News
Number of Tourists declined in Jan-Feb, 2015: MIA
Border with Azerbaijan (DFWatch) Tbilisi, DFWatch – In the wake of tightening visa regulations by the Geoorgian government and crisis in Ukraine, the latest data released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia showed decline in numbers of tourists and overall visitors in Georgia. However, according to the same data, number of the transit visitors increased. […]
Evnoy to Russia accuses Free Democrats of Incompetence
“I wonder why my opponents did not respond to Mr. Appathurai’s comments? Why didn’t they enter into the debate with him?” Zurab Abashidze asks Tbilisi, DFWatch – A cross-fire between political team of the Former Defense Minister and Georgia’s Special Envoy to Negotiations with Russia went sour after the latter’s remarks over Georgia’s NATO membership prospects. Zurab Abashidze, […]
Saakashvili’s party planning rallies to unseat the government
Zurab Japaridze from the National Movement. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s former ruling party, the National Movement, is preparing to take to the streets this spring in a change of roles since a few years back. The call comes after the government refused to show up in parliament on Saturday to debate […]
Georgian president speaks out against discrimination
President Giorgi Margvelashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Giorgi Margvelashvili on Sunday highlighted the most pressing problems Georgia faces in terms of discrimination, as he observed United Nation’s Zero Discrimination Day. He drew particular attention to violence against women and […]
Body of dead 19 year old handed over by South Ossetia
(EUMM.) TBILISI, DFWatch–On Saturday, the body of a dead 19-year-old handed over to Georgian authorities by the breakaway region South Ossetia. David Basharuli was found hanging from a tree in a small village in South Ossetia in January, after having been reported missing […]
Georgian leaders shocked by Nemtsov assassination
President Giorgi Margvelashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s president and prime minister are shocked by the assassination of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov in Moscow. “I’m shocked by the assassination of Boris Nemtsov. He was a politician who fought tirelessly for the […]
Saakashvili hints Putin may be behind Nemtsov murder
Georgian ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili lobbying for weapons to Ukraine in the U.S. Congress. (Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s former president, Mikheil Saakashvili, vaguely blames President Vladimir Putin of the assasination of a leading Russian opposition politician Friday night. In a Facebook post published early Saturday morning, Saakashvili recalls […]
Head of Georgia’s National Bank may be impeached for ‘inaction’
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The president of Georgia’s National Bank may be impeached after former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili on Thursday accused him of inaction in the face of a sudden thirty percent drop in the lari. The National Bank is an independent body whose […]
Georgia’s National Bank will not spend reserves on stabilizing lari
Giorgi Kadagidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s National Bank will not spend its reserves of foreign currencies to stabilize the lari despite a dramatic 30 percent drop earlier in the week. The bank’s president Giorgi Kadagidze explained at a briefing at noon on Friday that […]
Abashidze-Karasin talks resume after a four-month break
Zurab Abashidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–On Thusday, Georgia and Russia resumed their economic and humanitarian talks after a four-month break. Georgia’s special envoy Zurab Abashidze and Russia’s deputy foreign minister Grigory Karasin discussed trade and reopening […]
Seven people detained in Georgia for making counterfeit money
The detainees are accused of making fake 20, 50 and 100 lari bills. (police.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch–Police in Georgia detained seven people on Thursday for manufacturing and distributing a large amount of counterfeit money. The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that a group of criminals were in possession of special equipment for producing […]
Opposition groups blame government for lari’s fall
Free Georgia, Reformers and Christian Democrats activists demonstrating outside the Finance Ministry building on Thursday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–There were several anti-government demonstrations in Tbilisi on Thursday in reaction to the thirty percent drop in the value of the national currency, the lari. Smaller groups that are not represented in parliament made up the brunt […]
Georgian parliament to meet on Saturday to discuss crisis
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–As the Georgian government is waiting to hear what ideas experts from the IMF have to deal with the weakened national currency, the lari, the former ruling party will be demanding answers at a special session of parliament on Saturday. […]
Ivanishvili blames the head of the National Bank for currency crisis
Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili weighs in on the question of who is to blame for the more than 30% depreciation of the national currency in recent days. The businessman blames the National Bank and its head, who he assumes […]
Georgian lari stabilizes at record low level
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The lari, Georgia’s embattled national currency, showed signs of recovery on Thursday after both the National Bank and the government announced that they are taking measures to stop it from further depreciation. In recent days, the national […]
Parliament approves president’s chief justice nominee on third attempt
Nino Gvenetadze at Legal Issues Committee. Behind Vakhtang Khmaladze, the committee chairman. (Parliament.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian parliament on Wednesday approved Nino Gvenetadze as new Supreme Court chair. Two hearings on Monday failed because many Georgian Dream representatives didn’t show up and a quorum was not reached. Some were […]
What are two military trucks with Russian plates doing in Tbilisi?
(Photo from Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Pictures of two massive Russian trucks parked in Tbilisi went viral on social media Wednesday and made many think that Russian soldiers had paid Georgia an unwelcome visit. It caused concern among people to see photos of the trucks, which […]
Georgia to sell off state properties to deal with currency crisis
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia has presented a list of state properties to be sold off to bring in new money, as a means to deal with an unexpected 30% drop in the value of the national currency, the lari. Among the properties to be sold are the […]
Five victims of 1993 plane crash buried in Tbilisi
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Five more victims of a plane disaster during the Abkhazian war in 1993 were buried in Tbilisi on Tuesday after being recovered from a cemetery inside the breakaway region. Giorgi Chargeishvili, Malkhaz Piranishvili, Zurab Melishiani, Rusudan […]
Georgian govt to cut spending as lari drops rapidly
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia has proposed to cut spending in order to deal with a drastic drop in the value of the national currency, the lari. The lari began falling in November last year, and went from a level of 1.75 lari against the US dollar […]
Georgia doubles funding for religious minorities
Christmas mass at a Catholic church in Tbilisi. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia plans to spend 3.5 million laris on traditional religious groups and dedicate a new square to the idea of tolerance. As reported by DF Watch, there have been growing friction in Georgian society in recent […]
Ombudsman says lifting of ancient gold mine’s heritage status was illegal
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–In Georgia, the ombudsman claims that a government official broke the law when he greenlighted the destruction of a 5,400 year old cave complex with invaluable archaeological findings. In December, the Russian company RMG Gold […]
Former Kvemo Kartli governor charged with embezzlement
Davit Kirkitadze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Finance Ministry’s investigative service on Monday brought embezzlement charges against a former government official. Former Kvemo Kartli governor Davit Kirkitadze is accused of having used state-owned machinery to carry out construction […]
Islam expert doesn’t see any rise in islamophobia in Georgia
Ruslan Baramidze (on the left) during a field work It is harder to be a Muslim anywhere, when international media headlines are dominated by terrorist groups, such as ISIS or Boko Haram. In Georgia, one out of ten citizens is a Muslim. What do we know about Islam in Georgia? Is Islamophobia on the rise here as well? […]
Lifetime prisoners in Georgia demand fixed terms and better conditions
Rally in Kobuleti (Interpressnews photo) TBILISI, DFWatch–Family members and relatives of 55 prisoners with life sentence who claim being on hunger strike during almost a month, rallied on Sunday outside notorious Gldani No 8 jail in Tbilisi outskirts, demanding reducing their terms and better conditions for inmates. […]
One man dies in mining accident in Georgia
