Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Trial of award-winning newspaper editor will be a test for Georgia’s embattled government

TBILISI, DFWatch–Batumi City Court will Monday hear the case of Mzia Amaglobeli, an award-winning newspaper editor charged with insulting a police officer. Amaglobeli is the founder of Batumelebi, recipient of the 2009 Free Media Award. She faces both criminal and administrative proceedings, for slapping a police chief during a protest in January. Her detention triggered … Read more

Georgian Dream moves to crack down on ‘foreign-funded hate speech’

TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party announced that it will take legal steps against what it claims is a coordinated campaign of “foreign-funded hate speech” against officials. The party has formally asked the Ministry of Internal Affairs to investigate cases of hate speech, arguing that it is externally financed, and claiming that slander of … Read more

Georgian Dream moves to crack down on 'foreign-funded hate speech'

TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party announced that it will take legal steps against what it claims is a coordinated campaign of “foreign-funded hate speech” against officials. The party has formally asked the Ministry of Internal Affairs to investigate cases of hate speech, arguing that it is externally financed, and claiming that slander of … Read more

Georgia’s parliament speaker blasts Western diplomats, accusing them of interference

TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili in an open letter accused Western diplomats of overstepping their authority, interfering in Georgia’s domestic affairs and promoting polarization. The letter, published June 7, represents the latest round of Georgian Dream (GD) using open letters to air grievances with Western countries and Tbilisi’s diplomatic corps. Papuashvili argued that the … Read more

Russian intel claims UK stepping up efforts to unseat Georgia’s ruling party

TBILISI, DFWatch–Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has accused the United Kingdom of intensifying efforts to remove Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream (GD), from power by funding opposition-aligned NGOs and training youth movements for “subversive” activities. In a June 5 statement reported by state agency TASS, and later circulated by many English language outlets also in … Read more

Russian intel claims UK stepping up efforts to unseat Georgia's ruling party

TBILISI, DFWatch–Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has accused the United Kingdom of intensifying efforts to remove Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream (GD), from power by funding opposition-aligned NGOs and training youth movements for “subversive” activities. In a June 5 statement reported by state agency TASS, and later circulated by many English language outlets also in … Read more

Fragmentation among Georgia’s opposition reflects how hastily blocs were formed

TBILISI, DFWatch–One of Georgia’s four opposition blocs appears to be unraveling, exposing the improvisational nature of alliances formed ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections. As analysts note, most of these blocs were built less on ideological coherence than on tactical hopes of unseating the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party. The latest crack comes from the … Read more

Fragmentation among Georgia's opposition reflects how hastily blocs were formed

TBILISI, DFWatch–One of Georgia’s four opposition blocs appears to be unraveling, exposing the improvisational nature of alliances formed ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections. As analysts note, most of these blocs were built less on ideological coherence than on tactical hopes of unseating the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party. The latest crack comes from the … Read more

U.S. ambassador to Georgia announces retirement, sparking speculation

TBILISI, DFWatch–The unexpected announcement on June 5 that U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan will retire next month has prompted speculation among Georgia’s political camps. Dunnigan emphasized that it was her personal decision to retire and had not been requested by Washington, but members of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party suggested there was a political reason. … Read more

Georgian PM congratulates Poland’s president-elect Karol Nawrocki

TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has congratulated Karol Nawrocki on his victory in Poland’s presidential election. In a message posted on X, Kobakhidze extended his “heartfelt congratulations” and wished Nawrocki success in advancing Poland’s development and prosperity. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to bilateral ties, stating the country stands ready to deepen cooperation … Read more