News
Georgia’s foreign trade turnover Jan-Aug up 16% in 2016
(Interperssnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s foreign trade turnover in the first eight months of 2016 was 16 percent more than in the same period last year, new figures from Georgia’s National Statistics Office show. The figures, presented in the latest preliminary monthly report by GeoStat, […]
Georgian police accused of hate speech in lawsuit at Strasbourg court
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The beating of four Muslims by Georgian police may be brought up before the European Court of Human Rights after a human rights group in Georgia on Thursday filed a lawsuit at the Strasbourg court. The four were detained by police during a village […]
Storm blew roofs off houses in a dozen villages in Georgia
(ICK.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Strong wind blew the roof off buildings in a dozen villages in the east of Georgia on Wednesday, Information Center of Kakheti (ICK) reported. The wind lifted the roof off houses in about ten villages in villages in Lagodekhi municipality, in the Kakheti region, […]
Saakashvili preparing to stoke unrest ahead of election: Georgian PM
PM Giorgi Kvirikashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili claims that Mikheil Saakashvili’s party has started several new organizations in order to foment unrest in Georgia ahead of the election. One of the new organizations started by the National Movement is Georgia in the Name […]
Republican Party leader says he was offered PM seat personally by Ivanishvili in 2015
Tbilisi, DFWatch – Speaker of Georgian Parliament states he was offered a prime ministerial seat by the former PM Bidzina Ivanishvili back in April, 2015, when the post was held by Irakli Garibashvili. […]
Gaz distribution company soothes irked Tbilisians
Tbilisi, DFWatch – Natural gas distribution company in Tbilisi, KazTransGaz, issued an official statement on Wednesday calming down residents scared by an intense odour in their apartments. […]
Policeman wanted in Demur Sturua case gives himself up
Goderdzi Tevzadze outside the regional prosecutor’s office in Kutaisi Tuesday night. (Channel 1.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A policeman who has been wanted in connection with 22-year-old Demur Sturua’s suicide showed up at the regional prosecutor’s office in Kutaisi Tuesday night accompanied by his lawyer. Goderdzi Tevzadze was declared wanted by the Prosecutor […]
Georgia secures free trade deal with China
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia has secured a free trade agreement with China which is expected to boost Georgia’s export of wine. The agreement, which still needs to be confirmed formally, will exempt goods and services that were previously charged more than 40 percent […]
Ex-ally claims opera star who formed new party is a puppet of Ivanishvili
TBILISI, DFWatch–Another prominent member left opera singer Paata Burchuladze’s party on Tuesday, accusing State for People of being financed by former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. “I am leaving Paata Burchuladze’s party, because it is not Paata […]
Ivanishvili blasts Burjanadze: Your non-bloc idea is a bluff
TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Georgian PM Bidzina Ivanishvili lashed out at opposition politician Nino Burjanadze on Sunday, accusing her of bluffing when she proposed that Georgia should declare a non-bloc status. Burjanadze, a former parliament speaker, […]
Georgian Muslims celebrate Kurban Bayram
(Muslims’ Department of Georgia) Tbilisi, DFWatch – Muslims in Georgia, as well as around the World, celebrate Eid al-Adha, known as Kurban Bayram, major religious celebration from 12 to 15 September. […]
Party led by anti-NATO businessman disqualified from elections
Gogi Topadze (IPN) Tbilisi, DFWatch – Gogi Topadze’s party, former member of the ruling coalition, was rejected to participate in the upcoming parliament election by the Election Administration (CEC) together with 24 other minor parties. […]
60-year-old Georgian cattle herder detained by Russian border patrol
TBILISI, DFWatch–A 60-year-old Georgian man was detained on Sunday near the border with Georgia’s breakaway South Ossetia for violating the border. Valiko Khizanishvili, who is from the village Koshka, was detained when he was out in a field looking after cattle. […]
Zviad Gogochuri wins Georgia’s first ever Paralympics gold
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Zviad Gogochuri on Saturday took gold in the men’s 90kg judo competition at the Rio Paralympics. This is the first gold by a Georgia athlete in the Paralympics since the country became independent in 1991. In the final, […]
Georgia appoints new ambassador to the United States
Davit Bakradze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Krivikashvili on Friday appointed a new ambassador to Washington. Replacing Archil Gegeshidze is Davit Bakradze, the minister of Euro-integration who has been in charge of Georgia’s approaches to the European Union […]
Government reshuffle to boost GD’s election campaign
Kakhi Kaladze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili on Friday announced a cabinet reshuffle which lets two GD politicians dedicate their time to campaigning as less than a month remains before a parliamentary election where no party or bloc […]
Republican Party proposes new pension system
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Republican Party proposes a new pension system based on entitlement earned through work experience. Appearing on Rustavi 2’s election special, spokesperson Davit Usupashvili drew a line between the Republicans […]
Construction worker dies after fall in Kutaisi
(Imedi.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A worker died at a construction site in western Georgia on Thursday, after falling from a building. The incident happened on Aghmashenebeli Street in Kutaisi. The victim was a middle-age man. An investigation has been launched […]
Burchuladze’s team-mate splits, asks authorities for protection
Khatuna Lagazidze has asked the government for protection for herself and her family. (ghn.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch–Political commentator Khatuna Lagazidze is leaving opera singer Paata Burchuladze’s party. She expresses concern about her own safety and asks the authorities for protection for herself and her family against ‘criminal elements’ in the party. […]
3.5 million have registered to vote in Georgia’s election
TBILISI, DFWatch–More than 3.5 million voters had registered in Georgia by August 12; eight weeks before the election for parliament. Ana Mikeladze, Speaker for the Central Election Commission, said Wednesday that from June 10 until today, more than […]
GD announces its party list, pushing some old members aside
TBILISI, DFWatch–The ruling Georgian Dream announces its party list for Oct. 2, 2016 parliamentary elections, featuring mostly ‘new faces’ on its top and leaving many of its prominent members behind. The list is headed by Giorgi Kvirikashvili, current PM […]
Muslims in Batumi buy land plot for city’s second mosque
TBILISI, DFWatch–Muslims in Batumi took one step closer to building a second mosque in the city by purchasing a plot of land on Wednesday. The initiative group for constructing a mosque in Batumi on September 7 purchased a property on Abashidze Street […]
Ivanishvili urges Alliance of Patriots to clarify its stance toward EU, NATO
Tbilisi, DFWatch – Former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili criticizes Alliance of Patriots, a conservative political party, which often resorts to the populist nationalistic narrative, for having ‘no clear platform’ and advises them to inform voters what exactly they want and what direction they want to steer the country. […]
Fake Nokia and Samsung phones no longer on sale in this shop
(Palitra TV.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The financial crimes unit in Georgia’s Finance Ministry exposed a shop for selling fake Nokia and Samsung phones on Wednesday, which may lead to up to five years in jail. The Investigation Service revealed that phones were illegally labelled […]
Air taxi to start flying in November – check available destinations here
TBILISI, DFWatch–A company in Georgia is offering air taxi services from November this year, taking customers to every airport in Georgia. The air taxis are run by Adjara Group. Head of marketing and business development Oto Berishvili […]
‘Georgia should have a U.S. military base before it gets into NATO’
Davit Usupashvili (IPN) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Republican Party wants to have a U.S. military base in Georgia before the country becomes a full member of NATO. This was one of the statements made by Republican Party members during a debate on Rustavi 2 Tuesday evening, […]
Okruashvili’s stakes claim on Rustavi 2 TV with secret contract
TBILISI, DFWatch–A former Georgian defense minister has revealed the existence of a contract which appears to invalidate the takeover of one of the main TV stations in the country, as the Supreme Court is considering the case. The city court in Tbilisi decided in November […]
These streets in Old Tbilisi will become pedestrian zones
TBILISI, DFWatch–Six streets in the old part of the Georgian capital will become pedestrian zones, Tbilisi City Hall has decided. City Hall explained that there is a demand from people to have more pedestrian areas in Old Tbilisi and that there is need for more tourism […]
Tbilisi car repair shop killer caught in Zestaponi
TBILISI, DFWatch–Police in Georgia Monday night arrested a 24-year-old suspected of murdering a car repairman a few hours earlier at in Tbilisi. The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) informs that a man was arrested for premeditated murder and illegally purchasing, […]
GD candidate claims UNM planning election provocations
