Thursday, July 30, 2026

New party finance rules create chilling effect, warn activists

Groups say the new wide powers may be applied arbitrarily, and thereby create a chilling effect ahead of the parliamentary election in October. (Photo: Mari Nikuradze.)

TBILISI, DFWatch – The loud sound of a horn and whistles was heard outside parliament in Tbilisi today, as activists and rights groups protested against a new set of rules that they say threaten basic freedoms.

They came there not only to show how strongly opposed they are

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Party finance rules may be used against anybody, say activists

The biggest problem with the law is that it’s vague and therefore has the potential of being misused and applied arbitrarily or against certain political forces, say the groups. They want party finance rules enforced in December reined in. (Photo: Mari Nikuradze.)

TBILISI, DFWatch – Outspoken activists and rights groups met in Tbilisi today and signed a petition called ‘It affects you too’, demanding that something is done to rein in Georgia’s new rules about party financing which they see as a threat to basic rights.

The rules

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South Ossetian opposition leader considers quitting

TBILISI, DFWatch – The South Ossetian opposition leader who was injured in an attack by authorities last week says she will decide in three days whether to stay in politics or quit, and that she might ask for political asylum elsewhere. “It’s the first time I got the idea about getting out of South Ossetia. … Read more

Suspected bomb found outside Russian consulate in Tbilisi

TBILISI, DFWatch – A suspected explosive device was reported to have been found outside Russia’s consulate in Tbilisi Wednesday.

However, it turned out to be just an empty suitcase, according to Interior Ministry spokesperson Shotia Utiashvili.

The suspicious object

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