Sunday, December 14, 2025

Court to decide bail conditions for former Tbilisi mayor

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Former Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava is charged with embezzlement of money from parking fees. He vigorously denies the charges. (Interpressnews.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia has asked the court to set a 50,000 lari (USD 30,000) bail for former Tbilisi mayor Gigi Ugulava in a case involving embezzlement of money from parking fees.

The office on Tuesday also asked Tbilisi City

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The grave of painter Pirosmani allegedly found in Tbilisi

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The grave bears the inscription ‘Forgive, God, Nikala’ and is located at Kukia cemetery in Tbilisi. (Photo published by the Culture Ministry.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–The tomb of the Georgian painter Niko Pirosmani has allegedly been discovered in Tbilisi.

Pirosmani was self-taught and his paintings are easily recognized for their simple style and depictions of country life, often of merchants,

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New report details obstacles for minorities in Georgia

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Exams in Marneuli, a predominantly ethnic Azeri town south of Tbilisi. (DF Watch.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–There are many obstacles to integrating minorities in Georgia, according to a new report published on Thursday by the Ministry of Reconciliation and Civil Equality.

Problems include access to information and education, not knowing the

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Art students in Tbilisi protest 'Russian, socialist' teaching methods

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Art students say the academy is still teaching by ‘Russian, socialist’ methodology. (1tv.ge.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–Art students in Tbilisi protested Monday against what they see as a backward teaching style and an outdated understanding of art.

Students at the Academy of Arts demand transparency and changes in the procedure for electing a rector.

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How well did Georgia's local election include minorities?

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From left to right: Zurab Jibghashvili, constitutional expert, Zaur Khalilov, Executive Director of Civic Integration Foundation, and Agit Mirzoyev, Director of the Analytical Center for Cooperation and Consultations Between Ethnicities. (DF Watch.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–On June 23, DF Watch invited members of three non-governmental organizations working with minority issues to discuss how well ethnic minorities were able to participate in the June 15 local election.

Our point of departure was the fact that

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