News
EU considers suspending visa-free entry for Georgians
TBILISI, DFWatch--When foreign ministers from EU member countries meet in Luxembourg on Monday, three of the topics on their agenda are about Georgia: the rise in anti-EU disinformation, possible sanctions over alleged human rights violations, and whether to suspend Georgia’s visa-waiver program to the Schengen Area. Georgia has enjoyed visa-free travel to the EU since March [...]
Georgia’s ruling party says opposition participation ‘irrelevant’ ahead of local elections
GD lawmaker said it is irrelevant whether the opposition participates in the elections. TBILISI, DFWatch--As Georgia prepares to hold local elections in October, the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party says it expects a decisive win regardless of whether the opposition parties participate or not. "For the government, it doesn’t matter whether the opposition joins the elections. [...]
Parliament commission to investigative UNM crimes seeks extension ahead of damning report
TBILISI, DFWatch--A temporary investigative commission in Georgia’s parliament is seeking to extend its mandate by one month, in order to complete a report expected to paint a detrimental picture of the former government's abuse of power, starting from 2003. Chaired by MP Tea Tsulukiani of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, the commission was originally set [...]
Award-winning editor fined for placing protest sticker on police building
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--In Batumi, on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, journalist and co‑founder of outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, Mzia Amaghlobeli, was fined 1,000 GEL (USD 365) for placing a protest sticker outside the regional police headquarters. The incident took place during an opposition rally in January. The sticker bore the message "Georgia Swears an Oath" and was meant [...]
Global tensions create uncertainty for Georgia’s economy
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia’s economy is beginning to feel the effects of growing global instability, as analysts warn of a potential inflation risk and call for caution in the monetary policy. The National Bank decided at its June 18 meeting to keep its key refinancing rate unchanged at 8%, citing economic uncertainty. Bank officials aim to maintain [...]
Georgia to put ex-PM and opposition figure on trial ahead of elections
Giorgi Gakharia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgian prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation targeting former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia over a controversial 2019 security incident near the breakaway region of South Ossetia—a dramatic development ahead of the country’s October elections. Gakharia currently leads one of the few opposition parties willing to take part in the local elections later [...]
Joint opposition platform proposed for Tbilisi in local elections
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Mamuka Khazaradze, founder of the opposition party Lelo, calls for a unified opposition front in the upcoming local elections in the capital, Tbilisi, aiming to challenge the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party. A recent opinion polls showed that the around two thirds of Tbilisians would support the opposition, but due to the internal disagreements [...]
Librarians on strike in Kutaisi
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Employees at the Ilia Chavchavadze Scientific Library in Kutaisi have gone on strike. According to the library’s director, Nargiza Chogovadze, around 80 staff members are currently participating in the strike, with a single demand: higher wages. Chogovadze told Interpressnews that the library is funded by the Kutaisi municipal budget, and the striking workers are [...]
‘No basis’ for halting Georgia’s visa-waiver program – EU to consider drastic escalation with Tbilisi on 23 June
Shalva Papuashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--The European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council will meet on June 23, and the political situation in Georgia is one of the items on the agenda. Ahead of the meeting, some European leaders, including Poland's PM Donald Tusk, have been lobbying member states to adopt tougher measures in order to pur pressure on [...]
Georgia’s former PM, leader of opposition party, called to testify at parliamentary committee
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia has been summoned a second time to testify before Georgia’s parliamentary investigative commission. The commission is examining decisions surrounding the establishment of a Georgian police outpost near the village of Chorchana in 2019, close to the administrative boundary line with the Russian-backed breakaway region of South Ossetia. According to [...]
Trump sends senior U.S. official to meet Georgian foreign minister, signaling diplomatic thaw
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili met with Wyatt Toehlke, senior advisor to the U.S. State Department, in what observers see as a clear step toward improved relations. The meeting, which was confirmed by Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, covered U.S.-Georgia relations, regional security challenges, and Georgia’s role in promoting stability in the South Caucasus. [...]
New opinion poll reveals GD will win local elections unless Georgian opposition joins forces
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--A new opinion poll conducted by the Institute for Social Studies and Analysis (ISSA) reveals that support for the opposition—particularly in the capital, Tbilisi—remains high. The nationwide poll reveals a deep dissatisfaction with the Georgian Dream (GD) government and support for opposition groups, heading toward local elections scheduled for October 4. The survey found [...]
Three opposition figures in prison as Georgia gets ready for local elections
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Three oppsition figures are currently in pre-trial detention, raising concerns about the political situation ahead of the local elections scheduled for October 4. The three jailed opposition politicians are Zurab Japaridze, Nika Melia, and Nika Gvaramia. All three are from the opposition coalition “For Change” - one of four election alliances that took part [...]
Former PM, now leader of opposition party, faces possible charges over 2019 border standoff
TBILISI, DFWatch--In Georgia, prosecutors have reopened case about a 2019 border incident involving former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, who is the leader of one of the few opposition parties planning to participate in this year's local elections in October. The investigation centers on events in the village of Chorchana, near the de facto boundary with Russian-occupied [...]
Students rally against the Georgian government
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Students protested in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi on June 14, expressing both anger over instances of injustice domestically as well as how the country has become a target of international criticism. Outside Tbilisi State University, demonstrators condemned the recent sentencing of student activist Mate Devadze, who received four and a half years in prison for [...]
Georgia brings up killing of Tamaz Ginturi at IPRM talks
(EUMM.) TBILISI, DFWatch--The Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) met again on June 11 in Ergneti to discuss issues along the administrative border line. Participants reviewed recent incidents, including restrictions on movement, illegal detentions, and so-called "borderization" by Russian-backed forces. Georgia’s state security demanded accountability for the killing of Georgian citizen Tamaz Ginturi and pressed for [...]
Georgia again detains opposition figure Nika Gvaramia
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Opposition figure and TV director Nika Gvaramia was detained in Tbilisi today, sparking an outcry among supporters. The arrest followed shortly after a court session, where it was decided to revoke Gvaramia's bail and converting it into imprisonment. The judge justified this as a response to his alleged violation of bail conditions. Prosecutors argued [...]
Opera star turned politician suggests ‘Third Republic’ in Georgia
Paata Burchuladze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Opera singer and political figure Paata Burchuladze has suggestwd convening a 'national congress' to form a 'Third Republic', as a way of pushing back against what he calls an illegitimate government. Drawing parallels to Georgia’s first (1918–1921) and second (1991) republics, Burchuladze argues that the current administration is no longer acting in [...]
Donald Tusk spearheading renewed attempt to shut down EU’s visa-free travel for Georgians
Donald Tusk apologized if his initiative caused offense to anyone in Georgia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Another push is underway to convince European Union member states to suspend visa-free travel for Georgian citizens. Leading the charge is Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who has emerged as a hardliner among EU leaders seeking to pressure the ruling Georgian Dream [...]
In Georgia, journalists and activists are asked to explain their “offensive” social media posts in court
Elene Khoshtaria. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Several high-profile Georgian journalists, activists and opposition politicians have been summoned to court for allegedly insulting public officials online. TV anchors Vakho Sanaia and Vika Bukia, opposition figure Elene Khoshtaria and activist Ana Subeliani are among those who have faced court hearings. Specifically. this deals with Facebook posts considered offensive to ruling [...]
Georgian opposition leader holds consultations with EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--United National Movement (UNM) chair Tina Bokuchava is one of the speakers at the German Marshall Fund’s annual Brussels Forum, a high-level transatlantic gathering of policymakers, diplomats, business leaders and experts. Bokuchava, who recently revealed that her husband had been abducted and forced into making an apology video, spoke about political prisoners and appealed to forum participants [...]
Judge prevents media from covering trial of doctor facing 20 years on drug charges after attending opposition rally
Giorgi Akhobadze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Hearings in the trial of a doctor who was arrested on his way home from an opposition rally last December have been tense. Now, the judge has closed the hearings to the media. Hearings so far have been marked by verbal altercations between the prosecution and defense lawyers. Giorgi Akhobadze, a medical [...]
Georgia’s ruling party tightens control over foreign grants, sparking criticism
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia’s ruling party has proposed new amendments to the country’s grant law, expanding the definition of what constitutes a foreign grant and reinforcing government control over external funding. The revised legislation, presented to parliament for a second reading, deals how to categorize technical assistance, such as training, equipment, and expert consultations, from foreign governments [...]
Student activist released after 12 days in jail for insulting ruling party MP
Lika Lortkipanidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Lika Lortkipanidze was released from administrative detention after serving a 12-day administrative sentence for allegedly insulting a ruling party MP during a protest. According to Interpressnews, the incident took place on 17 May in a café. Lortkipanidze and fellow activists confronted Georgian Dream (GD) lawmaker Mariam Lashkhi with chants including "Down with [...]
GD preparing to drop Georgia’s NATO bid ahead of summit?
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--The Georgian government may be preparing the grounds for formally abandoning the country's NATO aspirations and adopt a neutral status, analysts say. Just ahead of the June 24‑25 NATO summit in The Hague, Georgia’s government announced the closure of its NATO and EU Information Centre by July 1, merging its functions into the Foreign Ministry, a [...]
