GALI, DFWatch–Sokhumi has brought in new restrictions on the administrative borderline between breakaway Abkhazia and Georgia proper, affecting many businesses in the area. Crossing north-south across the Enguri Bridge is essential to many in the area, who rely on trade in products such as hazelnuts. But despite the new restrictions, anyone who pays money can … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–“Lasha Talakhadze is the strongest man walking the planet… maybe ever in sports,” exclaimed the commentator after the Georgian giant set three World Records in a single day at the World Weightlifting Championships 2019 in Pattaya, Thailand on Friday. With 220 kg in snatch, 264 kg in clean and jerk and astonishing 484 in … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia extradited an ethnic Chechen to Russia on Thursday, despite strong opposition to the move. Russia accuses 39-year-old Ramzan Akhyadov, who has lived in Georgia for the last two years, of having ties to the terror group ISIS. Minister of Justice Tea Tsulukiani said Friday that Georgia received “written assurances” from Russia that Akhyadov … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Supreme Court in Abkhazia on Friday rejected a lawsuit filed by presidential candidate Alhaz Kvitsinia, seeking to annul the results of the runoff elections and call a new election. Although Kvitsinia’s team will appeal the ruling, it is already clear that Kremlin-backed Raul Khajimba, a former KGB operative, has won the election. In … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–The opposition in Abkhazia is planning a rally in Sokhumi on Tuesday, which will be held in parallel with a court hearing in a lawsuit filed by the opposition candidate Alkhaz Kvitsinia to demand the results of the de facto presidential runoff annulled. Kvitsinia and his supporters argue that the existing “constitution” requires a … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s embattled banker Mamuka Khazaradze is expected to launch a new opposition party on Thursday. The event will take place in Anaklia, a resort on the Black Sea coast and will mark the launch of what has until now been described as a “public movement”, which many expect will become a party strongly critical … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–Tensions are growing in Abkhazia after the runoff in the breakaway republic’s presidential elections, as the opposition refuses to accept the lead by incumbent de facto president Raul Khajimba. There is a high likelihood that the result will ultimately be declared invalid, a person close to Sokhumi officials told DFWatch. Incumbent de facto president … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–A brawl broke out at the parliament building in Tbilisi Sunday, after anti-government protesters yelled at a MP that he was a “Russian slave”. Emzar Kvitsiani, an MP representing the far-right Alliance of Patriots and once a militia commander in Kodori Gorge, physically assaulted several members of the anti-government rally at the entrance to … Read more
President Donald Trump nominates Kelly C. Degnan of California to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Georgia, who currently serves as the Political Advisor to the Commander of United States Naval Forces Europe – United States Naval Forces Africa Ms. Degnan, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister Counselor, previously was … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze resigned Monday, stating that mission is accomplished. Announcing his resignation on Facebook, the outgoing PM also confirmed his allegiance to the ruling Georgian Dream party. In the more than 4,000 words long statement, Bakhtadze asserts that it was his own decision to resign. “The purpose and main mandate of … Read more