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–One man died in a mining accident in Western Georgia on Saturday. Early indications are that it was an accident. The victim is Kote Bakhutashvili, who worked in the transport district in the Mindeli mine in Tkibuli, a mining town in the north […]
Gudauri-Kobi road closed
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The road between Gudauri and Kobi in northern Georgia was Sunday closed for all traffic due to strong wind and limited visibility. Machinery has been deployed to the place by the Infrastructure and Regional Development Ministry. Vehicles are […]
Rally to save old naval station building in Poti
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Locals rallied Saturday in the Georgian port city Poti. They are opposed to a decision by the local government to demolish the naval station building. Demonstrators say the building is a symbol of the city, which lies on the Black Sea coast and […]
Abashidze-Karasin talks to resume later this month
Zurab Abashidze (left) and Grigory Karasin. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Russia and Georgia will resume their one-on-one talks in Prague in the end of February, the Georgian Foreign Ministry said in an announcement. The so-called Abashidze-Karasin talks, which are limited in scope to economic and other practical issues, […]
Uncertain if Georgian parliament will investigate destruction of ancient mine
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Parliament in Georgia has still not created a committee to investigate why a pre-historic gold mine was destroyed by a Russian mining company in mid December last year. The Free Democrats on Friday nominated one of their members to chair […]
Red paint bombs thrown at Saakashvili Library in Tbilisi
Lado Sadgobelashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Five people were detained during tumults outside the Saakashvili Presidential Library in Tbilisi on Friday. Inside the building, activists for the National Movement held an exhibition dedicated to the one year anniversary of the revolution in […]
Road restrictions in north and west Georgia
On the road between Gudauri and Kobi vehicles are not allowed to drive without snow chains. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Snow has made Georgian authorities enforce restrictions on several roads in mountainous regions in the west and north. On the road between Kutaisi and Ambrolauri, via Tkibuli, traffic is restricted on the 36km to 72km section. No trailers, […]
Georgian government’s economy experts gather as lari continues to fall
Economy Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili believes the situation will improve in the near future. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–As the Georgian lari reached a new record low, the Georgian government’s “economy team” gathered to come up with a plan to save the country’s economy. The US dollar is valued at 2.1771 laris in the most recent figures from the National Bank […]
Parliament replaces Free Democrats’ vice speaker
Gubaz Sanikidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Parliament on Wednesday approved a new vice speaker, following the departure of one party from the government coalition. The Free Democrats left the Georgian Dream coalition November 5, and now the party’s highest […]
Former Tbilisi mayor must remain in detention, court decides
Gigi Ugulava. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A Tbilisi court decided on Wednesday that former Mayor Gigi Ugulava must stay in detention. Lawyers asked the court to release Ugulava on bail and promised to hand his ID card and passport over to prosecutors as a guarantee […]
Free Democrats: No deal with Saakashvili party
“I would not comment seriously on Baron Münchausen’s statements,” Irakli Alasania responded to Mikheil Saakashvili’s TV interview. (DF Watch.) Tbilisi, DFWatch -After exchanging barrels of criticism, Georgia’s two main pro-western political parties deny likelihood of future political alliance. At least one of them, Free Democrats of the former defense minister Irakli Alasania, […]
Georgian diplomat casts doubt on NATO membership goal
Zurab Abashidze said it’s not on the agenda today or tomorrow for Georgia to join NATO. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A statement by a Georgian diplomat makes many ask whether the country’s foreign policy has changed. Russian relations special envoy Zurab Abashidze was answering a warning by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov yesterday, that Russia […]
Wrestling world champion confirmed as member of Georgian parliament
Luka Kurtanidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A Georgian wrestler and double Olympic bronze medalist on Tuesday became a member of parliament. Luka Kurtanidze will be replacing Tamaz Avdaliani, who recently passed away due to illness. Eldar (Luka) Kurtanidze is on the same party list, […]
Ukraine’s ambassador to Georgia defends Saakashvili appointment
Ukraine’s Ambassador to Georgia Vasyl Tsybenko. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Ukraine’s ambassador to Georgia on Monday defended his country’s appointment of Georgian officials who ex-President Saakashvili as an adviser, after being called in to the Foreign Ministry in Tbilisi. Saakashvili is wanted in four criminal […]
Georgia asks Ukraine to extradite Saakashvili
Mikheil Saakashvili. (Maestro.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia has asked Ukraine to extradite ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili and ex Justice Minister Zurab Adeishvili. Both are working for the Kiev government despite being charged with a number of crimes in their home country. The Prosecutor […]
Victoria Nuland visiting Tbilisi Tuesday
Victoria Nuland. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–US Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland is visiting Georgia on Tuesday as part of a Caucasus tour. In Tbilisi, Nuland plans to meet with representatives of the government and opposition, as well as non-governmental organizations, so-called […]
Georgian kickboxer accused of robbery in Russia
Irakli Gvinjilia. (timer.ge.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A Georgian athlete and four time world champion in kickboxing was detained in Moscow last month, accused of robbery. Russian media outlets report that Irakli Gvinjilia is accused of stealing 70,000 Russian rubles, or about USD 1,000, from someone […]
Saakashvili’s party will never get back in power: Ivanishvili
Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Godfather of the government coalition in Georgia, financier Bidzina Ivanishvili, said in a newspaper interview this weekend that he doesn’t think the National Movement party will ever be able to get back in power. The National Movement […]
Tbilisi summons Ukraine’s ambassador about Saakashvili appointment
Mikheil Saakashvili was last week appointed adviser to Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia has summed the Ukrainian ambassador to explain why ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili, who is wanted in his home country, has been appointed to a high position in Kiev. Ambassador Vasyl Tsybenko was asked to come to the […]
South Ossetia to sign treaty with Russia on Feb 18
Davit Sanakoyev. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian breakaway region South Ossetia plans to sign a ‘treaty of alliance and integration’ with Russia on February 18. This follows the signing of a similar treaty between the de facto government of the other breakaway region Abkhazia […]
Georgian president meets with candidates for new Supreme Court head
President Giorgi Margvelashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Giorgi Margvelashvili on Saturday met for more than five hours with candidates for new head of the Supreme Court to learn about their plans and programs. Margvelashvili is continuing his selection of candidates for new […]
City Hall employee accused of corruption placed in pre-trial detention
Tbilisi City Hall. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The head of Tbilisi City Hall’s supervision service was Friday placed in to pre-trial detention on charges of bribery. During the court hearing, Prosecutor Malkhaz Getsadze said that the accused, Jokia Bodokia, accepted a bribe from Darioushi, […]
Saakashvili appointed adviser to Ukraine’s Poroshenko
Mikheil Saakashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili was Friday officially confirmed as adviser to the Ukrainian president, despite being wanted for crimes in his home country. Saakashvili will be head of the Advisory International Council of Reforms, […]
Georgia’s trade in January 30% lower than last year
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s foreign trade turnover in January 2015 was 9 percent lower than last year, according to preliminary data published by the National Statistics Department, GeoStat, on Friday. The total turnover was USD 694 million, out of which export […]
City Hall employee denies corruption charges
Mayor Davit Narmania denied that he is an old friend of the accused, Jokia Bodokia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The head of City Hall’s supervision service pleaded not guilty in the case of taking a bribe in return for facilitating the construction of a new hotel. Jokia Bodokia was detained on Wednesday. His lawyer, Giorgi Kavlashvili, told journalists that his client […]
Families rally in support of prisoners on life sentences
Families demand life sentences converted so the prisoners may have hope of being free some day. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Families and relatives of prisoners with life sentences and incurable diseases rallied in front of the government house in Adjara on Thursday. They demand that the prisoners are offered a new chance to have their cases reviewed and their sentences […]