Ex-president and opposition leader Zourabichvili eyed as candidate for Tbilisi mayor
Salome Zourabichvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Giorgi Gakharia’s party For Georgia is reportedly considering nominating former President Salome Zourabichvili as a "neutral candidate" for mayor of Tbilisi in the upcoming local elections. The party, which received 8% of the vote in the 2024 parliamentary election, has announced the start of its campaign for the municipal elections in October [...]
Activist detained in Turkey after deportation from Georgia
Temur Katamadze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Temur Katamadze, a political activist and Turkish citizen, was deported from Georgia to Turkey late Monday night, and is now in detention there, according to his wife, Nino Kakulia. She told Interpressnews that Georgian authorities transferred him not via the main Sarpi crossing but near the Armenian border in the country’s south. [...]
New Georgian ambassador to U.S. confirmed
Tamar Taliashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--The United States has granted agreement to Tamar Taliashvili as Georgia’s next ambassador to Washington, marking an improvement in relations between the two countries. The approval reportedly coincided with the surprise resignation of U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan, fueling speculations. Taliashvili, a former MP from the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party [...]
Georgia’s opposition has lost focus, constitutional lawyer warns
TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgian constitutional scholar Vakhushti Menabde has sharply criticized the country’s opposition for failing to address urgent democratic concerns ahead of the upcoming local elections. In an interview with Palitra News, Menabde said opposition parties neglected to shape a coherent electoral strategy or spotlight threats to democratic rights. Instead, they became mired in personal disputes and [...]
Georgian parliament close to wrapping up controversial probe into UNM-era crimes
Sozar Subari. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--A temporary parliamentary investigative commission in Georgia is continuing its controversial probe into alleged abuses committed during the 2003–2012 rule of the United National Movement (UNM). The commission, chaired by MPs affiliated with the ruling party and the splinter group "People’s Power," has received a one-month extension, with its mandate now running [...]
Leader of Georgia’s largest opposition party claims husband was abducted and forced to record video apology to billionaire’s son
Tina Bokuchava. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--It caused an outcry in Georgia that leader of United National Movement (UNM), Tina Bokuchava, accused unidentified men of abducting her husband and forcing him to record a video apology. Bokuchava claimed that her husband, Kote Ioseliani, was coerced into apologizing, on camera, for things he said seven years ago about Uta [...]
Trial of award-winning newspaper editor will be a test for Georgia’s embattled government
Mzia Amaghlobeli. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Batumi City Court will Monday hear the case of Mzia Amaglobeli, an award-winning newspaper editor charged with insulting a police officer. Amaglobeli is the founder of Batumelebi, recipient of the 2009 Free Media Award. She faces both criminal and administrative proceedings, for slapping a police chief during a protest in January. Her [...]
Georgian Dream moves to crack down on ‘foreign-funded hate speech’
Irakli Kurtskhalia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party announced that it will take legal steps against what it claims is a coordinated campaign of "foreign-funded hate speech" against officials. The party has formally asked the Ministry of Internal Affairs to investigate cases of hate speech, arguing that it is externally financed, and claiming that [...]
Georgia’s parliament speaker blasts Western diplomats, accusing them of interference
Shalva Papuashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia’s Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili in an open letter accused Western diplomats of overstepping their authority, interfering in Georgia’s domestic affairs and promoting polarization. The letter, published June 7, represents the latest round of Georgian Dream (GD) using open letters to air grievances with Western countries and Tbilisi's diplomatic corps. Papuashvili argued [...]
Russian intel claims UK stepping up efforts to unseat Georgia’s ruling party
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has accused the United Kingdom of intensifying efforts to remove Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream (GD), from power by funding opposition-aligned NGOs and training youth movements for "subversive" activities. In a June 5 statement reported by state agency TASS, and later circulated by many English language outlets also in [...]
Fragmentation among Georgia’s opposition reflects how hastily blocs were formed
Ana Dolidze (center). (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--One of Georgia’s four opposition blocs appears to be unraveling, exposing the improvisational nature of alliances formed ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections. As analysts note, most of these blocs were built less on ideological coherence than on tactical hopes of unseating the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party. The latest crack [...]
U.S. ambassador to Georgia announces retirement, sparking speculation
Ambassador Robin Dunnigan. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--The unexpected announcement on June 5 that U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan will retire next month has prompted speculation among Georgia’s political camps. Dunnigan emphasized that it was her personal decision to retire and had not been requested by Washington, but members of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party suggested there was [...]
Georgian PM congratulates Poland’s president-elect Karol Nawrocki
PM Irakli Kobakhidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has congratulated Karol Nawrocki on his victory in Poland’s presidential election. In a message posted on X, Kobakhidze extended his “heartfelt congratulations” and wished Nawrocki success in advancing Poland’s development and prosperity. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to bilateral ties, stating the country stands ready [...]
Georgia indicts five in major drug trafficking case
(pog.gov.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office has charged five individuals with illegal possession and distribution of large and especially large quantities of narcotics, including heroin, cocaine, buprenorphine, and alpha-PVP. The charges follow a Ministry of Internal Affairs investigation, which uncovered and seized the drugs during coordinated operations. The accused face charges under multiple articles of Georgia’s criminal [...]
Georgia’s opposition divided over local elections boycott
Levan Khabeishvili, head of UNM’s political council. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--The "Stay Home" campaign, spearheaded by Levan Khabeishvili, chairman of the United National Movement’s (UNM) political council, aims to delegitimize the vote by urging voters not to take part. Khabeishvili argues that participation would legitimize the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, which he accuses of authoritarianism under [...]
Georgia’s ‘foreign agents law 2.0’ comes into force
U.S. Senator Steve Daines meeting Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze just as the controversial law takes effect. (gov.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia's new 'FARA' law took effect on May 31, requiring organizations, media outlets and individuals to register as "agents of a foreign principal" if they engaging in advocacy for foreign actors. Failure to comply could result in fines [...]
Georgia will not compromise its sovereignty in pursuit of EU integration, PM Kobakhidze says at CPAC Hungary
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DWWatch--Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said this in a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Budapest, which gathered traditionalist and right-wing leaders across the world. In his speech, Kobakhidze delivered a fervent defense of national sovereignty and traditional values, emphasizing Georgia's commitment to its Christian heritage and national identity. "We are [...]
Georgia’s ruling party continues to deliver on poverty reduction
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia’s official statistics agency has reported a continued decline in poverty, with the national absolute poverty rate dropping to 9.4% in 2024, down from 11.8% in 2023. The improvements span every demographic. Child poverty fell the most sharply (by 4.0 percentage points), and rural areas saw a notable 3.7-point decrease. Urban and gender gaps [...]
Ivanishvili rejects U.S. ambassador’s invitation, citing ‘personal blackmail’
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch-–Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder and honorary chairman of Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party, has declined a meeting with U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan, explaining that he would not be free to represent the country's interests while under sanctions. Dunnigan had sought to deliver a message from the Trump administration regarding the reset in U.S.-Georgia relations, following [...]
EU launches new initiative to counter Russia in the Black Sea region
TBILISI, DFWatch-–The European Commission today announced its new Black Sea Strategy. The plan envisages enhanced cooperation among littoral states, including members Romania and Bulgaria, and non-members Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova. The initiative pledges €1.7 billion in funding for infrastructure, security, and other projects. Maritime Security Hub: Aims to protect infrastructure, de-mine waters, and address environmental risks.Connectivity [...]
Georgia’s embattled ruling party celebrates after receiving letter from President Trump on Independence Day
TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgian Dream (GD) hailed a congratulatory letter from U.S. President Donald Trump to President Mikheil Kavelashvili, interpreting it as the definitibve answer to which side of the political divide he supports after months of uncertainty. The letter, released on May 26 to mark Georgia’s Independence Day, expressed Washington’s commitment to "peaceful and productive relations" and [...]
Georgia’s checks on Armenian cognac trucks trigger speculation that ‘geopolitical shifts’ are at play
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Frustration is mounting among Armenian alcoholic beverage exporters as their trucks carrying cognac and spirits are being stopped and checked while transiting Georgia en route to Russia, prompting diplomatic exchanges between Yerevan and Tbilisi. On May 13, Armenian beverage producers demonstrated outside the Georgian Embassy in Yerevan, alleging that Georgian authorities were deliberately hindering [...]
Georgia’s Independence Day celebrations pass without incident
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Despite deepening polarization, this year’s Independence Day celebrations in Tbilisi passed without major disruptions. Commentators credited careful planning and the physical separation of events with avoiding incidents, as the country remains engulfed in a deep political crisis where opposition leaders still, 212 days after the election, and with 180 days of continuous rallies, refuse [...]
Which May 26 events will foreign officials attend – the government’s or the opposition’s?
(DFWatch.) TBILISI, DFWatch--As Georgia prepares for its Independence Day celebrations, official guests will be faced with a tricky question: Whose celebration to attend? The opposition's or the government's? Or both? Which event foreign dignitaries choose to attend could signal their stance on Georgia’s deepening political crisis. After 235 days of protests bolstered by Western governments, the [...]
British journalist denied entry to Georgia
Will Neal. (Photo by The Daily Beast.) TBILISI, DFWatch--British journalist Will Neal, who has been a resident of Georgia since 2022, was denied re-entry into the country on May 20 after returning from a trip to the United Kingdom and the European Union. Neal was turned away at the Armenian-Georgian border without a clear explanation, according [...]