Tamar Chugoshvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A former human rights advocate who is running for parliament claims the former ruling party, the National Movement (UNM), is planning to provoke conflicts in the election campaign. Tamar Chugoshvili, a candidate for parliament for Georgian Dream […]
Azerbaijan committed to the Southern Gas Corridor: Baku official
TBILISI, DFWatch–Despite the falling oil price, Azerbaijan has confirmed its commitment to the implementation of large-scale projects like the Southern Gas Corridor, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Energy Minister Namig Abbasov said at a conference […]
Angry customer shoots electrician at Tbilisi car repair shop
TBILISI, DFWatch–An enraged customer pulled a gun on an electrician and shot him at a car repair place in central Tbilisi on Monday. The fatal disagreement took place on Kipshidze Street in the western Vake district. Police said the customer had a quarrel with an electrician […]
Committee in EU parliament backs Georgia visa waiver program
TBILISI, DFWatch–In a vote on Monday, a majority in the EU Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) supported giving visa-free access to the Schengen area for Georgian citizen. 44 voted for lifting visa rules for Georgian citizens, […]
EU parliament discussing visa liberalization today
TBILISI, DFWatch–A committee in the European Parliament will discuss today whether to offer visa-free travel to the Schengen area for Georgian and Ukrainian citizens, as well as citizens of Kosovo. Claude Moraes, head of the Civil Liberties, Justice and […]
Rejected suitor raped woman he wanted to marry, gets 7 years’ jail
The man is appealing Zugdidi City Court’s sentence. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The City Court in Zugdidi last Friday sentenced a man to seven years in jail for raping a woman and attempting to force her into marriage. Defense lawyers say the man, who was arrested April 11, will appeal the verdict. According to the Prosecutor […]
Man arrested for harassing witness in Demur Sturua-case
TBILISI, DFWatch–A man was arrested in western Georgia on Saturday for harassing a witness in the Demur Sturua case. Sturua committed suicide on August 7 and left a note indicating that a local policeman had pressured him to give up names of people who were cultivating […]
State Audit Office asks court to fine six parties for election violations
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s State Audit Office (SAO) has asked the court to fine six political parties for bribery, illegal donations and other election violations. The office asked the court to issue a 4,000 lari fine to Rima Beridze, a majoritarian candidate for Georgian Dream, […]
Green activists keep up pressure on City Hall for tree-cutting scandal
TBILISI, DFWatch–The eco-activists of Guerilla Gardening rallied in front of Tbilisi City Hall again on Friday, demanding the dismissal of the two bureaucrats in charge of tree cutting in the capital. They demand the dismissal of the head and the deputy of City Hall’s […]
17 percent more tourists so far in 2016
TBILISI, DFWatch–The economy minister on Friday summed up the summer tourism season in Georgia together with the head of the National Tourism Administration. According to Minister of Economy Dimitry Kumsishvili, 4,247,729 foreigners visited Georgia in the […]
Grape harvest begins in Georgia’s wine region Kakheti
TBILISI, DFWatch–This year’s grape harvest has begun in Georgia’s eastern Kakheti region. More than 1,850 tons of rkatsiteli grape and more than 1,110 tons of saperavi has been processed in Dedoplistskaro. Wine producing companies pay 80 tetris for saperavi, […]
One dead, one injured in assassination in central Tbilisi
TBILISI, DFWatch–One man died and one was injured in an execution style shooting in central Tbilisi on Friday. The Ministry of Internal Affairs arrested a man born in 1981 who is charged with premeditated murder and illegally carrying a weapon. The accused fired multiple […]
Council head in Georgian village called special “men’s session”
(keda.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch–Public Defender Ucha Nanuashvili has called on the municipal council in a valley in Georgia’s southwestern Adjara region to stop making sexist statements. After a meeting of the Keda Council on August 26, a member of the National Movement […]
Funeral service held on the Black Sea for missing military divers
(Ministry of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A funeral service was held Thursday for two Georgian military divers who disappeared during an exercise in the Black Sea more than two weeks ago. The funeral service was held at the location where the soldiers were last seen during a training course on August 16 […]
Three prison guards arrested after prisoner’s escape from court
TBILISI, DFWatch–Three prison guards were arrested on Wednesday in the case of the prisoner who escaped from the court building in Rustavi. According to the Prison Ministry, one of the detainees is head of shift of the guard service at the second department, […]
Georgia’s Sukhishvili dance company boycotts Crimea
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s most famous folk dance ensemble Sukhishvili has turned down an invitation to perform in Sevastopol and Simferopol, two cities in Crimea. The Georgian National Ballet, as it is formally called, posted a short note on Facebook about their decision. […]
Ivanishvili estimates GD will get at least 100 MPs in Oct 8 election
TBILISI, DFWatch–Bidzina Ivanishvili is confident that the governing Georgian Dream party, which he founded, will have at least 100 seats in the next parliament. The billionaire businessman says he cannot imagine that Georgian Dream will get less than 90 MPs in the next assembly. […]
Georgia’s first wind farm almost completed
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s first wind farm is almost completed. Wednesday the first turbine was installed in Gori, close to the television tower. The wind power plant in Gori will be the first of its kind in Georgia. Earlier, there […]
In pictures: Cross-border music festival One Caucasus
Tserakvi, DFWatch – Festival brings South Georgia’s multi-ethnic community together with visitors from Armenia and Azerbaijan for music, art, sport, and activism. The festival was held for the third time with more guests and artists performing. […]
Georgian prisoner escapes by feigning illness
Actor Aidan Quinn’s character overpowering the prison doctor in the 1987 film ‘Stakeout’. Otar Varamashvili, the escaped prisoner. TBILISI, DFWatch–It could have been a scene from a Hollywood movie, the moment when a prisoner escaped from Rustavi City Court on Wednesday. According to reports, the escapee was in the waiting room for defendants when he said he was feeling sick. […]
Georgia halts military exercises at sea following fatal diving accident
Defense Minister Levan Izoria. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is halting exercises at sea as there are no certified instructors, Defense Minister Levan Izoria said Wednesday. A search for two military divers who went missing during an exercise was called off yesterday. The soldiers went missing […]
‘Putin is not Georgia’s enemy’: Nino Burjanadze
TBILISI, DFWatch–Russian President Vladimir Putin is not an enemy of Georgia, but a very significant politician, according to former Speaker of Parliament Nino Burjanadze. The opposition figure whose party Democratic Movement is without representatives […]
Number of hospitalized after wedding poisoning scandal rises to 40
PM Kvirikashvili visiting some of the poison victims at Marneuli hospital on Tuesday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–About 40 people – 22 of them children – are still in hospital after being poisoned during a wedding in Georgia. Nearly 200 people were poisoned on Monday at a wedding in Sadakhlo, a village in the south of Georgia near the border with Armenia. […]
Georgia and Turkey call off search for two missing military divers
TBILISI, DFWatch–After eleven days, the search operation for two missing soldiers has been called off in Gonio on Georgia’s Black Sea coast. The two are believed to have drowned on August 16 during a military exercise. […]
Court issues detention order for policeman charged in suicide case
The court building in Kutaisi. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A court in Georgia on Tuesday issued an order to detain a policeman who is accused of having caused the suicide of a 22-year-old man. The wanted police officer Goderdzi Tevzadze has gone into hiding, and Kutaisi City Court therefore issued the ruling ‘in absentia’. […]
Parties promise higher pensions, allowances without explaining how to fund it
Paata Burchuladze during Independence Day celebrations, May 26. (Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–As barely a month remains until the parliamentary election, political parties in Georgia are falling over each other to promise increased pensions and social allowances. “Today, social allowances are distributed […]
200 wedding guests poisoned – 21 still hospitalized
21 wedding guests remain hospitalized after the mass food poisoning. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Almost 200 people were taken ill with food poisoning at a wedding in the south of Georgia on Monday, 28 of them children. The mass poisoning took place in the village Sadakhlo, near Marneuli. The affected wedding guests mostly complained about feeling sick and disoriented. […]
Georgian PM’s latest election promise: a new road to Russia
New evacuation facilities were recently built near the Georgia-Russia border crossing to protect against landslides, which claimed eight lives in 2014. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian PM Giorgi Kvirikashvili on Tuesday promised to build a new highway that will improve the road connection between Tbilisi and the Russian border. “Within the next four years, we plan to build a highway from Mtskheta to Vladikavkaz,” […]
Should Georgia’s foreign policy alignment be defined in the Constitiution?
