News
Juvenile prisoners in Georgia are suffering, says group
TBILISI, DFWatch — Psychologists say juvenile prisoners are serving time under very bad conditions in Georgia. Georgian Centre for Psychosocial and Medical Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (GCRT) found out that juvenile prisoners were tortured last year. Head […]
National Movement party loses six MPs
TBILISI, DFWatch — Another National Movement MP has left the parliamentary minority to become independent members of parliament. A group of six independent MPs plan to set up a parliamentary faction. Six is the minimum number required to establish such a unit. […]
First day at work for Ivanishvili team
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s new government on Monday started working. Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili Monday arrived at the government building in Tbilisi for the government’s first normal work day. The government session started 15:00. Ivanishvili held separate […]
Georgia moves parliament back to the capital
TBILISI, DFWatch — The government in Georgia says it will move parliament back to the capital Tbilisi. October 21, parliamentarians met for their first regular session in Kutaisi, after President Mikheil Saakashvili as recently as 2011 decided to build an […]
Adjara gets a new leader
The new leader of the Adjara region in southwestern Georgia is Archil Khabadze, former Adjara regional director of Cartu Bank, which is affiliated with the new prime minister. Three candidates were considered for the post: Jemal Putkaradze, member of the Supreme […]
300 ill prisoners will be released soon
TBILISI, DFWatch — Up to 300 prisoners will be released before serving their term, Georgia’s new Prison Minister orders. Sozar Subari, former Public Defender who recently was appointed as Prison Minister, on Sunday visited prison hospital No 18. After seeing […]
Adjaran Council meets for the first time after the election
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara on Sunday held its first session, with all 21 members attending. As a result of the parliamentary election on October 1, the Georgian Dream coalition received 57.6 percent of votes in Adjara, […]
Government considers planned new city Lazika
TBILISI, DFWatch — The new government has still not decided whether to implement Saakashvili’s idea of building a completely new city Lazika in Georgia. The new government have different ideas about the plan to build a city with half a million people on the Black […]
New defense minister discovered major deficit
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s new defense minister says he will take immediate measures to bring the ministry out of a crisis after he discovered that it has a USD 68 million deficit. Defense Minister Irakli Alasania Friday visited the ministry and said that his new […]
Calls to remove chair of public broadcaster
TBILISI, DFWatch — The audit agency in Georgia wants the chair of the Public Broadcaster to be changed, while groups demand reforms in GPB to return it to people and free broadcaster from government control. Online newspaper Ambebi.ge conducted a […]
Borjomi strike ended
TBILISI, DFWatch — Production has been restored at Georgia’s famous mineral water plant Bojomi, after several day strike has finished. There are two plants in Borjomi, which is located in the southern Georgia’s resort town with the same name. Employees of the company […]
Georgia continues to increase its foreign trade
TBILISI, DFWatch — New nine month figures from 2012 show a 16 percent increase in foreign trade turnover compared to last year, equal to USD 7 595 million in total. The numbers do not include informal trade. According to Georgia’s National Statistics Department […]
PIK’s fate still uncertain
TBILISI, DFWatch — It is still unknown what will happen to a Russian language TV channel based in Georgia. PIK TV is one of the channels run by the Georgian Public Broadcaster. Since October 12, PIK has been had reduced programming, broadcasting old material […]
Case of Georgian PM’s death to be reopened
TBILISI, DFWatch — The day after a new government was approved by parliament in Georgia, it is already clear that the case of one of the most controversial deaths in the country’s history will be reopened. The brother of the late Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania was recently […]
Trash fee will be reduced
TBILISI, DFWatch — Tbilisi City Council has solved the issue of trash collection fee, which is calculated based on how much electricity a household consumes. On Thursday, the council decided to reduce the trash tariff to half for five months from November till May. […]
Intelligence service to be split from interior ministry
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili says the intelligence service will be separated from the interior ministry and be set up as an independent state agency. “This service will have as function to find secret information, analyze, […]
Confusion over Georgia’s state financial assets
TBILISI, DFWatch — The outgoing and new government disagree over the size of the state coffers. Former government members claim that there is more than two billion lari, nearly USD 1.2 billion, in the state coffers. But new Finance Minister Nodar Khaduri says there […]
Georgian MP implicated in fomenting unrest in Russia
TBILISI, DFWatch — The new parliamentary majority plans to study the case of Givi Targamadze. He is a member of the National Movement party who according to Russian media has been helping the opposition in Russia to organize revolution. A few days ago, Russian media […]
New Georgian government approved
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s eighth parliament has declared trust in the new government by 88 votes against 54. There are 150 seats in the parliament. Georgian Dream is in majority with 85 seats, the rest og seats belong to the National Movement, the former ruling […]
Update on the worker unrest in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — The famous Georgian mineral water plant Borjomi is still paralyzed by strike, as railway workers and dockers are also warning of protest action. Workers at Georgian Railway yesterday warned that they would stop the trains for a couple of hours, […]
New ombudsman may be chosen today
TBILISI, DFWatch — Thursday parliament will approve the new government presented by the Georgian Dream coalition. Parliament might also approve the new public defender, whose candidacy has been subject to discussion since the election result first became known. […]
Administrative detention to be ended
TBILISI, DFWatch — The new government in Georgia wants to do away with administrative detention. This is a form of incarceration left over from the Soviet Union which allows authorities to put away citizens as a preventive measure without going through normal court procedures, and has […]
Georgia may release ten thousand prisoners in mass amnesty
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s new government plans to give thousands of prisoner amnesty, but has not yet specific what categories of prisoners will be released. The most recent figures, from July 1, 2012, show that there were 23 406 prisoners in Georgia at the […]
Ivanishvili can not say when pensions will be increased
The future Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili on Wednesday visited parliament to meet with the minority and answer their critical questions about the future plans and goals of the government and the government’s plan. Most of the questions were about the time […]
Ivanishvili vows to leave in 2014
TBILISI, DFWatch — Bidzina Ivanishvivli, leader of the Georgian Dream coalition and future Prime Minister, says he will leave politics in a year and a half but continue to lead his coalition after that as a member of civil society. The coalition leader on Wednesday […]
New minister explained allegedly racist comments