Georgia climbs further on press freedom index
Georgian journalists demonstrating for press freedom in 2011 . (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Press freedom has been improved in Georgia, judging by the latest annual index published by Reporters Without Borders. The country has moved up 15 places and is number 69 among 180 countries. The last time Georgia listed this high was […]
Parliamentarians object against criteria for selecting head of Supreme Court
Dimitri Khundadze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A large part of the governing coalition in parliament are against the criteria the president used when he recently selected candidates for new head of Supreme Court. The initiative began with 16 MPs from the Georgian Dream coalition. […]
Update: Restrictions on several roads due to snow
Traffic restrictions on the Akhaltsikhe-Ninotsminda road are now lifted. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Traffic is still blocked along the road between Gudauri and Kobi in the north of Georgia due to danger of avalanche. According to the Road Department, no vehicles are allowed through. There are also the following restrictions on the Tkibuli […]
City Hall employee detained for corruption
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The head of the Supervision Service at Tbilisi City Hall was detained on Wednesday on suspicion of bribery. Jokia Bodokia is accused of having accepted a bribe of USD 180,000; ten percent of the price of constructing a new hotel. The money […]
Prisoners with life sentence continue hunger strike
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–60 prisoners with life sentence are continuing their hunger strike to demand a new assessment of their cases. The prisoners on lifelong term want to be included in a mass amnesty introduced by the new Georgian Dream coalition […]
Georgia’s governing coalition loses its majority in Adjara assembly
Medea Vasadze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian Dream coalition has lost its majority of seats in the regional assembly in Adjara after one deputy broke ranks last week. Medea Vasadze explained in a statement that her decision was the result of two years and four months of analysis. […]
Two more officials resign in Georgia
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two more government officials resigned in Georgia on Tuesday; one regional police chief and a deputy department head in the Defense Ministry. Robert Grigalashvili, deputy head of military reporting, yesterday evening handed in his resignation […]
28 candidates for new head of Supreme Court
Zakaria Kutsnashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian president on Tuesday presented a list of 28 candidates for new head of Supreme Court. Most of the names on the list are unknown to the public. Among the few known names is Zakaria Kutsnashvili; a member of the Georgian […]
Georgian Defense Ministry official resigns due to public pressure
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The deputy head of the general inspection in the Georgian Defense Ministry resigned on Tuesday, explaining that he made the decision due to the accusations against him lately. Explaining the decision, Valeri Zumbadze wrote in a statement published […]
President’s annual address will be on March 18
President Giorgi Margvelashivli. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian president’s annual state of the nation address in parliament will be held on March 18. It is still an open question whether there will be a debate after President Giorgi Margvelashvili’s address. His parliamentary secretary Giorgi […]
Two boys on life support after being stabbed at Tbilisi school
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two teenage boys were hospitalized with serious injuries on Monday after being stabbed by another pupil at the same Tbilisi school. Police detained a suspect, who is also a minor. All three are pupils at Public School No 186 in Didi Digomi […]
Locals in Kutaisi accuse police wife of fatal hit-and-run
(Newpress.ge.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The parents and relatives of a girl who died in a car accident three days ago in Kutaisi accuse the police of covering up what happened. They believe the real culprit is the wife of a policeman. The family of the victim Nana Giglemiani demonstrated Monday […]
Suspect in Yuri Vazagashvili murder placed in pre-trial detention
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi City Court on Monday placed the suspect in the murder of Yuri Vazagashvili in pre-trial detention. The Prosecutor’s Office asked to keep the policeman in detention. He was detained yesterday, suspected of murdering Vazagashvili. […]
Road closed in Gudauri due to heavy snow
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Traffic is prohibited along the Gudauri-Kobi section of the old military highway in northern Georgia due to snow and danger of avalanche. According to the Infrastructure Ministry’s road department, no vehicles are allowed through in that stretch […]
Policeman detained for murder of human rights activist
Yuri Vazagashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prosecutor General’s Office in Georgia has detained a police officer who is suspected of murdering human rights activist Yuri Vazagashvili three weeks ago. Yuri Vazagashvili had been campaigning for justice for his son Zurab, who was […]
Georgian PM: We are ready for negotiations with Russia
Irakli Garibashvili at the Munich security conference. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Garibashivli says Georgia is ready for negotiations with Russia. The two countries have not had diplomatic relations since fighting a brief war more than six years ago. Georgia’s pro-European course stands firm, the PM […]
Poland ratifies Georgia’s EU agreement
(opis.sejm.gov.pl.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Poland ratified the association agreement between Georgia and the EU on Friday; the 13th EU member state to do so. The vote in the Sejm was 439 for ratification, none against and one abstaining. The agreement gives Georgia free trade access […]
Woman dies during robbery
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A woman died during a robbery of her house on Friday in Tbilisi. Her colleagues believe she was murdered and demand a proper investigation. Lela Avlokhashvili, 43, died while robbers were in her house stealing money and gold jewelry. Vendors […]
Georgian fishing boat owners protest in Poti
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Owners of about 40 fishing boats in Poti demonstrated Friday to demand less strict environmental protection in order to compete with the Turkish fishing fleet. The boat owners, who use seines to catch anchovy, think the law puts them […]
Escaped prisoner caught in Batumi
Gurjaani Regional Court. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A prisoner who escaped from a court building two days ago has been apprehended in Batumi on the Black Sea coast. The prisoner escaped from the court cell in Gurjaani Regional Court on February 2 after hearing that he was being placed in […]
Two detained in Georgia for forging US visas
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two people were detained in Georgia on Friday for making fake US visas. Police working together with staff of the US embassy’s security department found that two people – a man about 40 and a woman about 50 – were making forged documents […]
Georgia downgrades its economic growth outlook
Finance Minister Nodar Khaduri. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian government has downgraded its economic growth outlook for 2015 from five to four percent. Finance Minister Nodar Khaduri said on Thursday that stagnation is expected in all neighboring countries, and this is reflected in the new […]
Georgia’s interior minister says ‘certain forces’ are planning a coup
Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s new interior minister says ‘certain forces’ are attempting to destabilize the country, but Georgia won’t allow a ‘Ukraine scenario’ to be repeated in Georgia. After journalists asked Vakhtang Gomelauri to specify if he meant the former ruling […]
Work halted on new hotel in Vake Park
Vake Park one year ago. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–City Hall temporarily halted construction work on a new hotel in Vake Park in central Tbilisi on Wednesday. Environmental activists from a group called Guerrilla Gardening gathered in the park warning that the workers are in violation of law […]
Two more former officials charged in Zhvania case
Mamuka Gvaramia said the charges are politically motivated. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A former chief prosecutor and a deputy head of the National Forensic Bureau were Wednesday charged with involvement in the murder of PM Zurab Zhvania in 2005. The Prosecutor’s Office claims the two exceeded official powers […]
Wanted Georgian ex-justice minister spotted in Kiev
Zurab Adeishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Georgian Justice Minister Zurab Adeishvili, who has been wanted for more than a year and is subject to an Interpol Red Alert, was recently spotted in Ukraine. The Georgian Prosecutor General’s Office has now asked the Ukrainian government […]
Robbers target Georgia’s small bank service centers