Nino Burjanadze. (Interpressnews.) Davit Usupashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two proposals to define Georgia’s foreign policy alignment in the Constitution were postponed by a parliament committee because not enough MPs showed up. The rebellious opposition leader who started the debate now claims parliament has violated election rules. […]
Policeman on the run – charged with causing 22-year-old’s suicide
Demur Sturua (22) left a suicide note implicating the wanted police officer. (Interpressnews.) Activists blamed Georgia’s drug policy of having caused the young man’s death. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A police officer in Georgia was Monday charged with causing a young man to commit suicide. The police officer, Goderdzi Tevzadze in the western Georgian town Samtredia, has gone into hiding and was charged in absentia. He is charged with abusing his official powers […]
More details emerge about Georgia pipeline plot
TBILISI, DFWatch–Monday, the newspaper Kviris Palitra published an interview with the person who tipped off the State Security Service about a plot to blow up a pipeline which brings natural gas from Russia to Armenia. Seven persons were arrested on August 22, […]
Georgia’s Nino Khomeriki 2nd time European chess champion
Nino Khomeriki. (Georgian Chess Federation.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Nino Khomeriki has become European youth chess champion for the second time. Yesterday’s win at the European Youth Chess Championship in Prague, Czech Republic, is the second time Khomeriki claims the title. […]
Foreign tourists spend 450 laris a day in Adjara
TBILISI, DFWatch–A new report shows that foreign tourists spend 450 laris a day in Adjara, a Black Sea region of Georgia heavily reliant on tourism. Over a thousand tourists were asked about their stay as they left the country, and the results draws a picture […]
Fire devastates vineyards and hazelnut gardens in Kakheti
(ipn) TBILISI, DFWatch–Fire devastated 50 hectares of agricultural land in the vicinity of Akhalsopeli, a village in Kvareli Municipality, Kakheti. 5 hectares of vineyards and hazelnut gardens had been almost totally destroyed, while in other areas the damage was not so serious, […]
WATCH TRAILER: New TV series about Saakashvili regime’s crimes
Film director Goga Khaindrava. (Pirveli.) A scene from the trailer. TBILISI, DFWatch–The first episode of a new TV series about the crimes of the Saakashvili regime premiered at Rustaveli Theatre in Tbilisi on Saturday (watch trailer below). Georgian filmmaker and political activist Goga Khaindrava finished work on the documentary TV series, […]
Two tourists rescued in Mestia, one man missing at sea
(IPN.) (IPN.) TBILISI, DFWatch–One Israeli and one German tourist were rescued Saturday in Mestia, a picturesque mountain region in the northwest of Georgia. The two tourists were heading for the Tetnuldi peak, but not heard from. A search was immediately started after they […]
Can Caucasus become one? Festival opens where three countries meet
TBILISI, DFWatch–The One Caucasus Festival kicked off in Georgia on Thursday, bringing together tourists and young people from all over the country, from different ethnic backgrounds, in order to enjoy music performances by local and foreign artists. One Caucasus […]
Tbilisi mayor’s speech interrupted by protesters against tree-felling
Tsotne Gamsakhurdia. (Pirveli.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Tbilisi mayor defended his conduct in the tree-felling scandal at an extraordinary City Council meeting Friday but had to halt his speech because of interruption by protesters. Environmentalists claim Mayor Davit Narmania […]
21-year-old’s stabbing rampage in Kobuleti leaves one dead
TBILISI, DFWatch–A man died Thursday night after a street fight near Kobuleti, a town on Georgia’s Black Sea coast. Four others were taken to hospital with injuries, including a policeman. Police arrested a 21-year-old who is suspected of stabbing a 20-year-old man in the chest, […]
Republicans’ 9 muses: More women in politics means more solidarity
Levan Berdzenishvili. (Interpressnews.) The Republicans’ nine ‘muses’, i.e. nominees for parliament members. TBILISI, DFWatch–Under the slogan ‘Let’s break free’, the Republican party has nominated nine women candidates for parliament under the single-seat majoritarian system for the October 8 election. “We have to break free of a lot of things. […]
Campaign against family violence not working, women still afraid
Baia Pataraia. (Facebook.) Georgia – violent crime by region from January to June, 2016. There were a total of 696 cases. 58 percent of cases (403) were prosecuted. (Ministry of Internal Affairs.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The stigma attached to family violence is still keeping women from seeking help. The campaign is simply not working, a Georgian human rights group has said. In 2009, the United Natioins carried out a survey which showed that one in every 11 women in Georgia […]
Goodbye, Narmania! UNM begins no-confidence proceedings against mayor
One of several popular Instagram cartoons poking fun at Mayor Davit Narmania. The title says “Son of a donkey, a monkey” TBILISI, DFWatch --The National Movement faction in Tbilisi City Council initiated a motion of no-confidence against Mayor Davit Narmania on Thursday, following protests against a controversial tree-felling to make room for two new apartment blocks. "Today we officially [...]