TBILISI, DFWatch — Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are voicing their opposition to a candidate for refugee minister in the new government. Prime Minister candidate Bidzina Ivanishvili, who is leader of the election winner Georgian Dream, earlier […]
More workers join wave of strikes in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — The results of the recent parliamentary election encouraged workers all over Georgia to protest against their harsh conditions and demand improvements. Next to join in are the workers at a plant in Borjomi processing the well-known mineral water […]
New government will reconsider Afghanistan mission
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia may reconsider the size of its contingent in Afghanistan after 2014. Candidate for new foreign minister Maia Panjikidze does not exclude that the new government will make changes to Georgia’s participation in the NATO-led ISAF operation […]
Russia debate in new Georgian parliament
TBILISI, DFWatch — There have been sharp exchanges between the majority and minority just three days after the new parliament started a new season. The candidate for foreign minister today visited the parliamentary committees on euro integration and foreign affairs. […]
EU continues negotiations with Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — Negotiations are continuing Tuesday between Georgia and the EU about an association agreement. This is the eleventh session, and the talks are talking place at the government office. Currently Georgia is negotiating with the EU on three separate […]
Workers rebellion spreading across Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — The worker protests are continuing in Georgia after the election. After a week they can note a slight progress. It is more than five days since workers at the energy company Telasi went on strike asking to bring back about 125 employees who were […]
Saakashvili presents Ivanishvili’s new government
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili on Monday officially presented the new government list to parliament together with a new government program entitled ‘For a Strong, Democratic and United Georgia’. In accordance with procedures, there will be […]
Saakashvili’s people fleeing Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — Several powerful ministers in the Saakashvili government have not been seen in the country since the first results of the parliament election became known. Dimitry Sashkin, who lately served as defense minister, today posted an appeal on his […]
Saakashvili’s power to block constitutional change reduced
TBILISI, DFWatch — Five members of parliament (MPs) who were elected as representing the National Movement party declined to join their party in the parliamentary minority on Sunday. This means that there will be less obstacles for the Bidzina Ivanishvili-led […]
The new parliament sets up 15 committees
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s eighth parliamentary assembly has three factions from the majority and three from the minority. 15 parliamentary committees were established. The Georgian Dream coalition, which is the new parliament majority, on Sunday set up three […]
Refugee minister candidate criticized for ‘racist’ statements
TBILISI, DFWatch — Groups in Georgia ask the new government to reconsider its candidate for refugee minister, after criticism for making racist statements. A week ago Bidzina Ivanishvili presented his list of names for the future government. One of them was Davit […]
New government ready
TBILISI, DFWatch — The candidate for prime minister in Georgia has presented his list of government ministers to the president. The Georgian Dream coalition won the right to form government after its victory in the parliamentary election. President Mikheil […]
Demonstrations as parliament begins new season
TBILISI, DFWatch — Groups of youth demonstrated today in front of the new parliament building where the eighth Georgian parliament assembly began its 2012-2013 season on Sunday. A number of students and youth came to Kutaisi joined by local students to protest […]
Usupashvili elected Parliament Speaker
TBILISI, DFWatch – The eighth Georgian parliament Sunday elected Republican Party leader Davit Usupashvili as speaker of parliament by 88 votes for, none against and 62 abstaining. Usupashvili represents the Georgian Dream coalition. Georgian Dream has 85 seats […]
Two-party parliament starts working
TBILISI, DFWatch — Parliamentarians in Georgia are gathering today in Kutaisi for their first session after the October 1 election. Their first session is taking place inside a new dome-shaped construction which though it’s still unfinished and leaks water from the ceiling when it rains, […]
PIK journalists out of a job
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s Public Broadcaster has abolished its contract with the Russian language TV station PIK, which has been off the air since October 19. PIK, or First Informational Caucasian, was a channel belonging to Georgia’s Public Broadcaster. It […]
Georgia parliament gathering in Kutaisi Sunday
Georgia’s Central Election commission Friday approved the protocol of the October 1, 2012, parliamentary election. The first session of the new parliament will be held on Sunday. Recently, the constitution was changed, so parliament sessions can only be held in Kutaisi […]
Results show Georgian Dream short of two third majority
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s Central Election Commission (CEC) has approved the final results of the October 1 parliamentary election. According to the summary protocol, the Georgian Dream coalition received 54.97 percent, while United National Movement […]
Workers protests spreading in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — Shortly after the preliminary results of the parliamentary election became known, workers all over th ecountry started demanding to improve their slave-like conditions. As 3 800 workers are still on strike in the mining town Chiatura, employees of […]
NGO coalition asks for action on media independence
TBILISI, DFWatch — Civic groups in Georgia Friday presented an eight-point plan for how to improve the media environment in the country. Coalition for Media Advocacy, which unites twelve non-government organizations (NGOs), considers it important to make […]
Saakashvili strengthens his personal security
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Georgian president is strengthening the security around himself and his family. Mikheil Saakashvili has issued a decree according to which the Special State Protection Service will be given additional functions to protect the president and his family. […]
NATO committed to Georgia, says Appathurai
TBILISI, DFWatch — NATO will remain absolutely committed to Georgia, a NATO envoy said after meeting the future prime minister of Georgia. James Appathurai, who is on a visit to Georgia, on Thursday held a meeting with Bidzina Ivanishvili, congratulating him on his […]
Saakashvili’s jet makes emergency landing
TBILISI, DFWatch — A business jet carrying President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, had to make an emergency landing at Bucharest airport Thursday night, the president’s administration informs. Saakashvili was returning home after attending a conference, but ten minutes after […]
Ivanishvili plans to visit Europe
TBILISI, DFWatch — After meeting with Stefan Fule, European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy on Thursday, Bidzina Ivanishvili talked about his planned visit to Europe. “We had a very interesting conversation,” he said, adding that this […]
Miners’ strike spreading to other groups of workers
TBILISI, DFWatch — New groups of workers have joined the miners on strike in Chiatura, and activists from Tbilisi have arrived to support them. All mines in Chiatura are still closed down as the miners’ strike continues for a fourth day. October 16 thousands of workers […]
