Monday, February 9, 2026

Two injured in clashes as special forces arrest hydropower protester near Tskaltubo

TBILISI, DFWatch–At least two people were injured as protesters clashed with police in a village near Tskaltubo Tuesday evening. The clashes broke out as special forces arrived in the village of Sakulia in order to arrest a 29-year-old man for involvement in protests against the Namakhvani hydropower project. Clashes took place as police arrived at … Read more

Georgia ponders reopening its land borders

TBILISI, DFWatch–With the tourist season approaching, Georgia is thinking about opening its land borders. “Discussions are already underway and the border will probably be opened,” said Paata Imnadze, Scientific Director at National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, which is the main body handling the pandemic in the country. Everything has been done to … Read more

Conservative millionaire Vasadze, who suggested anti-LGBT vigilante groups, to launch political movement

TBILISI, DFWatch–After years of denying his intention to go into politics, the conservative millionaire Levan Vasadze finally announced on Thursday that he is launching a public movement. “I’ve made a very difficult decision in my personal life to say goodbye to my favorite status as a private person, and wade into and participate in the … Read more

Fatal climbing accident in Svaneti, Georgia

TBILISI, DFWatch–A foreign tourist has died in a climbing accident in the Svaneti highlands, according to the Emergency Management Agency of Georgia. Officials did not name the deceased but indicated it was a citizen of Switzerland. Local media reported that the death was caused by a fall into a ravine from a great height. A … Read more

Russia sends first batch of Sputnik V vaccines to Abkhazia

TBILISI, DFWatch–Russia has sent its first batch of the Sputnik V vaccine to Abkhazia, where people will start receiving the jab after the May 9 Victory Day celebrations. The Russian vaccine against the coronavirus will only be administered in one location, Sokhumi Republican Hospital. Initially, only medical staff, teachers, government employees and law enforcement officials … Read more

Georgia considers return to tougher coronavirus measures after another increase in cases

TBILISI, DFWatch–In light of rising concerns about the Covid-19 situation in the country, Georgia may tighten its existing restrictions or bring in tougher measures.  The government will hold a meeting with specialists on Wednesday, where a final decision will be made, the health minister said. The epidemic is getting worse, and with more than 10,000 … Read more

EU backs early parliamentary election in Georgia if ruling GD party gets less than 43% in local elections

TBILISI, DFWatch–The European Union on Sunday made another attempt at breaking the political deadlock in Georgia, offering a compromise that envisions the release of perceived political prisoners as well as early parliamentary elections. The EU earlier suggested Georgia’s factions agree to the release of UNM leader Nika Melia and Giorgi Rurua, founder of an opposition … Read more

Georgia's ruling party signs EU-mediated agreement but opposition refuses to sign

TBILISI, DFWatch–The ruling Georgian Dream party has unilaterally signed an EU-mediated compromise agreement intended to overcome the political crisis in Georgia, which addresses one of the two main demands of the opposition. “Today, the Georgian Dream publicly signs a document created under the auspices of the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, presented by … Read more

Four Georgians found drowned after trying to cross the Enguri bypassing Abkhazia checkpoint

TBILISI, DFWatch–Four people were found dead on the banks of the Enguri River on Wednesday. The four are believed to have  drowned as they tried to cross from Abkhazia to Georgian-controlled territory bypassing Russian border guards and Abkhaz customs officers.  Rescue workers found the bodies of three people Wednesday morning, and a fourth body in … Read more

A PM who recently resigned is Georgia's most popular politician

TBILISI, DFWatch–A recently retired prime minister is one of Georgia’s most popular politicians, according to a new survey published by the International Republican Institute (IRI) on Monday. Giorgi Gakharia, who resigned in February citing disagreement with his party colleagues over the detention of UNM leader Nika Melia, is liked by 65% ​​of respondents, far more … Read more