News
Tbilisi flood update: 19 dead, 3 missing
Liza (left) and Indira Zarandias (Facebook) The number of Tbilisi flood victims has increased to 19. According to authorities, body of a man, who had been deemed missing, was found on Wednesday, while on Thursday rescuers recovered the body of a woman. […]
Money pouring in to deal with Georgia’s flood disaster
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–While the total damage of the flood in Tbilisi on June 14 is expected to reach 100 million lari, according to PM Garibashvili, money is pouring in from private donors, businesses and foreign states. More than 4.2 million lari has already been donated, according […]
Director of Tbilisi Zoo: ‘It’s all my fault’
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–“I acknowledge that based on me as a source, government bodies reported this information and it was considered that there was no longer a threat. It is all my fault,” says the director of Tbilisi Zoo after an escaped tiger killed a man Wednesday. […]
Tbilisi’s escaped zoo animals: Bear and hyena still not accounted for
(police.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch--As Tbilisi reels from the shock of a tiger attack which killed one man in a warehouse around noon today, a bear and a hyena may still be on loose in a city with a million inhabitants. The man who was killed by an escaped zoo tiger has been identified as a [...]
Flood update: 17 dead, while 5 are still missing
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s interior minister said Wednesday that the number of flood victims is 17, while five people are missing. A man found dead in the river Khrami yesterday was not a victim of the June 14 flood, he Vakhtang Gomelauri said. Two persons were found dead […]
One man killed by escaped zoo animal in Tbilisi
TBILISI, DFWatch--One man was killed by a white tiger in Tbilisi on Wednesday. The animal attacked the man at Laguna Vere, a few hundred meters from Tbilisi Zoo, which was destroyed in a flood June 14. A witness told DF Watch that a tiger attacked a person, who was seriously injured. The victim was taken to [...]
Pankisi residents want moderate Islam lessons to counter radicalism
Imam Omar. (DF Watch.) PANKISI, DFWatch–Pankisi residents suggest to counter radical Islam by providing moderate Islam lessons for the young generation. Recently, four people were detained for recruiting new ISIS members in Pankisi Gorge. Journalists on a media tour here organized […]
Georgia signs defense procurement deal in France
(Georgia’s Ministry of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli on Monday finally signed a procurement deal with a company in France which is meant to bolster Georgia’s air defenses. The content of the agreement is secret. Signing the document in France on June 15, she said the treaty […]
Georgian PM suggests moving flooded zoo outside of city center
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch--The disaster in Tbilisi has made the government bring up a plan to relocate the zoo outside the city center, to an area by Tbilisi Sea, the largest body of water near the Georgian capital. The flood shortly after midnight June 14 killed more than 50 percent of the zoo’s animals, [...]
Flood update: Death toll rises to 19, while 6 still missing
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The number of victims of the flood in Tbilisi increased to 19 Tuesday evening, the Security and Crisis Management Council confirmed. 17 have been identified, while two are in the process of being identified. One of the bodies was found in Mziuri Park, while the other […]
Explanations differ about what caused disastrous flood in Tbilisi
(Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The clean-up effort continues after Sunday’s flood, which left at least 17 dead, as attention turns to what might have caused such a disaster. A handful of reasons have been given, which all may be grouped according to political affiliation. Some people blame […]
Tbilisi flood update: 17 dead, 6 missing, parliament meets
Two more people were found dead in Mziuri park Tuesday. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–According to the most recent data from the Security and Crisis Management Council, 17 people died during flood Sunday morning, while 6 are still missing. Sixteen of the victims have been identified so far. The two last victims were found Tuesday in Mziuri park […]
Four people detained in Georgia for links to ISIS
(Police.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch–Four people were detained in Tbilisi and Kakheti, accused of joining the terrorist organization ISIS and recruiting Georgians to fight in Syria. One of the detainees is a local from Pankisi Gorge, father of 9 Ayuf (Gaioz) Borchashvil. The Ministry of Internal Affairs […]
Tbilisi flood: Death toll rises to 13, nine still missing
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The number of flood victims has increased to 13, according to the emergency service department of the Interior Ministry. Department head Zviad Katsashvili told journalists that 13th victim was discovered about an hour before. “We are now looking for the nine […]
Tbilisi residents mobilize for flood relief
TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi residents are mobilizing to help victims of the flood via social media, people are encouraged to volunteer and to donate money or things needed. People working in Mziuri park. (DF Watch.) A Facebook group 13 June – Volunteers currently have over 12,000 members, and the number is still growing. They […]
Holes appear in two of Tbilisi’s main streets
The hole in Melikishvili Street. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Large holes appeared on two of Tbilisi’s main streets Sunday, sparking fear that the heavy rain and flood may have destabilized the soil under the city. The holes were first spotted Sunday evening on Melikishvili Street, which lies on a hill above Heroes […]
Police in Georgia conduct special operation in Pankisi
Omar Al-Shishani, or Tarkhan Batirashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgian police on Sunday carried out a special operation in Pankisi, a valley in the northeast of the country mostly inhabited by Kists, who are ethnic Chechens. Omar Al-Shishani, or Tarkhan Batirashvili, one of the field commanders of ISIS, was born and raised in Pankisi. He left [...]
Tbilisi flood: Stories from a disaster zone
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch--While walking along the path through River Vere valley after the flood, a man approaches and asks to look in a certain direction, where there is just a rock and a river and nothing else. The empty space over the river was once his house. He says he borrowed some boots [...]
Flood update: 12 dead, 24 missing, 40 houses destroyed
Some of the 24 who are still missing are believed to be buried in their cars under the mud near Heroes’ Square. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The latest figures from the flood in Tbilisi are that 12 people have died, 24 are still missing, and 40 houses have been destroyed in the Vera and Vake district. The flood released dozens of dangerous animals from Tbilisi Zoo, […]
Update: Death toll rises to nine in Tbilisi flood
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch--The death toll after last night's flood had risen to nine people by 14:00. Four of the victims are rescue workers. According to the most recent data, the damages caused by the flood exceeds 10 million laris, but this includes only part of the damaged areas.
Almost no predators left in Tbilisi Zoo
A hippo that wandered around Heroes’ Square was finally led back to its cage. (Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–There are virtually no predators left in Tbilisi Zoo, a spokesperson for the zoo told DFWatch. A large part of the animals were unable to escape their cages. Some of the animals that escaped have now been put down, particularly the larger predators, […]
7 dead in Tbilisi flood, as tigers, lions and bears escape from zoo
A bear sitting on a window sill in Tbilisi on Sunday. (Rustavi 2.) TBILISI, DFWatch--The death toll after last night's flood in Tbilisi has risen to seven, as police urge people to stay off the streets and beware of tigers, lions and bears that escaped from a zoo. At least seven died and an [...]