NATO envoy says Tbilisi has passed the test
TBILISI, DFWatch — NATO envoy James Appathurai yesterday evening arrived in Georgia for a working visit to meet with former and future government members. The October 1 parliamentary was a test for Georgia, which it has passed. The government has changed through the […]
Another pro-Saakashvili channel sold: This time it’s Real
TBILISI, DFWatch — Another pro-government television station has been sold in the wake of the parliamentary election in Georgia: Real TV. Real TV, which was a competitor to Rustavi 2 and Imedi TV, and contained pro-government news, shortly after election […]
Confusion about what will happen to Imedi TV
TBILISI, DFWatch — A government-controlled TV channel is in the process of be transferred back to the family of its old owner, the deceased businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili. The return of Imedi TV to its fonder’s family has become the hottest topic on social networks […]
Saakashvili asks Ivanishvili to form a government
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili Tuesday presented Bidzina Ivanishvili, Georgian Dream coalition leader, as a candidate for Prime Minister. Manana Manjgaladze, spokesperson for the president, said at today’s briefing that in accordance with the Georgian […]
Rubin highlights media’s role in Georgia election
TBILISI, DFWatch — Eric Rubin, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, evaluated the recent parliamentary election in Georgia on his visit to Tbilisi on Tuesday. He said the whole world can see that democracy is real in Georgia, which can become a model country for […]
Saakashvili: My party failed to listen to people
TBILISI, DFWatch — Mikheil Saakashvili Tuesday admitted his National Movement party had done too much talking instead of listening to people’s problems. The president was meeting with his party’s candidates for Adjara’s High Council. He said that during the election […]
3500 miners on strike in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — Thousands of miners are on strike in western Georgia, demanding to improve work conditions and have a normal salary. About 3500 workers from six mines in Chiatura, which is rich in manganese, went on strike on Monday. All the mines are closed down […]
Saakashvili regime gives up control over Imedi TV
TBILISI, DFWatch — The director of a government-controlled TV channel and a key figure after the rose revolution has left his position. Control over Imedi TV was Tuesday evening handed over to the family of the deceased businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili, who owned […]
PIK journalists protest with silent news
TBILISI, DFWatch — Journalists of TV channel PIK Monday evening expressed protest in an unusual way: When viewers tuned in to their news program at 22:20, they could watch the journalists live – in complete silence. PIK, or First News Caucasian, belongs to Georgian […]
Ivanishvili completes his list of government ministers
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian Dream on Tuesday named the rest of its candidates for new government ministers. Bidzina Ivanishivli, Georgian Dream coalition leader, said the Ministry of Economy will be given certain new functions because of upcoming reforms. New economy […]
Saakashvili offers Ivanishvili Georgian citizenship
Reason to smile. Bidzina Ivanishvili gets restored the citizenship of his native country deprived from him one year ago when he went into politics. (IPN.) TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili today offered Georgian citizenship to the future prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. October 2011, the former businessman wrote in an open letter that he was planning to go into politics and change the government through […]
Tax amnesty to benefit pro-government TV
TBILISI, DFWatch — The government is offering TV stations exemption from paying outstanding tax debts. This will mostly benefit two pro-government TV stations. Acting Finance Minister Alexandre Khetaguri said Monday that broadcasters will be allowed to pay reduced fees […]
Call for debate between ombudsman candidates
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian Young Lawyer’s Association wants a debate between prospective candidates for new ombudsman. The young lawyers think such a debate should be organized by the Georgian public broadcaster so society can get familiar with their views and what […]
Saakashvili’s party to split up into factions in parliament
TBILISI, DFWatch — The National Movement party, which is now in opposition in Georgia, plans to set up several parliamentary factions in the future parliament. Davit Bakradze, current Parliament Speaker said Monday that all his party’s representatives in parliament […]
EU ambassador optimistic about Georgia’s future
TBILISI, DFWatch — The EU ambassador to Georgia thinks the ongoing process of transfer of power is another test for Georgia, which will be successfully passed. Georgia’s National Platform, the largest union of local non-government organizations (NGOs) with support from […]
New government’s goal: multiparty democracy
TBILISI, DFWatch — The new governing coalition will have as goal to establish a real multiparty system in Georgia, Georgian Dream candidate for Parliament Speaker promises. Davit Usupashvili says it should not be surprising that in the new parliament their coalition might be […]
Education system anticipating new leadership
Changes are expected in the education system after the new government comes to power. The national exam system may return to its previous arrangement, although nothing is yet decided, while the identity of the new minister of education is still unknown. Entrants were […]
Repeat elections give Georgian Dream the upper hand
TBILISI, DFWatch — There were repeat elections at eleven precincts in three regions of Georgia on Sunday. According to the Central Election Commission (CEC), voter turnout at the time voting ended was 32.9 percent. The repeat election was conducted peacefully without […]
Several earthquakes in Georgia and Azerbaijan
TBILISI, DFWatch — A 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border at about 14:15 on Sunday. The epicenter was 10 km east of Lagodekhi, Georgia, and 10 km in depth. The seismic monitoring center of Ilia University in Georgia […]
Repeat elections in Georgia due to serious fraud
TBILISI, DFWatch — Eleven precincts in three districts in Georgia are holding repeat elections Sunday, because of grave irregularities which led to results of the October 1 parliamentary election being canceled. All eleven are what’s called majoritarian or first-past-the-post […]
Saakashvili creates escape option for his associates
Georgian officials will, if they are fired, be able to use their diplomatic passports for one more year. This means that they will be able to cross borders without any problems, which is not possible for ordinary citizen. President Mikheil Saakashvili made this decision by issuing […]
Georgia in draw against Finland in FIFA 2014 qualifier
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia played 1-1 against Finland Friday in the third qualifier for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The match was played in Helsinki. When the first half ended there were no goals, but in the 11. minute of the second half, the Georgian team scored. Finland […]
Close Saakashvili ally met Ivanishvili
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili promises Bidzina Ivanishvili to help in keeping the new government safe and to retain the direction of Georgia’s foreign policy. This was made clear by Giga Bokeria, Secretary of Georgia’s National Security Council, after […]
Georgia’s ruling party starting to disintegrate
TBILISI, DFWatch — Five members of the United National Movement party in Tbilisi City Council left their faction and set up a new faction, which will join the platform of the parliament election winner Georgian Dream. The faction had 38 members before it lost the five […]