Rubio’s remarks fail to clarify Trump’s Georgia policy
Vice President JD Vance swearing in Marco Rubio as Secretary of State. (Office of Vice President of the United States.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that the U.S. will consider measures against anti-American governments, answering a question about Georgia. Opposition media celebrated Rubio’s comments, but the GD government downplayed them, stressing that Georgia [...]
Constitutional Court combines three suits against “Russian Law”, its chairman admits receiving EU funding in the past
Merab Turana (IPN). The three lawsuits filed in the Constitutional Court of Georgia on the Law on "Transparency of Foreign Influence" will be combined into one proceeding, CCG Chairman Merab Turava said to the journalist on Monday, adding "I don't think that I and my judges have any less European aspirations than you." The President of [...]
Georgian Dream revives extremely controversial law on “Agents of Foreign Influence”, what is written in the new draft
Shalva Papuashvili Georgian government, after a one-year forced pause and in the face of criticism both inside and outside the country, re-initiated the bill on "Agents of Foreign Influence". The new initiative, titled as the draft law on "Transparency of Foreign Influence", which Georgian Dream seems to be determined to finally adopt, envisages the mandatory registration [...]
Coffee shop owner from Moscow, who angered Putin supporters, leaves Russia, moves to Tbilisi
TBILISI, DFWatch--A woman from Moscow Oblast, who caused great anger among Vladimir Putin supporters by kicking out a Russian soldier fighting against Ukraine from her coffee shop, has moved to Tbilisi with only ‘two bags’, leaving behind a chain of coffee shops. “I love my home, but I think that it’s better for me to be [...]
Georgian Dream is preparing a bill against “ideology of pseudo-liberals” and “wilful propaganda of non-traditional lifestyle”
TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgian Dream is in the process of preparing a legislative initiative to "protect society from pseudo-liberal ideology" and its inevitable harmful consequences." The country may face such a situation when "we will be asked to legalize the so-called civil partnership", says Mamuka Mdinaradze, majority leader at the parliament. Opposition political parties dub this as empty [...]
22 y/o Georgian fighter sentenced to life in Donbass for killing three Russian infantrymen
TBILISI, DFWatch--The court of the "Donetsk People's Republic" has sentenced a Georgian fighter Mamuka Gatserelia to life imprisonment for killing three Russian infantrymen, the General Prosecutor's Office of the Russian Federation states. The 22-year-old volunteer, whose parents reportedly originate from occupied Abkhazia, was found guilty under two articles of the Russian Criminal Code - Article 317 [...]
Who’s the Georgian citizen that Putin talked about in an interview with Tucker Carlson, without mentioning his name
Zelimkhan Khangoshvili (left) and his assassin Vadim Krasikov. TBILISI, DFWatch--Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested his country might exchange American journalist Evan Gershkovich for a Russian assassin jailed in Germany. Speaking to former Fox News host Tucker Carlson in a two hour long interview, the Russian leader alluded to holding negotiations about the exchange of Wall [...]
Major reshuffle in Georgian politics: PM trades seat with ruling party chairman
Irakli Garibashvili (right) and Irakli Kobakhidze (gd.ge). TBILISI, DFWatch–After Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili returned to public politics in late December, everyone in Georgia expected major upheavals in the government, although only a small number of commentators predicted dismissal of the prime minister. However, this became clear on Sunday, when the pro-government TV company Imedi reported [...]
The Dutch low-cost carrier starts flights from Tbilisi to Amsterdam in April
TBILISI, DFWatch–Dutch low-cost airline, Transavia, is starting to operate in the Georgian market. Tickets can currently be purchased on the company's website for flights from late April. During the summer navigation season of 2024, the airline will fly in the Amsterdam-Tbilisi-Amsterdam direction. However, the company has a connection service, through which it is possible to fly [...]
NDI poll predicts bleak future for opposition parties in 2024 unless they somehow manage to unite
A poll commissioned by the US National Democratic Institute has once again shown the dire, and one might say catastrophic, situation faced by most political parties in Georgia a year before benchmark general elections. According to the release published by NDI on Monday, if parliamentary elections were to be held now, presumably only the ruling party, [...]
Opposition demands adoption of the “Protect Georgia Act” to stop “invasion of Russians”
Mamuka Khazaradze (Facebook). TBILISI, DFWatch – The opposition party demands the establishment of a visa regime, a ban on the entry of cars with Russian license plates and other strict measures in order to prevent the "invasion of Russians in Georgia". For this, the Lelo, political party founded by entrepreneur Mamuka Khazaradze, submitted Monday “Protect Georgia [...]
Former de facto president elevated to Russian mercenary army ranks claims over 1,000 South Ossetians fight in Ukraine
TBILISI, DFWatch –1,100-1,200 volunteers from South Ossetia are fighting on the Russian side in Ukraine, said Anatoly Bibilov, Deputy Commander of the Volunteer Assault Corps, in an interview with Russia's state news agency RIA Novosti. Bibilov, who served as president of South Ossetia's puppet regime from 2017 to 2012, claims that VAC, which encompasses all volunteers [...]
“Russian-Georgian Business Council” proposes to open road through occupied Tskhinvali
Davit Tsetskhladze (Facebook). TBILISI, DFWatch – At the meeting of the "Russia-Georgia Business Council" in Vladikavkaz, the capital of Russia’s republic of North Ossetia, the issue of opening a road connecting Russia and Georgia through occupied South Ossetia was discussed on Tuesday, according to the information spread by the news website Sova News based on the telegram [...]
Remittances from Russia almost halved in August: NBG
TBILISI, DFWatch – The number of remittances from Russia to Georgia in August decreased by 45.5 percent compared to last year and amounted to $60 million, although this country is still the leader and accounts for about a fifth of the total volume, according to the release published by the National Bank of Georgia on Friday. In [...]
Former public defender Nino Lomjaria to establish new pro-EU public movement
Former Public Defender of Georgia Nino Lomjaria, who has been the object of permanent criticism and constant verbal attacks by the ruling party for the past years, is founding a new public movement, the first event of which will be held on Thursday. European Orbit of Georgia is a platform that creates space for those who [...]
Six opposition parties in Georgia release statement claiming GD government collaborating with Putin’s Russia
The opposition parties of Georgia issue a joint statement speaking out about the threat of government shifting foreign political priorities and accuse the ruling power, Georgian Dream, of being a collaborator with the Putin regime for agreeing to the restoration of direct air traffic with Russia. "The Georgian Dream" has once again put Georgia's European and [...]
Opposition demands setting up parliamentary commission to study corruption in judiciary
TBILISI, DFWatch – The opposition appeals President Salome Zurabishvili to convene parliament’s extraordinary session for creating special commission to study corruption in the judiciary. Opposition MPs say they have the necessary votes to set up commission. A total of 50 PMs’ votes are needed to create a temporary investigative commission, while the opposition has 56 mandates in [...]
Georgian PM speaks about “Ukrainization” conspiracy, claims to have saved the country from war
Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, whom the opposition and Western politicians often accuse of populist rhetoric, said during his speech in the parliament Friday that government saved the country from "Ukrainization“, and reiterated the narrative of conspiracy to drag Georgia into a war against Russia. “The real danger facing our country today is the […] conspiracy that [...]
Amid hysteria over “second front”, Abkhaz militia kicks off drills in Gali
The pro-EU protests in Tbilisi, which forced the government to kill the highly controversial bill on “foreign agents”, have triggered a natural hysteria in occupied Abkhazia, where the narrative has stubbornly been spread as if the West is forcing Tbilisi to open a “second front”. As a climax of this hysteria, the military forces of the [...]
The opposition sets up united front to mobilize pro-Western forces against foreign agents’ bill
The moment of expulsion of opposition MPs from Legal Affairs Committee hearing. The opposition is creating a coordination council to resist the adoption of controversial bill on “foreign (influence) agents” by the ruling Georgian Dream, which is widely perceived as a kind of foreign policy U-turn for Georgia - distancing the country from its Western allies [...]
Parliament starts amid protests discussing “Russian law”, which many believe will drag Georgia to Putin’s embrace
(IPN) Verbal and physical confrontation followed the start of consideration of the anti-Western bill initiated by a political group close to the ruling Georgian Dream in the parliament on Thursday. The opposition urged supporters to gather at the parliament immediately in order to prevent such a step, which will be a big U-turn on the path [...]
Saakashvili’s health has deteriorated, the process will become irreversible in 1-2 months: Council of Doctors
Mikheil Saakashvili's health condition has worsened and if the current trend continues, irreversible processes will start in 1-2 months, states the Council of Doctors set by the Public Defender. “The patient has entered the phase of active catabolism,” reads the document released by the Office of Public Defender of Georgia Monday based on the visit and [...]
Joe Biden nominates Robin Dunnigan as a new US ambassador to Georgia
President Joe Biden has announced his intent to nominate Robin Dunnigan as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Georgia. Robin Dunnigan is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister-Counselor, and currently serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central and Eastern Europe in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. [...]
If Saakashvili’s weight drops below 52 kg, he may die, doctor says
If Saakashvili's weight drops below 52 kg, his body will not be able to withstand and he will die, said neurologist who is a member of a medical concilium at the office of Public Defender on Wednesday at the ex-president's trial. Currently, according to Saakashvili's lawyer and family, he has started the process of rapid cachexia, [...]
