Polad Aslanov's wife complained about the restriction of his rights. The wife of convicted journalist Polad Aslanov in Azerbaijan was denied access to him and was only allowed to speak on the phone for a few minutes. She filed a complaint with the human rights ombudsman.

Polad Aslanov's wife complained about the restriction of his rights. #cknot #Azerbaijan

Sokhumi ‘Shares’ Moscow’s Statement on ‘Consequences’ of Georgia’s EU Membership The de facto foreign ministry of occupied Abkhazia said in an April 20 statement that Sokhumi “has taken note” of recent remarks by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova and “shares Russia’s position on the consequences of Georgia’s accession to the EU.” During an April 16 press briefing, Zakharova said that if Georgia were to join the European Union, Russia “would have” to add Georgia to its list of states with “unfriendly regimes” and extend “retaliatory economic measures” against it. The de facto ministry said it is “closely monitoring” developments in Georgia’s foreign policy and that Tbilisi’s course “does not contribute to strengthening trust in the region,” citing what it called “periodic statements by the Georgian side, military cooperation with NATO, refusal to sign with the Republic of Abkhazia a legally binding agreement on the non-use of force, and Georgia’s policy aimed at the international isolation of the Republic of Abkhazia.” The de facto authorities further claimed that Georgia’s military cooperation with NATO, including joint exercises held on Georgian territory, is “a cause for serious concern,” adding that “such actions cannot but be viewed as a factor negatively affecting regional stability and increasing tensions.” The statement also described as “another serious destabilizing factor” what it called Georgia’s refusal to sign “a legally binding agreement on the non-use of force with Abkhazia,” which it said is “the main objective” of the Geneva International Discussions. It added that Sokhumi raises the issue during every round of the talks and stresses “the importance of intensifying efforts to conclude this legally binding agreement.” Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, and Moscow have been demanding that Tbilisi sign a “legally binding” agreement on the non-use of force with the de facto authorities of the two occupied regions since the 2008 Russo-Georgian war and Russia’s subsequent recognition of them as independent states. While Tbilisi made a unilateral pledge in 2010 to “never use force to roll back the Russian occupation and to restore its control over the occupied areas,” successive Georgian governments refused to sign such agreements directly with Sokhumi and Tskhinvali, fearing that it would amount to de facto recognition of their independence. The de facto ministry further alleged that Tbilisi is “hindering the establishment of a stable security architecture in the region,” while claiming that the Abkhaz side “consistently prioritizes the safeguarding of our own security, sovereignty, and sustainable development.” “Any integration processes involving Georgia must not pose a threat to the existing realities,” the statement concluded. Also Read: * 17/04/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – April 10-16, 2026 * 26/03/2026 – Zakharova: Georgia’s Prosperity Lies ‘Not in Confrontation, But in Cooperation With Russia’ * 23/01/2026 – Zakharova Praises Georgia for Maintaining Ties with Russia Despite ‘Western Pressure’

Sokhumi ‘Shares’ Moscow’s Statement on ‘Consequences’ of Georgia’s EU Membership #Civil #Georgia

Eight organizations ask the Council of Europe Secretary General to look into the deportation of a journalistv #IRFS #Azerbaijan

Georgia in Freedom House Report Among Six New Countries Using ‘Tactics of Transnational Repression’ Georgia has been identified by Freedom House among six new countries using tactics of “transnational repression,” alongside Afghanistan, Benin, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, in a recent report on incidents in 2025 in which states silenced dissidents beyond their borders, including through assassination, assault, kidnapping, threats, and harassment. According to the organization, “at least 54 governments, or over a quarter of all countries in the world, have tried to silence dissidents abroad.” “More and more governments are attempting to silence critics who have fled their home countries to seek freedom. This disturbing trend should be a wake-up call for policymakers around the world,” said Jamie Fly, CEO of Freedom House, as quoted in the organization’s press release. He added, “Our research shows that authoritarians are increasingly working together to target individuals abroad, and their tactics are growing more sophisticated. Democracies must do more to combat this authoritarian abuse of their sovereignty and their freedoms.” While not citing any specific cases or figures related to Georgia, the new report identifying the country among those involved in “transnational repression” follows several high-profile, controversial cases. In May 2025, Giorgi Bachiashvili, a former aide of Bidzina Ivanishvili, was arrested following what he described as his abduction from abroad involving then State Security Service Chief Anri Okhanashvili. Bachiashvili, who had been found guilty in several high-profile cases and sentenced to multiple years in prison, was released in February this year after reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors. On April 5, 2026, Georgia deported journalist Afgan Sadygov to Azerbaijan after arresting him and finding him guilty of “insulting” a police officer on social media. Officials argued that Azerbaijan’s earlier decision to drop the criminal case against Sadigov made a prior interim measure by the European Court of Human Rights – which had barred Tbilisi from extraditing him – no longer relevant. Sadigov’s lawyers, however, disputed the legality of the deportation, warning that he could face serious risks in Azerbaijan. Sadigov was briefly detained in Baku. Freedom House also recently downgraded Georgia’s democracy score by four points to 51 out of 100, marking the “largest” decline in the Eurasia region and maintaining the country’s status as “partly free.” Also Read: * 17/03/2026 – V-Dem Institute Report Again Classifies Georgia as ‘Electoral Autocracy’ * 23/05/2024 – McCain Institute, George W. Bush Institute, and Freedom House Call on US, Europe to Sanction GD Officials, Families * 12/04/2024 – Freedom House: Georgia on its Way to Becoming Semi-Consolidated Authoritarian Regime

Georgia in Freedom House Report Among Six New Countries Using ‘Tactics of Transnational Repression’ #Civil #Georgia

SSSG Arrests Two on Terrorism Charges Linked to Islamic State The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) announced the arrest of two individuals – one Georgian citizen and one foreign national – in the coastal city of Batumi on terrorism-related charges linked to the Islamic State group. Speaking at an April 20 briefing, Lasha Maghradze, first deputy head of the agency, said the investigation was launched under Article 328 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which covers joining a foreign terrorist organization and supporting its terrorist activities, punishable by ten to 17 years in prison. According to Maghradze, the arrests followed a “joint special operation” carried out by the agency’s counter-terrorism center and special operations department in the Gardabani municipality, Kvemo Kartli region in eastern Georgia, and the western Adjara region. He noted that the counter-terrorism center had prior intelligence on the suspects, including regarding their entry into Georgia and “the purpose of their arrival.” “The two individuals entered Georgia separately and were accommodated in a rented apartment,” Maghradze said, adding that “from the day of their arrival, both individuals were under the operational control of the counter-terrorism center, which was carried out based on the judge’s orders.” “These individuals joined the Islamic State terrorist organization, swore an oath of allegiance (so-called bay’ah), which they recorded in a video and sent to the group’s leaders, thereby declaring unconditional obedience to them,” Maghradze said, adding, “They were prepared to carry out any type of order issued by Islamic State leaders.” He also said the detainees planned to “leave Georgia for another country, where they were to join Islamic State fighters.” Authorities seized “electronic data storage devices, unregistered SIM cards, mobile phones, items bearing the symbols of the Islamic State terrorist organization, masks, personal documents, and other evidence relevant to the case,” Maghradze said. Maghradze added that the SSSG remains “a reliable partner” for combating terrorism, and continues “to carry out preventive measures related to international terrorism.” Also Read: * 19/02/2026 – Georgia Arrests Two Foreigners Over Attempt to Buy Nuclear, Radioactive Materials * 25/10/2025 – Georgia Arrests Three Chinese Nationals Over Attempt to Buy Uranium Illegally * 13/10/2025 – SSSG Arrests Three Georgians on Terrorism Charges Linked to Islamic State * 02/05/2025 – SSSG Arrests Foreign National Affiliated with Islamic State

SSSG Arrests Two on Terrorism Charges Linked to Islamic State #Civil #Georgia

Fringe Religious Leader, Hailed as ‘King’ by Followers, Found Dead in Tbilisi Nikoloz (Nariman) Makarashvili, a controversial religious leader and suspended Orthodox cleric with a fringe but devoted following who hailed him as “King,” “God,” and “saint,” was found dead on April 19 in his apartment in Tbilisi’s Ponichala district. Police have opened an investigation into incitement to suicide, a standard procedure in such cases, while followers traded accusations as the reports suggested that a group of them, due to religious beliefs, did not allow a doctor to enter the apartment to examine the monk, who was reportedly in poor health. Makarashvili, who was said to have last been seen on April 9, lived alone in Tbilisi, where his followers regularly gathered outside his apartment and prayed, believing he performed miracles, including healing illnesses. He reportedly lived in near total silence for years and practiced prolonged fasting. Tensions flared outside his apartment on Sunday, both before police forced open his door, when he was found dead, and in the aftermath, when followers demanded entry. ‘Monk Nikoloz’ Nikoloz Makarashvili was reportedly ordained as a monk in the 1990s and spent several years under the guidance of Monk Gabriel (Urgebadze), a Georgian cleric who has been canonized as a saint after his death. In 2016, the Georgian Orthodox Church distanced itself from Makarashvili, stating that “for nearly 20 years his priestly service had been suspended due to certain health-related reasons.” Makarashvili reportedly had a disputed relationship with the Church, including with the late Patriarch Ilia II. However, he continued to attract followers. He had to change apartments in Tbilisi several times as his followers, who gathered in building entrances to pray and sing, often had disagreements, including occasional violent clashes, with other residents in the buildings, who complained about followers’ conduct. His presence became a recurring topic on Georgian social media, where his followers were often referred to as a “sect.” Also Read: * 16/12/2025 – Outspoken Georgian Orthodox Cleric Suspended From Performing Priestly Duties