Anti-tree felling protester in Tbilisi hospitalized after hunger strike
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Guerilla Gardening group is continuing their protest outside City Hall against the recent tree-cutting in the capital. One of the group’s leaders was hospitalized on Wednesday after being on hunger strike for seven days, but she was replaced by another activist. […]
Georgia pipeline plot suspect denies link to Ukraine
Protester against the Gazprom pipeline wearing the Ukrainian flag outside the government building in Tbilisi, January 16, 2016. (DFWatch.) Protesters against Gazprom’s pipeline linked their cause to Ukraine’s conflict with Russia and the helicopter pilot Savchenko. (DF Watch.) The gas pipeline has been damaged by landslides several times, last in August 2014. (Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure.) TBILISI, DFWatch–One of the seven men arrested in Georgia for planning to blow up a Russian gas pipeline has denied any links to Ukraine. The suspect Beka Bekauri is still in hospital after suffering serious head trauma. He has had an operation and his condition is now stable. […]
PM vows to tighten Constitution’s marriage definition after election
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s prime minister on Wednesday again promised that Georgian Dream will amend the Constitution after the October 8 election in order to change the definition of marriage. Now that the president has rejected a proposed […]
Death of military divers may lead to criminal charges: Defense minister
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s defense minister says a crime may have been committed when two soldiers disappeared while diving off the Black Sea coast eight days ago. Their bodies have still not been found. Levan Izoria said Tuesday that there are possible […]
21-year-old IS militant from Georgia dies in Syria air raid
TBILISI, DFWatch–A 21-year-old man from Georgia has died fighting alongside ISIS in the Syria war. Sultan Gumashvili was from Pankisi Gorge. Georgian media outlets are reporting that the deceased militant’s father Adam Gumashvili is also fighting for ISIS in Syria and is a prominent […]
Traffic accidents claimed 7 lives in 7 days
TBILISI, DFWatch–In the last week, three traffic accidents have claimed the lives of seven people in Georgia, including a 12-year-old boy, while three were injured. The latest accident took place August 21, on the Gori highway near the so-called Tskhinvali bridge. […]
Beaten Georgia pipeline plot suspect questioned at the hospital
TBILISI, DFWatch–One of the men suspected of planning an act of sabotage against a natural gas pipeline in Georgia was questioned at the hospital on Tuesday. Yesterday, lawyer Maia Chrelashvili said that her client was unable to attend a hearing […]
Journalist Merab Metreveli leaves opera star’s new party
TBILISI, DFWatch–Journalist Merab Metreveli Monday left opera singer’s Paata Burchuladze’s party because he was dissatisfied with being allied with former National Movement members. The opera star was joined by a more politicians on August 18, […]
Terror suspect was beaten, according to lawyer
Maia Chrelashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The lawyer of one of the men who is accused of planning a terrorist attack against a gas pipeline in Georgia claims her client has been severely beaten in detention. Seven men were arrested on Monday, accused of planning to blow up a pipeline […]
Sabotage against a major pipeline prevented in Georgia, 7 arrested: State Security
TBILISI, DFWatch–The State Security Service of Georgia (SUS) claims it has prevented an attempt to blow up a gas pipeline connecting Russia and Armenia. Five people planned to set off explosives at the portion of pipeline that crosses […]
Three die in car crash in Gori
TBILISI, DFWatch–Three people died in a serious car accident on Sunday in Gori, a town 80km west of the capital. A small Mercedes car and a truck crashed. The driver of the truck survived and was taken to hospital. But all the occupants of the small car […]
Georgian PM declares support for Turkey after wedding terror blast
PM Giorgi Kvirikashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The head of government in Georgia on Sunday in a written statement expressed concern about the recent terrorist attack in Turkey and voiced support for the people of Turkey. Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili says in the statement […]
Geno Petriashvili wins bronze in men’s frestyle 125kg wrestling
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Geno Petriashvili from Georgia won bronze in men’s freestyle 125 kg wrestling in the Rio Olympics on Saturday. This is Georgia’s seventh medal in the games: two gold, one silver and four bronze medals. In the final, Petriashvili won against Tervel Dlagnev […]
Protesters blame Georgia’s drug policy for young man’s suicide
(Photo by Tornike Shevardnadze / Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Activists clashed with police in a town in western Georgia on Saturday. The protesters blame the government’s drug policy for driving a 22-year-old man to take his own life. Protesters gathered in front of the Samtredia […]
Georgia’s Khinchegashvili wins Olympic gold in freestyle wrestling
Vladimer Khinchegashvili. (1tv.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Vladimer Khinchegashvili won gold in men’s freestyle 57 kg wrestling at the Rio Olympics on Friday. Georgia now has two gold medals in the games. In the final, Khinchegashvili faced Japan’s Rei Higuchi, who got silver. The first round […]
Former first lady Sandra Roelofs UNM candidate in Zugdidi
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s former first lady Sandra Roelofs is a candidate for parliament for her husband’s National Movement party for Zugdidi election district in the west of Georgia. Unlike her husband, Roelofs is not wanted by Georgian law enforcement, […]
More groups coalescing around Georgian opera star
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Opera star Paata Burchuladze expanded his followership on Thursday as more politicians joined his party, State for People. The merger with the New Rightists brings in politicians from a party that has a long presence in Georgian politics, but […]
Georgian drivers can now check if their car is radioactive
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian drivers can now get their car examined for radioactivity. But why would they want to do that? The new radiation control service became available on Wednesday and will be handled by the agency for nuclear and radiation security […]
Four men found guilty of bride kidnapping in Georgia
Batumi City Court. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A court in Georgia on Wednesday sentenced four men to up to 8 years in jail on Wednesday for bridenapping. The bride kidnapping took place in Kobuleti, a town on the Black Sea coast, in November last year. In her court testimony, […]
Jehovah’s Witnesses recorded 51 cases of discrimination in 2015
A lawyer for Jehovah’s Witnesses wondered why police were not using recordings from the surveillance cameras they have installed. (Rustavi 2.) Some of the discrimination occurs when members try to hand out flyers in the streets. (Interpressnews.) Problems getting a construction permit for a new congregation house in Terjola is one of the cases mentioned in the U.S. State Department’s report. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–On November 23 last year, shots were fired at a building used by Jehovah’s Witnesses in Vazisubani, a district in the Georgian capital Tbilisi. When bullets slammed into the building again one week later, a lawyer representing the religious community wondered […]
200 tons of produce enters Akhalgori every day
Mosabruni, or Razdæxæn, checkpoint. (RES.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Every day, about 200 tons of agricultural products is brought from Georgia into the Akhalgori district of South Ossetia, Sputnik Ossetia reports. Akhalgori is a part of the breakaway region which was under Georgian control until the war in 2008. Many people cross […]
Flooded river brings Tbilisi Zoo a new baby lynx
TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi Zoo has a new baby lynx, which was recently discovered in Lagodekhi in eastern Georgia. The animal was discovered by ranger Gogita Khunashvili in Lagodekhi nature preserve in July, after the river Shroma was flooded, carrying […]
Foundations being laid for second terminal at Tbilisi airport
Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili (right) at the launch of construction work. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The construction of the second terminal building at Tbilisi International Airport is proceeding as planned. Currently, the foundation is being laid, a spokesperson for the airport told DFWatch. The need for a second terminal is evident in the steady […]
Military spox claims safety rules not violated when two divers drowned