Six people injured as most parts of Tbilisi are hit by heavy rain
Tbilisi zoo was flooded Saturday night. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–At least six people were injured as heavy rain hit the Georgian capital Saturday night at 10pm, Interpressnews reported. The city’s zoo was also hit by flood, and animals have escaped, the news agency reported. The exact extent […]
Former Georgian official presents new Ukrainian police force
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A former Georgian government official during Saakashvili on Saturday presented the new reformed police force in Kiev. Eka Zghuladze is one of several former Georgian government officials who served under President Mikheil Saakashvili, […]
Speaker scolds MPs who have been most absent
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Speaker of Parliament on Friday scolded ten MPs who have been absent up to a hundred times during sessions in parliament. Davit Usupashvili said that according to the rules of parliament, an MP can have a honorary absence for family reasons. […]
Alexander Rondeli dies at age 73
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The well-known Georgian scholar Alexander Rondeli died on Friday. Rondeli, who was head of the Caucasus Institute of Peace, Democracy and Development, died at the age of 73. He was a doctor of geography. In 1991-1996, he headed the department […]
Landslide victim found after ten days of search
(police.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch–After ten days of search, rescue workers discovered the body of a shepherd who was taken by a landslide on June 2 along with hundreds of sheep and cows. Giorgi Shetikauri, 52, was discovered in the morning on June 12 under the ruins of hut in Shatili. […]
Khidasheli: Defense deal with France will be signed by end of June
Tina Khidasheli. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s new defense minister has sided with her predecessor Mindia Janelidze in an argument with former Defense Minister Irakli Alasania about an agreement with France about buying air defense systems. Tina Khidasheli said in a recent interview […]
Javakheti people excited over year-long visa-free stay comeback
Local residents queuing at the Public Service Hall in Akhalkalaki for the residency permits in January (Jnews.ge) Samtskhe-Javakheti Armenians applaud the comeback of the year-long visa-free stay permit in Georgia, as those who hold Armenian or Russian passport no longer need a residency permit to stay in the country. As DFWatch has reported […]
Life threatening fish sold in large quantities
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The investigative service of the Finance Ministry has found that a company produced and sold smoked fish in violation of all hygienic and sanitary standards. Criminal charges have been brought against Tengiz Tsikaridze, who owns Donato Ltd, a company […]
Saudi crown prince visits Georgia
Crown Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (left) and Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. (Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The crown prince of Saudi Arabia is looking forward to investing in Georgia. Crown Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud said this during a visit here. After meeting the prime minister, he said that he feels honored arriving in Georgia and discussing […]
Georgian sports commentator fired for mangling football match
(Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Public Broadcaster has fired a sports commentator who made several mistakes during an under-19 football match between Georgia and Portugal. He mixed up the players, teams and also the score. Even though he later apologized, Sandro […]
Georgian government to have a ‘mountain minister’
Gia Zhorzholiani. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The ruling Georgian Dream coalition wants to create a new minister post in the government: mountain minister. The initiative is quite fresh, and the public and opposition MPs have not yet formed an opinion about the idea because not many details are known. […]
Georgia’s fugitive justice minister finally speaks out
Zurab Adeishvili’s rare appearance on Rustavi 2 Tuesday night. TBILISI, DFWatch–One of the most influential members of government during Mikheil Saakashvili’s presidency, Zurab Adeishvili, has finally given an interview. Adeishvili, who was sometimes called a ‘grey cardinal’, told Saakashvili-friendly Rustavi 2 about his own and […]
NGOs propose women’s quota in parliament
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Non-governmental organizations have registered a legislative proposal in parliament on Wednesday that will obligate political parties to include women on their party lists for the parliamentary election. Currently, 77 out of the 150 members of parliament […]
Citizens of 94 countries can stay for a year in Georgia
Tbilisi, DFWatch – After almost a year-long struggle with the new immigration requirements, the government of Georgia made a U-turn and granted visa-free stay for citizens of 94 countries, as well as British/French dependant/overseas territories, on June 8 ‘for full 1 year’. […]
Music festival KaZantip returns to Crimea
Last year, KaZantip was held in Anaklia, Georgia. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The popular Ukrainian festival KaZantip, which took place in Georgia last year after Russia’s annexation of Crimea, may this year return to Ukraine but with a different name. An alternative music festival will take place in Anaklia, where the festival was held in 2014. […]
Georgian president to veto bank supervision bill
Giorgi Margvelashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian president is preparing to veto a bill to form an independent supervisory agency to oversee the banking system, because it contradicts an association agreement which Georgia signed with the EU last year. Recently, the government […]
The dark past of Saakashvili’s appointee in Odessa
Gia Lortkipanidze (IPN.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A former Georgian deputy interior minister who is affiliated with a violent police operation in August, 2012, is to be appointed head of the Ukrainian Interior Ministry’s branch in Odessa. Gia Lortkipanidze served under President Mikheil Saakashvili when he […]
Saakashvili to get one more former associate in Odessa administration
Gia Lortkipanidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–One more former Georgian government official is to be appointed to a high position in the new Ukrainian government, a Ukrainian media outlet reports. According to Unian.net, Gia Lortkipanidze may be appointed as head of the Interior Ministry Department in Odessa. […]
Foreign investments in Q1 down 34% in 2015
Sakdrisi gold mine. Much of the foreign investments go into mining. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–There was 34 percent less direct foreign investment in Georgia in the first quarter of 2015 than in the same period last year. According to preliminary figures from the Georgian National Statistics Department, GeoStat, the amount of foreign investments in the first quarter was […]
Georgian soldier breaks own world record for planche push-ups
(Ministry of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A 23 year old Georgian double amputee has broken his own world record for planche push-ups. Corporal Temur Dadiani lost both legs in 2011 while serving in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan. Sunday, he managed to do 44 push-ups in one minute; 8 more […]
Relatives blame doctor for baby’s death at Batumi hospital
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Relatives of a baby who died at Batumi Maternity Hospital have accused the doctor of malpractice. The mother of the baby, a 32 year old woman, was brought to the hospital four days ago. Her family says the doctor refused to perform a caesarean section […]
Georgia’s ruling coalition postpones removal of ‘majoritarian’ system
Davit Usupashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s ruling coalition agrees to some changes in the election system, but won’t scrap the so-called majoritarian system, a demand by NGOs and opposition parties. By postponing the removal of the ‘majoritarian’ system, the coalition heeded the advice […]
Five brothels busted in Batumi, seven detained
(police.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch–Police in Georgia have busted five more brothels over the weekend, this time in Batumi, a city on the Black Sea coast. Seven people were detained. As is common, video was posted on the police.ge website showing the detainees, and the women prostitutes […]
Hard rain destroys vineyards in Georgia
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Hard rain continues to batter Georgia and over the weekend partly destroyed vineyards in villages Argokhi, Maghraani and Babaneuri in Akhmeta region, eastern Georgia. Hail stones also damaged the roofs of several houses in the villages Zemo […]
Storm continues to cause damage in Georgia
The Gaprinashvili family’s house in Tbilisi was completely destroyed by flood water. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Hailstorm and rain continues to destroy crops, kill poultry and livestock and flood houses in several parts of Georgia. Last evening, a hailstorm hit the Dusheti region and the flooded river carried away poultry and livestock. “It was raining with hail for […]
Probation official shoots himself in the head
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–An official working in the National Probation Agency died Friday night after an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Besik Tskhadadze, head of the National Probation Agency’s Tbilisi bureau, was taken to the Republican Hospital but died […]
Ivanishvili considered arresting the head of the National Bank
Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili says he once planned to arrest Kadagidze due to ‘personal’ business, but changed his mind by request of representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The revelation comes after weeks of criticism […]
PM proposes naming Tbilisi airport after poet Shota Rustaveli
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili suggests naming Tbilisi airport after Shota Rustaveli, a 12th to 13th century Georgian poet. Garibashvili wants to name the airport, currently known as Alekseevka, after Rustaveli in connection with the poet’s 850 year anniversary […]
Georgian govt begins to clean up property rights violations
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government is reviving one of its election promises from 2012: to restore justice. Property taken from five people during Saakashvili’s presidency will be returned. Before coming to power, Georgian Dream promised that they would ‘restore justice.’ […]
Ten pupils fall ill with mysterious disease at Tbilisi school
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Several pupils fell ill at a Tbilisi schools Wednesday and had to be taken to the hospital. Their health condition is currently satisfactory, but it is still unknown what caused their illness. The incident happened at Public School No 139, where ten fifth grade […]
15% more visitors to Georgia in May ’15 than last year
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The number of visitors to Georgia in May, 2015, was 14.7 percent more than in the same month last year. According to the Interior Ministry, the number of people crossing the border in May was 454,545. In the first five months of 2015, the total number of people […]
Georgian artists are not welcome in Britain
performance 'Welcome' by the New Collective about immigrant women in the UK Tbilisi, DFWatch - A group of Georgian artists, invited to perform a play about immigration in the international theater festival in the UK, got their visa applications rejected. Mareike Wentzel is a German actress and performance artist, who frequently visits Georgia and [...]
