Sunday, February 22, 2026

Georgia’s president pardons 159, but families still wait for names

TBILISI, January 20 – Georgia’s president Mikheil Kavelashvili pardoned 159 convicted people late Monday as a gesture of clemency in connection with the Orthodox Epiphany celebration. But hours later, there was confusion among families and supporters over who, exactly, made the list. Kavelashvili’s press service announced at 10:33 p.m. on Monday that the president had … Read more

Lawmaker: Jailed protesters should show remorse to get pardons

TBILISI, January 19 – A ruling party lawmaker said on Monday that people detained during recent protests are unlikely to receive presidential pardons unless they admit guilt and show genuine remorse. Levan Makhashvili, chair of the parliament’s European Integration Committee, told reporters that the president has clearly set conditions for granting pardons. According to Makhashvili, … Read more

October protest organizers defend actions in Tbilisi courtroom

TBILISI, January 15 – A group of prominent Georgian opposition figures appeared in court in Tbilisi on Thursday as hearings continued into events that unfolded near the Atoneli Palace during a mass protest on October 4. The case is being heard at Tbilisi City Court and involves Paata Burchuladze, Mur­taz Zodelava, Irakli Nadiradze, Paata Manjgaladze, … Read more

Ex-PM’s 5-year sentence sparks political storm in Tbilisi

TBILISI, January 14 – Georgia’s political class were in shock after prosecutors confirmed a plea deal with former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, a man who until recently was part of the inner circle of the ruling Georgian Dream party. On Tuesday, the Prosecutor’s Office said it had signed a plea agreement with Garibashvili. Under the … Read more

Former Tbilisi vice mayor candidate to remain in custody

TBILISI, January 14 – A Tbilisi court has ruled to keep opposition politician Aleko Elisashvili in pre-trial detention as he faces charges of terrorism. Elisashvili, a former independent member of parliament who ran as candidate for deputy mayor together with Lelo – Strong Georgia last year, is charged with attempting to carry out a terrorist … Read more

Hunger strike overshadows October 4 hearing

TBILISI, January 5 – A Georgian court on Monday continued hearing a high-profile criminal case linked to events that unfolded on October 4, with 15 defendants accused of taking part in group violence and attempting to seize a site of strategic importance. The substantive trial is being held at the Tbilisi City Court, where the … Read more

Georgia’s split-screen New Year

TBILISI, January 2 – Georgia welcomed 2026 with the usual New Year sparkle, but also with the same political tension that has kept nightly protests going in central Tbilisi. On Wednesday evening, December 31, protesters remained gathered outside the country’s parliament, where they have been gathering daily for over a year. Their core demands stayed … Read more

Georgian opposition leader demands faster trial

TBILISI, December 30 – A court case against two senior figures linked to Georgia’s former ruling party moved slowly forward in Tbilisi on Tuesday, as defense complaints over delays were echoed by concerns raised by the country’s Public Defender. Proceedings are under way at Tbilisi City Court against Levan Khabeishvili, political council chairman of the … Read more

Georgia court jails ex-defense minister

TBILISI, December 27 – A Georgian court on Saturday ordered pre-trial detention for former defense minister Bacho Akhalaia, in the case about the October 4 ‘revolution’. According to Georgian media reports, Tbilisi City Court granted the prosecution’s request to place Akhalaia in custody as the investigation continues. The case is being handled by Georgia’s State … Read more

“Coalition for Change” leader freed

TBILISI, December 19 – A leading figure in Georgia’s opposition “Coalition for Change,” Zurab Japaridze, was released from Rustavi No. 12 penitentiary on Friday, December 19, after serving a seven month sentence. Japaridze was arrested on May 22 inside a courtroom. He had been summoned to appear before a temporary parliamentary investigative commission to give … Read more