Fringe Religious Leader, Hailed as ‘King’ by Followers, Found Dead in Tbilisi #Civil #Georgia

Georgia’s Foreign Trade Up 0.2% to USD 5.867 Billion in January–March 2026 Georgia’s external merchandise trade, excluding non-declared trade, totaled USD 5.867 billion in January-March 2026, marking a 0.2% year-on-year increase, according to preliminary data released by the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat) on April 20. China retained its position as Georgia’s largest export market, while Turkey remained the leading import partner, with motor cars continuing to dominate trade on both sides. Exports increased by 23.4% to USD 1.723 billion, while imports declined by 7.1% to USD 4.143 billion. The trade deficit stood at USD 2.419 billion, accounting for 41.2% of total external trade turnover. China led export destinations with USD 203.2 million, followed by Kyrgyzstan (USD 190.9 million) and Russia (USD 145.5 million). The top ten export partners accounted for 71.6% of Georgia’s total exports. Motor cars remained the leading export commodity at USD 364.5 million (21.1%), followed by petroleum and petroleum oils at USD 208.1 million (12.1%) and precious metal ores and concentrates at USD 169.9 million (9.9%). On the import side, Turkey led with USD 657.3 million, followed by Russia (USD 592.5 million) and China (USD 487.6 million). The top ten import partners accounted for 70.2% of total imports. Motor cars also topped the list of imported commodities, generating USD 632.2 million (15.3%). Petroleum and petroleum oils followed at USD 338.6 million (8.2%), while petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons ranked third at USD 204.1 million, 4.9% of total imports. Also Read: * 16/04/2026 – Money Transfers to Georgia Up 9.8% in March, EU and US Lead * 07/04/2026 – IMF Lauds Georgia’s ‘Robust’ Performance, Points to Uncertainty Amid War in Middle East * 19/03/2026 – Georgia’s Foreign Trade Falls 6.9% in January-February 2026

Georgia’s Foreign Trade Up 0.2% to USD 5.867 Billion in January–March 2026 #Civil #Georgia

GD to Refile Constitutional Court Appeal to Add Federalists to Opposition Parties It Seeks to Ban The ruling Georgian Dream party plans to withdraw its appeal from the Constitutional Court and submit a “corrected” version that adds the Federalists party to the list of the three opposition forces it already sought to ban in the original appeal, citing the formation of the Opposition Alliance. Georgian Dream had appealed to the Constitutional Court in November 2025 to ban three major opposition forces – the United National Movement (UNM), Ahali/Coalition for Change, and Lelo/Strong Georgia – while warning that other smaller groups “closely related” to them could also be targeted. The Constitutional Court, widely seen as loyal to Georgian Dream, has had nine months to review the appeal. Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze had earlier signaled that the appeal could be revised following the creation of the Opposition Alliance, claiming that all parties involved “have practically emerged from the ranks of the United National Movement,” which is already named in the case. Announcing the ruling party’s decision at an April 20 press briefing in parliament, Papuashvili said the move follows the unification of what he described as “radical opposition parties” on March 2, referring to the Opposition Alliance of nine parties, including the Federalists, which signed a coordination document to work together against Georgian Dream, which remains in power amid a prolonged political crisis marked by its crackdown on dissent and anti-government protests. Papuashvili claimed the goals of the parties in the Alliance are “to not recognize the Constitution, to not recognize the constitutional institutions, to undermine elections, and in general to not recognize democratic processes and democracy.” “We said that this would be grounds for us to revise our constitutional appeal, given that we now have a unified grouping under this declaration that shares the same goals that formed the basis of the constitutional appeal.” While the Alliance also includes smaller parties similar to the Federalists, such as Freedom Square, which is not being added to the appeal, Papuashvili said the ruling party weighs both “the extent to which a party’s goals are unconstitutional” and “how substantial their influence is on politics.” “Today the leaders of this alliance are Mikheil Saakashvili, Giga Bokeria and Nika Gvaramia,” Papuashvili claimed, referring respectively to the jailed former president and UNM leader, one of the leaders of the Federalists, and the chair of the Ahali party. “These are three senior officials of the criminal regime of the United National Movement, who today, once again in the form of a united UNM alliance, are trying to turn the country into a puppet state,” Papuashvili added. Reacting to the decision, Tamar Chergoleishvili, one of the leaders of the Federalists party, said it “does not change anything” for the party, adding that “as long as one party is being banned, regardless of our attitude toward that party, we believe the political process is dying and we will not take part in any formal political processes and will not become part of regime decoration.” Chergoleishvili argued that Georgian Dream “needed” to take this step “because the nine-month deadline expires,” during which the Constitutional Court may review the appeal. “They do not have the capacity to ban those three parties, so they need a new timeframe. That is why they withdrew the nine-month one and submitted a new one so that a new deadline can start running,” she said, calling the move “a demonstration of the regime’s weakness.” The Federalists party was launched ahead of the October 2024 parliamentary elections after splitting from European Georgia due to internal conflict linked to party primaries. It did not take part in the elections as a result. The party is led by Tamar Chergoleishvili and her husband, Giga Bokeria, a former senior official in the UNM government. It was officially registered in March 2025 after an earlier rejection by the public registry, following a move in which the party deliberately submitted the same statute as Georgian Dream to complete the registration process. Also Read: * 31/03/2026 – Opposition Alliance Announces ‘National Mobilization Campaign,’ Plans Independence Day Rally

GD to Refile Constitutional Court Appeal to Add Federalists to Opposition Parties It Seeks to Ban #Civil #Georgia

US Lawmakers Move To Target Chinese, Russian Influence In Georgia US Congressman Joe Wilson says Georgia has become a front line in the global struggle between democracy and authoritarianism, jointly introducing new legislation to assess Russian and Chinese influence while pressing Tbilisi for free and fair elections.

US Lawmakers Move To Target Chinese, Russian Influence In Georgia #RFE #Georgia

Thomas De Waal: Iran War Could Complicate Trump's Caucasus Corridor Plan Armenia says a flagship US-backed transport project is moving from concept to reality. But as TRIPP enters its implementation phase, escalating tensions with Iran could quickly slow progress -- raising security risks and deterring investors, senior Caucasus analyst Thomas de Waal told RFE/RL.

Thomas De Waal: Iran War Could Complicate Trump's Caucasus Corridor Plan #RFE #Armenia

Thomas De Waal: Iran War Could Complicate Trump's Caucasus Corridor Plan Armenia says a flagship US-backed transport project is moving from concept to reality. But as TRIPP enters its implementation phase, escalating tensions with Iran could quickly slow progress -- raising security risks and deterring investors, senior Caucasus analyst Thomas de Waal told RFE/RL.

Thomas De Waal: Iran War Could Complicate Trump's Caucasus Corridor Plan #RFE #Azebaijan

A scientist spoke about his research into a Jewish cemetery in Azerbaijan. The Gorsko-Jewish cemetery in the village of Krasnaya Sloboda was examined by Russian scientists; the earliest tombstone there dates back to the early 19th century. Residents of the village spoke about the difficulties they face, particularly financial and utility problems.

A scientist spoke about his research into a Jewish cemetery in Azerbaijan. #cknot #Azerbaijan