Dog shelter flooded in Tbilisi
Tamaz Elizbarashvili Dog Shelter (Facebook) Tbilisi, DFWatch – At least 13 dogs drowned in flood on Wednesday night in Tbilisi at Tamaz Elizbarashvili’s dog shelter. A heavy rain flooded river Vere and the water flushed the shelter’s ground floor. Patrol police crew and several employees came at the shelter at night to help the pets, but some of the dogs had already been swept away. […]
Public defender drafts law to have courts decide early marriage
Public Defender Ucha Nanuashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s public defender recommends amending the Civil Code so that only the courts may give permission for 16 to 18 year olds to marry. The public defender has prepared a draft bill which was submitted to parliament on May 25. Youth between 16 to 18 may […]
Legalize pot rally in Tbilisi gathers hundreds
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Hundreds of mostly young people gathered outside the government office in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday to demand the decriminalization of marijuana. The annual protest brought together youth, politicians, journalists, non-governmental organizations and others. […]
One man, 500 sheep and 40 cows dead in mudslide in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch–One man and about 500 sheep and 40 cows were caught up in a landslide in the village Khone, in Khevsureti on Tuesday. According to Information Center of Mtskheta, shepherd Giorgi Shetekauri is missing after the glacial mudslide. Rescue workers […]
Ukrainian media: Saakashvili to appoint his key ally as Odessa chief prosecutor
Zurab Adeishvili (IPN) Tbilisi, DFWatch – Zurab Adeishvili, a key figure in the Saakashvili government throughout its rule in 2003-12, may soon be appointed as a chief prosecutor of Odessa Oblast, Ukrainian media reports. Although the information hasn’t been confirmed officially, various media […]
Tbilisi not planning to object to Saakashvili’s appointment in Ukraine
Tamar Beruchashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian government is not planning to send a note of protest to Ukraine after former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili was appointed governor of Odessa. Saakashvili, or “Misha” as he is called at home, lost government power in an election […]
Three Polish tourists rescued by helicopter near Russian border
(police.ge.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Three Polish tourists have been airlifted by helicopter from Mount Tetnuldi near the Russian border, after being trapped by heavy snowfall at 4,200 meter’s height. News of the rescue operation appeared on the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Monday evening, […]
Zezvaoba – a traditional horse race between Kists and Georgians
(DF Watch.) ALVANI, DFWatch–The last Sunday of May is a day of celebration in the Tush villages Kvemo Alvani and Zemo Alvani in Kakheti. Zezvaoba is the festival to honour the warrior Zezva Gaprindauli, who lead the Tush alongside the Georgian army against Persians at the Bakhtrioni […]
‘We’ll cancel Saakashvili’s citizenship when we want’
Justice Minister Thea Tsulukiani. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian government is not in a hurry to go through with the formal procedures that will strip ex-President Mikheil Saakashvilli of his native citizenship after being appointed governor of Odessa and acquiring Ukrainian citizenship. “Let this issue hang over his head like […]
Former Georgian PM purchases famous painting, donates to museum
Niko Pirosmani’s ‘Arsenal Hill at Night’ Former Prime Minister, Bidzina Ivanishivli, purchased a painting of the iconic Georgian artist, Niko Pirosmani at Christie’s Auction for £962,500 (about USD 1.486 million) and donated it to Tbilisi Museum of Arts on Monday. “Niko Pirosmani’s ‘Arsenal Hill at Night’ […]
Three Polish tourists trapped on mountain in north Georgia
Mount Tetnuldi. (Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Three Polish tourists are trapped on Mount Tetnuldi, in the north of Georgia, due to heavy snow. Rescue workers are trying to find them. Tetnuldi is in the Zemo Svaneti region, only a few kilometers from the border to the Kabardino-Balkar Republic of the Russian Federation. […]
Pharmacies fined for secretly recording customers
TBILISI, DFWatch–Three chains of pharmacies in Georgia have been fined 500 laris each for recording conversations at their 24 hours outlets without notifying customers. According to the Personal Data Protection, 365 pharmacies of the chains Aversi-Geopharmi, PSP […]
Putin meets with leader of Georgian breakaway region
Leonid Tibilov. TBILISI, DFWatch–Russian President Vladimir Putin was set to meet the de facto president of South Ossetia on Monday in Moscow. According to the press office of the South Ossetian leader Leonid Tibilov, the two plan to discuss bilateral relations and cooperation […]
Georgian president highlights violence against women on Police Day
(Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–In a speech celebrating Police Day, President Giorgi Margvelashvili drew attention to the recent increase in murders of women, which he considers a challenge not only for the police, but for the whole nation. “2014 was a year of particular violence […]
Saakashvili plans to switch back to Georgian citizenship later
(Imedi TV.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former President Mikheil Saakashvili says he doesn’t need Georgian citizenship in order to make a comeback in his home country. Former President Eduard Shevardnadze didn’t have citizenship when he came to power in 1993; neither did Bidzina Ivanishvili in 2012, he pointed out. […]
Georgian wins silver in Women’s Chess Championship
Nino Batsiashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian chess player Nino Batsiashvili took silver at the European Women’s Individual Chess Championship 2015, which was held in Chakvi, Georgia from May 18 until May 30. Batsiashvili, who is from Batumi, came second after Ukrainian Natalya Zhukova. […]
Two brothels busted in Tbilisi, five detained
(police.ge.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Five people were detained in Tbilisi on Saturday, accused of providing premises for prostitution. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the detainees – one man and four women – are managers of the hotels Sabudara and Viza in Tbilisi. The investigation […]
Saakashvili loses Georgian citizenship to become Odessa governor
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has given up his citizenship of his own country in order to assume the post as governor of Odessa in Ukraine. The former president was appointed head of a reform council in Ukraine earlier this year. […]
Zoo worker who lost arm speaks fondly of tigers that attacked her
Guliko Chitadze. (Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A woman employee of Tbilisi Zoo who was attacked by a tiger and her cubs has recovered. Doctors earlier considered amputating her legs. Guliko Chitadze, who has worked at the zoo for more than 25 years and raised the three cubs herself, had to amputate […]
Saakashvili proposed as a governor in Ukraine
Mikheil Saakashvili Tbilisi, DFWatch – Former president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, is to be appointed as a governor of Odessa Oblast in southern Ukraine. His candidacy has been proposed by the Ukrainian government to the President Petro Poroshenko. Valery Chalyi, the presidents foreign […]
New children’s hospice to be opened in Tbilisi
(OSGF.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A new children’s hospice will be opened in Tbilisi, a joint project between Open Society Georgia Foundation (OSGF), the medical corporation EVEX and the president’s reserve fund. The hospice will open in the end of 2016 […]
Anti-hail rockets deployed to save crops in Georgia
(Delta.) TBILISI, DFWatch–An anti-hail system was activated yesterday and for the first time helped partly prevent a hailstorm from destroying harvest in Kakheti. But part of the harvest was destroyed because the system started functioning 20 minutes late. The State Security […]
NGOs criticize Georgia for not protecting minorities
The overcrowded mosque in Batumi. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Georgia criticize the government for not doing enough to eliminate discrimination of religious minorities, and underline that over the last two years, the country has seen a number of conflicts on a religious […]
PDO calls for gender change in documents of trans-individuals
Practice in Europe Tbilisi, DFWatch – The Public Defender’s Office (PDO) addressed the Ministry of Justice on May 18 proposing to allow trans-people to change their gender records in official documents. According to the PDO, there are provisions in the Georgian law that hint […]
Chechen who fought against Russians wounded in Tbilisi
Lapamkuri, 2012 (IPN) Tbilisi, DFWatch – An ethnic Kist (Chechen) from Pankisi, who is believed as being a mediator during controversial Lapankuri special operation in August, 2012, was wounded Thursday noon in Tbilisi when an unknown assailant opened fire from a car at the doorsteps […]
