Friday, December 5, 2025

European court orders Russia to pay Georgia EUR 253 million over continued occupation

TBILISI, October 15 – The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ordered Russia to pay Georgia EUR 253 million in compensation for violations linked to Moscow’s ongoing occupation of Georgian territories, the country’s Justice Ministry announced on Tuesday. The ruling in the so-called “continued occupation” case, or formally “Georgia v. Russia (IV)”, came down … Read more

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan plan to double oil transit through Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline

TBILISI, October 15 – Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are in talks to increase the annual volume of Kazakh oil transported through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline to 7 million tons by 2027, according to Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov, as reported by Reuters on Tuesday. Shahbazov said that since 2023, around 3.4 million tons of Kazakh oil … Read more

Georgia’s parliament fast-tracks bill to tighten protest rules

TBILISI, October 15 – Georgia’s parliament opened debate Wednesday on a government-backed bill that would sharply increase penalties for unauthorized protests, introducing the harshest restrictions on street demonstrations in years. The proposal is part of a set of three legislative packages now being reviewed under an accelerated procedure. Under the new draft, people taking part … Read more

Divers join rescue teams searching for missing swimmer in Batumi

TBILISI, October 15 – Georgian rescue teams are searching for a man who went missing Tuesday evening in the Black Sea near the coastal city of Batumi. The Emergency Management Service told local media that search and rescue crews have been deployed to the scene, with divers joining the operation. Authorities said they received the … Read more

OSCE chair visits protesters outside Georgian parliament

TBILISI, October 15 – The chair of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Finland’s foreign minister Elina Valtonen visited protesters outside Georgia’s parliament on Tuesday evening, speaking briefly with demonstrators before continuing her official meetings in the capital. Protesters told Georgian media that Valtonen discussed the goals and content of their … Read more

Georgia’s World Cup hopes fade after 4–1 loss to Turkey

TBILISI, October 15 – Georgia’s national football team suffered a crushing 4–1 defeat to Turkey in the fourth round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, effectively ending its chances of reaching the 2026 tournament. The match, played Tuesday night in Turkey, saw the home side dominate throughout. Georgia’s only goal came from Giorgi Kochorashvili, who … Read more

Georgian PM defends new protest laws, vows to “protect the majority”

TBILISI, October 14 – Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday defended the government’s controversial new legislation aimed at curbing unapproved street protests and warned against what he called “radical” opposition forces. Kobakhidze said the government is finalizing a constitutional lawsuit that will target political parties he accused of “destructive” activity. “Our country needs calm … Read more

45-minute TV blackout investigated as possible sabotage

TBILISI, October 13 – Georgia’s State Security Service has launched an investigation into possible sabotage after one of the country’s leading broadcasters, TV Imedi, and two affiliated channels suddenly went off the air for nearly an hour on Monday. According to the agency’s statement, the investigation began following a formal request from TV Imedi. The … Read more

Fitness club’s anti-Russian policy sparks dispute with ombudsman

TBILISI, October 13 – Georgia’s Public Defender, Levan Ioseliani, has sharply criticized the owner of a popular gym chain after the business refused to serve a Russian citizen. Ioseliani said the country’s laws prohibit discrimination on any grounds, including nationality. The dispute began after a Russian citizen filed a complaint on September 19, claiming that … Read more

Georgia arrests three citizens in anti-terror operation linked to ISIS

TBILISI, October 13 – Georgia’s State Security Service announced Monday that three Georgian citizens have been arrested in the Black Sea region of Adjara on charges of joining a foreign terrorist organization and assisting terrorist activity. The operation was carried out by the agency’s Counterterrorism Center under court orders, simultaneously across five different locations in … Read more