Lawyer says Saakashvili’s health worsened and has never seen him so weak
Mikheil Saakashvili's condition has worsened so much that he is being taken to intensive care unit, his lawyer said on Tuesday, although later the director of the hospital, where the third president of Georgia is being treated, said that there are no clinical prerequisites for transferring him to ICU. After the meeting with ex-president, lawyer Shalva [...]
Far-right pro-Russian party disrupts lecture of popular Georgian liberal literary critic
Alt-Info activists gathered in Kvareli in front of car with Levan Berdzenishvili in the front seat. (Nika Gurini/Facebook.) Georgian far-right pro-Russian political party Alt-Info, which is the organizer of July 5 pogroms in 2021, against LGBTQI activists and journalists assumes responsibility for disrupting public lecture of the liberal politician and popular literary critic. The incident took [...]
Perpetrators of appalling violence against 30 y/o woman convicted after 8 years
Tbilisi court on Tuesday found four men guilty of publicly assaulting and humiliating a young woman, the wife of their relative, which led to the woman's suicide. For the crime that happened eight years ago, each of the defendants was sentenced to 5 years and 6 months in prison. The case concerns the events of September [...]
„Gross violation” of the diplomatic protocol deepens the crisis between the president and Georgian Dream
The conflict between the president and the ruling political team of Georgia is getting worse. On Monday, Salome Zourabichvili demonstratively refused to participate in the Ambassadors' Conference 2022 due to "gross violations of generally recognized and established rules of state and diplomatic protocol". “According to the Constitution of Georgia, the President of Georgia is the head [...]
Saakashvili claims Putin personally ordered his assassination by poisoning
Extremely debilitated Mikheil Saakashvili appeared before court on December 22 via video link to plead for his release or transfer abroad on health grounds. The imprisoned former President of Georgia states that the sharp deterioration of his health condition is related to poisoning, which was ordered by Vladimir Putin of Russia. “Putin really ordered me to [...]
Georgia braces for court hearing, which will decide on the matter of Saakashvili’s “life and death”
Political forces in Georgia are bracing for a court hearing scheduled for Friday, which should review the issue of releasing Mikheil Saakashvili or postponing his sentence. The trial was scheduled at the request of his lawyers, who claim that the health condition of the ex-president is critical and if not transferred abroad for treatment, his life [...]
Five Georgian fighters killed in the battle of Bakhmut, Ukraine
Georgian Recon Team captured Russian BTR-82 somewhere in Ukraine (photo @Visioner). On Saturday, reports were spread about the death of five Georgian fighters at Bakhmut, Donbass. Later, this information was confirmed by the Embassy of Georgia in Kyiv, as well as Georgian volunteers who protect Ukraine from Russian aggression. There are no confirmed details about the [...]
Pashinyan, Aliyev to sign peace deal in Tbilisi: Armenian media
(Kavkaz-uzel.eu) A peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed in Tbilisi by the end of November or the beginning of December, and preparatory work in this regard is already actively underway in Georgia, Armenian news website Graparak reports based on its own sources. The document, which is planned to be signed in Georgia, implies [...]
Three opposition parties unite to oust Georgian Dream, get EU candidate status
Giorgi Vashadze (from left), Elene Khoshtaria and Zurab Japaridze (Facebook). Three opposition political parties in Georgia - Strategy Agmashenebeli, Girchi - More Freedom and Droa – establish “a pro-European coalition”, the goal of which is to oust Georgian Dream and solicit getting the EU candidate status by the country. "There is no other way, and our [...]
Police arrest nine in connection to Vake Park tragedy that killed 13-year-old girl
Lasha Purtskhvanidze, director of Greenservice+, escorted by the police after arrest (Mtavari Arkhi photo). As part of the investigation into the causes of the Tbilisi Vake Park tragedy, the police have arrested nine people, including the Deputy Head of the City Hall Environmental Protection Service and director of contractor company, the Ministry of Internal Affairs' representative [...]
Russian military start getting grip on border with Georgia to prevent conscripts’ exodus
Telegram channel SHOT On the border with Georgia, which has becomes a point of exodus for those Russian men who want to avoid conscription, Russia opens a military commissariat presence. According to the eyewitnesses from the place, at this stage the conscripts are not detained, nor are they prevented from crossing border. The officers hand over [...]
FSB fears breaching border with Georgia by crowd fleeing mobilization, sends armored vehicle, troops
The war mobilization announced by Vladimir Putin has worsened the situation on the Russian-Georgian border to such an extent that the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB), which is responsible for border control, sent Monday an armored personnel carrier there to prevent a forceful breach of the border at Larsi by the crowd - [...]
Georgian tourism industry booming, revenues reach record high
(gnta.ge) Revenues from international visitors are at a record high this year in Georgia. According to the information published by the National Bank of Georgia, the country received $476 million in income from international visitors in July, which is almost $270 million more than the same figure of July last year. In total, the country received [...]
Ukrainians rout Russian troops redeployed from Abkhazia: military expert
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Ukrainian army has severely defeated the Russian unit stationed in the breakaway Abkhazia on the Kryvyi Rih front, which suffered such significant losses that the leadership was forced to withdraw it from the front for regrouping, Sova.news, Tbilisi-based Russian-language news portal, reports relying on Ukrainian military expert. “Proud abkhazians were running! Well, how did [...]
Credit Suisse stopped responding even to letters: Bidzina Ivanishvili’s lawyers
The Swiss bank Credit Suisse continues to restrict Bidzina Ivanishvili's access to his banking resources “as a matter of principle”, and "for quite a long time" they do not even respond to the letters and questions of the client's representatives, says the legal company MKD Law, which protects the interests of the Georgian Dream founder, in [...]
Russia suggests including assassin imprisoned in Germany in proposed prisoner exchange with U.S.
Vadim Krasikov. TBILISI, DFWatch--In prisoner exchange talks with the United States, Moscow has offered to include a hitman affiliated with Russian intelligence, who is serving a life sentence in Germany for the elimination of Chechen field commander Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a citizen of Georgia. Russian officials have suggested that the assassin, Vadim Krasikov, be placed on a [...]
“Just like in Russia” – opposition TV director says there total illegal surveillance of journalists in Georgia
Acting director general of Georgia’s biggest opposition TV channel Mtavari Arkhi states that there is total illegal surveillance of journalists in the country “just like in Russia”. As proof of this, he cites an audio recording that was broadcast on Wednesday on a pro-government TV channel. Giorgi Gabunia, Mtavari Arkhi news anchor who replaced Nika Gvaramia [...]
We do not take decisions at the behest of Ivanishvili: PM Garibashvili
Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili publishes an extensive statement, where he responds to the "campaign of internal and external political opponents". In a letter full of praise for billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, the PM claims that the government hasn’t taken any operational or key decisions at his behest. "If anyone thinks that we did not impose sanctions (on [...]
A field of natural gas discovered near Tbilisi
A natural gas field with a volume of 16 billion cubic meters has been discovered near Tbilisi, said Giorgi Tatishvili, the head of the State Oil and Gas Agency, speaking to BMG. "To imagine, this is equal to the consumption of Georgia for 8 years," Tatishvili said. This gas reserve was discovered by the French oilfield [...]
Pro-EU rally organizers in Tbilisi demand ousting the PM, forming a government of national consent
The organizers of a pro-EU rally in central Tbilisi, where thousands of people gathered to say that Brussels' refusal to grant Georgia candidate status was the result of the Georgian Dream government's misguided policies, demand the resignation of government and PM Irakli Gharibashvili. The PM will resign within a week and a government of national consent [...]
“Do not break up the trio” – Former leaders of Georgia ask the EU to grant candidate status
Giorgi Margvelashvili. Georgia's two former presidents and four ex-speakers of parliament appeal the EU not to oust Georgia from the "trio" and to grant it candidate status, as it did with Ukraine and Moldova. “The content of the letter is as follows - we agree with the demands of European Commission, the expediency of their fulfillment, [...]
GD rules out Saakashvili’s transfer abroad, opposition says ex-president actually “sentenced to death”
The statement of the chairman of the Georgian Dream, who categorically ruled out the transfer of ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili abroad for medical treatment, caused great outrage in the opposition. "Irakli Kobakhidze actually sentenced to death Mikheil Saakashvili," said Nika Gvaramia, director general of the main opposition TV channel, Mtavari Arkhi, who himself was sentenced to a [...]
27 y/o Georgian killed in the bastion of Mariupol’s Ukrainian defenders
Georgian fighter, 27-year-old Tato Bigvava, commander of the second company of the Azov Regiment of the National Guard of Ukraine has died in the bastion of the defenders of Mariupol, on the territory of the Azovstal plant. The cause of death was believed to have been a cluster bomb explosion. It was dropped by Russian troops [...]
Georgia sends an official delegation to war-torn Ukraine, at last
Shalva Papuashvili (Facebook). After a long period of hesitation and criticism from the opposition, the ruling party of Georgia has finally decided to send a parliamentary delegation to Ukraine, headed by the chairman of parliament. The visit is expected to take place this weekend, Georgian Dream MP Davit Sergeenko told reporters on Wednesday. He also confirmed [...]
Georgians condemn steps taken by government during Ukraine crisis
TBILISI, DFWatch--While Ukraine is heroically fighting the aggressor and the Georgian people are strongly supporting it in this cause, a diplomatic row has broken out between Tbilisi and Kiev, causing embarrassment and shame for many Georgians. People gathered in the center of Tbilisi on Tuesday to show support for Ukraine and condemn the steps taken by the [...]