Former pop-singer, MP, drafts a bill to stop jailing people for marijuana usage
Goga Khachidze. Text on the screen: ‘Don’t Detain’ (Facebook) Tbilisi, DFWatch – MP Goga Khachidze, former National Movement member, who defected former ruling party few days ago with three other fellow MPs, submitted a draft bill to the parliament about decriminalization of marijuana usage on Thursday. The third year in a row a large […]
State auditors request assumed suspicious by Saakashvili government former officials
Nika Rurua (from the left), Grigol Vashadze (Iveria photo) Tbilisi, DFWatch – The State Audit Office (SAO) auditors may set about scrutinizing finances of the recently established movement of Iveria, which consists of former prominent members of the past government, among them are former foreign affairs minister Grigol Vashadze, his former deputy Nika Vakashidze, ex-minister of culture Nika Rurua, and former ambassadors to France and China, Mamuka Kudava and Mamuka Gamkrelidze respectively. […]
Ten Georgians released from detention by breakaway region
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Ten Georgian citizens were released by authorities in the breakaway region South Ossetia Tuesday evening. They had been detained for ‘violating the border’. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the released are: Nugzar Gelashvili, from the village […]
Saakashvili allies left party to save Georgia from ‘pro-Russian forces’
Zurab Japaridze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Four former members of the National Movement say they left the party to save the country from ‘pro-Russian forces’ which may come to power in the 2016 parliamentary election. Zurab Japaridze, Goga Khachidze, Pavle Kublashvili and Giorgi Meladze […]
Woman mauled by tiger in Tbilisi Zoo
The victim is in a serious condition, according to doctors. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Doctors had to amputate one arm on a woman who was attacked by a tiger in Tbilisi Zoo. The victim, Guliko Chitadze, is a 25 year veteran of the zoo. The tiger attacked her on Tuesday at about 5pm. According to the [...]
Georgia celebrated a people’s Independence Day
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia marks Independence Day on May 26 in most of the cities and towns all over the country by organizing different events. There is no military parade, but many military elements are visible in the capital. At 13:00, 200 recruits swore an oath […]
Defectors from Saakashvili’s party plan to start new movement
Mikheil Machavariani (IPN) TBILISI, DFWatch–Four prominent members of Saakashvili’s National Movement who recently left the party are planning to start a new movement. DF Watch spoke with Mikheil Machavariani, who is one of the most high profile members […]
Privacy declaration open for signing today on Rustaveli Avenue
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Everyone who wishes so may today sign the declaration of protection of personal information and respect toward others. This is an initiative by the Personal Data Protection Inspectorate, which was created nearly two years ago and are out on the street […]
Farmers threaten to block highway after sheep returned sick from Jordan
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Locals in Uplistsikhe, in Georgia’s Kartli region, threaten that they will block the central highway near Gori because sheep that was returned from Jordan is dying from an unknown disease. Teo Tlashadze, member of the local council in Gori, […]
Two more people detained at disputed S.O. border as parties meet
(EUMM.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two more people were detained on the disputed border with one of Georgia’s breakaway regions on Monday. The incident took place the same day as the parties were gathered in a border village for EU- and OSCE-hosted negotiations. The […]
Socially disadvantaged groups demonstrated in Batumi
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Socially disadvantaged groups protested in Batumi on Monday, some demanding government help to handle their bank loans, others to get back land property taken from them. Some of them demanded to get back land property that they were given […]
Saakashvili’s National Movement loses four prominent party members
Pavel Kublashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The party secretary and three prominent members abandoned the National Movement on Monday. There has not yet been official confirmation that the four have left Georgia’s former ruling party, but party members have confirmed it in private […]
Georgia unveils new unmanned attack helicopter
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia has presented a new unmanned attack and reconnaissance helicopter produced by the state research and development center Delta. The new helicopter is on a display now for the first time on Roses Square in Tbilisi, in connection with […]
Georgian detained with 194,000 in counterfeit dollar bills
(police.ge.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Police in Georgia Monday detained a man for attempting to distribute more than USD 194,000 in fake dollar bills. The suspect, who was born in 1994, was detained at the Red Bridge border crossing with Azerbaijan. The fake money, which was […]
Georgian govt plans controversial new control mechanism in the courts
Head of Supreme Court Nino Gvenetadze doesn’t see any threats in the new bill. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia is planning a new court reform, which will involve creating a new body to conduct oversight over the judges. Georgia already has an control mechanism over the court system. It is called the High Council of Justice, […]
Russian border guards detain Georgian man (42) during funeral
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A 42 year old man was detained by Russian border guards at the funeral of his mother-in-law, which was held on a cemetery close to the border with South Ossetia. The detainee, Gia Solashvili, comes from the village Karkusaani. Since the cemetery […]
U.S. soldiers will take part in Georgia’s Independence Day celebration
(Ministry of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–U.S. soldiers will be present during Georgia’s Independent Day celebration on May 26. The American soldiers will be together with Georgian soldiers as they conduct an oath taking ceremony on Freedom Square. Having U.S. soldiers present will […]
Georgia strips bank supervision authority from the National Bank
Roman Gotsiridze from Economic Development Center. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia has decided to strip the National Bank of responsibility for supervising banks and transfer this mechanism to the prime minister. The decision follows months of criticism by the government against the head of the National […]
Georgia again opting for a people’s Independence Day celebration
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is preparing to celebrate Independence Day, May 26. Roses Square, where there usually are held exhibitions and organized different activities on this day, will be closed off to traffic this year from May 22 until May 26. President Mikheil Saakashvili […]
Construction project in Old Tbilisi causes outrage
TBILISI, DFWatch–A massive construction project in the old part of Tbilisi has enraged the city’s inhabitants. This time, it is a construction project on Mirza Shafi Street, right behind Abanotubani, one of the oldest parts of the capital. There was a tender announced for projects […]
The EU promises decision on visa liberalization by the end of 2015
Members of the EaP Civil Society Forum From Georgia and Ukraine rallied in Riga demanding including in the Declaration European perspective for their countries and a visa-free travel to the EU. The Eastern Partnership (EaP) summit in Riga did not bring unexpectedly good news to Georgia. The EU restated their support for Georgia’s European path and congratulated it on achieved progress. But Georgians will have to wait visa-free travels at least […]
Georgia remains optimistic about getting visa-free travel to EU
Georgian Foreign Minister Tamar Beruchashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian government officials remain optimistic about visa liberalization with the EU, while EU officials say Georgia is not yet ready for visa free rules. The Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga opened yesterday, and even though there were hopes earlier, […]
Public defender demands investigation of ‘selective justice’
Public Defender Ucha Nanuashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s public defender demands an investigation into ‘selective justice’ toward former government officials, but the government is still not planning to do this. Parliament has now started going through the public defender’s recently published report […]
Georgia govt backtracks on budget cuts
TBILISI, DFWatch–After a period of depreciation, Georgia’s national currency, lari, has started to stablize. The government has cancelled plans to drastically cut the budget. According to data from the National Bank, one USD is today worth 2.3234 laris. Due to the […]
Georgia’s disappointment in Riga?