Trump Tower to Be Built in Tbilisi Trump Organization, a real-estate conglomerate founded by U.S. President Donald Trump and managed by his family, plans to build Trump Tower in Tbilisi – “the first Trump branded project in the region” – with local partners, the group announced in its press release. The news comes as the Georgian Dream government continues efforts to reset relations with Washington amid persistent uncertainty surrounding the bilateral ties. The United States, under the Joe Biden administration, suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia, a traditional ally, in November 2024 during the Tbilisi protests and later in the same year imposed sanctions on the ruling party’s billionaire founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili. The Donald Trump administration has yet to reverse those decisions. The plans mark “the first Trump branded project in the region,” Trump Organization said in its press release dated April 17, noting that Tbilisi tower “signals the city’s emergence as a key business hub and gateway to international business in Eastern Europe and Asia, as well as its growing profile among global buyers of luxury properties.” The project, an approximately 70-storey skyscraper, is set to become Georgia’s tallest building, overlooking Tbilisi’s Central Park, which is currently under construction, and bring together “luxury residences, high-end retail, world-class dining, and thoughtfully curated lifestyle amenities.” The project is designed by California-based Gensler, with local partners including Biograpi Living, Archi Group, Finvest Georgia, and Blox Group. Another partner is the New York–based Sapir Organization, whose CEO, Alex Sapir, noted in a press release that his parents were born and raised in Georgia, and that the project would mark his first return to the country since the age of five. Archi Group, one of Georgia’s largest real estate companies, was co-founded by businessman Ilia Tsulaia, who is considered close to the ruling Georgian Dream and served as its MP from 2016 to 2020. Prominent NBA player Zaza Pachulia became a co-owner of the company in 2019. Biograpi Living was co-founded by businessman Soso Pkhakadze, founder of Invia, a multi-industry investment holding previously known as Wissol Group. Pkhakadze, too, has repeatedly drawn scrutiny over his support for Georgian Dream policies. “The Trump name is synonymous with some of the most luxurious real estate developments in the world, and Trump Tower Tbilisi stands as a continuation of that legacy,” Eric Trump, President Donald Trump’s son and Trump Organization’s Executive Vice President, is quoted in the press release. “We are proud to bring this globally recognized standard of excellence to Georgia and are especially pleased to collaborate with such respected and professional developers on this project.” The statement says that additional details will be announced in the coming months. According to the Wall Street Journal, which published an exclusive report on April 18, similar overseas ventures by the Trump firm have drawn criticism over “potential conflict of interest,” with Eric Trump earlier disputing the claims, saying the organization’s business dealings “are kept separate from administration policy.” * 30/09/2025 – No Benefit, No Spotlight: Trump Administration’s Georgia Policy The announcement comes years after earlier, later cancelled plans to build a 47-storey Trump Tower in Georgia’s seaside city of Batumi. In 2012, then-President Mikheil Saakashvili unveiled the project in Batumi alongside Donald Trump. In 2017, however, the Trump Organization and its Georgian partner, Silk Road Group, announced the project’s official termination. WSJ said in its April 18 report that at the time, Trump’s company “stepped back from that project along with numerous other foreign deals because Donald Trump said he wanted to avoid the appearance of potential conflicts of interests.” The news also comes as political actors in Georgia, both from the ruling Georgian Dream and the opposition, seek to establish contacts with the Trump administration, amid its interest in South Caucasus transit and infrastructure projects and parallel uncertainty over Washington’s approach to Tbilisi. On March 30, the U.S. State Department reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze spoke on the phone, the first such contact since the suspension of strategic partnership in 2024, to discuss “areas of mutual interest,” including “security in the Caucasus and Black Sea region.” On April 7, the opposition Lelo/Strong Georgia party proposed naming the controversial Anaklia deep-sea port project after Trump, to make it a “gateway of the Trump Route for the Western world,” amid concerns that a planned transit link between Armenia and Azerbaijan (Trump Route) could bypass Georgia. Also Read: * 07/04/2026 – Georgian Dream Expects ‘Delegation from U.S.’ in April Amid Ruling Party’s Hope for ‘Reset’ * 09/02/2026 – Kavelashvili Recounts Exchanges with JD Vance, Rubio * 18/11/2025 – State Department Representative Visits Georgia to Discuss ‘Trump Route’

Trump Tower to Be Built in Tbilisi #Civil #Georgia

The wife of an Azerbaijani government critic faces libel charges. The wife of Azer Gasimli, a political scientist convicted in Azerbaijan, has been charged with defamation. The woman's criminal prosecution was initiated following a complaint filed by someone recognized as a victim in her husband's case.

The wife of an Azerbaijani government critic faces libel charges. #cknot #Azerbaijan

Ivanishvili’s Son Laments ‘Violence’, ‘Polarization’, Calls for ‘Discussion, Debate’ Responding to a question during the ruling party’s youth event about abuses against protesters and a “sense of impunity,” Tsotne Ivanishvili, the youngest son of Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, lamented “violence” and “polarization” and called to engage instead in “conversation, discussion, debate.” Ivanishvili, 20, made the remarks at the April 18 event held by Georgian Dream’s youth organization at the Paragraph hotel in Guria, western Georgia. According to the organization, the event included a meeting with local youth and students. A four-minute video shared by the organization on Facebook shows a meeting participant, a young woman, asking the GD founder’s son about the “high level of polarization” in Georgia that, she said, particularly affects the youth. The woman then refers to “a very large number of young people beaten and harmed at a rally,” adding that “against this backdrop, we cannot see a single perpetrator from the security system being punished.” She asks whether there is a “way out of this sense of impunity” and whether he finds the situation “normal and acceptable.” Ivanishvili responded by condemning the “violence.” “Let me start by speaking about violence — in my view, this is an issue that pains all of us. Personally, I am deeply troubled by these facts,” Ivanishvili responded, without specifying the incidents. “Of course, I condemn violence, and in my opinion, all this should not have happened the way it did.” He then went on to speak about the polarization, arguing that “discussion, debate” have no alternative. “I believe that the best solution to polarization, and the one without alternative, is discussion, debate, and listening to each other’s differing opinions,” he said. “But it is very important for us and the person we are speaking to on the other side, so to speak, share one common postulate, one shared value, which in my view is called a real love for the homeland.” Tsotne Ivanishvili then elaborated that “if two people truly care about their homeland, then no matter how different their views are, in my opinion, conversation, discussion, debate can already bring a great deal of good.” On the other hand, he argued, “When bad things that happen in the country please a person and the country’s good makes them unhappy, I believe that speaking with such a person is pointless, unfortunately.” The ruling party founder’s son said he finds it “very unfortunate” for a “discussion, debate, which may not have yet started, to end with people calling each other, for example, ‘Kotsi,’ ‘Russian,’ ‘Akatsuki,’ or ‘Natsi,’ instead of listening to one another’s arguments and forming a logical chain of reasoning.” He was referring to Georgian derogatory terms opponents use to refer to ruling party supporters (“Kotsi”), opposition/United National Movement supporters (“Natsi”), and protesters (“Akatsuki”, a term inspired by Japanese anime and often used by Georgian Dream officials). Tsotne Ivanishvili called it “wrong” to judge a person “based on their thesis instead of their argument,” comparing it to “judging a book one has not read.” He, however, said he views the issue “quite optimistically,” expressing conviction that “many are united in their love for the homeland” in Georgia, and it will be possible “to implement more conversation” and to replace “artificially created” polarization with a debate. Tsotne, the youngest of Bidzina Ivanishvili’s four children, has come into the public eye in recent years, including occasionally appearing alongside Georgian Dream youth at major events and gatherings. In the early years of Georgian Dream’s rule, it was Bera (31), the second-eldest son and a rapper, who enjoyed the spotlight, while the other two siblings, Uta (33) and Gvantsa (28), have largely stayed out of public view. Both Tsotne and Bera maintain active social media presences. The remarks of Ivanishvili’s youngest son come as Georgia finds itself in a prolonged political crisis, with more than a hundred people remaining in jail, either on trial or convicted on charges related to protests and opposition activities. Authorities responded to the initial weeks of pro-EU, anti-government demonstrations that erupted in November 2024 with police force and violence, yet no police officer has been held accountable despite numerous documented abuses. Also Read: * 09/06/2025 – UNM Leader Says Her Husband Abducted, Forced to Apologize to Ivanishvili’s Son * 10/03/2021 – Bera Ivanishvili Unrepentant about Threatening his Offenders

Ivanishvili’s Son Laments ‘Violence’, ‘Polarization’, Calls for ‘Discussion, Debate’ #Civil #Georgia