One of the service centers for Liberty Bank. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A bank service center was robbed in Tbilisi Wednesday. This is the fourth such robbery in a short time. An armed robber attacked Bank of Georgia’s service center on Noneishvili Street in Gldani, northern Tbilisi. It is still unknown whether […]
Six detained in Tbilisi at rally against National Movement
Demonstrators blame the National Movement for encouraging Georgian youth to join the war in Ukraine. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Six people were detained for petty hooliganism in Tbilisi on Tuesday, during a rally outside the office of the National Movement. The rally was organized by the youth movement Free Generation, which demands to convict former officials and ‘restore justice.’ […]
Prisoner on the run in Kakheti, eastern Georgia
Gurjaani Regional Court. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Police in Georgia are searching for a prisoner who escaped from a court building on Monday. The man, a resident of the a village Velistsikhe, is charged with injuring a person with a weapon. The regional court in Gurjaani, in the Kakheti region […]
Belarus and Georgia resume cooperation, Lukashenko plans visit
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko plans to visit Georgia in April. Georgian agriculture minister Otar Danelia said this today during a visit to Minsk. Danelia is there in connection with a session of the newly revived Georgia-Belarus […]
Three percent drop in visitors to Georgia in January
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Three percent less people visited Georgia in January 2015, compared to the same period last year, according to new figures from the Ministry of internal Affairs. The figures were presented on Tuesday by the ministry’s Department of Analysis, […]
Georgian PM downplays Ivanishvili’s criticism of NGO leaders
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian prime minister on Monday downplayed criticism of three NGO leaders by businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili last week. The billionaire who created the coalition now in power said in a TV interview that an organization he runs is working […]
Eleven police officers detained in Georgia
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Eleven current and former police officers were detained in Georgia on Tuesday in connection with bombing of a human rights activist nearly two weeks ago. Yuri Vazagashvili, a Tbilisi businessman, was killed January 20 as he stepped on a land mine […]
Rally in Tbilisi to demand accountability for Saakashvili regime
Demonstrators demand to ‘restore justice’ and punish officials that committed violations during the Saakashvili regime. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Over a thousand people demonstrated in central Tbilisi on Saturday, demanding that officials that broke the law during the Saakashvili regime are held to account. They demand that officials in the Saakashvili regime who committed crimes are punished, […]
Seat in Georgian parliament empty as MP dies of illness
Tamaz Avdaliani. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A member of parliament from the Georgian Dream coalition has died as result of serious illness, parliament’s press office said on Friday. Tamaz Avdaliani, who was born September 16, 1964. In October, 2012, was elected through the party list […]
Activists say ‘SOS’ for Old Tbilisi as massive development goes ahead
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Hundreds of people marched through Tbilisi on Saturday to protest against the construction of a number of massive buildings in different locations mostly in the old part of the capital. Protesters gathered outside Tbilisi City Council and walked toward […]
Georgia creates body to investigate crimes by legal proceedings
The Prosecutor General’s Office. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia wants to create a new department which will investigate offenses committed in the course of legal proceedings. The initiative comes after the office has received thousands of applications from victims of alleged […]
Ivanishvili plans tv series about Saakashvili’s nine year rule
Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili plans a TV series about the nine years of National Movement rule. In an interview with Imedi TV on Wednesday, Ivanishvili said the name of the series will be ‘9+1’, which indicates the nine […]
HRW criticizes Georgia for not prosecuting political violence
TBILISI, DFWatch–In a new report, Human Rights Watch criticizes Georgia for failing to prosecute attacks on activists from the National Movement, even though the perpetrators have been identified. In its latest world report, the organization writes that during […]
Quota system in Georgian universities helps ethnic minorities, but is easy to abuse
TBILISI, DFWatch- The possibility to study Georgian intensively for one year and then to continue studies in any Georgian university seems like a great opportunity for students coming from ethnic minority background. How helpful is the integration program […]
New day of protest against hotel in Vake Park
(Guerilla Gardening/Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Environmental activists in Tbilisi on Wednesday continued their protest against the construction of a hotel inside one of the city’s central parks. City Hall decided to fine the company for minor violations, but protesters want a halt in the construction […]
Gulf under investigation for tax avoidance in Georgia
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Finance Ministry’s investigation service is going through the accounting documents of Gulf, one of the largest oil retail companies in Georgia. According to the vice president of the company’s marketing department, the service entered […]
Ivanishvili’s latest reprimand: Do they think Margvelashvili is doing magic?
Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Imedi TV.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Bidzina Ivanishvili, the businessman who created the Georgian Dream coalition, on Wednesday criticized the president in an interview with Imedi TV. For the last year, the president and prime minister in Georgia have been in a subdued conflict. […]
Ivanishvili criticizes Saakashvili’s party for urging youth to join Ukraine war
Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Imedi TV.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili criticizes the party of ex-President Saakashvili, the National Movement, of encouraging youth to volunteer for the war in Ukraine. “[Mikheil] Saakashvili and others who wish to see Georgians going […]
Leader of 2006 Kodori mutiny released after entering plea deal
Emzar Kvitsiani. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A former warlord who was sentenced to 12 years in jail last November, was Wednesday released after entering a plea agreement. Emzar Kvitsiani, who was convicted of leading the mutiny in Kodori Gorge in 2006 and for setting up an illegal paramilitary […]
Lowest lari rate for eleven years
The National Bank. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian lari has dropped in value again and is now traded for more than two US dollars – the lowest exchange rate for the last eleven years. According to the National Bank, the exchange rate for lari on January 28 is 2.0144 for one USD. […]
Consultations continue to find new head of Georgia’s Supreme Court
The brothers Kublashvili: Pavle (inset) was head of parliament’s judiciary committee and Kote head of Supreme Court. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Consultations are continuing in Tbilisi’s political circles to find a new head of Supreme Court. Current head Kote Kublashvili’s term expires in the end of February. During Kublashvili’s ten year tenure, the court system in Georgia became […]
Prisoner was to have murdered mother of Buta Robakidze
Ia Metreveli. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A prisoner serving time for drug related crime claims he was forced to carry out a murder in 2008, but the plan was called off. The prisoner’s story was discovered by the Georgian ombudsman, who recommended that the case be investigated […]
Deputy head of NATO visiting Georgia, will visit planned training center
NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow. (NATO.) TBILISI, DFWatch–NATO’s deputy secretary general, Alexander Vershbow, will visit Georgia January 29-30. The purpose of the trip is to monitor the implementation of a ‘substantive package’ offered by the alliance at the Wales summit last summer, according […]
Prisoners with life sentence on hunger strike to be part of 2013 amnesty
Prisoners with life sentence feel they are being discriminated against, Dimitry Lortkipanidze explained. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–At least 50 prisoners serving life sentences have gone on hunger strike to demand to benefit from a mass amnesty introduced in early 2013. The prisoners want to change their life sentences into a set number of years, after which […]
Georgian PM appoints new interior minister
Vakhtang Gomelauri. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Monday appointed Vakhtang Gomelarui as new interior minister after the previous minister resigned in connection with the bombing of a human rights activist. Until now, Gomelauri served as first deputy […]
Yuri Vazagashvili buried Sunday
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch—Yuri Vazagashvili was Sunday buried in the village Karapila, near Kaspi, 50 km west of the capital. He was buried next to his son Zurab, who died in a police operation in 2006 during the Saakashvili regime and became a symbol of the heavy-handed […]