Tbilisi, DFWatch – This week’s Riga summit for Georgians will not result in the visa-free travel to the EU. Moreover, the final summit declaration, according to the media reports, is even more vague about the possibility of the EU membership than the 2013 Vilnius declaration. […]
‘2nd June’ group rally for legalization of marijuana
TBILISI, DFWatch–A movement demanding to decriminalize marijuana in Georgia plans to rally on June 2, in front of the government office. Campaigners have two demands: to stop jailing people for personal use of marijuana and to stop the use of forced random drug tests. […]
Rustavi road workers still on strike, decision expected Thursday
(1tv.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch–Workers on a highway south of Tbilisi are still on strike, demanding a USD 4 per day pay rise, because of the rapid devaluation of the national currency over the half year. Efforts are now underway to try to negotiate with the Chinese company […]
Hazardous waste blamed on exiled ex-justice minister
Thea Tsulukiani. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The discovery of 25 tons of hazardous waste in the roof of the House of Justice in Tbilisi may lead to new charges against ex-Justice Minister Zurab Adeishvili or his deputy. According to current Justice Minister Thea Tsulukiani, the construction waste […]
IMF downgrades Georgia’s economic growth forecast to 2%
TBILISI, DFWatch–The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has further reduced its economic growth outlook for Georgia. According to the new IMF forecast for 2015 and 2016, Georgia will have 2 percent economic growth in 2015 and 3 percent in 2016, while […]
Over two thousand Georgians have been detained on disputed borders
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–2,117 Georgians have been detained by Russian border guards accused of crossing the border with Abkhazia or South Ossetia since 2009. The new figures were presented by Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) and are based on data […]
Ombudsman calls for measures after man beats 3 children
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Public Defender warns that children are victims of domestic violence in Georgia, after a 25 year old man allegedly severely beat three children. The children, one of whom was his own and two were step-children, were taken to hospital. According […]
Russian general, wounded in 2008, appointed at Abkhazian army military command
Anatoly Khrulyov (Rossiya 1) Tbilisi, DFWatch – One of commanders of Russian forces invading Georgia during August War in 2008, has been appointed as a Chief of the General Staff of the breakaway Abkhazia’s army. […]
Georgian govt officials visiting Beijing, signalling closer cooperation
Davit Saganelidze during an earlier visit to China. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is seeking closer relations with China. After a recent visit by a Chinese delegation to Georgia, a parliamentary delegation with government members plan to visit China in about a week. Head of the delegation is Davit Saganelidze, MP from […]
How to empower women in business?
Deputy Energy Minister Mariam Valishvili said it is difficult for a woman in Georgia to concentrate fully on her career due to culture. (EBRD publicity photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Only 3.9% of CEOs around the world are women. And only 14% of the richest 500 companies in the world have female executives. What can be done to include more women to predominantly male world of business? May 14-15 the European Bank […]
Georgian government preparing almost USD 300 million budget cuts
Economy Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia is preparing to drastically cut the state budget to deal with a 30 percent reduction in value of the national currency. Presenting the plans Monday, members of the ruling coalition said the budget will be cut by 500 […]
One Georgian detained by Russian border guards near disputed region
The 67 year old was out looking after cattle near Adzvi when Russian border guards approached. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Russian border guards on Monday detained one more person near the village Adzvi, which borders with South Ossetia. The detainee is Grisha Balamtsarashvili (67), who was out in the field looking after cattle at the edge of the village, together with […]
Road workers on strike on Tbilisi-Rustavi highway
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A strike has broken out among workers on a new highway connecting Tbilisi with Rustavi, a town 20km to the south. Workers demand a ten lari (USD 4) pay rise from their current 20 lari (USD 8) per day. Their demand comes as a result of a 30 percent […]
33 year old Georgian from Pankisi dies in Syrian war
TBILISI, DFWatch–One more Georgian from Pankisi has died in the war in Syria. Ibrahim Tsatiashvili, 33, left his home village Tsinubani two months ago. His relatives knew he was in Turkey. On Friday, they learned that he had died. It is not yet known whether […]
Georgian government draws up plan for breakup of Interior Ministry
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia has drawn up a plan to split the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) into two units, with counterintelligence kept separately and under parliamentary control. Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili announced the revived […]
Anti-homophobia day marked in secrecy in Tbilisi
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–When groups in Tbilisi wanted to mark the international day against homophobia May 17, they had to organize it in tightly-controlled secrecy and gather in silence. Time and location was secret, and everyone who showed up, including journalists […]
Money transfers in April, 2015 24% lower than previous year
Georgia’s National Bank. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Money transfers to and from Georgia fell by 24.4 percent in April 2015, compared to same month in the year before. According to the National Bank, the amount of money transfers last month was USD 91.1 million, which was USD 29.4 million less than […]
Two Georgian boys detained, released by South Ossetia
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two Georgians were detained by Russian border guards on Friday near the village Adzvi, near the delineation line around South Ossetia. The detainees were two young men, Lasha Tanashvili, 15 and Levan Kokoriani, 18, who were out looking […]
EBRD downgrades Georgia’s 2015 growth forecast to 2.5%
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A new report published by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) predicts only 2.5 percent economic growth in Georgia in 2015. In January, the bank predicted 4.2 percent growth this year. The low growth prediction for Georgia […]
Kaladze: ‘National Bank could have monitored large bank transactions’
Kakhi Kaladze. (Interpressnews) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s vice prime minister claims the National Bank could have helped stabilize the lari by monitoring large bank transactions in and out of the country. Energy Minister Kakhi Kaladze said this during an appearance on the talk show 2030 […]
Heavy rain cuts electricity for 6,000 in eastern Georgia
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Heavy rain caused problems for villagers and farmers in eastern Georgia, destroying their harvest and killing livestock. More than 6,000 people are without electricity. Among the affected areas are Pankisi, Akhmeta and Lagodekhi. The river Alazani […]
Port workers end strike in Poti
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A ten-day strike among port workers has ended in Poti, in western Georgia. More than 600 workers demanded a 14 percent pay rise. In addition, they demanded an annual award, called a ‘13th paycheck,’ and to review the content of their collective […]
Informal Georgia-Russia talks may be expanded
Grigory Karasin. TBILISI, DFWatch–Informal talks between Georgia and Russia may be expanded from today’s one-on-one format, according to Russia’s deputy foreign minister. Georgian officials say the details of the proposal are being processed. Ria Novosti on Thursday quoted Russian […]
Georgians disappointed with the govt, but don’t trust the opposition
If the government can’t acknowledge that their popularity is dropping then we are dealing with an even worse situation, says Tornike Sharashenidze, Professor at GIPA. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgians are disappointed with the government, lack confidence in the opposition and are worried about the situation in the country – these are the main findings of a recent poll published by the National Democratic Institute (NDI). Judging […]