Audit service committed many violations
TBILISI, DFWatch — A new survey shows that the State Audit Office committed many violations during the last year. Representatives of Coalition For Freedom of Choice and an independent expert group have studied the work of the State Audit Office’s activities and presented […]
Garbage fee system is still under review
TBILISI, DFWatch — Many in Tbilisi had hoped that city hall would do away with an unpopular new system to make the garbage collection fee dependent on the electric bill, but at Friday’s session it emerged that despite the opposition’s election victory it is not certain […]
Rasmussen spoke to Saakashvili and Ivanishivili
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Georgian leader Mikheil Saakashvili today had a phone conversation with NATO’s Secretary General, who told the president that today is a historical moment for Georgia’s democratic development. Mikheil Saakashvili and Anders Fogh […]
Georgian soldier dies in Afghanistan
TBILISI, DFWatch — Corporal Mindia Abashidze was the eighteenth Georgian soldier to die while serving in the NATO-led ISAF operation in Afghanistan. Georgia’s defense ministry on Thursday reported that the corporal born October 27, 1989, […]
The government formally resigns
The current Georgian government has resigned but will continue carrying out its duties until a new government is approved by parliament. The president’s administration informed about the resignation in a short statement on its official website, which says that […]
More elections in Georgia following violations
TBILISI, DFWatch — Several election districts in Georgia will have to vote again on October 14 because the results of the October 1 parliamentary election were annulled due to violations, according to the Central Election Commission (CEC). The commission decided on Wednesday […]
Deprived business owners eyeing a return to Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — Following the opposition victory in last week’s parliamentary election, people who have been deprived of their companies in recent years are now saying they want to get back what was taken from them during the rule of President Mikheil Saakashvili. […]
Dockers in Poti are on strike
About 200 employees of the port of Poti are on strike, local media report. The workers refuse to carry on until the people making decisions at No 14 harbor speaks to them. They demand improved working conditions, appropriate salary for the work they do and to have contracts. […]
Tbilisi garbage fees may be reduced
TBILISI, DFWatch — Tbilisi City Hall has started a process that could lead to a controversial mechanism being abolished involving the garbage collection fee being tied to the electric bill. The system was introduced in late 2011, and is one of the most controversial […]
Alleged architect of prison abuse videos freed
TBILISI, DFWatch — The prisoner whom the government claimed orchestrated the prisoner abuse videos has been released. Tamaz Tamazashvili, the father-in-law of the likely candidate for new interior minister, was Wednesday released from prison. When leaving prison Tamazashvili […]
Tbilisi mayor creates new security force
TBILISI, DFWatch — The mayor of Georgia’s capital Tbilisi has decided to set up a new security force. Mayor Gigi Ugulava has signed a protocol about setting up the service, which has already been published on Georgia’s legislative website Matsne, which means that […]
Government backtracks on seized property
TBILISI, DFWatch — Property seized in the heat of the election campaign is to be returned, even though the new government is not yet in place. New stricter legislation was used by authorities in spring to fine tens of individuals, including election winner Bidzina Ivansivhili, […]
EU signs 23 million euro aid package with Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — Two financial agreements have been signed between Georgia and the EU. According to press office of the State Minister for EU and Euro Atlantic Integration, Minister Thornike Gordadze signed the two agreements. The agreements have a budget of 23 million […]
Release May 26 prisoners, says Burjanadze
TBILISI, DFWatch — Leaders of People’s Assembly and Democratic Movement demand the release of political prisoners and illegally arrested people as soon as possible. Nino Burjanadze, leader of Democratic Movement, and Irakli Batiashvili from People’s Assembly today […]
Georgian Dream activists accused of violence
TBILISI, DFWatch — The physical harassment and psychological pressure against the district election commissions is continuing. Activists from the Georgian Dream party, which won the parliamentary election last week, are now accused of harassing local authorities in Marneuli […]
At last, the public will be allowed into Georgia’s prisons
TBILISI, DFWatch — The prison minister in Georgia says he will put together a monitoring group to let human rights activists and the media into facilities to check the conditions. Apart from non-governmental organizations and the media, the monitoring group will also have […]
Saakashvili meets election winner Ivanishvili
TBILISI, DFWatch — An extraordinary meeting took place in Tbilisi today, as President Mikheil Saakashvili received billionaire and election winner Bidzina Ivanishvili and his political partners at the presidential palace. After Ivanishvili’s Georgian Dream coalition won the […]
Other officials named as handover gets nearer
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Georgian Dream coalition leader and likely prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili today named his candidates for government ministers and other top positions. Head of Georgia’s National Bank will be Nodar Javakhishvili, chair of Cartu Bank, a bank affiliated […]
Saakashvili hands over record state coffers
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s state accounts by are by September 2012 at one of the highest levels during the past few years at more than two billion, nearly USD 1.22 billion. The state budget for 2013 is 9 billion lari, USD 5.5 billion, which is more than half a billion […]
Consultations about power transfer continue
TBILISI, DFWatch — Negotiators for the government and Georgian Dream Monday held another round of consultations regarding the ongoing process to transfer power. Participants said afterwards that Monday evening consultations will start between current ministers and Georgian […]
New government takes shape
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian Dream leader Bidzina Ivanishvili Monday presented his candidates for government ministers and other important positions, after his coalition won the parliamentary election one week ago. The candidates will need approval by parliament. Candidate […]
Protested against violence
TBILISI, DFWatch — Groups on Sunday protested against the attack on a well-known Georgian writer who was beaten after participating in a TV debate about the publishing of the names of prison employees by a newspaper. About 50 people gathered outside a police station […]
Writer attacked after prison guard naming dispute
TBILISI, DFWatch — Protests continue after a Georgian newspaper published the names of employees at a prison scandalized by revelations of torture. On Saturday evening, a well-known writer who has been engaging in the protests was attacked and beaten. Asaval-Dasavali, […]
High expectations about low prices
TBILISI, DFWatch — One of the largest petrol companies reduced the price of petrol by 8 tetris. A spokesman for the new government believes it is possible to decrease the price by 20 tetris, or about USD 0.13. This comes soon after the leader of a coalition which won the […]
Government’s hold over TV is crumbling
TBILISI, DFWatch — There is a crisis in pro-government TV in Georgia, after an opposition coalition won the parliamentary election. October 5, several well-known anchors and journalists at Imedi TV, which is controlled by Saakashvili’s government, each wrote on their […]