Lithuanian PM starts two day visit to Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Lithuanian prime minister on Monday starts a two day visit to Georgia. On the first day of his visit, Algirdas Butkevičius will meet his Georgian counterpart Irakli Garibashivli after an official welcoming ceremony at the government office […]
Few of the ombudsman’s recommendations are followed
Ombudsman Ucha Nanuashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Only 35 out of 154 of the ombudsman recommendations in 2014 were followed, according to a report published on Friday. 22 out of the 154 recommendations to central and local government bodies, or the government officials were partly fulfilled, 47 not fulfilled […]
More people leave Georgia’s law enforcement after activist’s death
TBILISI, DFWatch–The fallout from a bombing of a rights activist in Georgia last week continued Sunday with several prosecutors asking to be suspended and police officers being fired. On Friday, the interior minister resigned. This was followed by the […]
Police official in Georgia resigns following bombing of activist
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A high-ranking police official in Georgia resigned Friday evening. His resignation follows that of the interior minister, and is related to the bombing of a rights activist last Wednesday. The activist, Yuri Vazagasvili, was blown up while standing […]
Georgia’s interior minister resigns
Alexandre Chikaidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Interior Minister Alexandre Chikaidze, who was hardly seen in public during his tenure, on Friday resigned following the controversial murder of Yuri Vazagashvili. In his letter of resignation to the PM, Chikaidze writes that he made the […]
Appeals Court upholds nine year sentence against Megis Kardava
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A former government official charged in the case of Sergo Tetradze’s murder, was on Friday sentenced to nine years in jail by the Appeals Court of Georgia. Megis Kardava, who held the post of deputy at the military police department, was found […]
Georgian Dream hesitates over inquest into destruction of gold mine
Protesters were outraged when the Culture Ministry suddenly allowed RMG Gold to proceed with mining blasts at Sakdrisi in December. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Doubt has been cast on the Georgian parliament’s plans to have an inquest into the destruction of a prehistoric gold mine, as a leading parliamentarian says he no longer thinks it’s a good idea. The ancient cave complex in Sakdrisi in southern […]
Suspect in Batumi murder of girl, 16, detained in Iran
Mohamadamin Ruintan is suspected of having murdered a 16 year old girl, Mariam Kochalidze, in July 2013. (Ministry of Internal Affairs.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Iran has detained the suspect in the murder of a 16 year old girl in Batumi in July, 2013. Mariam Kochalidze was found dead with her throat slashed and a large stone [...]
Coffin of Georgian who fought in Ukraine greeted at Tbilisi airport
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The body of a Georgian volunteer fighter who died in Ukraine on January 17 arrived in Georgia on Wednesday and will be brought to his hometown Khashuri today. Earlier, there was a public funeral for Tamaz Sukhiashvili, 36, in Kiev, which was attended […]
Over 30 witnesses questioned about Yuri Vazagashvili’s death
Yuri Vazagashvili (right) with Bidzina Ivanishvili in February 2012. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–At least thirty people have so far been questioned about the death of Yuri Vazagashvili, father of a victim of a controversial police operation in 2006. Zurab Vazagashvili’s death nearly nine years ago became a symbol of the heavy-handed police […]
China’s ambassador briefed about investment prospects in agriculture
China’s Ambassador to Georgia Yue Bin met with Georgia’s Minister for Agriculture Otar Danelia on Wednesday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s agriculture minister on Wednesday met with the Chinese ambassador to discuss bilateral relations and the mostly positive dynamic in trade relations. Ambassador Yue Bin said that the year 2014 was the most successful, fruitful and positive […]
Return of dead 19 year old discussed at IPRM meeting
(EUMM.) TBILISI, DFWatch–At a regular field meeting Tuesday between the parties in the 2008 South Ossetia war, Georgia brought up the question of how to bring home the body of a 19 year old boy who was recently found dead in South Ossetia after being missing for six months. […]
Man blaming police of the son’s death, killed at his grave
It is still unclear whether Yuri Vazagashvili was killed or committed suicide. (Interpressnews) Tbilisi, DFWatch – A father of a victim of controversial police special operation back in 2006 was found dead on the grave of his son as result of an explosion on Tuesday. It is still unknown whether it was a suicide or a homicide, […]
Muslims in northeast Georgia demonstrate against Charlie Hebdo
Muslims rally in a village Duisi, Pankisi Gorge (Interpressnews) TBILISI, DFWatch–Muslims in a valley northeast in Georgia demonstrated Monday against the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo for publishing a caricature depicting Prophet Mohammad on January 14. People in the village Duisi, in Pankisi Gorge, believe the cartoon […]
Body of Georgian priest from Norman Atlantic arrives in Tbilisi
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian president on Monday posthumously honored priest Ilia Kartozia, 27, for his bravery rescuing people in the Norman Atlantic ferry disaster. The fire on Norman Atlantic started on December 28. There were eight Georgians aboard, all of whom […]
Third Georgian fighter dies in the war in Ukraine
Tamaz Sukhiashvili would have become 37 years old on Sunday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A third Georgian has died in the war in Ukraine. Tamaz Sukhiashvili, 36, was killed in the battle for Donetsk Airport near the village of Pisky on January 17, fighting alongside Kiev’s forces. Three more Georgians were slightly wounded in the same battle. […]
Georgia’s foreign trade grew 5% in 2014
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s foreign trade turnover in 2014 was five percent more than the previous year according to preliminary data from the National Statistics Department, GeoStat. The turnover totalled USD 11,459 million. According to the preliminary […]
Chinese citizen detained for facilitating prostitution
Photo shows an earlier police razzia of a brothel in Adjara, November 2013. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A Chinese citizen was on Sunday detained in Georgia’s second largest city Kutaisi for providing premises used for prostitution. According to the Interior Ministry, the suspect rented a house on Chavchavadze Avenue 33 and opened a parlour offering […]
23 Georgian sailors stranded on five ships in Benin
TBILISI, DFWatch–23 Georgian sailors have been stuck on five ships under Greek management close to Benin in western Africa. The sailors are asking for help because their supplies of food and water are running low and they haven’t received their salaries for about six months. […]
Georgian Church explains its position regarding Charlie Hebdo
The Patriarchy, the governing body of the Georgian Orthodox Church. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–In its first comments about the Charlie Hebdo tragedy, the Georgian Orthodox Church condemns the terror act but also calls on the government ‘to set a limit to freedom of expression in order to protect other internationally recognized human rights.’ […]
Sharp drop in money transfers into Georgia
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Money transfers to Georgia in December 2014 were 24.9 percent lower than in the same period in 2013, according to new figures from the National Bank. The amount of money transfers in December was USD 116.1 milllion, which was USD 38.5 million […]
Film made by Georgian director nominated for Oscar
(Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A film made by a Georgian filmmaker which was previously nominated for a Golden Globe, was Thursday nominated for an Oscar. Tangerines, a Georgian-Estonian co-production, was selected for the short list of foreign language film nominees together […]
Missing 77 year old found dead near South Ossetia
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A 77 year old man who went missing a few days ago in the village Ergneti next to South Ossetia was found dead on Thursday. Valiko Kasradze disappeared late at night on January 12. His family thought he might have lost his way and been detained […]
Georgian government plans to sell university tower in Batumi
National Movement activists demonstrating outside the university tower. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia wants to sell a high-rise in Batumi that was built during the previous government to be used for a new university. Then president Mikeil Saakashvili opened the 35-storey tower in 2012, which has a small ferris wheel […]
Four Georgians nominated for Ukraine’s Justice Ministry
Gia Getsadze is nominated for the position of the first deputy justice minister in charge of fighting corruption (Photo from Facebook) Former deputy interior minister and three more former Georgian officials have been nominated on high positions in Ukaraine Justice Ministry and will officially be appointed immediately after getting Ukrainian citizenship. All of them [...]
