Monday, December 15, 2025

Five missing after massive landslide in Georgia

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The massive landslide may have killed three Turkish construction workers working on the Dariali hydro power project. (Photo posted to Facebook by Iago Kazalikashvili.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–A landslide in Dariali Valley in northern Georgia has severed the only road across the Caucasus Mountain Range. Five people are still missing.

Locals say three Turkish construction workers died who were working on the Dariali hydro power station.

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Gay rights protesters displaced as conservatives reclaim May 17

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Last year’s conservative demonstrators against the LGBT event May 17, 2013. (Interpressnews.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–There will be no gathering in Georgia today to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Instead, the Church and conservative groups plan a number of demonstrations to celebrate the recently announced day of family values.

At

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Foreign trade turnover Jan-Apr up 14%

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Georgia’s foreign trade in the first four months of 2014 was 14% higher than the same period last year. (DF Watch.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s foreign trade turnover in January-April of 2014 was 14 percent more than the same period last year, according to preliminary data from Georgian National Statistics Department.

According to the short preliminary report published on Friday,

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Surveillance bill review postponed

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Secret surveillance is to be regulated better in Georgia with a new legislative package. (Interpressnews.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–Parliament in Georgia Friday postponed the review of a much-debated bill proposed by civil rights groups aimed at preventing illegal surveillance, a practice still rife in the country.

The review was postponed because parliament was unable to reach a quorum.

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Young inventors from 37 countries met in Tbilisi

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This was the eighth Olympiad, and 120 inventors from 37 countries participated.

TBILISI, DFWatch–International Young Inventors Project Olympiad (IYIPO) for scientists and inventors was organized in Tbilisi from May 3 to May 5.

This was the eighth Olympiad, and 120 inventors from 37 countries participated. Last year, there were 25 countries

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Who's next?

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Andrea Keerbs is Country Director of International Republican Institute, Georgia.

When the Sarkozy Agreement was brokered after the brief war between Georgia and Russia in August 2008 it was expected that Russia would adhere to its terms. Six years on Georgians are still waiting for Russia to return back to the “boundaries” of August 7, 2008.

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Former official found guilty of publishing sex tape

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Gela Khvedelidze plans to appeal the one year suspended jail sentence. (Interpressnews.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi City Court has found a former Georgian official guilty and given him a one year suspended sentence.

Gela Khvedelidze was found guilty of having published a video of a private nature by posting it on the Internet one year ago, while he was

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17 Georgian bladdernut pickers released by South Ossetia

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Jonjoli, or bladdernut, is a shrub used for cooking which may be harvested and sold in the market. (Ministry of Environment Protection.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–17 Georgians were released by South Ossetia on Wednesday. They had all been detained on the border when they were out picking jonjoli, or bladdernut, a shrub used for cooking which may be sold in the markets.

Now is the season for picking

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Chechen denied to leave Georgia, fears being turned over to Russia

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Saikhan Muzayev fears he will be secretly handed over to Russian counterintelligence. (Georgian Public Broadcaster.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–A Chechen refugee with Georgian citizenship told parliament on Wednesday that he is being pressured by authorities.

Speaking at a plenary session, Saikhan Muzayev said he has tried to leave Georgia ten times but was denied leaving every time. Tomorrow,

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