Saturday, December 20, 2025

Alania diocese facing uncertain future as South Ossetia confiscates bishop's 'passport'

Bishop Ambrosi. (osinform.org)

TBILISI, DFWatch–The Alania diocese, which covers the area of the separatist region South Ossetia, is facing an uncertain future after law enforcers for the breakaway republic confiscated the ‘passport’ of the head of the diocese.

The ‘passport’, which is required

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Seven Georgian schools may be closed in the southern part of Abkhazia

The Georgian school in the village Tagiloni was closed recently. (DFWatch.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–Abkhazia’s breakaway authorities are planning to close seven Georgian schools in Gali, according to locals, who fear that such a decision, if taken, will cause the district to be depopulated.

The school closures are being considered as part of an ‘optimization’ plan for the public schools in Abkhazia.

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Russia bans fruit and vegetables from Abkhazia, which in turn blocks same products from Georgia

Breakaway vice premier Aslan Kobakhia finds it strange that Russia has imposed a blockade only on Abkhazia, not Georgia. (aiaaira.com.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–From April 2, Moscow will prohibit the import of fruit, vegetables and herbs from breakaway Abkhazia, which heavily relies on selling agricultural commodities to Russia. Sokhumi responded by imposing an embargo

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A shopping mall near the Abkhazian border offers services to people on both sides

The hypermarket. (DFWatch.)

ZUGDIDI, DFWatch–A five hectare shopping mall in Rukhi, only meters from the administrative border line (ABL) with breakaway Abkhazia, is doing good business, says its director David Machavariani, speaking to DFWatch.

“Of course, the idea has justified itself, as [the mall] allows people to have more access to the services closer to their homes.

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Georgia expels one Russian diplomat over UK spy poisoning

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. (1tv.ge.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi is expelling a Russian diplomat in solidarity with its western allies over the poisoning of the ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the UK.

The decision was taken on Thursday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after strong pressure from the opposition.

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Two women accuse the head of Georgia's Public Registry of sexual harassment

TBILISI, DFWatch–The head of Georgia’s Public Registry has been accused of discrimination and sexual harassment by at least two of the agency’s former female employees.

Papuna Ugrekhelidze, the 43 year old chairman of the NAPR, who is currently on a business trip to the US, flatly denied the accusations

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