody. The first set of charges pertain to negligence of duty while he as defense […]
Abandoned Georgian sailors have run out of food
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian sailors who have been stranded on an abandoned ship in Panama are still suffering from hunger and unable to leave. The crew of Maria Del Carmen, which is flying a Nigerian flag, released a letter on Monday which says that they still […]
Ex-official detained in Ukraine may be extradited
TBILISI, DFWatch — A former Georgian interior ministry official was Monday given 40 days preliminary detention in Ukraine by a court in Kiev. Ukraine is considering Oleg Melnikov’s extradition to Georgia during his detention, online media in Ukraine report. Melnikov has a background […]
Trading ambassadors for prisoners
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Georgian government is in negotiations with President Saakashvili’s associates about releasing detained officials against replacing ambassadors appointed while he held government power. The unusual high level “prisoner exchange” has become […]
Georgia to chair GUAM in 2013
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia will have the chairmanship of GUAM in 2013. Foreign Affairs Minister Maia Panjikidze said at Monday’s regular briefing that Georgia was officially appointed in Dublin a few days ago, at a session of the GUAM foreign minister council. […]
Russia and Georgia to meet for direct talks
TBILISI, DFWatch — At last, Georgia and Russia will meet to start sorting out their differences. The two countries broke off diplomatic relations after the war in 2008. Zurab Abashidze, Georgia’s Special Representative for Russian relations, on Monday said that […]
Lavrov says Russia will allow regular flights to Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — Russia and Georgia will soon meet to discuss allowing import of Georgian agricultural products and restoring regular flights between the two countries. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow is ready to start talks about the issue, […]
Ivanishvili explains the need for amnesty
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Georgian Prime Minister expects to see a rise in crime for a few days after a mass amnesty comes into force, and says the population should understand and get on with it. Bidzina Ivanishvili Saturday visited parliament in Kutaisi, and […]
Ukraine detains wanted Saakashvili ex-official
TBILISI, DFWatch — Police in Ukraine have detained a former Georgian interior ministry official, who was announced wanted by Interpol and is sentenced to preliminary detention. Oleg Melnikov was detained in Kiev on grounds of information provided by Interpol […]
Revised 2013 budget presented
TBILISI, DFWatch — The new government in Georgia has presented a 2013 budget of USD 5.3 billion. USD 4.4 billion of this is expenditure. The revised budget comes as a result of consultations after critical remarks by members of parliament, and the new […]
Ucha Nanuashvili is Georgia’s new ombudsman
TBILISI, DFWatch — Ucha Nanuashvili has been chosen as Georgia’s new ombudsman. The 38 year old lawyer has more than 15 years of experience as a human rights worker and is currently director of the non-governmental organization Human Rights Center. Mr Nanuashvili’s […]
Ex-minister questioned again about fake passport
TBILISI, DFWatch — Former Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili was Friday questioned a second time about his attempt to leave the country with a fake passport November 30. The interior ministry has made public several witness statements seeming to confirm that […]
Detainee in Georgia-Dagestan border shooting released
Ahmed Chataev, who denies guilt, was released on bail Thursday. He lost a leg in the border shooting near Dagestan in August, 2012. According to Chataev this was the first attempt by boeviks to enter Chechnya from Georgia after the end of the second Chechen war. (IPN.) TBILISI, DFWatch — Tbilisi City Court on Thursday released a man detained after a firefight on the border with Russia in late August, 2012. Akhmed Chatayev was released on USD 3 000 bail, which he will have to pay within 30 days. August 28, Georgia started […]
Fake passports were common in Georgia’s interior ministry
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s interior ministry is investigating one more attempt to jump the border with a fake passport. The ministry says it discovered a suspicious passport issued in the name of Gocha Tsereteli, but the photo shows former Deputy Interior […]
Failing revenues forces major shifts in budget
TBILISI, DFWatch — The revenues into Georgia’s state accounts have decreased by USD 50.5 million lari compared to the budget. For this reason, priorities will be shifted until next year. According to the 2012 budget, revenues should have been USD 5 billion […]
Saakashvili criticizes government’s handling of NATO
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili says the meeting of the NATO-Georgia commission on Wednesday was not a step forward for the country. Saakashvili made the comment during a working visit to Poland. “Unfortunately, we didn’t see […]
Rasmussen says NATO will not interfere in detention cases
TBILISI, DFWatch — NATO will not interfere in the legal process in Georgia in regard to the recent detentions of former government officials, the alliance’s Secretary General says. After summing up a meeting of the NATO-Georgia commission in Brussels, Anders […]
Poll shows massive support for Ivanishvili government
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian Dream, the party of billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili which recently took over government power, has about five times more support than the National Movement party of President Mikheil Saakashvili. The is the result of a poll […]