President Margvelashvili talked with family members of the missing soldiers. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Defense Ministry claims safety regulations were not violated when two Georgian soldiers went missing Tuesday during a military exercise at sea, off the Black Sea coast. Two soldiers never made it up to the surface during a course in combat diving. […]
Miraculous weightlifter wins first Gold for Georgia in Rio, beating World Record
Lasha Talakhadze scoring World Record. TBILISI, DFWatch–A Georgian weightlifter competing in the heaviest, +105 kg, category won the country’s first Olympic gold in these summer games, setting a new world record, while his teammate from the same weight category won bronze. Lasha Talakhadze, […]
Wrestler Bolkvadze wins bronze, Georgia’s third medal in Rio
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Shmagi Bolkvadze took bronze in the Rio Olympics Tuesday in the Men’s Greco-Roman 66 kg wrestling. Georgia now has two bronze and one silver medal. The two other medals were won in Judo. Bolkvadze competed against Japan’s Tomohiro Inoue, […]
Two military divers missing off Georgia’s Black Sea coast
(1tv.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two Georgian soldiers are missing after diving off the Black Sea coast of Georgia during a military drill. The Defense Ministry said the two failed to resurface near Gonio in southwest Georgia near the border with Turkey. A search was immediately launched […]
Russia begins military exercise in South Ossetia involving 5000 troops
TBILISI, DFWatch–Russia began a military exercise in Georgia’s breakaway region South Ossetia on Monday, which will involve 5,000 soldiers, rockets and artillery. The pro-government news agency RES reports that the exercise is taking place at seven different training grounds. […]
Georgia’s CEC revokes registration of pro-Russian party
Vladimer (“Lado”) Bedukadze. (Interpressnews.) In the free TV ad, the Centrists promised to ‘legalize the Russian military bases.’ (1tv.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Central Election Commission (CEC) in Georgia has revoked the registration of a micro-party which used its right to free advertisement to call for Russian pensions and dual citizenship, accompanied by a portrait of Vladimir Putin and Russian tanks and flags. […]
Free Democrats promises to decriminalize all drug use
Nikoloz Pruidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Irakli Alasania’s Free Democrats promises a liberal drug policy and the decriminalization of all forms of drugs if they come to power. But the punishment for drug dealing will be tougher, the party’s healthcare strategist Nikoloz Pruidze […]
GD nominates candidates for parliament from Tbilisi districts
Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The ruling Georgian Dream party on Monday nominated its majoritarian candidates in most of Tbilisi’s 21 electoral districts. The exception was the downtown Mtatsminda district, where GD refrained from nominating a candidate to support […]
Direct foreign investments in Georgia down 11% in 2015
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Direct foreign investments in Georgia was 11 percent less in 2015 than in 2014, according to precise data published Monday by Georgia’s National Statistics Department, GeoStat. According to the report, the amount of investments […]
Two Georgians detained by Russians while fishing
TBILISI, DFWatch–Two Georgians were detained by a Russian border patrol on Saturday while out fishing along a river close to the breakaway region Abkhazia. Levan Morgoshia and Pridon Matkava were apprehended while standing on the left bank of the river Inguri. […]
16 rescued from sea during the storm: MIA
(Facebook) TBILISI, DFWatch–16 people, among them several foreign tourists, have been rescued in Adjara after a strong storm hit the Black Sea coast of Georgia on Sunday, according to a statement by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The rain lasted several hours, flooding […]
Election ad featuring Putin causes outcry in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch–A ten seconds long election video has caused a strong reaction from Georgia’s political establishment and calls for using legal means to stop the party behind it. The provocative advertisement ran on the Public Broadcaster’s Channel 1 Saturday night […]
Murdered U.S. tourist was spotted arguing with suspect
The scene of the murder bore signs of a recent picnic when Imedi’s reporter visited. (Imedi.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Witnesses in the village where a U.S. citizen was stabbed to death Thursday night reported seeing the tourist in an argument with the suspected murderer two hours before his body was found. The motive for the murder is still unknown, but Imedi TV […]
U.S. tourist stabbed to death in eastern Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch–An American man of around 40 was stabbed to death in a small village in eastern Georgia Thursday night. Police have arrested a 20 year old man who is suspected of the murder. The victim, a U.S. citizen, was found dead on a road in Lechuri, […]
Census shows only 7% Georgians living in South Ossetia
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s breakaway region South Ossetia has published results of a census showing that only 7 percent of the population there are ethnic Georgians. The region from which tens of thousands fled in the 2008 war today has only 3,966 Georgian residents […]
Suspect arrested for murdering woman and burying body in wine tank
TBILISI, DFWatch–Police in eastern Georgia arrested a man on Friday who is suspected of bludgeoning an elderly woman to death and burying the body in a wine-making tank. The 28 year old man, who was arrested in Telavi in the Kakheti region, […]
Aslan Abashidze, Adjara’s former ruler, sentenced in absentia to 15 years’ jail
Aslan Abashidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Aslan Abashidze, the ruler of breakaway Adjara who fled the country after the Rose Revolution, was Friday sentenced in absentia to 15 years in jail for a murder 25 years ago and other crimes. […]
National Forum politician’s home broken into
Ani Mirotadze said the National Forum is target of a political ploy. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The home of a candidate for parliament from the National Forum was broken into Thursday night, a few days after the party’s office was robbed. Tamar Tsikhiseli told journalists that the burglars didn’t steal anything. She thinks the people […]
New cafe offers youth a place to meet in Pankisi
(DFWatch.) (DFWatch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A new café in Pankisi Gorge will offer young people a place to gather. Locals say they cannot remember ever having had a place for young people to get together. The café opened Wednesday in the village Duisi, the central village in Pankisi Gorge, […]
PM promises better mountain roads, starting with Tusheti
PM Giorgi Kvirikashvili on the election trail. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian government is planning to build a new road to the mountainous Tusheti region in the northeast of the country. The current road to Tusheti is bumpy and becomes non-traversable in winter, during which time the only access is by helicopter. […]
Traditionalists furious at president for rejecting marriage referendum – vow massive rallies
Traditionalists demonstrating in Tbilisi to defend family values May 17, 2014. (Interpressnews.) Alexandre Bregadze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The group of traditionalists behind the referendum bid to define marriage as a union of a man and a woman are fuming at the president after he shelved their proposal. The activists claim President Giorgi Margvelashvili’s decision […]
Tbilisi’s Turtle Lake ropeway will reopen in September
TBILISI, DFWatch–A ropeway connecting the biggest park in Tbilisi with a recreational lake in the hills above will reopen in September after having been closed for seven years. Spokesperson for Tbilisi Transport Company (TTC) Gvantsa Potskhveria told DFWatch […]
Georgian IS militant sentenced to 12 years in jail
TBILISI, DFWatch–A Georgian citizen was Wednesday sentenced to 12 years in jail for cooperating with the terrorist organization Islamic State. As most of the Georgians who have joined the Islamic State group, Davit Borhcashvili comes from Pankisi Valley. He was detained in November 2015 […]
Georgia takes second medal at Rio Olympics
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Varlam Liparteliani won silver medal in men’s 90 kg judo at the Rio Olympics. This is the country’s second medal in the games. Liparteliani defeated Gwak-Dong Han from South Korea in the semi-final, but in the final round, he was […]
Elderly woman found buried inside wine tank in her own garden
TBILISI, DFWatch–A woman was found dead Wednesday morning, buried in her own garden inside a traditional Georgian wine-brewing tank. The macabre discovery was made in the village Shakriani, in Georgia’s eastern Kakheti region. The elderly woman […]
Military police investigating 39-year-old corporal’s death from heart failure
