Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Georgian Dream declares ‘revolution’ idea dead after October 4 unrest

TBILISI, October 9 – Georgia’s ruling party says the idea of revolution is over, and it no longer expects large-scale protests after the failed October 4 rally in Tbilisi that ended with clashes outside the presidential residence. Government officials and analysts close to the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party now argue that the political momentum … Read more

Total arrests rise to 35 in Georgia’s ‘peaceful revolution’ case

TBILISI, October 8 – Georgia’s Interior Ministry announced on Wednesday that 12 additional people have been arrested in connection with the October 4 unrest in Tbilisi, bringing the total number of detainees to 35. Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze said at a briefing that the new arrests followed “intensive investigative and search operations.” The detainees … Read more

Turkey’s USD 1.6b rail upgrade leaves Georgia lagging behind

TBILISI, October 8 – Turkey is pouring USD 1.6 billion into modernizing and electrifying its key east–west railway link from Divrigi to Kars and the Georgian border, but experts warn Georgia’s outdated infrastructure could limit the benefits of the project once it reaches the frontier. Transport researcher Davit Gochava told BPN that the new Turkish … Read more

Russian tax hike threatens Georgian wine export

TBILISI, October 8 – A new round of planned tax increases in Russia could make imported wines, especially those from Georgia, significantly more expensive for Russian consumers, industry experts warn. Under a proposal submitted to the State Duma on September 29, the Russian government plans to raise excise taxes on all alcoholic beverages starting in … Read more

Four more face court over violent Tbilisi protest – UPDATED

TBILISI, October 8 – The Tbilisi City Court on Wednesday held a hearing for four people detained during the unrest that followed the October 4 rally in the Georgian capital. The defendants, Tornike Mchedlishvili, Abo Naveriani, Eva Shashviashvili, and Davit Sturua, appeared before Judge Lela Maridashvili, who will decide whether to keep them in pre-trial … Read more

Three firms compete to build Tbilisi’s new 70,000-seat stadium

TBILISI, October 8 – Three construction firms have submitted bids to build a massive new football stadium near Tbilisi International Airport, a project expected to become the largest sports facility in Georgia. According to tender documents published by the Municipal Development Fund, proposals were received from three companies: Georgian builder Anagi with an offer of … Read more

Watchdog claims 180 cases of pressure against journalists in 2025

TBILISI, October 8 – A new report from Transparency International Georgia (TIG) claims that attacks, intimidation, and restrictions against journalists have sharply increased in 2025, with over 180 cases recorded between January and September, more than half in the last five months. The watchdog says this marks a worsening environment for independent and critical media, … Read more

October 4 clashes hurt protest movement: Analyst

TBILISI, October 8 – The violent unrest that broke out in Tbilisi on October 4 dealt a heavy blow to the reputation of Georgia’s protest movement, according to EU policy analyst Kakha Gogolashvili, but he believes the ruling Georgian Dream party will struggle to brand all forms of opposition as violent or extremist. Speaking on … Read more

22 now held after ‘attempted coup’ in Georgia

TBILISI, October 8 – Georgia’s Interior Ministry announced Wednesday that four more people have been arrested in connection with the violent unrest that erupted in Tbilisi on October 4, bringing the total number of detainees to 22. Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze told reporters that the arrests were made under court orders as part of … Read more

Russia starts mass deportation of foreign truck drivers

TBILISI, October 8 – Russia has begun mass deportations of foreign truck drivers, including those from Central Asia, in what experts warn could soon affect Georgian haulers crossing the same border. According to the Transport Corridor Research Center (TCRC), Russian authorities are detaining foreign drivers at roadside parking lots and deporting them if they overstay … Read more