Georgians ashamed of PM’s comments about Russia sanctions
(Formulanews.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch--Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili’s comments, which many Georgians see as bowing down to an aggressive Russia, continues to cause anger, outrage and shame in the country. The hashtag #ღარიბაშვილიარგამოხატავსჩემსპოზიციას has gone viral on social media. It literally translates to "Garibashvili does not express my opinion". Georgians from a broad range of backgrounds and especially [...]
Georgia makes it mandatory for schools and kindergartens to display national symbols
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is making it mandatory for all schools and kindergartens to fly the national flag and display the country’s official coat of arms on their buildings. These institutions will also be required to exhibit the text of the Georgian national anthem in a prominent place. The Parliament approved in the first reading the amendments to [...]
New survey points to increasingly positive attitudes in Georgia toward minorities, LGBT+ individuals
(DFWatch) TBILISI, DFWatch – Georgians are increasingly positive about minorities, including LGBT+ people, according to the new survey commissioned by The Council of Europe Office in Georgia, which covers a period between 2018 and 2021. The CoE presented key findings of the study Monday, which demonstrates that knowledge and appreciation of diversity in Georgian society increased [...]
Georgia slams breakaway Abkhazia’s appeal to UN for observer status
Inal Ardzinba, the de facto Minister of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia. TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia has dismissed an appeal by the breakaway region Abkhazia to the United Nations to be given status as an “observer state”. A spokesperson for Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called it a propaganda move with no real chance of succeeding. "Occupying regimes have [...]
Lukashenko says he considers recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia
Alexander Lukashenko. TBILISI, DFWatch--Autocratic leader Alexander Lukashenko said Monday that Belarus might recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia if President Putin tells him to do so. “As soon as I understand and the President [of the Russian Federation] tells me that there is a need for this,” Lukashenko said in an interview with pro-governmental Russian journalist Vladimir [...]
Former Georgian justice minister Adeishvili beaten in Kyiv
Zurab Adeishvili. TBILISI, DFWatch--Zurab Adeishvili, a former Georgian justice minister who is an adviser to Ukraine's Prosecutor General, was attacked and beaten in Kyiv on Monday. Adeishvili was approached by four men in the street who proceeded to beat the Georgian politician, writes "Ukrainskaya Pravda" based on a source in the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine [...]
GD prepares “non-provocative” resolution on Ukraine, doesn’t mention neither Russia nor Putin
Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream, after lengthy deliberations, finally submitted a draft resolution in support of Ukraine to parliament on Wednesday for approval, which immediately drew criticism from the opposition after it was revealed that it did not mention neither Russia nor Putin. Two meetings were held between the Georgian Dream and opposition factions on Wednesday to [...]
Ex-President Saakashvili says Russia is also planning to attack Georgia, along with Ukraine
Imprisoned former President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili says that if Russia launches a direct military aggression on Ukraine, it will inevitably invade Georgia and occupy Black Sea ports that are of strategic importance to it. "According to my information, if Russia starts implementing a large-scale plan in Ukraine, it is going to capture Anaklia in the [...]
“We won convincingly”: Georgian Dream chairman sums up last year
Chairman of Georgian Dream, Irakli Kobakhidze. TBILISI, DFWatch--The artificial crisis is over, we won the election convincingly, and the 'radical' opposition, whose leader is 'deservedly' serving a sentence in jail, is 'extremely weakened’, Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated as he summed up the political events of the last year. Writing on Facebook on Monday, Kobakhidze [...]
US reaffirms support for Georgia as tensions between West and Russia grow
TBILISI, DFWatch--While the crisis in relations between Russia and the West over NATO enlargement continues to escalate, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Karen Donfried reaffirmed the US’ support for Georgia in a phone call with Georgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, David Zalkaliani. According to the Georgian MFA, the sides exchanged views [...]
Appeals Court rejects Igor Giorgadze’s lawsuit against DFWatch
Igor Giorgadze. TBILISI, DFWatch--Tbilisi Court of Appeals on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit filed by former Georgian security chief and former KGB operative Igor Giorgadze against DFWatch and its editor Lasha Tughushi, in which he demanded a retraction of information published in a 2016 article. The Court of Appeals fully agreed with and upheld an earlier decision [...]
PACE co-rapporteurs to make monitoring visit to Georgia
(coe.int) Co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) will make a fact-finding visit to Tbilisi Wednesday for the monitoring of obligations and commitments by Georgia. Titus Corlatean (Romania, SOC) and Claude Kern (France, ALDE) will mainly focus on the recent political developments, the October 2021 local elections, the reform of the judiciary, [...]
Saakashvili was inappropriately given strong “anti-psychotic drugs” in prison, a group of medics says
Mikheil Saakashvili at the Tbilisi Court, November 29 (Imedinews photo). TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia's former president, Mikheil Saakashvili, was given "anti-psychotic drugs" while in custody without a medical need, according to an organization involved in his defense, while his lawyer adds "suspicions grow" this might be done deliberately to impair his mental health. The Rehabilitation Center for Victims [...]
Georgia’s former president Saakashvili to be moved from prison to military hospital after deteriorating health 50 days into hunger strike
Supporters of Mikheil Saakashvili rallied in Tbilisi Friday. (Adjaratv.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch--In Georgia, the government Friday agreed to transfer the imprisoned former president Mikheil Saakashvili to a military hospital, after a sudden deterioration of his health. The ex-president’s fifty day long hunger strike has caused a public outrage and a growing pressure from the West. Saakashvili and [...]
Saakashvili rushed to prison hospital as supporters rally around the Georgian parliament building in Tbilisi
(RL/RFE.) TBILISI, DFWatch--The former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili was rushed to a prison hospital in Tbilisi Monday evening, reportedly due to a deteriorating health condition after being on a hunger strike for 39 days. Saakashvili had been held in Rustavi penitentiary since October 1, when he was arrested after returning to his home country for the [...]
Saakashvili receives emergency treatment as health seriously deteriorates after 25 days on hunger strike
TBILISI, DFWatch--Former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili’s health condition deteriorated critically Monday, after 25 days of hunger strike. His condition was so serious that he required emergency treatment by doctors. After a while his condition improved, said the former president’s defense lawyer Dimitri Sadzaglishvili. "Saakashvili is now entering such a phase of starvation that his health is [...]
Georgia’s GD government holds off on tougher Covid-19 restrictions until after second round of local elections
Amiran Gamkrelidze. (TV Pirveli.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Officials in Georgia are considering a return to tougher Covid-19 restrictions after a sharp rise in new cases, but are likely to wait until after the second round of the local elections on October 30. Amiran Gamkrelidze, head of the National Center for Disease Control, the key person in managing the [...]
Georgia mourns nine victims of building collapse
People brought dolls, flowers and candles to the site where an apartment building collapsed in Batumi, Georgia, killing nine people. (IPN.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia is mourning the victims of the collapse of a 7-storey building in Batumi, while investigators are working to identify the causes of the tragedy, which killed nine people, including three children. People bring [...]
Georgia’s ruling party achieves 47% in local elections, higher than EU mediated agreement’s trigger level for snap poll
Georgians went to the polls Saturday to elect municipal councils and mayors. TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia's local elections have so far earned mixed results, with both the ruling party and the opposition celebrating victory and highlighting their own success. Although the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) won a landslide victory in the proportional list and received 47% of the [...]
Former president Saakashvili returns to Georgia and is arrested a day before local elections
Former President Mikheil Saakashvili. TBILISI, DFWatch--Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili allegedly returned on Friday to his home country on Friday after eight and a half years’ absence. Law enforcement authorities arrested the former leader the same evening. The news about the ex-president’s arrest sparked celebrations among the opposition and frustration within the government, and threatened to [...]
Georgia’s ruling party asks for stronger EU condemnation of UNM ‘provocation’
Altercation between Nika Melia (left) and Irakli Kobakhidze at the EU office in Tbilisi. (Ambebi.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia’s ruling party, GD, criticizes EU Ambassador Carl Hartzell for being too timid in his criticism of the leader of the opposition party UNM Nika Melia after a verbal confrontation outside the EU office in Tbilisi on Thursday. Melia approached [...]
Leader of Georgia’s main opposition party stripped of his seat in parliament
Nika Melia. (1tv.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch--The largest opposition party’s candidate for Tbilisi mayor has lost his seat in the Georgian parliament. Nika Melia, leader of the largest opposition party United National Movement (UNM), asked for the revocation himself in July, after the ruling party abandoned the EU mediated compromise agreement negotiated by European Council President Charles Michel. [...]
Georgian ombudsman names priest, blogger as organizers of July 5 anti-LGBTQ rally and calls for their prosecution
Zurab Makharadze (center with a microphone) and Archpriest Spiridon (left, with a wooden cross) at the rally in front of parliament. (Megatv.ge) The ombudsman calls for the prosecution of an ultra-nationalist journalist and an archpriest of the Georgian Orthodox Church for organizing violence against journalists and LGBTQ rights activists. Ombudsman Nino Lomjaria said 53 people have [...]
GD chairman rules out early parliamentary elections
Irakli Kobakhidze, chairman of Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream. TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia’s ruling party has dashed the opposition's hopes of holding early elections for parliament in 2022 as a spokesman ruled it out entirely regardless of how few votes Georgian Dream will be able to get in the local elections this October. "Even if Georgian Dream gets [...]