PM Garibashvili: no obligation to attend the presidents ‘symbolic’ address
Irakli Garibashvili, the PM, at the opening ceremony of the five-stars hotel in Borjomi resort town (Press Office photo) Tbilisi, DFWatch – Irakli Garibashvili, the PM, once more publicly disregards the President stating that government members have no obligation to attend the latter’s the state of the nation address at the parliament in February. The constitution doesn’t oblige government […]
Georgian parliamentarians visit Kiev
Tbilisi, DFWatch – Amid tensions over appointment of former Georgian officials on the high positions in Ukraine, Georgian parliamentary delegation visits Kiev Nov. 19, according to the chair of parliament’s foreign affairs committee. Tedo Japaridze, […]
Saakashvili criticized for his Syria statement
Giorgi Margvelashvili advises Saakashvili to stop damaging the country’s interests. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President of Georgia slammed his predecessor Mikheil Saakashvili, accusing him of manipulating with important and strategic issues of the country’s security just for his own interests. Mikheil Saakashvili earlier in Monday criticized […]
Man taken from his garden at South Ossetia border
Dvani. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–One Georgian was detained Monday in a village that lies on the de facto border with the breakaway region South Ossetia. One more is missing in another village, and presumed detained. The first incident took place in Dvani, a village which […]
One Chinese worker injured in fire at youth Olympic festival site
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A Chinese worker was injured in a fire on Sunday on the construction site of the future Olympic village in Tbilisi. About 700 square meters was burned in the fire. The Chinese worker who was injured was taken to hospital. The fire spread across […]
Ivanishvili has abandoned the idea of hosting TV show
Ivanishvili will not be a host on the talk show ‘2030’, which is to go on air next month. (Photo: Channel 1.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Georgian PM Bidzina Ivanishvili has finally abandoned the idea to host a political talk show on a TV channel owned by his rapper son Bera. The launch of the talk show has been postponed several times. Finally, in the end of 2014, it was announced […]
Traffic restrictions lifted on most roads in Georgia after heavy snowfall
Many roads have been closed until now due to heavy snowfall that began on January 6. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Traffic restrictions have been lifted on most road sections in Georgia after being closed due to heavy snowfall that began on January 6. According to the most recent data from the road department, traffic is now moving freely through the Rikoti […]
Another archaeological site in Georgia being destroyed
(Rustavi 2.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Another historical object allegedly more than 6,000 years old is believed to be destroyed by a construction company. In a report by the TV channel Rustavi 2, archeologist Iulon Gagoshidze tried to raise the alarm about excavation work at Beri Kldeebi settlement, […]
Locals in Tbilisi demonstrating against Chinese road construction company
Representatives for the company Sinohydro Corporation Ltd met Kvemo Kartli governor Giorgi Mghebrishvili and Rustavi mayor Davit Jikia in April 2014. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–In a village just south of the Georgian capital Tbilisi, locals are protesting against a Chinese company which they claim is destroying their farm land. Residents in Krtsanisi fear that if the company continues its work, a road leading to the village […]
Snowfall causing interruptions several places in Georgia
Two Latvian tourists are stranded in the Jvari pass due to the snow. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two Latvian tourists are stranded in Jvari pass in the north of Georgia. Snowfall is also causing other problems in parts of Georgia. Some areas in the north are without electricity and food supplies. A rescue operation is underway in Jvari pass […]
Weak ruble and new immigration law impacting Armenians in Georgia’s south
Statue in Akhalkalaki of Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet. (Interpressnews.) It is a hard winter for ethnic Armenians living in Georgia’s southern Samtskhe-Javakheti region. The fall of the ruble has led to less money being sent home from relatives who have found jobs in Russia, and Georgia’s new immigration law is forcing people […]
Heavy snow and avalanche danger on Georgian roads
Weather created difficulties on roads of Georgia over the few days (Road Department photo) Tbilisi, DFWatch – Parts of the important roads in Georgia, including a highway connecting it with Armenia are still blocked due to heavy snow and danger of the deadly avalanches. According to the most recent data of the Georgia’s Road Department, […]
Georgia had 2% growth in tourism in 2014
Tourists at Jvari Church in Mtskheta. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia had a two percent growth in tourism in 2014. More than 5.4 million people visited the country last year, which is a 1.9 percent increase compared to 2013. The Interior Ministry published its monthly statistics of visitors to Georgia, […]
Three suspects admit double murder during robbery
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Police in Tbilisi on Sunday detained three suspects who all pleaded guilty of the murder of two brothers during a robbery of an office. According to the Interior Ministry, the crime took place in Dighomi, a northern Tbilisi suburb. The perpetrators, […]
Missing 19-year old boy found dead in Akhalgori
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A 19-year-old boy who has been missing for six month has been found dead in South Ossetia. Davit Basharuli was declared missed last summer. On Monday, locals discovered his body hanging from a tree between Akhalgori and the village Ikoti, […]
Three killed when train crashed with minibus
The minibus was flung tens of meters away when it was hit by the train. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Three died and dozens were injured as result of a minibus crashing with a train in western Georgia on January 2. The injured remain in hospital, several of them in a serious condition. Among the injured there were four minors. The accident […]
Georgian priest who died in ferry disaster praised for heroic rescue effort
(Photo by Italian Navy.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A witness has told how a Georgian priest helped save people before he himself perished in the Norman Atlantic disaster. Father Ilia Kartozia reinforced other passengers’ confidence, which aided in the evacuation of the doomed ferry, Irakli, a Georgian survivor, […]
One believed dead, three more missing after avalanche
Bakhmaro. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–One person is believed to have been taken by an avalanche in Bakhmaro, in the Guria region of western Georgia. The victim was part of a group of four youth who were visiting the winter resort on December 31. All of them are still missing and rescue […]
Four environmental activists detained outside city council in Tbilisi
Four environmental activists were detained for demonstrating outside Tbilisi City Council on Tuesday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Four environmentalists were detained outside the city council building in Tbilisi on Wednesday. The four were demonstrating against the project Panorama Tbilisi, which involves constructing a new cable car and several buildings in the old […]
Georgian priest among dead in Norman Atlantic fire
(Photo by Italian Navy.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A Georgian priest is among those who died after the ferry Norman Atlantic caught fire in the Adriatic Sea on Sunday. A spokesperson for Georgia’s Foreign Ministry said a few minutes ago that the body of priest Ilia Kartozia has been found. […]
Nearly a hundred prisoners pardoned in Georgia
Geguti prison camp. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Nearly a hundred prisoners have been pardoned in Georgia, partly in relation to the New Year celebration. Most of the prisoners who are being freed or have their sentences reduced were pardoned by the president’s pardon commission; one of two […]
Chechen leader proposes building road and railway to Georgia
Verkhny Lars, the only functioning border crossing between Georgia and Russia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov proposes building a new railway as well as a new road connecting the Russian republic with Georgia, which still has tense relations with Russia. Kadyrov’s provocative plan was launched at a press conference in Grozny. […]
Ombudsman asks Prosecutor’s Office to investigate police brutality
