Sunday, February 22, 2026

New report accuses Saakashvili government of systemic torture and abuse

TBILISI, September 2 – Georgia’s parliament has released the findings of a temporary investigative commission led by Vice Speaker Tea Tsulukiani, scrutinizing the presidency of Mikheil Saakashvili (2004–2012). The 460-page report paints a grim picture, alleging systemic torture, unlawful imprisonment, and widespread violations of human rights under a “zero tolerance” crime policy. According to Tsulukiani, … Read more

Will Gakharia be the October Surprise?

TBILISI, September 1 – Former Georgian prime minister Giorgi Gakharia has been outside the country for more than two months, and on August 30 local media reported that he has received residency in Germany. His party, For Georgia, which is running a joint candidate with Lelo for Tbilisi mayor, did not confirm the claim but … Read more

Tbilisi bracing for unrest as EU deadline expires

TBILISI, August 30 – Authorities in Tbilisi are preparing for tense weeks ahead as a deadline set by Brussels expires tomorrow. The European Commission has given the Georgian Dream (GD) government eight demands to meet by August 31. Two are seen as non-negotiable by both sides: repealing a ban on so-called “LGBT propaganda” and scrapping … Read more

Tbilisi accused of crackdown over ‘sabotage’ case

TBILISI, August 28 – Georgia is facing international criticism after a Tbilisi court froze the bank accounts of seven major civil society groups, citing an ongoing investigation into alleged “sabotage” and material support for violent unrest. Prosecutors say the NGOs helped fund protective gear and supplies for demonstrators during last year’s clashes outside parliament, framing … Read more

Did donor money fuel Tbilisi protests?

TBILISI, August 27 – It caused an outcry on Wednesday when authorities froze bank accounts belonging to seven organizations after prosecutors accused them of channeling donor funds toward violent protest activities. The groups themselves denounced the charges as baseless and politically motivated. The court decision was made under the new ‘foreign agents‘ law, which came … Read more

11 protesters face up to 6 years in jail as Georgia begins trial

TBILISI, August 26 – Eleven protesters are facing trial in Tbilisi today on charges of “group violence,” stemming from last year’s pro-EU demonstrations near Parliament. The accused include public figures such as actor Andro Chichinadze and comedian Onise Tskhadadze, among others, all charged under Article 225, Part 2 of Georgia’s Criminal Code—an offense punishable by … Read more

Georgia replaces security chief after just four months

TBILISI, August 25 – Georgia’s ruling party has nominated Mamuka Mdinaradze, a senior lawmaker from Georgian Dream (GD), to lead the State Security Service (SUS), one of the country’s most sensitive institutions. The move follows the abrupt resignation of Anri Okhanashvili, who had only held the post since April. Parliament is expected to confirm the … Read more

Georgia PM: We’re more democratic than some EU states

TBILISI, August 20 – Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze says he is ready to challenge what he calls “biased” criticism from European officials, insisting that Georgia has achieved progress that surpasses even some EU and NATO member states. Some EU leaders have suggested sanctions against Georgia, such as withholding visa-free travel rights, if the government fails … Read more

Over half a million Georgians struggle under soaring inflation

TBILISI, August 19 – Inflation in Georgia reached 4.3% in July compared with a year earlier, the highest since mid-2023, with food prices by far the biggest driver. According to the National Bank, food costs rose 10.3% year-on-year, accounting for 3.2 percentage points of the overall inflation rate. Bread, potatoes, sunflower oil, and the country’s … Read more