Georgian patriarch hosts Israeli ambassador
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian Patriarch Ilia II hosted Israeli Ambassador Yuval Fuchs and his wife at the Patriarch’s residence in Mtskheta, close to the capital. Fuchs thanked Illia II for his merits in deepening relations between the two states in regards to […]
Georgia places 51. on corruption ranking
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia comes in at 51. place in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). In the previous ranking, the country was in 64. place. The CPI is prepared by Transparency International and scores and ranks countries and territories based […]
Testimonies published in Merabishvili forged passport case
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian authorities are continuing their investigation into former interior minister Vano Merabishvili for trying to leave the country with a forged passport. According to the interior ministry, Merabishvili gave them false information on purpose […]
Westerwelle asks Georgia to stay its course
TBILISI, DFWatch — Germany’s foreign minister Guido Westerwelle says he hopes the change of government in Georgia won’t influence the country’s course towards NATO and the EU. Westerwelle said this ahead of a meeting of the NATO-Georgia commission, […]
Lavrov asks Georgia for more details about dialogue
TBILISI, DFWatch — Russia wants to know how Georgia plans to improve relations with its neighbors. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said this while answering questions at a press conference in connection with the meeting of the NATO-Russia Council […]
Georgia to introduce a traveling parliament
TBILISI, DFWatch — The governing coalition in Georgia wants parliament back to the capital Tbilisi, but with an added option to meet at other places if necessary. Recent consultations among the Georgian Dream coalition, which came to power after the October 1, […]
Rasmussen comments on Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — Bucharest decision that Georgia will become a member of NATO stands if Georgia fulfills necessary criteria, NATO Secretary General states. Anders Fogh Rasmussen was speaking at a press conference after a meeting of the NATO-Russia […]
Georgia starts investigating prisoner abuse
TBILISI, DFWatch — Prosecutors in Georgia are preparing to press charges in several cases of prison abuse, based on a series of leaked videos which spurred a major scandal in September. Chief Prosecutor Archil Kbilashvili said at a press conference on Tuesday […]
Court detains Data Akhalaia in absentia
TBILISI, DFWatch — A former Interior Ministry official has been sentenced to pre-trial detention in absentia. Data Akhalaia, former chair of the feared Constitutional Security Department of the Interior Ministry, is charged, together with Soso Topuridze and Geronti […]
Georgia gets a new Chair of the Joint Staff
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s Defense Minister and President have agreed on a new candidate for Chair of the Joint Staff. Irakli Alasania, Defense Minister on Tuesday presented Colonel Irakli Dzneladze who will be filling this post. A day before, consultations […]
Weapons cache discovered in Tbilisi
TBILISI, DFWatch — Military Police in Georgia have seized about a hundred weapons of different types at an apartment in Tbilisi. Vako Avaliani, Advisor to the Defense Minister, on Monday said the weapons were not registered. The ministry learned about the location […]
Seven die in road accident
TBILISI, DFWatch — Seven persons died Monday evening in a car accident in Western Georgia, according to the Interior Ministry. In a statement the ministry writes that the accident took place at about 20:00 in the village Tseva, in the Imereti region. A truck […]
NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels
TBILISI, DFWatch — NATO’s Foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels December 4 and 5. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO Secretary General, will chair the meeting. Maia Panjikidze, Georgia’s Foreign Affairs Minister arrived in Brussels Monday evening […]
UN vote on Palestine causes controversy in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — It has caused great controversy in Georgia that its representatives at a session of the United Nations General Assembly voted in favor of Palestine being given observer status in the world organization. The vote comes amidst a time of criticism […]
Data Akhalaia charged in absentia
Data Akhalaia, former chair of the Constitutional Security Department of the Interior Ministry, Georgia’s domestic intelligence service, has been charged in absentia for abuse of powers and illegal deprivation of liberty. Akhalaia, the brother of the detained […]
New details about 2004 Robakidze murder
TBILISI, DFWatch — Another Interior Ministry official has been interrogated regarding the murder of Buta Robakidze, who was killed by police in 2004. This time Levan Gvazava, Former Deputy Interior Minister was interrogated. He was called in for questioning on […]
Justice Minister in doubt about charges against ex-official
TBILISI, DFWatch — The court released a former interior ministry official on bail until the trial, in the most controversial case among the recent detentions. Tengiz Gunava on Sunday was sentenced to pay USD 6 000 bail. First he was detained for illegal possession […]
Ex-minister questioned about forged passport
TBILISI, DFWatch — Former Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili was Saturday interrogated. He did not comment except saying it’s a pity that the prime minister is using the interior ministry as a tool of repression against the opposition. The interior ministry […]