Court decides that RMG Gold must allow inspection of ancient mine
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A court in Georgia on Wednesday decided that a mining company must allow experts access to a site so they can inspect an ancient gold mine which was destroyed last December. Tbilisi City Court ruled that the parties in the conflict, experts and witnesses […]
New Georgian defense minister vows to sign air defense deal with France
Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The new defense minister in Georgia promises to sign a disputed military deal with France about air defense. Her predecessor Irakli Alasania claims the reason he was dismissed last November was that he wanted to go ahead with the same deal. […]
Georgia’s foreign trade Jan-Apr was 13% lower than last year
Used cars (12%) and copper ore (12%) are two of the categories of goods Georgia exports most of. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s foreign trade turnover in the first four months of 2014 was 13 percent less than in the same period last year, according to preliminary figures published by the National Statistics Department, GeoStat. The turnover totaled USD 3,015 […]
Fatal hotel fire raises questions about building safety standards
A cafe caught fire in Batumi Wednesday morning. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia is facing another challenge – fire safety in buildings – after three boys died in a hotel fire in Kobuleti, a town on the Black Sea coast, a few days ago. Wednesday morning there was a fire at a café in Batumi. No-one […]
Georgia’s ruling coalition has lost half its support
ndiTBILISI, DFWatch–A new poll shows that the ruling coalition has lost almost half of its support since last year, while the National Movement has slightly increased its support. For other parties there is no significant change. If there were held a parliamentary […]
China and Georgia launch new cooperation in agriculture
China’s Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu. (Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–China has gifted 245 units of tractors and other machinery to Georgia. The hardware, which also includes bulldozers, excavators, trucks and off-road vehicles, is worth about USD 10 million. Accepting this gift from one of Georgia’s top trading […]
Head of Georgia’s National Bank gets backing from EBRD president
Suma Chakrabarti. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) commends the head of the National Bank for conducting an exemplary monetary policy. The Georgian lari has tanked in recent months. The lari has gone down […]
Georgian president visits EU, NATO tops in Brussels
President Giorgi Margvelashvili (left) and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–EU is allocating 150,000 euros for Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili learned about this decision during his visit to Brussels during a meeting with EU’s neighborhood commissioner Johannes Hahn. […]
“This street is taken” – Tbilisi gay rights campaigners prepare for May 17
(Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–“This street is taken – there’s no place for homophobia and transphobia here!” This is the slogan of another online campaign to prepare for the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), May 17. Behind the campaign stands […]
Stalin monument goes up and is taken down in Georgia
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Locals in a village in Georgia’s eastern Kakheti region installed a bust of Joseph Stalin on Victory Day, May 9. This was the third time someone put up a bust of the dictator in Akura since Victory Day, May 9, 2012. On the previous two occasions […]
Georgia denies reports that German company visited Abkhazia
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denies reports in Abkhazian media that representatives of a German company visited the region. Media outlets in Sukhumi reported that representatives of an unspecified German company met with the de facto leaders […]
Jobs, high prices and poverty are now Georgians’ top concerns
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgians think jobs, higher prices and poverty are the three most important issues, according to a new opinion poll published by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) on Monday. Earlier, territorial integrity was the most important issue […]
Georgia’s wine export falls sharply
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s wine export was reduced by 58 percent in the first four months of 2015, compared to the same period last year. The reason is less sales to Russia (-76 percent) and Ukraine (-57 percent). From January through April, Georgia exported wine […]
Three children dead in hotel fire in Georgia
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is shaken by the death of three boys in a hotel fire Sunday morning. 45 people were rescued from Hotel Armazi in Kobuleti, a town on the Black Sea. Among the hotel’s inhabitants were 31 minors. The three boys who died were were 10 and 11 years […]
Uneasy victory day celebration in Tbilisi
(DFWatch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–It was 70 years since Nazi-Germany was defeated Saturday, but in Tbilisi, people had difficulty to decide whether or how to celebrate it. In the end of the day, seven people were detained for hooliganism and resisting the police. Like in most […]
Georgian government wins confidence vote in parliament
Primie Minister Irakli Garibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–After a week of political speculation, the ruling coalition declared confidence in the new government and its plan. The vote took place late at night on Friday, after MPs had been asking questions to cabinet members the whole day. There was some […]
Economy minister admits life has gotten tougher for Georgians
Giorgi Kvirikashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The economy minister in Georgia has finally admitted that people’s conditions have worsened in recent weeks and months. But Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili follows his predecessor and godfather of this government in blaming the devaluation […]
Georgian leaders call on EU to deliver on visa-free travel
TBILISI, DFWatch–On the background of rumors that Georgia, like other aspirant states Ukraine and Moldova will be disappointed on the upcoming Eastern Partnership Riga Summit the three highest officials of Georgia sent common letter to Donald Tusk […]
Government reform of Prosecutor General’s Office met with skepticism
Thea Tsulukiani. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian government plans to change the procedure for appointing a chief prosecutor. Instead of letting the prime minister do the selection, parliament will have the power to do this. According to Justice Minister Thea Tsulukiani, this will […]
Gay rights activists in Georgia are confined to the Internet
TBILISI, DFWatch–Two years after a violent mob attacked them, gay rights activists in Georgia are confining their protest to the Internet as they observe the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT). No-one has been prosecuted for the […]
Georgian National Bank raises interest rates to deal with falling lari
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–For the second time this year, the National Bank has increased the refinancing rate by half a percentage point. The rate now stands at 5 percent. About 8,000 people will have higher interest rate on their loans because of the change. Economic […]
Georgian government will face vote of confidence on Friday
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian parliament will hold a vote of confidence about the new government May 8 at 13:00, by request of the speaker of parliament, who asked the president to schedule a special session at that time. The government has been pretending […]
Unloading of containers halted in Poti port as workers negotiate
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Unloading of containers and some other operations have been halted in the port in Poti due to a strike among workers. Most other types of operations are not affected by the strike, according to the company that runs the port. The strike began […]
UN agency finds Georgian couples prefer to have boys
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–46 percent of Georgian families would like to have a son instead of a daughter. Nine percent have the opposite preference, while women with partners or husbands admit they have had an abortion because of the sex of child. These are some […]
Parliament anxiously awaiting the president’s list for new government
Davit Usupashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Friday is the last day for the president to present parliament with his candidates for a new government. Speaker of Parliament Davit Usupashvili Tuesday evening warned President Giorgi Margvelashvili about the terms of the procedure by saying […]