Protesters, Journalists Report Frozen Accounts Over Unnotified ‘Road Blockage’ Fines A number of demonstrators and several journalists, including Civil.ge’s chief editor, have reported having their bank accounts frozen in the past months over unnotified police fines related to alleged “road blockages” during Tbilisi rallies last year. Reports first surfaced during the winter months, when individuals said they discovered the existence of fines only after receiving bank alerts notifying them that Georgia’s Enforcement Bureau had blocked access to their accounts. Among those affected was Civil.ge’s chief editor, Nini Gabritchidze, who was notified on February 20 that her account had been seized over what later turned out to be a 5,000 GEL (about USD 1800) fine. The fine was linked to the July 17, 2025, rally on Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue, which she was covering as a journalist. Authorities accused her of “blocking” the road. A renewed wave of account freezes followed in early April, just ahead of the Orthodox Easter period, which Georgia marked during a long weekend of April 10-13. Protesters and several journalists again reported receiving bank notifications indicating that their accounts had been blocked, without prior warning. On April 6, Gota Chanturia, a prominent activist, said that many participants of the so-called “Public Broadcaster March,” a group of protesters that had for months organized daily loud marches from Georgia’s Public Broadcaster office to parliament, had their accounts frozen simultaneously. “The ‘Public Broadcaster March’ is frozen,” Chanturia wrote on Facebook. “Not the march itself, since it is not a legal entity, but many of its active members received this ‘good news’ at the same time.” Just a day later, on April 7, Liza Tsitsishvili, a journalist at government-critical Formula TV channel, reported that her bank account had also been frozen over a 5,000 GEL fine. “What was I even doing wrong?” she wrote on Facebook. “I was probably just working as usual, performing my professional duties on September 10 of last year. Until now, I obviously knew nothing about it. […] Everything is unexpected, and at the same time, nothing is unexpected.” Journalist Maka Chikhladze from TV Pirveli, another opposition-leaning channel, also reported a similar case. “The fine was neither delivered to her nor communicated, and her accounts have now been frozen,” her colleague, Nodar Meladze, wrote on Facebook on April 15, noting that the fine stems from October “when she was interviewing protest participants on Rustaveli Avenue” as part of a journalistic investigation into a controversial “fence” episode from October 4 election-day unrest. Meladze described the case as “retaliation by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia” against the journalist. Cases have also extended to family members of those jailed in protest-related trials. Elene Akhobadze, the mother of detained activist Saba Skhvitaridze, said her bank account was frozen on April 7, just as families were preparing to send food parcels to prisoners for Easter. Her son, a member of the opposition Ahali party, is currently serving a two-year prison sentence after being convicted of inflicting “intentional bodily harm” during a pro-EU protest in what the defense has argued was a self-defense episode, citing footage from the incident. Akhobadze said the measure stemmed from a fine issued for October 2, and argued that in November, she even inquired about the existence of any fines, but was told there were none. “On November 22, I left the country and had to travel abroad,” she told TV Pirveli. “At the border, I asked the officer, just to double-check, whether I had any fines, and they told me I was completely clear and had none. So I’m wondering, if I had a fine on October 2, why did it not appear for a month and a half?” Legal Response and Remedies The notification of citizens regarding the seizure of their bank accounts appears to follow a consistent pattern. While fine records are published on the official website, they are not accessible without a fine ticket number, information protesters typically lack unless they have been formally notified. The number becomes available only after a citizen requests documentation at a Patrol Police Service Center, and even then, the information on the portal usually confirms that no text notification had been sent to the alleged offender. Nor are the fines published on other police platforms. Nika Simonishvili, lawyer and former head of Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, a prominent human rights group, said the recent wave of account freezes appeared to intensify ahead of Easter. “It appears that the authorities worked with particular intensity before the holiday,” Simonishvili wrote in an April 16 Facebook post, noting that the practice has “caused serious financial problems for many people.” The lawyer outlined the steps individuals can take to have seizures lifted. According to Simonishvili, citizens should first contact the Patrol Police hotline to confirm whether a fine exists. They should then obtain a copy of the fine report from a Patrol Police service center or the Service Agency, and appeal it in court. Once the complaint is registered, individuals should notify the Patrol Police or the Service Agency by presenting the court-issued registration document. According to Simonishvili, once an appeal is filed, authorities can verify it through the court system, and the seizure is typically lifted within a few days. While the fine still remains effective until the final court ruling, the lawyer says it will still win enough time since the court proceedings have “practically come to a halt” and “even several thousand complaints filed a year ago have yet to be examined.” Crackdown on Freedom of Assembly Following the eruption of non-stop pro-EU, anti-government protests in November 2024, the Georgian Dream government has increasingly used legislative mechanisms to crack down on the freedom of assembly. The ruling party first introduced heavy GEL 5,000 fines for protest-related offenses, including “blocking roads,” in late 2024. Another series of amendments followed in October 2025, making offenses such as “blocking roads” and “covering faces,” along with other protest-related administrative violations, punishable by immediate detention, while repeat offenses were reclassified as criminal violations, carrying potential sentences of up to one year in prison. In the initial weeks of enforcing the new laws since October, over a hundred people were arrested, many of whom were sent to administrative detention, while one was charged criminally for a “repeated act.” Protest regulations were further tightened in December, after police had effectively ended daily road blocking protests by physically pushing protesters onto the sidewalks. The December changes extended assembly restrictions to pedestrian zones and required organizers to submit advance notice of gatherings to the police in a strict procedure that observers saw as a de facto rally-sanctioning system. The Public Defender’s Office of Georgia said in its annual report that the amendments “cracking down on freedom of assembly have been actively used in practice” throughout 2025, citing 8,200 protest-related administrative offenses recorded in a single year. The Ombudsman has also challenged protest-related restrictions at the Constitutional Court, including “both mandatory detention and the amount of fines,” as well as criminal liability for repeat offenses. On April 11, Georgian demonstrators marked 500 days of non-stop protests. Author: Nino Baindurashvili Also Read * 14/11/2025 – OSCE/ODIHR Calls for Repeal of Georgia’s New Protest Laws * 14/10/2025 – CSOs: Georgian Dream Toughening Laws to ‘Ban Peaceful Protest’ * 17/03/2025 – Funds Supporting Protesters Frozen

Protesters, Journalists Report Frozen Accounts Over Unnotified ‘Road Blockage’ Fines #Civil #Georgia

Kobakhidze Attends Antalya Diplomacy Forum Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, together with GD Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili and Government Administration Head Levan Zhorzholiani, is participating in the 2026 Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey. Antalya Diplomacy Forum, hosted by Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the auspices of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is “a high-level gathering of professionals who deal with diplomacy, such as political leaders, diplomats, opinion makers or academics,” according to the Forum’s website. This year, the Forum takes place on April 17-19, with a theme of “Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties.” Kobakhidze’s participation in the forum, which he also attended last year, comes amid the Georgian Dream government’s wider isolation from the country’s traditional Western partners and its absence from some major international gatherings, including the World Economic Forum in Davos, where GD officials have not been invited for a second consecutive year in 2026. Panel Discussion On April 17, Irakli Kobakhidze participated in the panel discussion on “Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties,” speaking alongside the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and the President of North Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova. The panel was moderated by Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, member of the Turkish parliament. Kobakhidze began his address by saying that the “global landscape is shaped by geopolitical tensions” and that “conflicts are affecting everything,” including trade routes, energy, transport, and economic stability, adding that it is “essential” to find solutions. He then made several remarks on the EU, saying, “We are eager to become a fully-fledged member of the European Union…But we also see that the European Union is facing some very essential and fundamental challenges.” The GD prime minister then said the EU, for many years, had some “specific strength,” naming in particular “strong identity,” “strong level of prosperity,” and “strength of democracy and rule of law.” He added, however, that “if you look at the European Union at its current state, it is facing challenges in all those three directions.” “We are very much concerned about that and we are hopeful that the situation will change at the European Union in the future.” Kobakhidze then spoke about the South Caucasus, saying the region is affected by “uncertainties” and “global challenges” but is also “gaining some specific importance” in light of them, adding that Georgia, as a “reliable bridge” between Europe and Asia, tries to strengthen its “connectivity function” and that it “can offer some special services to our partners in different parts of the world” as trade routes face disrupted. “Our approach, which is pro-peace, pro-progress, and development, has proven successful,” he added, claiming the country has had the “highest” economic growth number in Europe in the past five years. “Our vision is to keep peace and stability in our country and to ensure economic progress and promote connectivity,” he said, adding, “We [will] not only keep peace in our country, but also promote peace in the [wider] South Caucasus region, and we are so much happy to be a very strong partner with Turkey in this respect.” Kobakhidze then spoke about the “lack of leadership” in the world, saying it is “one of the key problems” of the current global politics. “There is an impression that there is some [kind of] HR manager with wrong intention, who is recruiting the leadership in different nations, instead of a political system that should be responsible for recruiting the leaders for nations,” he said, without giving any names and adding, “Some informal influences should be behind these negative developments.” He also spoke about what he called “informal influences” in international organizations, claiming that Georgia’s case demonstrates such influences. “Multilateral institutions – the specific ones – instead of protecting the sovereignty of different nations, are themselves challenging the sovereignty of different nations. Georgia is one of the ‘good’ examples of this,” he said, without referring to any specific institution. He then asserted that the “rules-based international order” and “value-based international order” are “unfortunately non-existent anymore.” During the second part of the panel, Kobakhidze also spoke about the importance of diplomacy, saying, “Georgia is 23 centuries old, and diplomacy is part of our DNA.” He added that Georgia has had to exist in “a very complicated geopolitical environment and at the crossroads of empires,” but has survived with diplomacy as its “main tool.” “That is why we strongly believe in diplomacy,” Kobakhidze said, adding that since the restoration of its independence, Georgia “made many mistakes” and was “not diplomatic enough, not pragmatic enough,” but that it “learned a lot of lessons.” At #ADF2026 in 🇹🇷, I joined the panel discussion on Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties, highlighting the growing importance of the South Caucasus in today’s geopolitical environment and the value of strong, cooperative relations among neighboring countries. I reaffirmed… pic.twitter.com/hmVk6YRE6O— Irakli Kobakhidze (@PM_Kobakhidze) April 17, 2026 Meetings On April 17, Irakli Kobakhidze met with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu. The government administration reported that Kobakhidze reaffirmed the Georgian government’s “strong commitment to democratic principles, the protection of human rights, and the rule of law.” According to the press release, the discussions “also touched upon Georgia’s declared intention to assume the OSCE Chairmanship in 2027.” Maka Botchorishvili and Levan Zhorzholiani also attended the meeting. “We discussed Georgia’s commitment to democratic principles and human rights, as well as our engagement with the OSCE, emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation,” Kobakhidze wrote on X following the meeting. Within the framework of #ADF2026, met with H.E. Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. We discussed Georgia’s commitment to democratic principles and human rights, as well as our engagement with the OSCE, emphasizing… pic.twitter.com/c3p1AIysCm— Irakli Kobakhidze (@PM_Kobakhidze) April 17, 2026 Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili also held separate talks. Among others, she met with Ferit Hoxha, Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Ayaz Baetov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan. More to follow… Also Read: * 21/03/2026 – Kobakhidze Visits Hungary, Meets Orbán, Addresses CPAC