TBILISI, DFWatch–A 39-year-old corporal in the Georgian army died Wednesday morning, apparently from heart failure. The deceased is Davit Lomidze, a corporal in 52th Battalion of the 5th Infantry Brigade of the Eastern Command of the Land Forces, the Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday morning. […]
Georgia’s triumphant judo win over Russia eight years after war
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia won its first medal in the Rio Olympics on Tuesday, as Lasha Shavdatuashvili claimed the bronze medal in men’s 73kg judo. He defeated Sagi Muki from Israel in the final rounds. Earlier, he defeated Denis Yartsev of Russia in the quarter finals, […]
National Forum office robbed in Tbilisi
(ipn) TBILISI, DFWatch–The office of National Forum, a right wing political party, which recently split with Georgian Dream, was broken into overnight in Tbilisi. Members of the party say that the investigation is in progress and yet it is hard […]
Georgian president blocks referendum to ban same-sex marriage
President Margvelashvili blocked a referendum bid to ban same-sex marriage, while PM Kvirikashvili (inset) vows to bring in a ban if he wins a large enough majority on October 8. TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia will not hold a referendum over whether to have a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. President Giorgi Margvelashvili made it clear Tuesday evening that he does not support the proposed referendum about amending […]
John Kerry’s statement on August War 8th anniversary
(official photo) Tbilisi, DFWatch – US Secretary of State John Kerry condemned occupation of Georgian territories by Russia by issuing a short statement on 8th anniversary of Russo-Georgian war. […]
Former European wrestling champion shot dead in Kakheti
TBILISI, DFWatch–A former European wrestling champion was shot dead in Georgia’s eastern Kakheti region Monday evening. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), Nodar Modebadze (66) was shot with a rifle in the village Akura. Police have a suspect […]
President meets group who proposed referendum to define marriage
Giorgi Margvelashvili, President of Georgia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Giorgi Margvelashvili will Tuesday meet the Georgians who proposed holding a referendum about defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Giorgi Abashishvili, head of the president’s administration, […]
8 years since ’08 war: Over 2,000 civilians have been detained on disputed borders
TBILISI, DFWatch–As Georgia marked eight years since the war with Russia, figures show that over two thousand civilians have been detained on the provisional borders that were drawn after the end of that war. From 2009 to 2015, the number of people […]
Georgia mulls bringing back compulsory military service
Levan Izoria, recently appointed defense minister, says the ministry examines his predecessor’s decision about abolishing conscription (ipn) TBILISI, DFWatch–Compulsory military service remains a hot topic after resignation of Tina Khidasheli, who actively lobbied a shift toward voluntary service and managed to partly abolish the system during her tenure as a minister of defense. […]
Four tourists found dead on Mount Ushba, northern Georgia
Mount Ushba. (gov.ge.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Four foreign tourists were found dead on Mount Ushba in northern Georgia on Saturday. The Interior Ministry’s emergency service said the bodies are in the process of being brought down from the mountain. Authorities received notice on Friday […]
Former UNM members join New Rightists in bloc called ‘New Choice’
Zurab Japaridze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two political parties formed by ex-National Movement members together with an opposition party without representatives in parliament on Friday launched a new election bloc for the upcoming parliamentary election. The name of the new […]
Socialists’ founding congress canceled after slapping incident
Party leader Valeri Kvaratskhelia says Socialist Georgia wants a military treaty with Russia and to create a socialist society. TBILISI, DFWatch–The new party Socialist Georgia canceled its founding congress on Thursday, after a quarrel with a protester led to the arrest of one of its members. The assembly was planned held at the music school in Telavi, a town in the eastern Kakheti region. […]
Borjomi park partly destroyed by flooding after strong rainfall
TBILISI, DFWatch–A historical park in the southern Georgian resort town Borjomi was partly destroyed by flooding Thursday evening. Strong rain flooded houses and streets and trees more than a hundred years old were torn down. Infrastructure was damaged. […]
Sudden family feud in southern Georgia leaves one man dead
TBILISI, DFWatch–In a small town in the south of Georgia, a disagreement between two politicians’ families resulted in the death of a 23-year-old man on July 30. The confrontation took place in the village Nardevani, in the Kvemo Kartli region. The families Tamarian […]
Political clash outside UNM office in Batumi, one detained
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–One person was detained in western Georgia on Thursday, after a fight broke out in front of the local branch office of the National Movement (UNM). Protesters from the organization Our Homeland burned an effigy of ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili, […]
One Georgian detained by South Ossetia for violating border
(DFWatch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The incident took place this morning in the village Kveshi, according to Gori municipality. Locals say 36-year-old Aleko Sheverdashvili was in his garden when armed men came and took him away. They say Sheverdashvili didn’t cross the administrative […]
Georgian PM makes constitutional ban on same-sex marriage a campaign issue
Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian prime minister on Thursday promised to change the Constitution so that it specifies marriage as a union between a man and a woman — if his party wins an absolute majority in the October 8 election. […]
Rapist of pregnant 16-year-old girl may escape justice, group warns
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The rape of a pregnant 16-year-old girl two weeks ago may go unpunished, because the alleged rapist is not in detention, a human rights group claims. July 8, a 16-year-old married and pregnant girl was raped at knifepoint in Marneuli, […]
Clothes market in Zestaponi partly destroyed by fire
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A clothes market was partly destroyed by fire in Zestaponi Tuesday night. According to the Emergency Service, more than 1,000 square meters was destroyed by the fire in the center of the western Georgian town. No one was injured. […]
Tbilisi Zoo welcomes three lion cubs
TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi Zoo, which was devastated by a flood in June 2015, welcomed three new lion cubs on Monday. The zoo’s administration said the lioness Cleopatra had a complicated and protracted delivery, but it ended happily as both the mother and her offspring […]
CEC approves referendum bid about definition of marriage
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A bid to define marriage in the Constitution as a union between a man and a woman has been approved by Georgia’s Central Election Commission (CEC) after campaigners collected more than the required 200,000 signatures. Georgia’s Civil Code already […]
PM slams back at outgoing defense minister
Tbilisi, DFWatch - Comments of outgoing Defense Minister, who criticized appointment of Security Service official in her vacant seat, triggered an angry response from the Prime Minister and a member of government. "(Their) comments were very inappropriate, unfortunately. I am sure that after Batoni Davit and Kalbatoni Tina overcome emotions, they will make different comments,” said [...]
PM, Refugee Minister slam back at Tina Khidasheli
Sozar Subari says that background of serving in the Security is an advantage rather that disadvantage. (IPN) Comments of outgoing Defense Minister, who criticized appointment of Security Service official to her vacant seat, triggered an angry response from the Prime Minister and a member of government. "(Their) comments were very inappropriate, unfortunately. I am [...]
Security official appointed as a new Minister of Defense, Khidasheli sees “unhealthy trend”
Levan Izoria (MIA) Tbilisi, DFWatch – Levan Izoria, a deputy head of State Security Service (SUS), and Ketevan Tsikhelashvili, deputy minister, were appointed as replacements of the ongoing ministers of defense and reconciliation respectively. […]
Growing tension between Christians and Muslims in Adigeni
Muslims of Mokhe (DFWatch) TBILISI, DFWatch–There is growing tension between the Christian and Muslim communities in the small village Adigeni, west of Akhaltsikhe. The Samtskhe–Javakheti region, where Adigeni village is located, was historically known as Meskheti, after the Muslim Meskhs. […]
UAE Sheikh opens upscale hotel in Tbilisi
(Facebook) Tbilisi, DFWatch – Emirati minister visits Georgia to pompously inaugurate an upscale hotel in Tbilisi center. […]
Tsereteli’s giant Christ statue nearly finished, but where will it be placed?