Georgia’s Public Defender calls for postponing the local elections due to Covid-19
Nino Lomjaria, Public Defender of Georgia. TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia’s Public Defender calls for postponing the local elections amid skyrocketing numbers of new Covid-19 cases and deaths. Nino Lomjaria’s call is backed by the opposition, but the government categorically rules out postponing the poll, which is scheduled for October. "We have more than 60-70 dead per day. What [...]
22 Georgians stranded in Kabul. Turkey, other partners will help, MFA says
People storming Kabul airport after Taliban takeover of Afghan capital (VOA). TBILISI, DFWatch-Twenty two citizens of Georgia are stuck in Kabul and are unable to return to Georgia. They were scheduled to fly off on a Ukrainian plane on Monday, but were unable to reach the airport due to security concerns. They are currently in a [...]
Georgia halts public transport in biggest cities amid new deadly wave of Covid-19
(Facebook/MIA.) TBILISI, DFWatch--The Georgian government is tightening regulations due to the worsening epidemiological situation, but still refrains from reintroducing curfew and lockdown, measures that are wildly unpopular among the population. The government was originally expected to announce a new tightening of measures on Tuesday after news of hospitals buckling under the stress of skyrocketing Covid-19 numbers, [...]
Covid-19 surge reaching crisis point in Georgia as hospitals struggle
Ekaterine Tikaradze at the briefing on Wednesday. (Government of Georgia.) TBILISI, DFWatch--The recent surge in Covid-19 is causing a steadily deteriorating situation in Georgia and approaching crisis level. Hospitals are reporting an acute shortage of free beds and medical staff, while the government is considering more restrictions, something it did not intend to do before the [...]
Georgia brings back some stricter regulations amid skyrocketing number of new Covid-19 cases
The meeting of the Coordinating Council was presided over by PM Irakli Gharibashvili, August 8, 2021. (1tv.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch--Against the backdrop of a skyrocketing number of new cases of Covid-19 and a steady increase in the number of deaths, authorities in Georgia decided Monday to bring back stricter regulations, but stopped short of using another round [...]
Georgia denies that PM Gharibashvili’s visit request was turned down by Baltic states
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denies claims by the opposition that the three Baltic countries refused to host PM Irakli Gharibashvili, who was planning a visit. One of the largest online publications in Lithuania, 15min.lt, confirmed, based on anonymous sources, that the PM's request to come on an official trip to [...]
For the first time, Georgia’s president criticizes the country’s ruling party
Salome Zourabichvili (1tv.ge). TBILISI, DFWatch--President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili has criticized the ruling Georgian Dream party for unilaterally abandoning the EU-mediated agreement. She also reiterated the importance of the country's European development. This is the first time the president has criticized the political movement that brought her to the presidency. Salome Zourabichvili was able to win [...]
Missing Australian woman, 31, found dead in Tbilisi
Shanae Brooke (Facebook). TBILISI, DFWatch--The body of an Australian expat was found at the Mtatsminda Recreational Park near the center of Tbilisi. It is reported that she was allegedly murdered. Shanae Brooke, 31, went missing Friday when she went to Mtatsminda Park for jogging, which she did routinely. She was last heard from placing a disturbing [...]
Olympic champion in freestyle wrestling to run for mayor of Gori for Georgia’s ruling party
Lado Khinchegashvili (Sova.news). TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgian Dream has nominated Olympic champion Vladimer (Lado) Khinchegashvili as a candidate for mayor of Gori in the October local elections. Following the results of the previous elections in this city, the 30-year-old athlete, who has not yet made a public announcement to leave the sport, will most likely win this election. [...]
Georgia responds to Russian threat of ‘countermeasures’ to NATO drills
Lasha Darsalia (Imedinews). TBILISI, DFWatch--As NATO’s military drills ‘Agile Spirit 2021’ got underway in Georgia this week, spokespersons for both Georgia and Russia made warning statements illustrating the risk of another round of conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dimitry Peskov first said NATO’s Agile Spirit 2021 exercise with 2,500 military personnel from 12 alliance members and three partner [...]
GD withdrawal from EU-brokered political agreement fuels confrontation ahead local elections
Irakli Kobakhidze (center) at the GD briefing. Georgian Dream’s withdrawal from the EU-brokered political agreement has fueled ongoing political confrontation in the country. The case has even reached the point where part of the opposition is considering boycotting the local elections scheduled in October. One MP, Zurab “Girchi” Japaridze, has already left parliament. On Wednesday the [...]
Georgia’s public defender calls on law enforcement to prosecute perpetrators of July 5 violence
Public Defender Nino Lomjaria. TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia’s public defender calls on law enforcement bodies to react to the violent attacks on journalists during the night of July 5 and the following days and make the results public. After crowds of ultra conservatives hunted down journalists in the street and beat them in the night of July 5 [...]
UNM nominates its chairperson for Tbilisi mayoral race but fails to put up united opposition front
UNM candidate for Tbilisi mayor, Nika Melia (left), and UNM candidate for city assembly chair, Elene Khoshtaria. TBILISI, DFWatch--The largest opposition party in Georgia, the United National Movement, on Friday nominated party chairman Nika Melia as its candidate for Tbilisi Mayor in the local elections in October. But Melia has so far failed to secure broad [...]
Georgia sees disturbing rise in Covid-19 cases but government rules out another lockdown
Vaccination center at Hualing shopping mall in Tbilisi (1tv.ge). TBILISI, DFWatch--The government in Georgia is facing a setback in its fight against the coronavirus as experts predict an increase in daily cases in the next 2-3 weeks, but the government reiterates that it’s not planning another lockdown. Meanwhile, the mass vaccination program is continuing and the [...]
Georgian PM rules out another lockdown despite Covid-19 virus again running rampant
PM Irakli Gharibashvili rules out another lockdown, saying that country’s economy can’t withstand it. (Stopcov.ge.) TBILISI, DFWatch--The Georgian government is not going to declare a lockdown ahead of the upcoming elections, despite a rapidly deteriorating situation in tackling the spread of the coronavirus. Many see the government’s avoidance of new unpopular restrictions in light of the [...]
Rally in Tbilisi calls for PM’s resignation after death of cameraman beaten in July 5 violence
Rally organizers demanded the resignation of PM Irakli Garibashvili, as well as a full independent investigation of the death of TV cameraman Lekso Lashkarava. (Interpressnews.) Opposition parties, journalists and civil society activists are protesting in the center of Tbilisi on Sunday, demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister, after the death of a cameraman who was [...]
Dozens injured as far-right groups attack Tbilisi Pride, journalists
Far-right activists attacking a reporter for Formula TV. (IPN). TBILISI, DFWatch--Dozens of people were injured in Tbilisi on Monday as far-right activists attacked the LGBTQ Pride parade. There were incidents several places in the capital. The main targets of the attacks were journalists and cameramen for several opposition TV stations that are considered "propagandists for liberalism." [...]
Georgia lifts nightly curfew from July
(Adjaratv.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia is relaxing or lifting the two Covid-19 measures that have irritated the population the most. PM Irakli Gharibashvili said on Tuesday that the government is lifting the nightly curfew from July 1, although restaurants and cafes, as well as other entertainment establishments will be open only until midnight. At the same time, Gharibashvili [...]
Ivanishvili rejects rumors of links to his ex-PM’s new party
Giorgi Gakharia and Bidzina Ivanishvili (Facebook/GeorgianDream) TBILISI, DFWatch--The founder of Georgia’s ruling party has publicly dispelled rumors that he is secretly supporting the former prime minister Giorgi Gakharia’s new political party. In a letter published on Monday, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili called Gakharia a "traitor" and categorically ruled out collaborating with the party he founded. Gakharia, who [...]
Two injured in clashes as special forces arrest hydropower protester near Tskaltubo
Locals gather at Sakulia cemetery after the clash. 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. [...]
Georgia ponders reopening its land borders
Paata Imnadze (1tv.ge). 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 [...]
Conservative millionaire Vasadze, who suggested anti-LGBT vigilante groups, to launch political movement
Levan Vasadze with his followers threatening to set up vigilante patrols against LGBT activists in Vere Park in Tbilisi, 2019. (1tv.ge) 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 [...]
Fatal climbing accident in Svaneti, Georgia
Rescuer workers at Guli Glacier. (Emergency Management Agency). 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 [...]
Russia sends first batch of Sputnik V vaccines to Abkhazia
(Sputnik-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 [...]
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 active [...]
EU backs early parliamentary election in Georgia if ruling GD party gets less than 43% in local elections
European Council President Charles Michel. (Twitter.) 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 [...]
Georgia’s ruling party signs EU-mediated agreement but opposition refuses to sign
Archil Talakvadze (Imedinews). 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, [...]
Four Georgians found drowned after trying to cross the Enguri bypassing Abkhazia checkpoint
Rescue workers at the Enguri River (RFE/RL) 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 [...]
A PM who recently resigned is Georgia’s most popular politician
Former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia has 65% approval rating among Georgians. 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 [...]
EU-mediated talks fail to resolve Georgia’s political crisis
Christian Danielsson addressing the media after the failed talks. TBILISI, DFWatch--EU-mediated negotiations to end the political crisis in Georgia have once more ended in failure. The compromise proposed by EU envoy Christian Danielsson was rejected Tuesday evening by both the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) and the group of opposition parties led by United National Movement (UNM). [...]