Kobakhidze Attends Antalya Diplomacy Forum #Civil #Georgia

State Security Service Says Its Chief Mdinaradze Visited Czech Republic on ‘Working Visit’ The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) said on April 17 that its chief, Mamuka Mdinaradze, along with two deputies and the head of the intelligence service, was on a “working visit” to the Czech Republic. “Meetings were held with the heads of the Czech Republic’s security services on security-related issues,” the agency said, without providing further details. The report on the visit comes a day after Georgia’s pro-government Imedi TV claimed that Igor Blaževič, a senior adviser at the Prague Civil Society Centre, is developing a “revolutionary scenario” for the Georgian opposition and conducted “more than 10 trainings” for them, where he also gave “specific instructions.” Imedi also said the SSSG was “already aware” of “planned unrest” that is “currently in development,” that the agency had received information on the alleged activities from “international colleagues,” and that it was initiating a “legal response.” Civil.ge has asked the SSSG whether the visit is related to Imedi TV’s reports on Igor Blaževič. The article may be updated.

State Security Service Says Its Chief Mdinaradze Visited Czech Republic on ‘Working Visit’ #Civil #Georgia

Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – April 10-16, 2026 Below is the weekly digest of key developments and discourses in and around the occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia, as well as those concerning Tbilisi–Moscow relations. --- Sokhumi * Committee Votes Against Lifting Immunity of MP Kan Kvarchia In the de facto parliament, the so-called Committee on State-Legal Policy voted against the Prosecutor General’s request to lift the immunity of MP Kan Kvarchia. Only one committee member, Alisa Gularia, supported the motion, while seven voted against and two abstained. The final decision will be taken by de facto MPs during a plenary session, with committee chair Daut Khutaba noting that parliament is required to consider the matter within one week. The case relates to an incident that occurred on November 5, 2025, at the office of Russian political consultants working in Sokhumi ahead of “local elections.” Kvarchia, deprived of Russian citizenship, is wanted in Russia and faces charges of armed robbery against three Russian nationals. The Abkhaz de facto authorities have stated that they will not extradite their “citizens” to Russia but have launched their own investigation into the case. Several opposition figures have already been placed under house arrest. * Sochi Residents Expelled from Abkhazia After Photo with Georgian Flag The de facto State Security Service of Abkhazia has reported the detention of Sochi residents Nina Bronik and her son, Timur Ugurov, followed by their expulsion from the territory. Bronik and Ugurov arrived in Sokhumi on April 10 in a private vehicle. At the city entrance, they took photographs with a Georgian flag. In video footage later released by the agency, Bronik states that she lived in Abkhazia until 1993 and was traveling to visit relatives. Her son described taking the photo as a “careless” act. Both apologized, stating that they “did not intend in any way to offend the Abkhaz people”, “hurt their national feelings,” or “call into question the sovereignty of the Republic of Abkhazia”. According to the de facto Security Service, the two left Abkhazia “after a preventive conversation.” This is not the first such incident. In 2025, a Russian citizen of Georgian ethnicity, Otar Kobakhidze, was expelled after visiting Sokhumi with his daughter and stating in a video that he had “returned to his homeland after 33 years”. In 2024, Russian businessman Erast Bukia visited Gantiadi, where he had lived before the 1990s armed hostilities. After stating that he would return once Georgia’s territorial integrity was restored, he was also expelled from Abkhazia. * De Facto Authorities Press Ahead with Railway Rehabilitation Rehabilitation works on the Sokhumi-Ochamchire railway section are nearing completion. The project is comprehensive and includes rail replacement, installation of reinforced concrete sleepers, switch installation, track alignment, and ballast laying. Repair works are also ongoing at railway stations. Notably, one of the roundtables at the so-called Economic Forum recently held in Sokhumi focused on the development of a transport corridor to Armenia via Abkhazia, including the restoration of the railway connection. * Abkhazia Introduces Ban on Foreign Taxi Drivers In Abkhazia, “foreign nationals” will be prohibited from working as taxi drivers following amendments to the relevant “legislation” adopted by the de facto parliament. Implementation of the new restrictions is now expected from the so-called Cabinet of Ministers, which had previously been unable to introduce such measures independently, as under existing legislation, this authority rests with the legislative body. According to unofficial reports, foreign nationals, primarily citizens of Central Asian countries, make up nearly half of drivers in some taxi services. The issue gained political attention in September 2025, when local taxi drivers staged a strike in Sokhumi, refusing to accept orders and demanding restrictions on migrant employment in the sector, arguing that foreign drivers were reducing their income. Following the adoption of the decision, concerns have been raised that the restrictions could lead to higher fares and a decline in service quality. It remains unclear whether the new regulations will affect Georgian residents of the Gali district who do not hold so-called Abkhaz passports. In the absence of a specific exemption, they are expected to fall under the general provisions. * New Armed Clash Between De Facto Officials Reported An incident involving representatives of the de facto authorities reportedly occurred during celebrations marking Tkvarcheli City Day. According to social media reports, a confrontation broke out between a member of the de facto parliament, Astamur Gerkhelia, and the so-called Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Beslan Chkadua, both being under the influence of alcohol. The altercation, according to the reports, initially involved a verbal exchange, during which Gerkhelia accused Chkadua’s father of desertion, and the situation further escalated when a handgun was fired. No injuries have been reported. As of now, de facto law enforcement agencies have not yet commented on the incident. Tskhinvali * Gagloev Awards Participants of Russia-Ukraine War Alan Gagloev, the leader of the occupied Tskhinvali region, held a meeting with participants in what they call “special military operation” [Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine] and presented them with “state awards,” local news agency RES reports. Gagloev praised the “courage and heroism” of the Ossetian fighters and thanked them for their loyalty and dedication to their military duty. He also acknowledged the losses among the region’s population and promised to remember the names of those who died. * ‘Demonstration’ Exercises Involving Russian Military Personnel Take Place in Tskhinvali Tskhinvali de facto leader Alan Gagloev attended “demonstration” comprehensive tactical and specialized exercises with live-fire drills held at the “Dzartsem” training ground, involving all units of the region’s de facto “Ministry of Defense,” local news agency RES reports. Crews of combat vehicles from the 4th Military Base of the Russian Ministry of Defense, stationed in the region, also participated in the exercises. The exercise scenario included reconnaissance, maneuverable ambushes, fire strikes, the transition from defense to counterattack, and the use of unmanned systems and new types of weaponry. Gagloev noted the “high level of training” of the military personnel and the effectiveness of inter-unit coordination, specifically highlighting the use of UAVs. He expressed gratitude to Russia as a “strategic partner” for its significant support of the “South Ossetian army” and announced plans to resolve the issue of salaries for defense ministry employees. * Gagloev Expresses Readiness to Expand Cooperation with Syria Tskhinvali de facto leader Alan Gagloev sent a congratulatory telegram to the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ahmed al-Sharaa, on the occasion of the country’s Independence Day, expressing readiness to expand bilateral cooperation, local news agency RES reports. Gagloev noted that “South Ossetia highly values Syria’s principled stance as a sovereign state that respects the right of peoples to self-determination.” He highlighted the efforts of Syria’s new leadership to restore peace, territorial integrity, and the economy following the conflict. “We are open to expanding bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest,” Gagloev stated. Syria recognized Georgia’s occupied territories as independent states in 2018, and has yet to withdraw recognition despite regime change and appeals from Tbilisi. * Gagloev Affirms Tskhinvali’s Commitment to Partnership with Tiraspol Gagloev also stated in a congratulatory message addressed to Vadim Krasnoselsky, the leader of the self-proclaimed “Transnistrian Moldovan Republic,” that the latter “demonstrates unwavering commitment to defending the republic’s sovereignty, strengthening its economic potential, and improving the well-being of the people,” local news agency RES reports. Gagloev appreciated his contribution to the development of fraternal relations between Tskhinvali and Tiraspol. In his congratulatory message, Gagloev reaffirmed the importance of the “strategic partnership” and expressed confidence in the further development of cooperation. Moscow-Tbilisi * Zakharova: EU Membership Would Add Georgia to Russia’s List of ‘Unfriendly’ Countries Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that if Georgia were to join the European Union, Russia “would have” to include it on the list of countries with “unfriendly regimes” and extend to it “retaliatory economic measures.” She made the comment during an April 16 press conference in response to a question about how EU membership would affect Russia-Georgia relations. “I am not saying that we want to do this, but given the new EU requirements, Russia would have to include Georgia in the list of countries with unfriendly regimes and extend to it our retaliatory economic measures, with all the ensuing consequences for Georgian producers of wine, mineral water, fruits – everything that is supplied to our country,” she said. More here. * Tsargrad Links Incident Involving Georgian Nationals to Impunity An article by the Russian propaganda outlet Tsargrad cited an incident that occurred in St. Petersburg in December 2023, when two Georgian nationals beat up Vitaly Pavlovsky, a veteran of the so-called “special military operation” [Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine], after he reprimanded them for parking incorrectly. Despite public outcry, the investigation has been ongoing for over a year, and the attackers remain at large. The authors view this as an attempt to “drag the case out.” Against this backdrop, Pavlovsky’s story is portrayed as a struggle against not only bureaucracy but also the impunity surrounding the assault case. * Lenta.ru: Dmitry Nagiyev Plans Paid Travel Camp in Georgia Costing about $20,000 In a report by Lenta.ru, the topic of Georgia appears in the context of a commercial project by Russian actor and TV personality Dmitry Nagiyev. As noted in the article, according to the Telegram channel Mash, Nagiyev plans to hold a paid travel camp in Georgia costing about 2 million rubles (about $20,000–$22,000) per participant. The program involves gathering participants in Tbilisi and traveling to a mountain hotel, where recreational and educational activities are planned, including a cultural program featuring a Georgian choir. Nagiyev himself, however, will participate remotely, connecting via video link only occasionally. The camp is scheduled for the summer, with Georgia serving as the key location for the event. In recent years, Nagiyev has settled in Dubai, where he leads a more private and quieter lifestyle. In 2026, it was reported that he had purchased a luxury apartment there on Palm Jumeirah. He also works there periodically (master classes, projects), while retaining real estate in Russia – an apartment in Moscow and a house in the Moscow region. * Georgia Among Top Destinations for Russian Families During May Holidays According to RIA Novosti, Georgia has entered the top ten most popular international destinations for Russian families with children during the May holidays of 2026. As noted by the online booking service Ostrovok, demand for trips abroad accounts for about 20% of all family bookings, with the greatest interest focused on CIS countries and neighboring nations. Georgia is mentioned alongside Belarus, Uzbekistan, Armenia, and “Abkhazia.” Experts attribute the destination’s popularity to its visa-free regime, transport accessibility, and focus on sightseeing and family vacations. The average cost of a night abroad for families is estimated at 13,600 rubles (about $131–$150). Also Read: * 10/04/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – April 3-9, 2026 * 03/04/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – March 27-April 2, 2026 * 27/03/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – March 20-26, 2026 * 20/03/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – March 14-19, 2026

Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – April 10-16, 2026 #Civil #Georgia

Weimar Triangle Delegation Visits Tbilisi A delegation from the ministries of foreign affairs of the Weimar Triangle countries – France, Germany, and Poland – visited Tbilisi on April 16 and met with the ruling Georgian Dream party officials, as well as with opposition politicians and civil society representatives. The delegation included Brice Roquefeuil, Director for Continental Europe at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France; Niklas Wagner, Director for Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany; and Michał Giergoń, Deputy Director of the Department for Eastern Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland. Their respective ambassadors to Georgia were also seen attending the meetings. The visit came amid deteriorating relations between Tbilisi and Brussels, as well as between Tbilisi and Berlin, Paris, and Warsaw, marked by Georgian Dream’s continued anti-democratic actions, a lack of high-level engagement, and GD officials’ verbal attacks on Western ambassadors, whom they have accused of meddling in the country’s internal affairs. In one of their latest statement on Georgia on March 10, the foreign ministers of the three countries decried the adoption by the disputed parliament of further restrictions to Georgia’s Law on Grants, calling it “proof of a further repressive approach by the Georgian authorities toward civil society.” They added that the Georgian authorities, through the new regulations, “consciously breach commitments undertaken by Georgia vis-à-vis the European Union, in particular under the Association Agreement.” Meetings with Georgian Dream Officials From Georgian Dream officials, the delegation met with Head of the Government Administration Levan Zhorzholiani, disputed parliament’s European Integration Committee Chair Levan Makhashvili, and Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili. EU-Georgia relations were reportedly discussed during the meetings. The Government Administration press release said Levan Zhorzholiani and the delegation “reviewed EU-Georgia relations and emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue.” It added that “Georgia once again confirmed its readiness for dialogue with EU institutions and for cooperation with member states based on mutual respect.” The release further quoted Zhorzholiani as saying the Georgian government “will continue implementing the reforms envisaged under the Association Agreement with the European Union (AA) and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA).” The disputed parliament press release said Levan Makhashvili and the delegation “discussed issues of mutual importance, including EU–Georgia relations, ongoing developments in Georgia, challenges on the bilateral agenda, and future steps in the relationship.” It added that “the sides also emphasized the importance of maintaining a constructive dialogue.” Speaking with reporters, MP Levan Makhashvili described the discussions as “interesting, constructive, and detailed,” saying the sides addressed “all the issues that concern both the Georgian side and the EU, and, specifically, these three countries.” “However difficult the issues may be, dialogue is necessary so that on matters important to both sides, we can find common solutions,” he said. “It is a fact,” Makhashvili claimed, “that in the European Union, political forces in several countries have such interests and desires for certain actions to be carried out by Georgia that would inevitably bring Georgia into confrontation with Russia.” He did not name any countries. The Georgian Foreign Ministry press release said FM Maka Botchorishvili and the delegation also discussed EU-Georgia relations as well as “current issues of bilateral cooperation,” and “exchanged views on regional developments, highlighting the critical need for stability and security.” It added that Botchorishvili “drew particular attention to the security challenges and priorities of Georgia as well as future cooperation perspectives,” while the delegation members “reaffirmed their steadfast support towards Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Meetings with Opposition, Civil Society The delegation also met with opposition and civil society representatives, following the meeting with Levan Zhorzholiani at the Government Administration. Representatives of the Opposition Alliance of nine parties, as well as Lelo and former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia’s For Georgia party, reportedly attended the meeting. Some of the politicians spoke to reporters after the meeting. Grigol Gegelia of Lelo said “all the key issues currently posing challenges to our democracy” were discussed. “If the Georgian Dream regime wants any kind of normalization, whether with the EU or the international community, they will have to take concrete steps,” he said, adding that these would include “calling new elections, releasing political prisoners, and ending a policy aimed at mutual destruction.” The meeting with civil society representatives reportedly included Levan Natroshvili of the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), lawyer Saba Brachveli of the Civil Society Foundation, and Zaza Abashidze of the Realpolitika online media outlet. Also Read: * 12/03/2026 – OSCE Moscow Mechanism Report Notes ‘Marked Democratic Backsliding’, Issues Recommendations * 24/02/2026 – On Ukraine War Anniversary, French, German and British Ambassadors Talk Need for Tbilisi to Repair Euro-Atlantic Ties * 31/12/2024 – Joint statement by Weimar Triangle on Georgia * 07/11/2024 – Macron, Scholz and Tusk: No EU Accession Talks Unless Georgia Reverses its Current Course

Weimar Triangle Delegation Visits Tbilisi #Civil #Georgia

Zakharova Says EU Membership Would Add Georgia to Russia’s List of ‘Unfriendly’ Countries Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that if Georgia were to join the European Union, Russia “would have” to include it on the list of countries with “unfriendly regimes” and extend to it “retaliatory economic measures.” She made the comment during an April 16 press conference in response to a question about how EU membership would affect Russia-Georgia relations. “I am not saying that we want to do this, but given the new EU requirement, Russia would have to include Georgia in the list of countries with unfriendly regimes and extend to it our retaliatory economic measures, with all the ensuing consequences for Georgian producers of wine, mineral water, fruits – everything that is supplied to our country,” she said. Russia’s government approved its list of “unfriendly countries” in 2022, which included 48 countries and territories, among them the United States, the United Kingdom, and EU member states. Georgia was not on the list. During the same briefing, Zakharova also said it is “not entirely clear” how Tbilisi can seek to join the EU, whose members, she said, impose sanctions on Georgia “for absolutely no reason,” claiming that “even a pretext is no longer necessary.” The spokesperson added that the EU “pushes it [Georgia] toward new anti-Russian military adventures, almost openly supports attempts to organize a coup in Georgia, and imposes alien anti-values on the Georgian people.” She further claimed that this is done through “financial and economic levers” aimed at forcing Georgia to “abandon its culture and identity.” “What more must Brussels do for its true motives and intentions toward Tbilisi to become obvious?” Zakharova said EU membership is “only possible […] on the condition of transferring a significant portion of national sovereignty to Brussels.” She argued Georgia would be required to align with “anti-Russian sanctions” and added that the EU would also require “the termination of air links with Russia and the introduction of a strict visa regime.” “EU membership, given what we see as destructive demands from Brussels, would deal a heavy blow to Georgia’s tourism industry and would complicate family ties between people living in Russia and Georgia, forcing them to travel indirectly at higher cost,” Zakharova said. She further said that Georgia would have to join an “energy embargo” against Russia, arguing that it harms those who impose it. She added that EU accession would also mean “losing preferential trade arrangements with Russia and other CIS countries, which are key export markets for Georgia.” “The question is whether Georgia should integrate into what we see as the EU’s confrontational, anti-Russian military-political agenda. This is, of course, for Georgia and its people to decide—but the answer, in our view, is obvious,” Zakharova said. While noting that the “relations between Tbilisi and Brussels are a matter for Georgia’s authorities and people,” in which, she said, Russia does “not interfere,” she added that “integration into such alliances entails consequences that must be clearly understood.” “We observe a growing number of Eurosceptics in Georgia, as well as political forces advocating neutrality,” Zakharova said, adding, “At the same time, many people support preserving the country’s independence – rooted in its history, traditions, and identity, including past coexistence with Russia.” Zakharova then reiterated that Russia remains ready to “develop cooperation” with Georgia “based on pragmatism and mutual respect, and said that “despite skepticism, recent years have demonstrated the potential and growth of Russian-Georgian economic ties.” In another recent comment on Georgia on March 25, Zakharova said the key to Georgia’s prosperity lies “not in confrontation, but in cooperation with Russia,” when discussing prospects for political dialogue between the two countries. Russia regularly says it is open to normalizing relations with Georgia but insists that Tbilisi’s recognition of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali is a prerequisite for resuming political dialogue. Tbilisi maintains that diplomatic relations with Moscow will not be resumed while the occupation continues. Also Read: * 23/01/2026 – Zakharova Praises Georgia for Maintaining Ties with Russia Despite ‘Western Pressure’ * 03/12/2025 – Russia Open to Normalizing Ties With Georgia, Sees No Ground for Political Dialogue * 08/08/2025 – On War Anniversary, Zakharova Calls for ‘Concrete Practical Steps’ from Tbilisi