Saakashvili expects election result to attract the mafia
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili Friday told his acting interior minister and chief prosecutor to do everything to prevent the mafia from crossing the border into Georgia. After it became clear that Bidzina Ivanishvili’s coalition was going to win the election, […]
Rustavi 2 founders call for independence
The founders of Rustavi 2, a TV company are fighting to get back control which they claimed was forcefully deprived from them. Rustavi 2 played an important role in the rose revolution in 2003, which brought President Mikheil Saakashvili to power, but later became completely […]
Seizure lifted of satellite dishes
TBILISI, DFWatch — Friday, authorities in Georgia lifted the seizure of thousands of satellite dishes belonging to Maestro TV and Georgian Dream affiliated Global TV, a cable network operator. Both companies on Friday received a letter about the lifting of the seizure. […]
Ivanishivili promises to work with business
TBILISI, DFWatch — About 200 local and foreign businesspeople Friday gathered to meet with the winner of the parliamentary election in Georgia. Bidzina Ivanishvili met them in order to talk about important issues and problems in their field, including the necessity of […]
Prisoner found dead, suspected suicide
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia’s prison ministry informs that a suicide might have taken place at No 18 prison hospital. The body of a prisoner was found in the bathroom of the prison hospital September 5. The cause of death was hanging. The prisoner had been placed in the […]
Counting completed, many complaints
TBILISI, DFWatch — Four days after the election, the Central Election Commission (CEC) said the counting of votes had been completed and announced the final results. After collating votes from 3 766 district, preliminary results show the Georgian Dream coalition received […]
Negotiations between Saakashvili’s and Ivanishvili’s people
TBILISI, DFWatch — The winner of the aryparliament election, Georgian Dream, will from October 8 send representatives to each state body to start a ‘peaceful transfer of government’ until a new government is formed. This was one of the major decisions made at a meeting between […]
Clinton calls Ivanishvili and Saakashvili
TBILISI, DFWatch — US Secretary of State has had a phone conversation with President Mikheil Saakashvili and Bidzina Ivanishvili, who leads a coalition that won the parliamentary election. Both the president’s and the Georgian Dream’s press offices separately told […]
Georgian colonel arrested
TBILISI, DFWatch — A colonel in Georgia’s armed forces who recently chaired Georgian peace divisions in Afghanistan has been arrested. His arrest was announced 45 days after it happened, 15 days earlier than his punishment was to end. Opposition channel TV9 reported […]
Video shows armed attack on voting precinct
TBILISI, DFWatch — A video was publishedThursday showing a person wearing a mask breaking into one of the election precincts in Khashuri, a small town in eastern Georgia. On election day Monday, there were reports about special units breaking into several precincts […]
Saakashvili’s outgoing government selects negotiators
TBILISI, DFWatch — The government of President Mikheil Saakashvili has picked the Parliament Speaker, Tbilisi Mayor, Secretary of the Security Council and a member of parliament to represent it in negotiations with the Georgian Dream coalition. Soon after Election Day, […]
Gamkrelidze leaves politics after election defeat
TBILISI, DFWatch — The leader of a decade old party has said he is leaving politics, sticking to a promise to leave if his party did not make it into parliament. The New Rightists Party, which was established in 2001, gained only 0.43 percent of the votes in the parliamentary […]
Missing Ivanishvili guard returns home
TBILISI, DFWatch — A former body guard for the Georgian Dream coalition, who was reported missing, returned home today. In a ‘leak war’ shortly before the election, Beso Surmava, former security guard for Bidzina Ivanishvili, was one among those who released secret recordings […]
Wave of demonstrations against election fraud
TBILISI, DFWatch – Georgian Dream and others are protesting outside the election commission offices in nineteen one-past-the-post districts where the National Movement party is winning. According to the latest figures from the Central Election Commission, Georgian Dream […]
Saakashvili lost in his favorite region
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili’s party lost the election in the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. This is his favorite region which he visits frequently. Georgian Dream coalition got 57.6 percent of the votes according to the most recent figures from the […]
Anger after newspaper names prison guards
TBILISI, DFWatch — One of Georgia’s most popular newspapers on Wednesday revealed the identity of guards working in a controversial prison where serious abuse was revealed two weeks ago. The list shows the names, address and date of birth of prison guards and employees working at […]
Ivanishvili to visit the U.S.
The election winner in Georgia’s first visit abroad will be to the U.S., probably after the U.S. presidential election. Bidzina Ivanishvili told journalists Wednesday that the U.S. ambassador to Georgia had delivered him a formal invitation to the U.S. He met Ambassador […]
Ivanishvili prepares for tough negotiations
TBILISI, DFWatch – The coalition that won the parliament election is putting together a working group to handle relations with the president and the current government. The group will hold consultations in the name of the Georgian Dream coalition. The Georgian Dream […]
Clinton congratulates Georgian election winners
TBILISI, DFWatch – The U.S. Secretary of State responded to Monday’s election in Georgia congratulating Georgians on their peaceful and active participation in the election. A statement published on the State Department website says the election was a historic day for […]
Counting of votes almost completed
TBILISI, DFWatch – The counting of votes is almost finished in Georgia and results show that the opposition leads with 55.1 percent, against the ruling National Movement with 40.1 percent of votes. The other parties seem to not overcome the 5 percent barrier for getting […]
Most violations were not grave, ISFED found
TBILISI, DFWatch – International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) summed up events on Election Day and reported about violations. The organization had 300 observers at 63 election district from 73. ISFED found that the election process went mostly with […]
Election winner asks Saakashvili to ease transition
TBILISI, DFWatch – The leader of the coalition that won the Georgian election Monday says it would be best for President Mikheil Saakashvili to resign and appoint early presidential election. Bidzina Ivanishvili, leader of the victorious Georgian Dream coalition, […]
Parallel vote counting confirms opposition win
TBILISI, DFWatch – A group carrying out parallel vote counting has estimated that Georgian Dream won by 54.6 to 40.7 percent over National Movement. International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) published their results of parallel vote tabulation (PVT). […]
Georgian election was competitive, OSCE finds
TBILISI, DFWatch – OSCE says Georgia made an important step in consolidating the conduct of democratic elections, but there are still some key issues left needing to address. The organization has the largest contingent of election observers here, under its Office for […]
Georgia election winner calls for Saakashvili to step down
TBILISI, DFWatch – The winner in the Georgian parliamentary election says it would be wise of Mikheil Saakashvili to step down and announce early presidential election. The next presidential election is planned for late 2013. Bidzina Ivanishvili said this at a press […]