Third wave looming, but half of Georgians don’t want to get vaccinated
TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia’s vaccination effort has run into a roadblock, as many people are skeptical of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is believed to have caused the death of a 27-year-old nurse a week ago. The attitude toward the vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech is more positive, although the available supplies of it are limited. A large [...]
Georgian ex-PM Gakharia keeps people guessing after cryptic message that he hasn’t left politics
(Facebook/გახარია.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Former Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia said on Monday that he has not left politics, without further explanation, leaving people guessing as to what he might have meant. "I am not leaving anything, not even politics," Giorgi Gakharia wrote on his Facebook page on Monday. But when asked by reporters, he did not explain [...]
Georgia will not halt the use of AstraZeneca’s vaccine despite 27-year-old nurse’s life-threatening allergic reaction
(Government of Georgia.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia is not halting its use of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine after a 27-year-old female nurse suffered anaphylactic shock and went into a coma on Thursday after receiving the jab. "We recently heard a report about AstraZeneca from a strict European regulator. It is recognized as a safe vaccine that has far more [...]
Georgian PM rejects opposition’s two main demands
Irakli Garibashvili meeting with Josep Borrell, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. (Facebook/Government of Georgia.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia’s prime minister on Tuesday rejected the two main demands put forth by the opposition, thus prolonging the country’s four and a half months long political crisis. "The next parliamentary elections will be held in 2024," Prime [...]
Locals in Gali, Abkhazia demand lifting of 5-day Covid-19 quarantine for crossing Enguri Bridge
Enguri Bridge. (DFWatch.) GALI, DFWatch--Gali residents demand the opening of the checkpoint on Enguri Bridge and the lifting of the five-day quarantine for travelers that have been tested for Covid-19. Locals told DFWatch that because of the quarantine requirement, many people have resorted to a dangerous route, wading through the surging Enguri river at the so-called [...]
South Ossetia incident: Two Russian soldiers advance 500m into Georgian-controlled territory, fire warning shots, in failed attempt to detain resident
TBILISI, DFWatch--The two armed Russian service members advanced 500 meters into territory controlled by Georgia and fired warning shots in an attempt to seize a local resident in the village Khurvaleti, about 50km northwest of Tbilisi, an eyewitness told Radio Tavisupleba. Khurvaleti is located at the southern tip of the breakaway region South Ossetia, whose de [...]
Audio of Georgian PM discussing crackdown on social media comments sparks outrage in Georgia
Bera Ivanishvili (left) and Irakli Garibashvili. (Newposts.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch--Audio recordings aired by an opposition TV channel in Georgia have caused outrage and demands for the prime minister’s resignation. The recordings, aired Saturday on TV Pirveli, appear to show Georgia’s current PM Irakli Garibashvili and ruling party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili's rapper son Bera discussing with Anzor Chubinidze, [...]
Georgia’s economy minister expects a sevenfold increase in flights this month as Covid-19 restrictions on air travel are lifted
(Avianews.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia expects air traffic to increase sharply as Covid-19 related restrictions on regular flights are lifted, to reach a level this month seven times what it was in August last year. By summer, the number of flights per week may reach 200, a 20-fold increase, the Minister of Economy Natia Turnava said Thursday at [...]
Georgian opposition offers to tone down protests to give negotiations a chance
Policemen guarding the entrance to parliament during an opposition protest on March 2, 2021. (RFE/RL) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia’s opposition have decided to scale back their protest rallies, citing a wish to not give the ruling Georgian Dream party an excuse to stall the talks initiated by the President of the European Council. The decision was made at [...]
Political crisis deepens in Georgia following violent police raid and arrest of opposition leader
Opposition supporters rallied in front of the government office in Tbilisi. (Newposts.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch--A police raid of the headquarters of Georgia’s largest opposition party and the arrest of its leader Tuesday morning has further deepened the political crisis in the country. Nika Melia, leader of the United National Movement, was dragged out of the party building [...]
Abkhazia village appeals to Tbilisi for help after massive disease outbreak, suspected to be Covid-19
A school building in Sida, another village in the Gali region. (DFWatch.) GALI, DFwatch--In the village of Tagiloni in the Gali district of breakaway Abkhazia, there has been an explosion of cases of an illness locals suspect to be Covid-19, following a burial feast held ten days ago. Locals reached out to DFWatch, to appeal for [...]
Resignation of PM fails to defuse Georgia’s political crisis, as incoming PM vows to ‘restore order’, hinting that UNM leader Melia may still be arrested
Irakli Garibashvili speaking at Georgian Dream headquarters during his nomination. TBILISI, DFWatch--The opposition in Georgia breathed a sigh of relief Thursday, as Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia announced his resignation and the MInistry of Internal Affairs postponed the arrest of Nika Melia, leader of the largest opposition party in the country, UNM. Opposition leaders had spent the [...]
Georgia on the verge of fierce escalation: opposition prepares to resist arrest of UNM leader after controversial court ruling
Nika Melia, surrounded by opposition politicians, speaking to journalists at the UNM office after court ruling. (Timer.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch--Five out of eight opposition parties and blocks which passed one percent barrier in 2020 parliamentary election - UNM, European Georgia, Lelo, Strategy Aghmashenebeli, Labour Party - voice their support for and pledge to defend UNM’s Nika Melia [...]
Leader of Georgia’s main opposition party facing imprisonment on charges from 2019 protest rally
Nika Melia talking with supporters at an opposition rally in Tbilisi, Novermber, 2020. (Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch--The leader of Georgia’s main opposition party faces imprisonment after participating in a protest in 2019. The prosecutor's office asked parliament on Friday to strip Nika Melia of his immunity as a member of parliament. If parliament agrees - and that [...]
Georgia lifts some coronavirus restrictions after week of protests
Anti-lockdown rally by representatives of the hospitality sector outside the government building in Tbilisi on January 30. (1tv.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch--Amid growing discontent and irritation among the population, the Georgian government is lifting some of the most painful restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic. From Monday, February 8, public transport in major cities will be allowed to [...]
Citizens Party calls off parliament boycott after GD promises reforms, rest of opposition still rejects 2020 election results
Aleko Elisashvili answering journalists at the parliament (video grab from 1tv.ge) One of the opposition parties in Georgia announced Friday that they are calling off their boycott of parliament, breaking ranks with the rest of the opposition, which have held that the October 31 election was fraught with violations and should be annulled. Chairman of the [...]
Georgia’s Public Defender says representatives are threatened by Soviet-style inmate leaders
Nino Lomjaria. (ombudsman.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch--Penitentiary authorities in Georgia have unleashed “prisoners managed by the administration” to systematically carry out “verbal attacks, threats and aggression” against representatives of the Public Defender's Office, Ombudswoman Nino Lomjaria said on Wednesday. The PDO earlier released a report claiming the management model of semi-open prisons was based on an informal hierarchy [...]
Georgian opposition party Citizens to break off parliament boycott if government promises election reform
TBILISI, DFWatch--The Georgian opposition’s boycott of parliament after the October 31 election is in doubt, after one of the parties indicated they will break off the boycott. Aleko Elisashvili, leader of the Citizens party, said Wednesday that he will announce the party’s decision to take up their two seats in parliament in a few days. "If [...]
Georgia to lift some Covid-19 restrictions after drop in number of infections
Amiran Gamkrelidze. (1tv.ge.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia plans to gradually lift Covid-19 related restrictions as the most recent statistics show a reduction both in new cases and the number of deaths, the country's chief epidemiologist Amiran Gamkrelidze said on Monday. This process will be accompanied by an increase in the total number of tests and the start of [...]
42-year-old Irakli Kobakhidze takes over reins of Georgia’s ruling party as billionaire founder steps down
Former party secretary Irakli Kobakhidze was "unanimously" elected as new leader of Georgian Dream. TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia’s ruling party on Saturday elected former party secretary Irakli Kobakhidze as new chairman, after its billionaire founder stepped down. The choice of a new leader and new composition of the political council at the party convention are important developments for [...]
Novosibirsk Opera terminates contract with wife of former leader of Georgian opposition party UNM
Nino Ananiashvili. TBILISI, DFWatch--A Russian theater in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, which was supposed to be headed by the wife of a prominent Georgian opposition politician, has terminated its contract with her. Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theater said the decision was provoked by the fact that former Bolshoi prima ballerina Nino Ananiashvili made a premature [...]
Wildfires now threatening Gagra, the former Soviet holiday resort north in Abkhazia
Wildfires in the hills above Gagra. (Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch--A number of wildfires have been put out in the Gali district of Abkhazia but the fires have now moved further north, threatening Gagra, an iconic holiday resort on the Black Sea coast. Despite lacking the means to fight the fires, the breakaway authorities in Sokhumi have rejected [...]
Wildfires threatening populated areas in Gali, Abkhazia
https://www.facebook.com/nona.khasaia.5/videos/1123278944771617/ Fire in the village Zemo Barghebi published by a local resident at about 2 pm. GALI, DFWatch--Wildfires tore through several villages here in the Gali district of Abkhazia on Tuesday. The fires broke out late last night and soon spread to populated areas due to strong winds. Despite reports by the breakaway authorities that they [...]
