TBILISI, DFWatch – A new report shows that the city of Tbilisi has increased its spending on culture and public order, while environmental protection and education has had to foot the bill.
The report, which is a cooperation between the Caucasian Institute for
TBILISI, DFWatch – Georgian law enforcement will have access to a new DNA database developed by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The so-called CODIS database will be run by Georgia’s national forensic service, and will mainly be used by law enforcement.
TBILISI, DFWatch – One of the owners of a cable company that is affiliated with the Georgian opposition was arrested today at Tbilisi international airport. Authorities claim he is involved in money laundering.
The opposition billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili indicated that
TBILISI, DFWatch – The Georgian opposition billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili refuses to pay a USD 90 million fine he was issued for illegal party funding.
This could lead to seizure and forced sale of his property.
The 149 million lari fine corresponds to 2.1 percent
TBILISI, DFWatch – An independent commentator in Georgia suspects there was installed surveillance equipment in his flat.
Gia Khukhashvili yesterday told journalists his neighbor from upstairs discovered a listening device and informed him.
“I haven’t seen it
TBILISI, DFWatch – Georgia is protesting against a Russian plan to expel 9 000 Georgians who are illegally in Russia.
Georgia calls this the start of another wave of mass violation of human rights.
Konstantin Romadonovsky, head of Russia’s immigration service,
TBILISI, DFWatch – A democracy campaign in Georgia says recent developments may put in doubt the legitimacy of the whole election if the Saakashvili regime does not take immediate measures.
The campaigners are particularly alarmed by the recent
TBILISI, DFWatch – Georgia may restrict Russian observers from attending the parliamentary elections in October.
If a new law proposal is passed, any country that wants to send observers must first express its support for Georgia’s sovereignty.
Russia has recognized
TBILISI, DFWatch – OSCE is to keep an eye on a massive Russian military exercise in the Caucasus planned for September.
Eamon Gilmour, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, said this during a visit to Georgia.
After a
TBILISI, DFWatch – Journalists in Georgia have been intimidated without the legal system properly reacting, according to a new report by Transparency International Georgia.
“The law enforcement agencies are investigating these cases but they rarely end up with