Call for results to be annulled
TBILISI, DFWatch – The election result from several precincts in three districts of Georgia may be annulled, says the head of Central Election Commission (CEC). Due to tension at several precincts in Khashuri that were stormed by special police units yesterday, […]
Saakashvili: ‘We will be the new opposition’
TBILISI, DFWatch – The National Movement party moves into opposition, President Mikheil Saakashvili has told the Georgian people in a TV address. The president said preliminary vote counting clearly shows that the Georgian Dream coalition came in first in the […]
Oppositon victory in Georgia election
TBILISI, DFWatch – Official results from the Central Election Commission at 06:20 am local time showed that the opposition Georgian Dream was leading with 54.61 percent ahead of the ruling National Movement party with 40.44 percent. Counting is still ongoing. These results […]
Police storm election precincts in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch – Special police forces stormed several election precincts in Georgia, seized the ballot box and rewrote the protocol, in order to prevent an opposition victory. Special units of the police have entered several election precincts in Khashuri, a small […]
Young lawyers found violations
TBILISI, DFWatch – Georgian Young Lawyer’s Association discovered many violations during the election October 1. At a press conference 21:00 GYLA detailed their findings. The organization has information that near two election precincts special forces are mobilized. […]
Opposition takes all seats from Tbilisi
TBILISI, DFWatch – According to Maestro TV’s exit poll, the opposition Georgian Dream coalition is set to win also in districts with the majoritarian (first-past-the-post) system in the capital: Mtatsimnda, Tbilisi – National movement candidate has 23 percent; Georgian […]
Violations continued during election day
TBILISI, DFWatch – Another series of violations are regularly reported through local non-government organizations, media outlets and social networks from all over the country in Monday’s parliamentary elections. The movement Multinational Georgia reports about twenty […]
Georgian leader concedes partial defeat
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili concedes that his National Movement party has been defeated in the parliamentary election in districts with the proportional system, but won in districts with majoritarian candidates. Saakashvili thanked people […]
Opposition predicted to win Georgian election
TBILISI, DFWatch – All the exit polls published after voting ended show that the opposition has won the election in Georgia. Also the pro-government TV channels show Georgian Dream winning. Rustavi 2’s exit poll show the following: Georgian Dream 51 percent, National […]
Ivanishvili has not voted
TBILISI, DFWatch – The leader of Georgia’s opposition coalition has not voted in Monday’s parliamentary election. Bidzina Ivanishvili, leader of Georgian Dream, says he refuses to use his new constitutional right to vote, thereby adhering to a statement he made […]
Reports of violations
TBILISI, DFWatch — Local non-governmental organizations are reporting about different kinds of violations in Monday’s election. Transparency International Georgia (TI) reports that one of the main problems is that there are not enough ballot-papers and envelopes in […]
Historic Georgian election underway
TBILISI, DFWatch – In Georgia the most important election in recent history is underway. According to the Central Election Commission, there was a 25.5 voter turnout by 12:00. There have already been reports of violations. Many see the parliamentary election as a test […]
Ten month old’s tragic death seen as political
TBILISI, DFWatch – The kidnapping and killing of a 10 months old girl from an opposition activists’ family has pushed a strained electoral atmosphere towards the boiling point. A ten-month old infant was today found dead in a pitcher full of water after declared […]
New prison minister goes easy on ill inmates
TBILISI, DFWatch – A day before the parliamentary election, the embattled prison ministry in Georgia made a push to explain it is doing something to improve health care for inmates. Since the abuse scandal broke, 107 prisoners have been transferred to prison hospital, 78 to civilian hospitals, […]
61 000 local observers to follow election
TBILISI, DFWatch – An unprecedented 61 000 local observers will follow tomorrow’s parliamentary election, head of the Central Election Commission (CEC) says. There are more than 33 000 representatives of election subjects and representatives of political parties in […]
Ivanishvili confident ahead of election
TBILISI, DFWatch – The leader of the largest opposition coalition says there will be set a new precedent in Georgia’s recent history, when the government is changed through election. Bidzina Ivanishvili appeared confident in front media after meeting […]
Patriarch Ilia II hopes for a fair election
TBILISI, DFWatch – The Georgian patriarch on Sunday stated that he expects Monday’s election to be without fraud and that people will vote for who they want. Numerous polls have shown Patriarch Illia II to be the most trusted person in Georgia, scoring higher than […]
Russian soldiers arrest Georgian policeman
TBILISI, DFWatch — Russian soldiers have arrested a Georgian police employee inside the occupied territory. Georgia considers this an attempt by Russia to create tension in the current situation. Russian media first reported that Georgian law enforcers Saturday […]
Opposition’s last mass rally ahead of important vote
TBILISI, DFWatch – The Georgian Dream coalition which is challenging President Saakashvili’s power in Monday’s parliamentary election, mobilized over a hundred thousand supporters in the center of Tbilisi Saturday. The coalition also held a rally in the country’s […]
111 organizations to observe Georgia election
TBILISI, DFWatch – 111 different organizations have been approved as election observers for the parliamentary election in Georgia on Monday October 1. 61 of them are from abroad, while 50 are local non-governmental organizations. […]
Georgian leader holds ‘most grandiose event ever’
TBILISI, DFWatch – The party currently in power in Georgia Friday organized a rally counting thousands at the national football stadium in Tbilisi. Majoritarian candidates and other members of the United National Movement party, as well as government officials, held […]
NDI to hold election monitoring
TBILISI, DFWatch – The U.S. National Democratic Institute will observe Georgia’s parliamentary election on October 1. According to NDI’s Georgia office, the observer mission contains seven persons, out of which are current and former members of the US Congress, […]
A third hunger strike launched in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch – According to Georgia’s public defender, yet another hunger strike has been launched, this time at Prison No 19, for prisoners suffering of tuberculosis. About 30 prisoners in the prison went on hunger strike on September 25. Their demand is to […]
Ivanishvili’s guard missing, relatives say
TBILISI, DFWatch – A former bodyguard for the Georgian opposition leader has been reported missing by his relatives, after a video was uploaded to Youtube yesterday, in which he says that Georgian Dream leader Bidzina Ivanishvili personally instructed him to make […]
Court rejects appeal against photo ban
TBILISI, DFWatch – A court in Georgia has ruled that the Central Election Commission’s decision to establish tight regulations for media on Election Day are legal. The rules in practice make it impossible to take photos and videos at election precincts. Under the current […]
Second group of prisoners go on hunger strike