Port workers on strike in Poti
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Workers at the port in Poti went on strike Sunday, demanding a 14 percent pay rise. The workers gave their bosses ten days to comply with their demand, otherwise they threatened to completely paralyze the functioning of the port. On Tuesday, the term expired, […]
Court further prolongs detention of former mayor
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A court in Tbilisi decided Tuesday that the former mayor and Saakashvili confidante Gigi Ugulava must remain in detention. Tuesday’s decision by Tbilisi City Court regarding Ugulava is strongly challenged by the National Movement, the former ruling […]
Eight detained in Georgia for match-fixing
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Police in Georgia detained eight persons on Tuesday for match-fixing. Some of the detainees are football (soccer) players. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the detainees include the president of the football club Stu Tbilisi, […]
Georgia-Armenia row brewing over contacts with separatists
Anatoly Bibilov, speaker of the South Ossetian de facto parliament. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A diplomatic row is brewing between Georgia and Armenia after the speaker of Armenian parliament met with the de facto parliament speaker of South Ossetia. Yesterday, Russian media reported that there had been a meeting between the speaker […]
Georgia’s economy minister says lari will soon recover
Giorgi Kvirikashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–As Georgia’s national currency lari is continues to fall in value, the economy minister assures the public that the fall will not continue and calls on journalists not to speculate. Economy Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said Monday that there […]
New ministers begin working before approval in parliament
Tina Khidasheli began work as defense minister Monday, without approval from parliament. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Three new ministers Monday started working, even though they haven’t been approved by parliament yet. Constitutional experts say it is unlikely that they have a right to function as ministers. The three new appointees arrived at their respective […]
Ivanishvili criticizes president for postponing ministers’ appointments
Bidzina Ivanishvili. (GDS.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Ex-Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili again criticized the president and leading NGOs on Sunday, on the talk show 2030, aired on his son Bera’s TV channel GDS. The program was first broadcast a few weeks ago. Ivanishvili has since used […]
Georgian film director Rezo Chkheidze dies at age 88
Rezo Chkheidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The famous Georgian film director Revaz (Rezo) Chkheidze has died in Tbilisi at age 88. Rezo Chkheidze rose to fame in the Soviet Union for his iconic 1964 World War 2 black-and-white drama Father of a Soldier, with a powerful performance by Sergo […]
Still no answer to Georgia’s request to Azerbaijan regarding Saakashvili
(Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Prosecutor General’s Office told DF Watch that they still haven’t received a response from Azerbaijan to a request to extradite former President Mikheil Saakashvili. Last week, Saakashvili visited Baku to participate in a political […]
Armed bank robber caught in Tbilisi, might have been a customer
A branch of ProCredit Bank was robbed Saturday morning. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–An armed man robbed a bank in Tbilisi on Saturday. The crime took place at about 10:45 in the morning at a branch of ProCredit Bank at 54 Chavchavadze Avenue in the Vake district. No-one was injured. According to witnesses, […]
May Day rally in Tbilisi focused on dangerous work conditions
TBILISI, DFWatch–Youth activists marched through the streets of the Georgian capital on Friday to mark the International Workers’ Day and protest against intolerable work conditions. (DF Watch.) There were demonstrations and gatherings several places in Tbilisi on May 1, separately organized […]
Asureti – a German village in Georgia
ASURETI, DFWatch–In the 1940s, there were over 20,000 Germans living in Georgia. Today almost none are left. Stalin deported them in 1941-42, and barely anyone came back. Now, Germans are rediscovering this part of their past. Luiza and Manfred. (DF Watch.) Manfred Tikhonov (67) moved to Asureti […]
Youth activists mark International Workers’ Day in Tbilisi
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Georgian PM appoints more western-oriented new ministers
PM Irakli Garibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili named three new ministers on Friday, two of whom are members of the Republican Party, which is regarded as a more western-oriented coalition member. The nominations are made against the backdrop […]
Georgian government relaunches plan to split the Interior Ministry
The Moduli building, where Georgia’s counterintelligence used to interrogate political opponents of Saakashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian government has announced the start of long-awaited reform of the powerful Interior Ministry. It is formally known as the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), and was created during Saakashvili when the counterintelligence […]
Ivanishvili again blames National Bank for Georgia’s currency woes
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Businessman and retired politician Bidzina Ivanishvili has again blamed the National Bank for not helping to prevent a drop in the Georgian lari. “I suspect that the National Bank is still acting inadequately,” he told journalists on Thursday. […]
Placebo and Archive will play at Tbilisi Open Air festival
Deep Purple at Tbilisi Open Air 2013. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The two English bands Placebo and Archive are headliners at this year’s Tbilisi Open Air festival, to be held by a lake near the capital July 3 to 7. Tickets sales have started for the festival, which has been organized every year since 2009 by the AlterVision Group. […]
ERBD to support female entrepreneurs in Georgia
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (ERBD) has announced a new 45 million euros program to support women entrepreneurs in eastern European countries including Georgia. The program is called ‘Women in Business’ and will involve ERBD […]
Georgian team wins women’s world chess championship
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The World Women’s Team Chess Championship 2015 was won by Georgia, with Russia and China in second and third place, respectively. The Georgian team consisted of Bela Khotenashvili, Meri Arabidze, Nino Batsiashvili, Lela Javakhishvili […]
Azerbaijan hosts Saakashvili, rejects Georgia’s extradition request
Mikheil Saakashvili (left) and Ilham Aliyev. (Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia has asked Azerbaijan to detain ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili during a visit to the neighbor country. Saakashvili has had a meeting with the president of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. According to local media, Azerbaijan’s […]
Georgian PM: Resignations are part of ‘healthy political process’
Irakli Garibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian PM Irakli Garibashvili says the resignations of two ministers, triggering a new vote of confidence, is a ‘healthy political process.’ There will be no more replacements, he added. A third of the ministers have now been changed since […]
Sports minister resigns, new confidence vote imminent
Levan Kipiani (Official photo) TBILISI, DFWatch–Seventh minister of Irakli Garibashvili government left on Wednesday that means the PM have to seek approval of the entire cabinet from the parliament. Levan Kipiani, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, announced his resignation at a press […]
Another minister resigns in Georgia
Elguja Khokrishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The environment minister resigned in Georgia on Tuesday. Elguja Khokrishvili explained that he needs to spend time with his family, which is living abroad. Khokrishvili is the second minister to resign this month, after the minister of regional development […]
Georgian government notes falling crime level
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The crime level want down by more than 15 percent in the first three months of 2015 compared to last year, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). The share of crimes that were solved improved to more than 52 percent. According […]