Zakharova Says EU Membership Would Add Georgia to Russia’s List of ‘Unfriendly’ Countries #Civil #Georgia

Imedi Accuses Human Rights Advocate Igor Blaževič of Links with ‘Revolutionary Scenario’ in Georgia Imedi TV, Georgia’s major pro-government channel, has claimed that Igor Blaževič, human rights advocate and senior advisor at the Prague Civil Society Centre, is linked to a “revolutionary scenario” for the Georgian opposition and has conducted “more than 10 trainings” for them, where he also gave “specific instructions.” The April 16 reports by Imedi TV, both on air and in an online article, said the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) is “already aware” of “planned unrest” that is “currently in development.” According to the channel, the SSSG had received information regarding the alleged activities from “international colleagues” and is currently initiating a “legal response.” Igor Blaževič is a Senior Advisor at the Prague Civil Society Centre, a Czech-based organization that supports changemakers, journalists, and thinkers in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. In a televised report, Imedi described Blaževič as “one of the leaders” of the Centre, who, it claimed, is “writing a revolutionary scenario” for the Georgian opposition. The channel said that Blaževič conducted “another training” for the opposition “a few days ago,” and in total “more than 10 trainings,” during which, Imedi claimed, he also gave “specific instructions.” The channel did not name any opposition politicians who have attended the alleged trainings, but it said that Davit Gunashvili of the activist movement “Pari” was among those present at the “latest training.” It said that Gunashvili declined to comment on the matter. Imedi further claimed that Blaževič “instructed” TV Pirveli, a major opposition-leaning television channel, to “circulate unverified reports regarding potential government changes.” TV Pirveli, which on April 15 said Georgian Dream was considering transferring Interior Minister Geka Geladze to the Defence Ministry and Defence Minister Irakli Chikovani to a “diplomatic mission,” has rejected Imedi TV’s claims that the channel was “instructed” by Blaževič to publish such information. It called on the Communications Commission, the state media regulator, to respond to what it described as Imedi’s “attempts to discredit independent media.” Imedi further described Blaževič as “quite active on social media with posts on Georgia.” The channel said he, among other things, “openly supports protests and criticizes laws adopted by the Georgian Parliament, including the transparency law.” Imedi TV then aired photos of Blaževič alongside several Georgian public figures, including lawyer Saba Brachveli, Professor Ghia Nodia, and Tina Khidasheli, former Defense Minister who now heads Civic Idea, an NGO. The aired photos were from the Forum 2000 Conference organized by the Prague Civil Society Centre in October 2025, where the three named individuals attended an expert panel on civil society in Georgia. The discussion was moderated by Igor Blaževič. “[At the panel], they spoke about sanctions, resistance, and government change,” the channel said, “And now […] he [Blaževič] is writing a revolutionary scenario for the opposition.” The channel also aired a phone call with Ghia Nodia, who told the journalist that he knows Blaževič, that he had met him during conferences “in various countries,” and that they had discussed, among others, “democracy,” and that protests, “as a component of democracy,” “could have been mentioned.” The allegations follow similar reports by Imedi involving non-governmental organizations, online media, and universities, among others. The SSSG had similarly, on several occasions in the past, made claims about “training plots” allegedly involving foreign trainers, embassies, and foreign donor organizations. Also Read: * 20/10/2025 – Imedi TV: EU Commission Bypassed FARA to Fund Georgian NGOs * 02/10/2025 – SSSG Chief Mdinaradze Talks October 4, ‘Radicals,’ Planned U.S. Visit in Interview With Imedi TV * 24/07/2024 – SSSG Talks Coup, Terrorist Plot, Attack on Bidzina Ivanishvili by Former Georgian Officials, Law Enforcers in Ukraine * 08/05/2024 – SSSG Warns of “Foreign Funded Provocations” During Rallies Against Agents’ Bill

Imedi Accuses Human Rights Advocate Igor Blaževič of Links with ‘Revolutionary Scenario’ in Georgia #Civil #Georgia

Georgia Adds Exemptions to Newly-Tightened Labour Migration Law Georgia’s disputed parliament expanded exemptions under the country’s Law on Labour Migration for a wider range of foreign professionals and introduced a new framework for short-term work requiring no work or residence permit. The amendments to the law were fast-tracked and adopted on April 15, with 75 MPs voting in favor and none against. The changes were introduced under a recently tightened law requiring foreigners without permanent residence to obtain “right to work,” residence permits, and visas for employment in Georgia starting March 1, alongside a decree banning their employment in certain sectors, including courier and taxi services. The new rules also complicate procedures for locals who seek to employ foreign nationals, to prioritize the employment of the local workforce. Per the new April amendments, however, the rules under the Labor Migration Law will not apply to individuals: * Holding a valid special residence permit issued on the basis of a written initiative by a member of the Government of Georgia; * Carrying out short-term professional activities in Georgia as defined by a government decree, unless otherwise provided by Georgian legislation; * Working for a public institution or an enterprise with state ownership participation; * Performing work activities entirely remotely for a local employer, where such work does not require their entry into Georgia; * Providing work or services for a nonresident, where such activities are related to the nonresident’s operations outside Georgia. * Performing work or providing services for a nonresident, where such work or services are related to the nonresident’s activities outside Georgia; * Carrying out managerial or executive functions in a first-, second-, or third-category enterprise defined under the Law of Georgia on Accounting, Reporting and Auditing, or serving on an audit committee under the Law on Entrepreneurs; * Engaging in activities related to conservation, restoration, and/or rehabilitation works on cultural heritage monuments. Already exempt from the law’s application were refugees, asylum seekers, employees of diplomatic missions and international organizations, accredited foreign journalists, individuals whose employment conditions are governed by international treaties, and holders of investment residence permits. In addition, the amendments introduced new provisions on “short-term professional activities” in Georgia, a type of work that will not require a work permit or a relevant residence permit, provided that the activity “takes place during a temporary visit, does not constitute long-term employment in the local labor market, and is linked to a specific short-term project, event or service.” The law stipulates that the list of such short-term professional activities that may be carried out by a foreigner is determined by a government decree. According to the explanatory note, “practical challenges have shown that in cases where a foreign specialist’s visit is short-term and linked to a specific, one-time project or service, applying general immigration filters creates unnecessary administrative barriers.” It added that “it became necessary to relieve such legal relationships from bureaucratic pressure.” The amendment “aims to create a mechanism that ensures the legal recognition of short-term professional visits without the obligation to obtain a residence permit,” the note said. Also Read: * 19/03/2024 – Citing labor shortages, Georgian businesses eye employing migrant workers

Georgia Adds Exemptions to Newly-Tightened Labour Migration Law #Civil #Georgia

Disputed Parliament Approves New ComCom Member with Imedi Background Ani Vazagashvili, who has headed the legal department of the pro-government and UK-sanctioned Imedi TV, was approved on April 15 by Georgia’s disputed parliament as a new member of the Communications Commission (ComCom), the state media regulator, with 80 MPs voting in favor and none against. She replaces Vakhtang Abashidze, who had served at ComCom since 2014 and before in 2000-2004. Vazagashvili, according to her documents submitted to the disputed parliament, has headed the legal service of Imedi and its subsidiary Studio Maestro since June 2024. Previously, she worked as a lawyer at the Ministry of Internal Affairs from 2019 to 2024 and, from 2015 to 2019, at the law firm “Samartlis Gza” (Law Path). She was among the three candidates submitted to the disputed parliament by Georgian Dream-elected President Mikheil Kavelashvili. The other two were Giorgi Elisashvili, financial director of GDS, also part of the Imedi holding, and Solomon Ekvtimishvili, founder and director of LLC Finance-Service. Vazagashvili’s appointment comes as the Communications Commission, widely seen as under the ruling party’s diktat and chaired since 2026 by former Georgian Dream MP Goga Gulordava, who also worked at Imedi for two years, is warning of stricter enforcement under controversial April 2025 amendments to the law that expanded the agency’s powers to regulate broadcasters’ content. In its latest decision, ComCom on April 8 issued written warnings to four TV channels, including pro-government Imedi TV and POSTV, as well as government-critical TV Pirveli and Formula, citing “violations of principles of impartiality” under the country’s Law on Broadcasting. The move followed ComCom’s warning that it would take a more proactive approach to enforcement while criticizing the UK’s decision to sanction Imedi and POSTV for “Russian disinformation.” Also Read: * 10/10/2025 – Regulator Warns Broadcasters, Including Formula, Over ‘Funding from Foreign Power’ * 30/06/2025 – Two Broadcasters Allege Political Motives Behind Levied Accounts