Zurab Tsereteli. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Zurab Tsereteli, a Georgian sculptor living and working in Russia, says he will soon finish a 33 meter tall statue of Christ, which he wants to erect in Mtskheta, the former capital of Georgia. “I will finish working on the Christ statue very soon. […]
Georgia’s first wind farm to start producing in December
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s first wind power plant will be completed in September and go into operation in December. Tornike Kazarashvili, president of the board of directors of Kartli wind power plant, told DFWatch that construction work began in March, […]
Update: A Pankisi man detained for a threatening Facebook post
The threatening post (On.ge) Tbilisi, DFWatch – State Security Service of Georgia launched a probe into a possible terror threat distributed by Facebook on Thursday evening. […]
NDI polls: Only four parties performed above electoral barrier
Tbilisi, DFWatch – The National Democratic Institute released the results of the latest survey which details Georgians’ political affiliations before the upcoming parliamentary elections in October 2016. […]
Nigerian student accuses Georgian bank of discrimination
(Netgazeti photo) Tbilisi, DFWatch – Nigerian national, Solomon Adebayo Okeleye accused Bank of Georgia of racial discrimination for limiting his and other Nigerian students’ right to use payment cards. […]
Kaladze apologises for a sexist remark
Tbilisi, DFWatch – Deputy prime minister and minister of energy Kakha Kaladze apologised for sexist remarks he made while commenting on President Giorgi Margvelashvili’s statement about ‘undue connections between political groups and law enforcement’ in the context of the dispute over the Constitutional Court. […]
Frontera Bankruptcy Strategy Criticized
ifacts.ge Frontera Resources, the American oil-and-gas company that has been exploring and drilling in Kakheti since 1997, is being harshly criticized for trying to evade a $30 million debt payment due August 1. […]
‘Undue connections between political groups and law enforcement’
President Georgi Margvelashvili. TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian president Giorgi Margvelashvili political groups have informal connections with law enforcement and other state bodies and are using them for political purposes. “This trend is used for political goals,” the president said on Monday, […]
Two members of opera singer’s opposition party detained
Paata Burchuladze during Independence Day celebrations, May 26. (Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Sunday night, police in Georgia detained two members of a newly formed opposition party led by the opera singer Paata Burchuladze. The two members of State for People were detained outside the party office in Temka, a northern district […]
Catholics win discrimination lawsuit in Georgia
(DFWatch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Catholics in Rustavi, 20km south of the Georgian capital, have won a court’s backing that they were discriminated against after failing to get a construction permit to build a church there. The Catholic community in Rustavi applied for permission […]
‘Tbilisi Ugly Walk’ explores gradual erosion of two parks
TBILISI, DFWatch–Architect Irakli Zhvania walked us through the historic devastation of two parks in the capital. The second edition of ‘Tbilisi Ugly Walk’ highlighted how two of the most beautiful green lungs in the city have been reduced by large buildings and roads, […]
Militants release all hostages in Yerevan, but stand-off continues
(Armenpress.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A group of up to 25 armed militants occupying a police building in Yerevan released all their hostages Saturday but refused to surrender, demanding the president’s resignation and the formation of an interim government. […]
Georgia reacts to Munich shooting
Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia. TBILISI, DFWatch–The Foreign Ministry extended its condolences to the families of the victims and solidarity with the government of Germany. Nine people were killed in a shooting rampage in Munich at a McDonald’s restaurant Friday evening, in addition to the […]
Interpol halts search for Georgian public enemy number one
TBILISI, DFWatch–Interpol has called off its search for the Georgian former intelligence chief Igor Giorgadze, who has been a staple of domestic politics as the preeminent ’bad guy’. Giorgadze is accused of having organized an assassination attempt […]
Two rugby players among injured in deadly car crash in western Georgia
(Palitra TV.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two Georgian rugby players are among the injured after a deadly car crash in western Georgia in which three people died and four were injured. The accident happened last night when a BMW and a Nissan Tiida crashed on the Kutaisi-Samtredia […]
Georgia’s jailed ex-interior minister thinks Strasbourg ruling will free him
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s former interior minister Vano Merabishvili, who has been in prison since May 2013, claims a recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg will soon lead to his release. After a two years’ silence, Merabishvili […]
Russian lawmakers demand punishment of Georgia for joining EU sanctions
Ian Zelinsky represents the far-right LDP party, which is led by Vladimir Zhirinovsky. (zelinski.info) TBILISI, DFWatch–A group of lawmakers in the Russian Duma are preparing to demand that the Kremlin take punitive measures against Georgia for joining the European Union’s economic sanctions against Russia. The Duma’s foreign relations committee is working […]
Four dead as truck overturns in western Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch–Four people died when a truck crashed in western Georgia on Thursday. The accident happened in Lugela Valley near the village Nukhuri. According to Interpressnews, the truck of the brand Kamaz crashed and overturned after the driver lost control […]
65-year-old German missing for one week near breakaway Abkhazia
TBILISI, DFWatch–Police in Georgia are still searching for Sergei Smislov, a 65-year-old German citizen who disappeared one week ago on a mountain road near Georgia’s breakaway territory Abkhazia. Shortly before he disappeared, Smislov received […]
President claims Georgian media have become more anti-Western
President Giorgi Margvelashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili claims the media in his country are publishing more anti-Western stories now than they used to. In an interview with the program ‘Archevani’ on Rustavi 2 TV Tuesday evening, he said it was […]
Russian woman missing in Kazbegi after climbers struck by lightning
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A woman is missing after a group of three climbers were struck by lightning at 5,000 m altitude yesterday in the Kazbegi mountains. Two of the group were injured, and later rescued, but the third – a woman from Moscow – went missing. […]
Plaintiffs give up suits after years of waiting for overloaded Tbilisi court
Irakli Kandashvili, member of the executive council of Georgian Bar Association. TBILISI, DFWatch–Filing a lawsuit with the courts in Tbilisi might mean a long wait, due to a lack of judges and resources. People who file lawsuits in the Georgian capital might have to wait for years to see their case reach a conclusion. […]
GD names Shevardnadze era minister as candidate for parliament
Koba Narchemashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Koba Narchemashvili, who was interior minister at the moment when Eduard Shevardnadze was deposed as president in the Rose Revolution, was Tuesday nominated by Georgian Dream as majoritarian candidate for parliament. As commander […]
Turkish consul claims Gülen school in Georgia fostering terrorism
The Turkish government accuse Fethullah Gülen (pictured) of being behind last Friday’s failed coup attempt. Gülen’s movement runs a number of schools around the world. TBILISI, DFWatch–Turkish consul in Batumi Yasin Temizkan has called on Georgian authorities to close down a private school in the city because it is fostering terrorism. The Şahin schools are funded by the movement of Fethullah Gülen (pictured), a Turkish preacher, […]
Free Democrats lose education expert Zaza Piralishvili
TBILISI, DFWatch–A prominent member of the Free Democrats resigned from the party on Friday, stating that he doesn’t feel comfortable in politics. Philosopher Zaza Piralishvili stated that his leaving the party was not due to any conflict with other party members or having issues with its ideology. […]
Georgian parliament scraps anti-smoking bill
TBILISI, DFWatch–The parliament in Georgia Monday rejected a bill to bring in stricter control of tobacco products. Resistance to the bill within the governing coalition proved too strong, as opponents believe it will create problems for business. Lela Sturua, […]
Georgian PM extends condolences to Yıldırım, confirms Turkey trip
TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili spoke by phone with his Turkish colleague Binali Yıldırım on Monday, and both confirmed that Kvirikashvili will visit Ankara for the first session of the Georgia-Turkey strategic partnership council on July 19. […]
Two hospitalized after shooting incident in Tbilisi
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two persons are injured after a shooting incident at noon Monday in front of the National Enforcement Bureau in Tbilisi. The enforcement bureau said the shooting was not related to them but a confrontation between private individuals. Witness […]