The incident took place at the police station in Gldani, north Tbilisi. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian ombudsman has asked the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate an incident of possible mistreatment by police. On Monday, the Ombudsman’s Office reported that a citizen, whose name is mentioned by initials, was detained […]
Eight Georgians among passangers of ferry that caught fire in Adriatic Sea
(Photo by Italian Navy.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A ferry which caught fire on December 28 in the Adriatic Sea, was carrying eight Georgian citizens. According to Italian media there were 478 people on the ferry, including the crew. At least eight people have been killed in the fire aboard MS Norman Atlantic […]
Georgian president considers meeting Putin
President Giorgi Margvelashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian president says he is ready to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin if bilateral relations between the two states will be on the agenda. A meeting between the leaders of the two countries which broke off relations after fighting […]
Five Georgian Defense Ministry officials must remain in detention
TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi city court on Saturday turned down a plea from five Defense Ministry officials who asked to be released on bail. The defense team of the five officials who were detained in late October and charged with embezzlement of about USD 2.3 […]
One more Georgian jihadist dies in Syrian war
TBILISI, DFWatch–One more Georgian citizen has died in the Syrian war. Israphil Tsatiashvili, 18, died in Kobani, Syria, fighting for Islamic State. He is the eighth fighter from Pankisi who has died in Syria. Israphil’s brother Zelimkhan, 21, died about a month […]
Brawl in Georgian parliament
Fighting broke out in parliament Friday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Parliamentarians on Friday got into a physical scuffle hitting microphones at each other because they didn’t agree on how to distribute delegates to the parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe. The ruling coalition proposed reshuffling […]
Armenians in Akhalkalaki struggle to learn Georgian
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Armenians from Samtskhe-Javakheti have a dilemma: They feel isolated from Georgian society because they don’t speak the state language, but at the same time they don’t have enough motivation to learn it. Shushana Shirinian, a journalist from […]
Georgia to reorganize Interior Ministry, Prosecutor’s Office
The Ministry of Internal Affairs will be reorganized. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia plans to reorganize the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Prosecutor’s Office. Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said at a press conference Friday that the Interior Ministry will be completely transformed and made […]
Georgian parliament halts work in prehistoric mine, orders investigation
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian parliament on Wednesday decided to halt work at a prehistoric mine that was almost destroyed by a mining company, and to put together a commission to investigate the legality of the ongoing work. The cave complex in Sakdrisi has more […]
Famous Georgians plea for detained officers’ release
Tbilisi, DFWatch – 37 famous Georgians, including members of the ruling coalition, stand in bail for release of the five defense ministry officials, detained earlier on corruption charges; 20 of them vouch for their innocence. Along with several popular personalities such […]
Government members attend Catholic Midnight Mass in Tbilisi
Midnight Mass at The Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church in Tbilisi. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Several government members attended Midnight Mass at the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church in Tbilisi last night. The ceremony started at 23:30 and Giuseppe Pasotto, Apostolic Administrator of the Caucasus, conducted the prayer. […]
Georgia doubles state funding of four religious communities
Friday prayer at Orta Jame mosque in Batumi. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian government is doubling the funding of four religious denominations operating in the country, apart of the Georgian Patriarchate, the head of the State Agency for Religious Issues said on Wednesday. The four denominations […]
One Georgian released by South Ossetia
Sign warning about the de facto border. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–South Ossetia on Tuesday released one of two Georgians who were detained for crossing the disputed border. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Vasil Khidasheli and Alexandre Shiukashvili were detained on December 20 […]
Tbilisi “invaded” by workers from Russian mining company
(Info9.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi was Tuesday “invaded” by workers from a Russian mining company who are angry over the suggestion that they should halt work to protect a 5,400 years old archaeological site. The workers from Sakdrisi in southern Georgia gathered […]
Businessman beaten in Tbilisi, claims political motive
Mikheil Khubutia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A Georgian businessman was beaten at Tbilisi restaurant on Saturday and claims it was because of his support for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Mikheil Khubutia, who is a member of Putin’s United Russia Party and has business […]
Many journalists leave Georgian TV channel, claim interference
TBILISI, DFWatch–Many employees left their jobs at a Georgian TV station on Monday, as a protest against what they say is interference with the independence of their news reporting. Nino Zhizhilashvili was fired from her position as head of Maestro’s news […]
Prison conditions in Geguti criticized by ombudsman
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian ombudsman has raised the alarm about bad conditions at Geguti Prison in western Georgia. According to a new report, the safety regulations in place are not sufficient to prevent violence between the prisoners, and there is no program […]
Eco refugees demonstrated in Batumi
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Refugees living on an abandoned military base near Batumi broke into the yeard of the Adjara Supreme Council on Monday, demanding to meet with its head. Protesters blocked the road of Chakvi Batumi for ten minutes as sign of protest because […]
Youth activists rally outside PM’s residence
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Youth activists continued to protest against the destruction of an ancient mine in the south of Georgia on Sunday and gathered outside the house of Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. The reason was a comment by Garibashvili in a speech […]
Two Georgian films nominated for Oscar
TBILISI, DFWatch–Two Georgian films, Corn Island and Tangerines, the latter of which represents Estonia, are among the nominees for an Oscar in the category foreign language film. Tangerines is also nominated for a Golden Globe in the best foreign film category. […]
New EUMM head appointed
EUMM in action. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The EU Monitoring Mission to Georgia (EUMM), which was recently prolonged for two more years, has a new head. Kęstutis Jankauskas replaces Toivo Klaar, who was appointed in October 2013. According to an announcement sent out by EUMM, […]
Brain behind Georgian charity success shares his secrets
Boris Kiknadze. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–According to the official data, one out of three young Georgians (20-29 years old) is unemployed. But a senior student at the University of Georgia Boris Kiknadze is not one of them. Less than one year ago he established a crowd-funded […]
Groups want independent inquest into destruction of ancient gold mine
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Non-governmental organizations in Georgia demand an inquest into how an important archaeological site was almost completely destroyed by a mining company a few days ago. The 5,400 years old gold mine in Sakdrisi […]
44 mosques in Georgia taken over by the state
A mosque in Chela, Georgia. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–44 mosques were taken over by Georgia’s Muslim Department two days ago by decision of the State Commission on Religious Issues. According to Zaza Vashakmadze, who is head of the commission, 21 mosques are in the Kakheti region, while 32 […]
EU parliament ratifies association agreement with Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch–With 490 votes against 76 and 57 absentees European Parliament Thursday approved EU-Georgia’s Association Agreement and adopted a resolution about Georgia with 491 votes against 84 and 63 absentees. The current Georgian president and his […]
Georgian parliamentarian visiting China to attract new investors
