Sunday, January 11, 2026

Expanded charges against former interior minister

vano merabishvili --
Former Minister of Internal Affairs Vano Merabishvili is held personally responsible for the violent dispersal of demonstrators two years ago which led to at least two deaths and was accompanied by a nationwide crackdown on opposition groups. (Interpressnews.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–The charges against former Prime Minister Vano Merabishvili concerning events on May 26, 2011 were Tuesday expanded.

The violent dispersal of peaceful anti-government protesters by police and regime loyal vigilantes two years ago resulted in at least

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EU's observer corps studying Russian border activity

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The EU’s field observers are tracking Russian activity on the de facto border around South Ossetia. (Interpressnews.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–Russian soldiers’ moving of the de facto border between Georgian- and Russian-controlled territory is being followed by European Union’s observers in the area.

Yesterday evening, the European Union Monitoring Mission to Georgia (EUMM)

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Saakashvili's UNM protests against detention of party secretary

vano merabishvili -
Vano Merabishvili, former interior minister and current party secretary of the National Movement party of President Mikheil Saakashvili, appearing in Kutaisi City Court last week. Co-defendant Zurab Chiaberashvili on the right. (Interpressnews.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–Members of parliament for President Saakashvili’s National Movement party have again taken leave from their duties as a sign of protest.

Party spokesman Giorgi Baramidze says they will not attend plenary sessions until all the ‘political

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In Georgia, online game which emulates gay rights clash goes viral

call of taburetka
‘Call of Taburetka’ lets the player be a priest who fends off gay rights activists using a stool.

TBILISI, DFWatch–A new Facebook game has become popular among Georgians. It emulates the violent incidents on May 17, when clerics took the lead in disrupting a demonstration against homophobia in Tbilisi.

The violence, which led to almost 30 persons being injured,

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Russia moves de facto border around South Ossetia

Tskhinvali
A view of Tskhinvali, the only city in the breakaway region South Ossetia. (Interpressnews.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–The Interior Ministry in Georgia Monday confirmed that Russian soldiers have moved the de facto border with South Ossetia 200 to 300 meters and is planning to raise the issue at the next meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM).

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Georgia marked Independence Day in 26 cities and towns

independence day 2013
Independence Day was celebrated in 26 towns and cities. Here a scene from Tbilisi. (DFWatch photo.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–Sunday May 26, Georgia marked its Independence Day in 26 cities and towns all over the country.

The celebration included folklore ensembles and choir concerts, military and police equipment exhibitions, theatrical performances and other events.

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Tbilisi mayor criticizes Saakashvili for LGBT comment

May 17 rally 2013
Controversy continues over what really happened in Tbilisi on May 17, 2013, and who is to blame. (DFWatch photo.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–Mayor of Tbilisi Gigi Ugulava criticizes President Mikheil Saakashvili for having ‘incorrectly ordered’ his facts while commenting on a gay rights rally last week.

Saakashvili criticized the LGBT activists for having planned a rally the same day

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Georgian metal workers still on strike

ferro zestaponi
The metal works plant in Zestaponi accounts for 12 percent of Georgia’s export. (Interpressnews.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–One of the largest factories in Georgia is still paralyzed by a now week-long strike by hundreds of workers who demand higher salaries, better social conditions, collective contracts and compensation for night shifts.

A group of students have joined

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