Georgian man confirmed dead in Nice terror attack
TBILISI, DFWatch–A Georgian citizen who went missing after the terrorist attack last Thursday in Nice was confirmed dead on Monday, Georgia’s Ambassador to France Eka Siradze Delone told Interpressnews. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the death of Roman Ekmaliani, […]
Republican Party tops reject offer to join Georgian Dream
Davit Usupashvili (IPN) TBILISI, DFWatch–The leader of the Republican Party says he and other party tops have received an offer from the ruling Georgian Dream to abandon their own party and join them ahead of the election, but they rejected the offer. In an interview with the newspaper […]
Turkey crisis: Border opens, stranded plane passengers return
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s border crossings with Turkey at Sarpi, Kartsakhi and Vale are working normally after being partially blocked on Saturday morning due to the recent events in Turkey. A short statement by Georgia’s Revenue Service says passengers […]
Free Democrats name their candidates for majoritarian MPs
Free Democrats leader Irakli Alasania. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Free Democrats, a party which withdrew from the ruling Georgian Dream coalition in 2014, on Saturday named its candidates for majoritarian MPs in the October 8 parliamentary election. The nominees were selected on Saturday […]
Campaigners’ plea to president to free 22-year-old caught with ecstasy
TBILISI, DFWatch–Groups demonstrated Thursday to ask the president to release a 22 year old man who is serving a one year prison sentence for possession of two grams of ecstasy. Kote Japaridze, the recipient of a presidential scholarship, was arrested […]
Coup attempt in Turkey prompts Georgia to close border
TBILISI, DFWatch–Authorities in Georgia decided Saturday morning to seal its land border to its neighbor Turkey and cancel all flights into that country for the time being, out of concern for the safety of civilians. At the border crossing near Sarpi, only Turkish citizens are currently […]
One Georgian feared dead in Nice attacks
The TV tower in Tbilisi was lit in the colors of the French flag on Friday in a show of solidarity after the terror attack. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–One Georgian citizen is reported missing after the terrorist attack in Nice, the Georgian ambassador to France has confirmed. The man’s wife, who is not a Georgian citizen, is confirmed dead. Moambe, the evening news program on Georgia’s Channel 1, […]
Four Georgians missing after Nice terror attack have been found safely
TBILISI, DFWatch–Four Georgian citizens who were reported missing after the terrorist attack in Nice during the national celebrations July 14 have been found safely, the Georgian embassy said. The embassy contacted the missing persons and found […]
Bring back Tbilisi tram? Too expensive, says City Hall
Dmitry Yermakov TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi City Hall is not planning to bring back the trams in the capital, despite a call from a member of Tbilisi City Council. City Hall will only considers it in a long-term perspective. Aleko Elisashvili, independent member of Tbilisi City Council, […]
Batumi will accumulate trillions of dollars: PM
TBILISI, DFWatch–During the opening ceremony of the international conference ‘Georgia’s European Way’ in Batumi, prime minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili declared that ‘trillions of dollars’ will be accumulated in the city as a result of trade between Europe and China. […]
PM Kvirikashvili makes a case for Georgian EU membership
TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Kvirikashvili on Thursday expressed hope that Georgia will become a member of the European Union in the near future. He said this during the opening ceremony of the annual conference ‘Georgia’s European Way’ […]
Umar Shishani confirmed dead by Islamic State
TBILISI, Dfwatch–The Islamic State military commander Tarkhan Batirashvili, a native of the village Birkiani in Georgia’s Pankisi valley, widely known under his nom de guerre Umar Shishani, was confirmed dead by Amaq Agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic State. […]
Georgian Dream announces top 15 candidates for parliament – 8 are women
Tamar Chugoshvili. TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian Dream Party on Wednesday announced its top 15 people on the party list for the parliamentary election in October. The list consists of eight women and seven men. There are no MPs or cabinet members among them. Three of them are deputy ministers. […]
Who will be Georgia’s next defense minister?
Tina Khidasheli. TBILISI, DFWatch–It is still unknown who will replace Tina Khidasheli as defense minister, but local media name three possible candidates: Irakli Sesiashvili, Koba Kobaladze and Kakhi Kakhishvili. The decision will be made by Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, […]
New runway opened at Tbilisi International Airport
TBILISI, DFWatch–A new runaway was opened at Tbilisi International Airport on Monday. During the 12 weeks of construction work on the new runway, no flights were cancelled but some were rescheduled. The runaway was closed for ten hours […]
Keti Tsikhelashvili becomes acting minister for reconciliation and civil equality
TBILISI, DFWatch–Keti Tsikhelashvili, Deputy Minister for Reintegration and Civil Equality, will be the acting minister as Paata Zakareishvili from the Republican Party leaves his post in connection with the 2016 election campaign. Zakareishvili said on Tuesday […]
Tbilisi buys 143 new longer, gas-powered buses
TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi is buying 143 new natural gas powered buses that are more environmentally friendly and accommodating to people with disabilities. But the ticket price will remain the same, City Hall assured us. The new 30-seat German-made […]
Johannes Hahn to visit Georgia tomorrow
Johannes Hahn will visit Georgia on July 14. (ec.europa.eu) TBILISI, DFWatch–On 14 July, the EU commissioner for enlargement Johannes Hahn will visit Georgia. Mr Hahn will hold meetings with Georgian officials, including Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, President Giorgi Margvelashvili, minister of foreign affairs Giorgi Janelidze, […]
Two Islamist militants from Georgia killed in Syria
TBILISI, DFWatch–Two men from Pankisi valley in Georgia, one aged 26 and the 34, have been killed in Syria. The younger of them, Bekkhan (Beka) Tokhosashvili, was a native of the village Birkiani. Tokhosashvili left Georgia in 2014 and joined the terrorist group Islamic State in Syria, […]
Magnitude 4.8 earthquake rattles Tbilisi
TBILISI, DFWatch–An earthquake of magnitude 4.8 caused slight shaking in the Georgian capital Tbilisi Tuesday afternoon. The quake occurred at 2:14pm local time and had its epicenter 10-15 km away from Dmanisi, a town in southern […]
Two Republican members of government resign
Tina Khidasheli (Interpressnews) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Republican Party in Georgia announced on Tuesday at its members of the government are resigning. The ministers who will be leaving their posts shortly are Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli and Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Paata Zakareishvili. […]
Ukraine’s police chief claims her native Georgia plans to revoke citizenship
Khatia Dekanoidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A former Georgian government official who started a new career as head of Ukraine’s police force claims the government of her native country threatens to revoke her citizenship. Khatia Dekanoidze was education minister during President Mikheil Saakashvili, […]
NATO countries agree to ‘intensify cooperation’ with Georgia
“We’re bolstering our efforts on NATO’s southern flank,” U.S. President Barack Obama said. TBILISI, DFWatch–At the Warsaw summit last weekend, NATO agreed to strengthen its cooperation with Georgia to bolster its defense capabilities. In a joint statement signed by foreign ministers of member countries as well as Georgia, the countries write that […]
Abkhazian referendum on early presidential elections declared invalid
TBILISI, DFWatch–The referendum on early presidential elections in Abkhazia was declared invalid by de facto electoral commission due to low turnout. According to Abkhazia’s de facto Electoral Commission, slightly over one percent of eligible voters […]
Police move against construction company Center Point, 2 arrested
Maia Rcheulishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Police in Georgia on Sunday arrested two persons in the management of the construction company Center Point and tried to arrest a third who was not at home. Two of them were arrested in the morning, while later representatives […]
Georgia will stay in Afghanistan until the mission is completed
Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia will continue its participation in the NATO mission in Afghanistan, Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli said at the alliance’s summit in Warsaw. A meeting was held between heads of state from countries that participate […]
Two drown in western Georgia as rain continues ‘almost non-stop’
(Batumelebi.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A 17-year-old boy has drowned in the river Abashistskali in Martvili, western Georgia. The boy’s body was pulled out of the river Friday morning. Elguja Jamrishvili, head of the Underwater Federation of Georgia, who was searching […]