Georgia shuts down again due to Covid-19, brings back nightly curfew
TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia on Sunday re-introduced strict Covid-19 restrictions that will last until January 15. The rationale behind the measures adopted by the government in November was to reduce people’s mobility amid a worrying rise in the number of cases, which were well above 4,000 new cases a day during that month and continued growing. After a [...]
Georgia’s main electricity provider announces price hike in midst of pandemic
TBILISI, DFWatch--At the end of a difficult year with families struggling to get through a pandemic, Georgia’s largest electricity provider announced a price hike that risks causing major discontent. On Monday, the CEO of Energo-Pro Georgia, which in 2016 controlled 62% of the country’s energy distribution, said an increase in electricity tariffs was inevitable. "The existing [...]
Georgia’s ruling party softens stance on two controversial bills severely limiting oppposition parties
Opposition parties holding a joint briefing after the October 31 elections. (On.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch--Facing growing criticism from the West, Georgian Dream seems to soften its strict stance towards the opposition. Although parliament on Wednesday adopted a bill at the first reading that strips all opposition parties of their state funding, GD said it would send the [...]
Volunteer teacher bringing hope to university entrants remotely from locked down Gali
Rusudan Samushia. (Facebook.) GALI, DFWatch--Classes have been suspended in public schools in Abkhazia as in the rest of Georgia because of the pandemic, and also here in Gali, local teachers try their best to assist students with distance learning. Despite many difficulties, including the interruption of electricity supply, local teachers are still more or less able [...]
Georgian Dream starts crackdown on opposition after talks to stop boycott fail
GD Executive Secretary Irakli Kobakhidze. TBILISI, DFWatch--After talks between Georgian Dream and the opposition failed to defuse the political crisis, the ruling party in Georgia has started to weigh in with threats of revoking registration for the largest opposition party and stripping others of state funding. On Thursday, Irakli Kobakhidze, the Georgian Dream executive secretary, said [...]
Gali residents struggling to get by under Covid-19 travel restrictions
Gali. (DFWatch.) GALI, DFWatch--Under conditions that amount to a blockade, the population of Gali are finding ways of sorting out their daily life problems, such as how to receive pensions when they can’t get to a Georgian bank. In spring, Abkhazia’s separatist authorities closed the only road connecting the Gali district with the rest of Georgia, [...]
Opposition boycotting parliament in Georgia, first session begins with only ruling party in attendance
First session of newly elected parliament with opposition seats vacant. (Tabula.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia's newly elected parliament opened its first session on Friday with only one party in attendance. All opposition parties are boycotting the parliament despite many rounds of negotiations and efforts by Western diplomats to break the deadlock. Nine parties surpassed the threshold in the [...]
Georgians in Gali welcome the partial opening of Enguri Bridge, but want it opened in both directions
(apsadgil.info) GALI, DFWatch--Georgians living in Gali welcome the opening by separatist authorities of Enguri Bridge for travel in one direction, but demand they also allow passage in the other direction across the bridge that connects Abkhazia with Georgia proper. Although Sukhumi does not allow the passage from Gali to Zugdidi, locals think that if the Georgian [...]
Georgian resident of Gali sentenced to 9 years in jail in Abkhazia for dishonoring the flag
The textile which Bebua is accused of burning (also shown in the video below) was part of decoration in the colours of Abkhaz flag. TBILISI, DFWatch--A resident of Gali who is accused by the breakaway authorities of Abkhazia of vandalism and dishonoring the flag, has been sentenced to 9 years in prison. The Georgian side protests [...]
Political gridlock continues after third round of negotiations between Georgian government and opposition
Speaker of Parliament Archil Talakvadze exiting the meeting at the US diplomat’s residence. (1tv.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch--The third round of negotiations between the Georgian government and opposition ended with minor progress on Monday. The talks were mediated by Western diplomats and aimed at ending the boycott of the newly elected parliament. Nine parties overcame the 1% threshold [...]
Council of Europe urges Russia to not delay €10 million compensation to victims of 2006 mass expulsion of Georgians
CoE Committee of Ministers sitting in Strasbourg, France. TBILISI, DFWatch--The Council of Europe (CoE) has urged Russia to not delay further the payment of EUR 10 million damages to Georgia for human rights violations when thousands of Georgian citizens were expelled from Russia following a spy row between the two neighboring countries. The European Court of [...]
Enguri Bridge to open temporarily from December 3 to 10 for humanitarian reasons
(Gal Info.) DFWatch--The separatist authorities in Abkhazia have decided to temporarily open the Enguri checkpoint with Georgia proper from December 3 to 10 for "humanitarian" reasons. Those who possess Abkhaz citizenship or permanent residence there and are Covid-19 free can cross the “border” from 9 am till 7 pm during this period, reads a statement released [...]
Covid-19 restrictions causing extreme hardship for residents of Gali, Abkhazia
Enguri Bridge. GALI, DFWatch--The pandemic has caused an extremely difficult situation for tens of thousands of Gali residents whose livelihood depends on commuting to Georgia proper. The restrictions to halt the spread of Covid-19 have exacerbated the situation for locals here in Gali, a mostly ethnic Georgian area of Abkhazia, where residents are already suffering under [...]
Georgia goes into lockdown as surge in Covid-19 cases threatens to overwhelm healthcare system
Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia announced drastic new measures after consultations with major businesses and business unions. (Imedi.) TBILISI, DFWatch--The Georgian government on Thursday announced new restrictions amid a skyrocketing number of Covid-19 cases and deaths, and with a healthcare system on the verge of collapse. The new measures, though anticipated, are much less strict than what [...]
With power cuts and poor Internet, remote learning no substitute for closed schools during Covid-19 in Gali, Abkhazia
Public school in the village Sida, Gali district. (DFWatch) GALI, DFWatch--School closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic are worsening an already difficult situation in Gali district in Georgia’s breakaway region of Abkhazia. Teachers are struggling to continue classes remotely, but with unstable electricity supply and a lack of computers and Internet, few students are able to [...]
ECHR finds Georgia in violation of right to life in Roin Shavadze murder case
TBILISI, DFWatch--The European Court of Human Rights on Thursday found Georgia in violation of ARticle 2 - the right to life - in the high-profile case of torture and death of Georgian sergeant, an Iraq War veteran. In its judgment, the ECHR unanimously held that “there has been a violation of Article 2 of the Convention [...]
US State Dep official calls on opposition parties in Georgia to work within, not boycott parliament
Opposition parties held a “silent rally” on Rustaveli Avenue. (Formula TV) The Georgian opposition should call off their threats of boycotting parliament and instead fight for change within the parliament, a senior US State Department official told the traveling press at a briefing Wednesday. “So to see them calling for a boycott again is like watching [...]
As Georgia records 3,157 new Covid-19 cases, government considers using indoor arena to treat patients
Amiran Gamkrelidze, director of Georgia's National Center for Disease Control. (1tv.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch--A few months ago, Georgia was commended for its success in containing Covid-19, but in the last few weeks the country has seen a record spread of the virus causing the disease. There are growing concerns that the health care system is failing to [...]
One injured as opposition clash with GFF staff over government officials’ attending Georgia – North Macedonia match despite Covid-19 restrictions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRev36mExbk Activists quoted from Georgia Orwell's book Animal Farm, that 'some animals are more equal than others'. At least one person was injured during a brawl at the offices of the Georgian Football Federation Friday, during an opposition rally against the presence of high-ranking government officials at the UEFA Cup qualifier between Georgia and North Macedonia [...]
Georgian government meets opposition for talks to end post-election deadlock
The EU ambassador's car leaving the US ambassador's residence after the meeting. (Video grab from Mtavari Arkhi.) Government and opposition representatives met for the first time Thursday evening at the residence of US Ambassador Kelly Degnan to look for solutions to the continuing political crisis in the country. The meeting lasted three hours and was attended [...]
Shots fired outside residence of Georgian Dream leader Bidzina Ivanishvili
Opposition rally at the residence of Bidzina Ivanishvili (RFE/RL) TBILISI, DFWatch--Shots were fired outside the residence of Georgian Dream leader, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili on Friday, during a rally by the opposition party United National Movement and its allies to protest what they call “total rigging” of the October 31 parliamentary election. No-one was injured in the [...]
Georgian opposition demands election results canceled and CEC head’s resignation
CEC chairwoman Tamar Zhvania is confronted by an opposition member of the CEC during an announcement of preliminary results. TBILISI, DFWatch--Eight of the nine political parties which qualified for seats in Georgia’s new parliament declare the October 31 election fraudulent and demand a new election and the resignation of the head of the Central Election Commission. [...]
Georgia’s ruling party declares resounding victory, but opposition rejects election results, claiming fraud
Nika Melia, UNM's candidate for the Tbilisi district Gldani. TBILISI, DFWatch--The ruling party holds a significant lead after Georgia’s general election, according to the Central Elections Commission, and will be able to form a new government without the need for a coalition. The opposition, meanwhile, refuses to accept the election results released by CEC, insisting they [...]
Ten opposition parties unite to exclude ruling Georgian Dream from new coalition
Opposition leaders at the signing of agreement at Labor Party office in Tbilisi. (1tv.ge) A day before the general election, ten opposition parties signed an agreement not to form a coalition government with the Georgian Dream, a political party presided by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili which rules the country since 2012. The parties state that current government [...]