TBILISI, DFWatch – Thirteen prisoners from one of Georgia’s prisons went on hunger strike for five days until the election as way of showing their protest against torture and mistreatment of prisoners. Representatives of the public defender September 26 visited […]
PR, lies and videotape in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch – In Georgia a ‘leak war’ has broken out, fought by the uploading of compromising videos to Youtube and other sites, just days ahead of a decisive election. The government and the opposition are bombarding each other with alleged secret video and audio […]
Interpol declares Georgia whistleblower wanted
TBILISI, DFWatch – Interpol has declared Vladimer Bedukadze a wanted person. He is the former prison guard who recently released videos of prison torture filmed by himself at Gldani prison in Tbilisi in 2011. These videos spurred a massive public reaction which led to […]
Young lawyers say recent cases are political
TBILISI, DFWatch – Georgian Young Lawyer’s Association (GYLA) says the use of administrative detention recently has a political background. GYLA thinks 23 cases of administrative detention between 21. and 24. August are suspicios. The persons who have been […]
Bokeria says he wants lighter punishment
TBILISI, DFWatch – The secretary of Georgia’s National Security Council calls on law enforcement bodies to use lighter forms of punishment. Giga Bokeria, who is also chair of the inter-agency commission established by the government to monitor the election process, […]
12 so far arrested for prison torture in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch – Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office Wednesday reported that it had arrested the twelfth person so far for involvement in prison torture after a series of videos one week ago documented physical and sexual abuse by staff against inmates. Mamuka […]
Your “democracy” hurts, Mr President
TBILISI, DFWatch – «Your Democracy Hurts” — this is one of the messages students have been sending to the government through their demonstrations all over the capital for the last week. The demonstrations against torture in the prisons continue. About eleven […]
One Laboratoria 1918 member released
TBILISI, DFWatch – Youth continue to protest against prison abuse in Tbilisi. Thursday there was no large scale protest but different groups of students gathered at different places to express their protest to various government bodies. The seven people who were on […]
Christian democrat withdraws from election in protest
TBILISI, DFWatch – One of the leaders of the opposition Christian Democrats party today withdrew her candidacy as majoritarian candidate for parliament. Inga Grigolia, a well-known former journalist, is now a member of the Christian Democrats, which is considered by […]
CEC introduces de facto photo ban at precincts
TBILISI, DFWatch – Georgia’s Central Election Commission (CEC) has established many prohibitions on the use of photographic equipment at election precincts, which in fact restricts and makes it impossible to take photos on Election Day. Use of photos may document […]
Protests not abating in Georgia over prisoner abuse
TBILISI, DFWatch – The wave of rallies and demonstrations against torture in the prison system shows no signs of abating in Georgia, as on Monday thousands of youth took to the streets to demonstrate. The organizers were several youth organizations, and people […]
Saakashvili calls abuse videos a conspiracy
TBILISI, DFWatch – Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili dedicated a long speech to recent events in the prison system in a speech while meeting with locals in the port city Batumi. He said it was a shock for him, meaning the footage aired on TV, which shows beating […]
Students on hunger strike over detainees
TBILISI, DFWatch – Seven students have been on hunger strike for two days, protesting against the justice minister. They demand the release of activists Davit Patsasia, Dachi Tsaguria and Beka Alodashvili, who were arrested while participating in the recent protests […]
Opposition activists arrested as election draws near
TBILISI, DFWatch – Many people have been detained in Georgia during the last few days. The majority of the arrested are members and activists of the Georgian Dream. About 20 members and supporters of the opposition coalition have been detained the last three days, […]
Public broadcaster’s board warns against bias
TBILISI, DFWatch – The Public Council of Georgia’s Public Broadcaster demands from GPB to cover news about prisoner abuse properly, otherwise they will leave their posts. Members of the council expressed concern for what has been exposed about torture of prisoners […]
Call for Georgian leaders to be banned in the West
TBILISI, DFWatch – Groups in Georgia demands that the former prison minister, former interior minister, current justice minister and current chief prosecutor are banned from civilized countries because of their cruel and inhuman treatment of citizens. The appeal […]
Anti-abuse activists tell of being beaten
TBILISI, DFWatch – Georgia’s ombudsman says Dachi Tsaguria and Beka Aladoshvili, who were arrested on Saturday, were verbally and physically abused during pre-trial detention. Dachi Tsaguria and his friend Beka Alodashvili were arrested on Saturday. Tsaguria […]
Waiting outside, supporting those inside
TBILISI, DFWatch – “I bet daddy can see me here,” a boy of about 12 told her grandmother, both standing on a small hill in front of Prison No 8. It was evening and beginning to get dark. His grandmother was counting cell windows, as she knew the cell number where […]
Ivanishvili’s campaign surges after abuse scandal
TBILISI, DFWatch – The leader of the government’s main competitor in the election in just over a week says that he has plans to solve the conflicts of Georgia’s breakaway regions Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Georgian Dream leader Bidzina Ivanishvili says first, rail and road […]
Prisoners go on hunger strike over abuse
TBILISI, DFWatch – The Public Defender’s Office informs that several prisoners at facility No 15 in Mtskheta near Tbilisi have gone on hunger strike to show solidarity with victims of torture. According to the ombudsman’s rapporteurs, prisoners went on hunger […]
Prison guards who tortured have not been removed
TBILISI, DFWatch – Prison employees who committed torture and humiliating abuse in a Tbilisi prison are still going to work as normal, inmates say. Prisoners at Gldani prison told this to journalists who were let in. They named the names of specific persons who have […]
Looking for loved ones in the prison of shame
TBILISI, DFWatch – Galina Nemsitsveridze waited outside the entrance hall of Gldani prison on Friday, like hundreds of other people trying to see their sons and husbands. Galina’s son was suspected of sexually abusing his future wife together with two persons and put […]
Police beat and arrested demonstrators
TBILISI, DFWatch – Saturday, a crowd of demonstrators tried to move in on a public service building in Tbilisi as President Mikheil Saakashvili was inside attending the opening ceremony. But police blocked the road and prevented people outraged over recent revelations […]
Prisoner said he was beaten after shakeup
TBILISI, DFWatch – The first new story of prisoner abuse has surfaced after President Saakashvili began a major shakeup of Georgia’s prison system. The attempt at “resetting” the prison reform comes after a wave of criticism following several videos showing […]
Students gather outside Gldani prison
TBILISI, DFWatch – Student groups gathered outside of Gldani prison Friday, in a more scaled down protest against prisoner abuse than earlier in the week. Organizers decided not to hold a mass rally on Friday to avoid provocation. They […]
New minister visits prison of shame
TBILISI, DFWatch – Georgia’s new prison minister today visited Gldani prison accompanied by journalists. He said prisoners told him that the situation has changed to the positive the last two days. Nino Zuriashvili, investigative journalist, said they observed […]