Davit Saganelidze visiting the president of CNEC in Beijing in April 2014. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Head of the parliamentary majority in Georgia is on a visit to China to attract more investments to his country. China is one Georgia’s top five trade partners. The trade between Georgia and China was USD 564 million in all of 2013, while […]
Georgia to reform the Prosecutor’s Office
Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s PM wants to start consultations about institutional reform of the Prosecutor’s Office which has long been criticized for political bias. Apart from the Prosecutor’s Office itself, the consultations will include law enforcement bodies, […]
Georgian politician confirmed as Ukraine’s new deputy interior minister
Eka Zghuladze, Ukraine’s new deputy interior minister. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A Georgian politician was on December 17 officially appointed as deputy interior minister in Ukraine, the same post she held under President Mikheil Saakashvili in her home country a few years ago. Eka Zghuiladze is now first deputy to Interior […]
EU parliament to pass resolution on Georgia and ratify agreement
TBILISI, DFWatch–The EU Parliament is voting today over whether to ratify an treaty with Georgia signed in June and already partly in force. The so-called association agreement offers free trade to EU’s vast market in return for incorporating hundreds of EU regulations […]
Head of Tbilisi NGO detained for illegal possession of firearm
Giorgi Kldiashvili. TBILISI, DFWatch–The director of an influential Tbilisi-based non-governmental organization says he was detained for illegal possession of a firearm on December 12. Giorgi Kldiashvili, head of the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI), on Tuesday […]
EU’s observer mission to Georgia extended for two years
TBILISI, DFWatch–EU’s military observers in Georgia have had their mandate extended for another two years, until December 2016. EU Monitoring Mission to Georgia (EUMM) was established shortly after the Russia-Georgia war in 2008 to support stabilization […]
Outrage in Tbilisi over destruction of 5,400 year old gold mine
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The news that a prehistoric mine has been damaged by a mining company sparked outrage in Tbilisi Tuesday. People gathered in the evening outside the National Agency on Cultural Heritage Protection to demand the Georgian culture […]
Governing coalition may dismiss Free Democrats committee head
Parliamentary leader of the Georgian Dream coalition, Giorgi Volski. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The governing coalition is discussing whether to dismiss the head of parliament’s finance and budget committee, because he is a member of a party that left the coalition. The parliamentary majority believes it would be a mistake to have a representative […]
Georgia’s growth in export grinds to a halt
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia looked set to continue growing its export this year, but a 35% drop in November has brought the export down to same level as 2013, according to new preliminary data from the National Statistics Department. Georgia’s export in the month […]
Ombudsman to study progress of Mokhe commission
Fourteen people were detained earlier this year during clashes in Mokhe. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Public Defender is considering checking the progress of a new commission tasked with studying a conflict around a mosque in Mokhe, a village in southern Georgia. Public Defender Ucha Nanuashvili says he thinks people’s trust […]
Georgian president rides horse during Turkmenistan visit
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili visited Turkmenistan on Monday and signed four agreements dealing with as diverse issues as economy, culture, trade and tourism. People travelling with him say the business leaders in Turkmenistan […]
Guard accused in Zhvania case released on bail
Mikheil Dzadzamia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A former head of shift of Zurab Zhvania’s security detail, who was detained in the new investigation into the prime minister’s death in 2005, was Sunday released from preliminary detention on a 2,000 lari bail (nearly USD 1,090). Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania […]
One more Georgian ex-official proposed for post in Ukraine
If appointed, Eka Zghuladze will work on reforming the Ukrainian police. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–One more former official from Mikheil Saakashvili’s government has been granted Ukrainian citizenship after being proposed for a high post in the new Ukrainian government. Eka Zghuladze, a former deputy interior minister in Georgia, is now candidate […]
Georgian patriarch deplores destruction of ancient mine
Sakdrisi. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The influential Georgian patriarch on Sunday criticized a company which is excavating an ancient mine in the southern part of the country, and called on the government to intervene. Mining company RMG Gold on Saturday resumed work at Sakdrisi, […]
Controversial bilingual education program to be changed
(Photo by Ministry of Education and Science.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The current bilingual education program does not serve its purpose, according to Armenians in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia. A specialist from the Ministry of Education and Science agrees with the critique and says that the current program […]
Mining work resumed at prehistoric Sakdrisi site
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Mining work resumed at Sakdrisi on Saturday, a site where scientists and environmentalist groups say is an ancient gold mine with invaluable artifacts from prehistoric man. The controversy about the mine near Bolnisi in the southern part of Georgia has involved […]
One more Defense Ministry official detained for corruption
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Finance Ministry’s investigative service detained one more Defense Ministry official on Saturday. Bakhva Surmanidze was detained for accepting a 400 lari (USD 218) bribe. He is head of the purchasing department at the Giorgi Abramashvili […]
Oleg Melnikov released
Oleg Melnikov. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A former officer in Georgia’s domestic intelligence who was involved in the 2006 murder of Sandro Girgvliani has beenreleased from prison. Oleg Melnikov, formerly an officer of the Constitutional Security Department or ‘Kudi’, was released […]
Film by Georgian director nominated for Golden Globe
(Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A film by a Georgian filmmaker has been nominated for a Golden Globe award. Tangerines, or Mandariinid, is a Georgian-Estonian production written and directed by the Georgian Zaza Urushadze. Producer of the film is Ivo Felt and it starrs Georgian […]
South Ossetia preparing to sign treaty with Russia
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–South Ossetia may open its border with Russia and even seek some form of closer association, the breakaway region’s leader says. de facto president Leonid Tibilov said Wednesday that a ‘treaty of collaboration’ with Russia is likely to be signed […]
Rallies in Tbilisi and Batumi in support of jailed Azerbaijani journalist
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two demonstrations were held in Georgia Wednesday in support of the Azerbaijani journalist Khadija Ismayilova, who was recently detained. Ismayilova was placed in preliminary detention in Baku on December 5, after being subject to a travel ban earlier […]
Georgian government considers reforming the domestic intelligence
The Moduli building, where many ‘Kudi’ interrogations took place. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia is beginning a debate about restructuring the Ministry of Internal Affairs and make the domestic intelligence a separate service. Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said this after a government session on Wednesday. Currently, […]
Georgian lari and Armenian dram recover after slump
(DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The currencies of Georgia and Armenia are recovering after a slump of more than 10% in the last few weeks. The sight of money exchanges trading US dollars for more than two Georgian lari (GEL) set off a fervent debate in Tbilisi. Many blamed […]
Four dead from Abkhazia war buried in Tbilisi
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A public funeral was held Tuesday for four victims of a plane crash during the Abkhazia war more than twenty years ago. The four were on a plane that was about to land in Sukhumi September 22, 1993, to evacuate head of state Eduard Shevardnadze. […]
Georgia prepares tougher punishment for joining terrorist groups
TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia is working on a new bill that will punish people for joining terrorist organizations abroad. Spokesperson for the Interior Ministry tells DF Watch that the details of the new bill will be known after a draft has been sent […]