Ivanishvili claims the president has joined the opposition
Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Imedi.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili claims the president he handpicked has in fact become part of the opposition to the government coalition. He said this on his own show 2030 on GDS, a TV channel belonging to his rapper son Bera. […]
The lords of the streets and their big black cars
Photo from the young environmentalists’ social campaign against big cars In western Europe, people in cities opt for small, economy class cars. But Tbilisi is clogged with huge SUVs, which are more suitable for off-road travels than for daily home-work-home commute. […]
Locals in Terjola threaten to start protests against Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehova’s Witnesses are building a new Kingdom Hall in Terjola. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Jehovah’s Witnesses in Georgia claim that they are being discriminated against on religious grounds in Terjola, western Georgia. The conflict started about a year ago. Locals Orthodox Christians are against the construction of a new Kingdom Hall […]
Ivanishvili slams NGO’s head and president’s adviser
Bidzina Ivanishvili Tbilisi, DFWatch – During his TV talk show, former prime minister, Bidzina Ivanishvili, once again slammed the head of a local NGO and the president’s adviser, accusing them of following the political agenda of the United National Movement. […]
Georgian parliament to discuss low lari rate again
Zurab Tkemaladze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Parliament in Georgia is calling on the group of economy ministers to explain themselves again about the falling currency rate, but the finance minister claims the drop in the lari’s value is only temporary. The value of the Georgian lari started […]
Greece upholds decision to reject Data Akhalaia extradition
Data Akhalaia (IPN) Tbilisi, DFWatch – The Greek Supreme Court has upheld a decision by a lower court to reject an extradition request for Data Akhalaia, a former head of Georgia’s domestic intelligence agency. The Supreme Court […]
Group demands criminal investigation of prehistoric site’s destruction
Sakdrisi mining site. (Photo taken by Green Fist.) Tbilisi, DFWatch – An advocacy group in Georgia has asked the Prosecutor General’s Office to launch an investigation into an explosion which destroyed an ancient gold mine on December 13. […]
Georgia celebrates Independence Day without military parade
Independence Day, 2014 (DFWatch)independence ininde Tbilisi, DFwatch – The Georgian government continues distancing itself from its predesessors’ military bravade as it announces, third year in a row, that Independence Day celebrations will go on without a military parade. […]
Armenians rallied at Turkish embassy in Tbilisi
Ethnic Armenians demand from Turkey and the government of Georgia to recognize Armenian genocide (DFWatch) Tbilisi, DFWatch – Ethnic Armenians in Georgia on Friday gathered at the embassy of Turkey in Tbilisi demanding to recognize almost all-out extermination of the Armenian population in the Ottoman Empire in early 20th century as a Genocide. […]
Georgia partners with Gilead Sciences for mass trials of hepatitis C medicine
Georgia signed agreement with Gilead Sciences (Health Ministry Photo) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia has launched a project aimed at assisting people with hepatitis C after signing an agreement with the American pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences on April 21. The government claims […]
Belarusian president calls on Georgia to join Russian ‘family’
Alexander Lukashenko (left) and Giorgi Margvelashvili. (Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko Thursday called on Georgia to live in a ‘common family’ with Belarus and Russia. “Europe’s last dictator” said he has never been to Georgia before, except Abkhazia, one of two Georgian regions […]
Lukashenko has arrived in Tbilisi
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President of Belarus, who is on a first visit to Georgia, arrived in Tbilisi the day before official meetings, which are planned for April 23-24. Even though the flight between Minsk and Tbilisi is over four hours, he arrived a day before with his […]
Top Georgian football team disqualified because it is broke
Zestaponi players on a practice trip to Spain in 2012. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian Football Federation (GFF) has banned one of the country’s top teams from taking party in national championships after it stayed away from a match due to financial problems. GFF decided this after Zestaponi FC violated the rules […]
Low-cost airlines queuing up to enter Georgian market
TBILISI, DFWatch–Several low cost airlines are looking to enter the Georgian market, according to the Ministry of Economy. Prospective new carriers include Ryanair, EasyJet, Air Berlin, and the Greek company Ellinair. According to the ministry, Ellinair applied to the […]
Georgian PM blasts media for ‘hysteria’ about recruitment for IS
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili scolded the media on Tuesday for their coverage of Pankisi youth who become radicalized and join Islamic State in Syria. The media have shown an ‘unnatural hysteria’ about this problem, which […]
Georgia’s foreign trade fell 10% Jan-Mar compared to ’14
12 % of Georgia’s export in the first quarter of 2015 was used cars. (Rustavi.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s foreign trade turnover in the first three months of 2015 was 10 percent less than in the same period last year. The foreign trade turnover in January-March, 2015 was USD 2,279 million, according to the new report of Georgia’s National […]
New showdown over location of presidential palace
Atoneli Palace (Pia.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch–Refurbishment work in a building intended as a new presidential palace is now finished and this has sparked a new round of bickering between the president and the government. The minister of regional development and infrastructure stated during […]
Regional development minister resigns in Georgia
Davit Shavliashvili (center) has resigned as minister for regional development. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A minister in the Georgian government resigned on Tuesday. Not much is known about why Davit Shavliashvili decided to resign as regional development and infrastructure, but a notice from the ministry said it was for health reasons. […]
Georgian speaker visits Ukraine, but have Kiev-Tbilisi ties weakened?
Davit Usupashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–As Georgia’s speaker of parliament visits Kiev, political analysts in Tbilisi are watching for signs of how strong the bond is between the two governments. Speaker Davit Usupashvili is accompanied by parliament members Tedo Japaridze and Tinatin […]
Two dead as crane collapses at Norwegian hydropower project
(Adjara TV.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two persons died and one is in hospital with injuries after an accident at a construction site for a hydropower facility in Khulo, southwest in Georgia Friday night. The two who died are Paata Iakobadze, a Georgian citizen, and Ahmed Chakmak, […]
Georgian volunteer soldier dies in Ukraine
Giorgi Janelidze. (Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A Georgian volunteer soldier was killed in Ukraine on April 18, fighting for the extreme right wing Azov battalion. Giorgi Janelidze died during mine clearance work near the coastal town Shirokine. The other fighters came under fire as they […]
Georgia toughens anti-terror legislation to include recruitment for IS
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is to make it a crime to be a member of a terrorist organization or take part in a paramilitary group in another country. The law was drafted after calls for the government to do more to stop the flow of youth joining the war in Syria. […]
Saakashvili party boycotts parliament after ex-official’s suicide attempt
Zurab Japaridze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Members of Mikheil Saakashvili’s party deliberately disrupted Friday’s parliamentary session because of a former official’s suicide attempt the day before. The former special unit’s representative who attempted to commit suicide is detained […]
Merabishvili promises revenge
Vano Merabishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Interior Minister and ally of Mikheil Saakashvil promises to take revenge for every official involved in the detention of former government officials. “I will personally punish them. I will hold each of them responsible personally.” Vano Merabishvili, […]