The broomstick revolution is coming
TBILISI, DFWatch – Anger is not abating in Georgia, after the second minister leaves because of revelations of prisoner abuse. The largest crowd of demonstrators seen so far in this crisis swept through the central thoroughfare of Tbilisi Thursday evening, […]
Another video shows abuse of psychiatric patients
TBILISI, DFWatch – The sixth video clip showing prisoner abuse was aired Thursday by TV9. It seems to shows mentally ill persons who are inmates in Gldani prison and are being humiliated and forced to dance and sing. Gldani prison is where the majority of torture […]
Georgia’s interior minister resigns over abuse scandal
TBILISI, DFWatch – After releasing the scandalous footage of prisoner abuse, Georgia’s powerful interior minister, who is suspected to be behind these incidents, has been forced to leave his post. For three days people all over Georgia have been demanding that Bacho […]
Georgian elite dancers support opposition
TBILISI, DFWatch – Five members of the Georgian president’s favorite dance troupe, the National Ballet, say they support his main opponent. Georgian National Ballet – founded at the end of the Second World War — is the country’s most famous dance ensemble and its […]
EU Statement on Georgia prisoner abuse
The European Union Wednesday issued a statement regarding the ongoing scandal surrounding prisoner abuse in Georgia: “The EU Delegation is shocked by the appalling footage of abuses committed against inmates in Gldani prison. It is of vital importance that these […]
Saakashvili appoints ombudsman as prison minister
TBILISI, DFWatch – Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili Thursday appointed the public defender as prison minister. Former prison minister Khatuna Kalmakhelidze resigned yesterday amidst a scandal spurred by the release of five videos showing prisoners being beaten […]
Harassed for trying to leave the ruling party
TBILISI, DFWatch – Members of the ruling National Movement party who have left the party as sign of a protest against prisoner abuse revealed by the release of several videos say the government is harasses them and their family member and trying to stop them from […]
Prison guard tried to flee, others convicted
TBILISI, DFWatch – Davit Akobia, former employee at Gldani prison — also known as Prison No 8 — was this morning arrested on the border with Armenia. He has been mentioned as one of the persons behind video footage showing torture of prisoner. The Prosecutor’s Office […]
Crisis continues over prisoner abuse
TBILISI, DFWatch – Wednesday morning Georgia’s prison minister resigned after scandalous footage of prisoners torture was published in the media and through the internet. Tens and hundreds of thousand have protested all over Georgia, demanding the resignation of the […]
Underage prisoner sodomized by guards
TBILISI, DFWatch – In a new video clip of prisoner torture in Georgia, an underage prisoner is shown being sodomized by prison guards. The clip was aired today on the opposition channel TV9. It shows an underage prisoner (meaning under 18 years) being physically and […]
Prisoner abuse in Georgia – Saakashvili’s ticking time bomb
TBILISI, DFWatch – For the last 24 hours, the whole of Georgia has been concerned about five videos released by different sources that show physical and sexual abuse of prisoners. People spontaneously took to the streets to show their disgust, and protests are still […]
Saakashvili: ‘Georgia’s prison reforms a complete failure’
TBILISI, DFWatch – The Georgian president admits that Georgia’s prison system is a complete failure and needs to be repaired. Mikheil Saakashvili Wednesday instructed his prime minister to take responsibility for reforming the system and ensure the safety of […]
Massive outcry over prisoner abuse videos
TBILISI, DFWatch – A series of protest rallies have erupted throughout the capital and large cities in Georgia, after shocking videos of prisoner abuse released by the interior ministry and aired on two opposition TV channels last night. Some of the footage appeared […]
Georgian “Abu Ghraib” causes public outrage in Tbilisi
TBILISI, DFWatch – Four different videos showing physical and sexual abuse of prisoners in Georgian prisons has triggered a widespread public outrage and a demand for the prison minister to step down. The videos were released on Tuesday by the Ministry of Internal […]
Satellite dishes will not be distributed after all
TBILISI, DFWatch – Negotiations a TV company and the government about installing satellite receivers have failed. The director of Maestro TV claims the government’s offer to negotiate about the distribution of the equipment was just a ruse, and that it never planned […]
Energy gets largest share of investment
TBILISI, DFWatch – The energy sector receives the largest share of direct foreign investments this year. Investments increased 7 percent in the second quarter of 2012 compared to same period in 2011, and totaled USD 219 million, according to preliminary figures […]
Georgian woman speaks out about acting in anti-Islam film
TBILISI, DFWatch – A Georgian actress who played in the anti-Islam movie ‘Innocence of Muslims’ has released an open letter explaining that she didn’t have any idea about the full plot of the film and only read part of the script. Anna Gurji (21), whose real […]
Emigrants return to Georgia to defend democracy
TBILISI, DFWatch – Georgian emigrants Monday returned to their homeland to protest the restriction of their right to vote. A number of Georgian emigrants today arrived in Batumi, a port city on the Black Sea coast, and held a protest rally in front of a public […]
European foreign ministers anticipate important Georgia poll
TBILISI, DFWatch – The foreign ministers of Bulgaria, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia and the Czech Republic said during a visit to Georgia that the parliamentary election in two weeks are important. The ministers met with Georgia’s foreign minister, and the main topic […]
EU ambassador urges parties to trust observers
TBILISI, DFWatch – The EU ambassador to Georgia on Saturday evaluated the election period in the country and once again remarked that it is important that participants recognize the election results if international organizations do so. Philip Dimitrov on Saturday […]
Georgia to organize disaster exercise
TBILISI, DFWatch – Georgia is to conduct a consequence management field exercise together with Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) in September, 2012. Consequence management field exercise ‘Georgia 2012’ will be conducted in an area near […]
Georgia condemns embassy attacks
TBILISI, DFWatch – Georgia condemns the attacks on the embassies of Germany and UK. Georgia’s Foerign Affairs Ministry on Saturday released a statement which says that the country is concerned about the incidents which took place in the capital of Sudan. “There is […]
Post-war observers in Georgia to stay another year
TBILISI, DFWatch – EU Monitoring Mission to Georgia (EUMM) will continue its activity for one more year until September 14, 2013. The European Council on Friday extended EUMM for one more year and €20.9 million was allocated in next year’s budget. Catherine Ashton, […]
Russian election observers rejected by Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch – Georgia’s Central Election Commission has rejected applications from two Russian organizations to register as observers for the parliamentary election on October 1. September 9, the CEC decided to deny the State Duma of the Russian Federation and […]
Ivanishvili denies rumours of Brussels meeting
TBILISI, DFWatch – The largest opposition bloc in Georgia refuses to sign a code of conduct signed by other political parties, because signing it would force it to recognize the election results if the international community does so. Friday Georgian media reported that […]