Disputed Parliament Approves New ComCom Member with Imedi Background #Civil #Georgia

Ex-Imedi Owner Rukhadze Sells Liberty Bank Shares to BasisBank BasisBank, owned by a Chinese Hualing Group, acquired Liberty Bank, Georgia’s third-largest bank, which has been co-owned by the ruling party-close businessman Irakli Rukhadze, the former owner of pro-government Imedi channel, which he sold shortly before it was sanctioned by the UK. The banks reported the completion of the transaction on April 16, stating that BasisBank became the owner of 95.99% of Liberty Bank’s shares after receiving the necessary regulatory approvals. Liberty Bank has secured major state contracts, including being the exclusive agent for distributing state pensions. The completion of the deal follows months of negotiations between the two banks, as Liberty Bank co-owner Irakli Rukhadze confirmed plans in April 2025 to sell the bank. In November, however, reports said that BasisBank would no longer acquire Liberty Bank, as Rukhadze said talks between the banks were still ongoing about a possible merger. The banks, however, did not disclose the sale price. Their general directors – Davit Tsaava of BasisBank and Beka Gogichaishvili of Liberty Bank – said the deal would support Georgia’s economic development. Rukhadze, the fourth-wealthiest businessman in the country according to Forbes Georgia, had owned around a third of Liberty Bank shares. He also owned the pro-government Imedi TV channel, which he sold in February, weeks before it was sanctioned by the UK for “Russian disinformation,” in what later turned out to be for a symbolic price of GEL 1,000 (approximately USD 370). Economist and former president of the National Bank of Georgia Roman Gotsiridze said Rukhadze “fled” Liberty Bank “due to fears of sanctions,” writing in a Facebook post, “The pensions and social assistance of more than 1.6 million of our citizens will be distributed by a bank under Chinese control,” warning that the Chinese company that owns BasisBank “will have [access to] the personal data of 42% of Georgia’s population.” He added, “If there is anything positive to see in this deal, it is that Liberty Bank has escaped the threat of sanctions.” BasisBank has been Georgia’s fourth-largest bank by assets. In 2012, China’s Hualing Group acquired a 90% stake in the bank, which later increased to 92%. According to the 2025 financial statements, the bank’s total assets stood at GEL 4.9 billion, with a loan portfolio of GEL 3.3 billion and deposits of GEL 3.5 billion. The net profit for 2025 was GEL 122.4 million. Liberty Bank is Georgia’s third-largest bank, serving more than 1.7 million individual clients and more than 60,000 businesses. Its total assets amount to GEL 5.8 billion, with a loan portfolio of GEL 4.2 billion and deposits of GEL 4.17 billion. Its net profit for 2025 was GEL 128 million. According to 2025 financial documents, the bank’s owners were the founders of Hunnewell Partners: Irakli Rukhadze, Ben Marson, and Igor Alexeev, each owning 31.38% of shares. Business Media Georgia projects that after the acquisition, the combined bank will have total assets of more than 11 billion lari, accounting for more than 10% of Georgia’s banking system, which remains dominated by Bank of Georgia and TBC Bank, the two largest commercial banks. Also Read: * 26/02/2026 – Board Members Rush to Leave Imedi as UK-Sanctioned Broadcasters Face Chaos

Ex-Imedi Owner Rukhadze Sells Liberty Bank Shares to BasisBank #Civil #Georgia

Georgia Closing Airspace Over Abastumani ‘Ivanishvili Whim’, Sources Tell RFE/RL On April 16, Georgia is to close airspace over the area of Abastumani, a health resort in the country’s south, with officials citing the need to ensure clear skies above the local astrophysical observatory. However, sources told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Georgian Service that the move is in fact a “whim” of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire founder of Georgian Dream, who owns a residence in the area. The government’s February 9 decree, signed by Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and published by RFE/RL, orders the closure of the “Abastumani 2” airspace along the border with Turkey with the goal of “ensuring atmospheric transparency for astronomical observations.” Effective from April 16, the decree restricts all flights above the area except for Georgia’s state aviation, rescue missions, or safety or bad weather emergencies. The decree applies the GND-UNL restriction, meaning vertical scope from ground level to “unlimited” altitude flights. A journalistic investigation by RFE/RL’s Georgian Service, however, cites sources in the aviation industry and state regulatory bodies claiming that the closure, covering an area roughly 52 km in diameter and at least “four times the size” of Tbilisi territory, is more a “whim” of Ivanishvili, who has maintained a family residence in the area since 2020. At the same time, the manager of the well-known Abastumani Observatory told the outlet that the restriction, which RFE/RL describes as unprecedented in Georgia and at odds with international practice around observatories elsewhere, was long requested by the observatory itself. Restriction and Potential Effects According to the RFE/RL report, published on April 15, the new restrictions will amend and disrupt routes – including Route N644 and M747 – that have been daily used by “dozens” of international airlines in flights connecting European and Asian destinations. The outlet said they first heard about the restriction, which remained unknown to the public until recently, from an “informed source” months ago. Representatives of EUROCONTROL, an international aviation union, however, told RFE/RL that it had been warned as early as 2023 about the pending restriction, which would add an average of 10 km to long-haul flights, and the agency has taken it into account when planning future routes. Per the report, the restricted zone fully covers Abastumani, the Adigeni municipality, and parts of southern Georgia, effectively closing off approximately 2,000 square kilometers of airspace. The restriction covers nearly a third of the distance between the Turkish border and the Caucasus range, “significantly narrowing maneuvering space and pushing flights northward,” the report says, affecting the area that it says is already constrained by the mountainous terrain. Anonymous sources from the aviation industry and state agencies told RFE/RL that they are concerned the new restriction could cause severe disruption, including flight diversions, increased costs and travel times, bottlenecks, as well as heightened safety risks and higher airfares. It is also feared that the measure could undermine the country’s ability to fully benefit from its role as a Eurasian transit corridor, a role that has grown in importance as flights have been diverted amid Russia’s war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East. RFE/RL has cited official figures showing that Georgia’s airspace traffic load has increased by 52% since 2019, with the upward trend continuing. Following the restriction, sources warned that airlines may seek alternative transit routes. According to the outlet, a smaller section of airspace had already been closed as early as 2019, with officials at the time also citing requests from the astrophysical observatory. These temporary restrictions, designated “Abastumani 1,” were, however, practically extended indefinitely through 2025, according to the RFE/RL report, which said that the sole exception applied to aircraft flying to and from the Abastumani area, while the only helipad in the territory was reportedly owned by Ivanishvili. ‘Ivanishvili Whim’? Various media and watchdog reports have documented major infrastructural changes in Abastumani, once a popular but later neglected health resort, since Ivanishvili took an interest in the resort around 2018. Ivanishvili, currently a “honorary chairman” of the ruling Georgian Dream party, does not hold any formal government position. RFE/RL cites earlier reports and concerns raised by corruption and environmental watchdogs regarding the state, as well as businesses linked to the billionaire, purchasing property and carrying out reconstruction in the area. Since 2020, Ivanishvili has “owned a private family residence in the mountain balneological resort spread along the southern slopes of the Meskheti Range,” according to the outlet, making Abastumani one of his several strongholds in Georgia. Aleksandre Tevzadze, who has served as director of the Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory since 2025, has defended the restriction as “good news,” saying the facility has long requested such measures and arguing that the observatory requires a larger clearance zone than those imposed since 2019. RFE/RL, however, has cited international practice regarding astrophysical observatories that do not usually resort to such radical “unlimited” vertical restrictions, while also noting that the level of restriction is “unprecedented” for Georgia, too. “In international aviation practice, a restriction of the GND-UNL type (ground to unlimited altitude) is the highest level of safety measure and is almost never used over civilian facilities,” the report says. Also Read: * 09/12/2025 – TI-Georgia: Georgia Has Become Captured, Kleptocratic State

Georgia Closing Airspace Over Abastumani ‘Ivanishvili Whim’, Sources Tell RFE/RL #Civil #Georgia

Money Transfers to Georgia Up 9.8% in March, EU and US Lead Money transfers to Georgia from abroad reached USD 320.60 million in March, marking a 9.8% increase compared to the same month last year, according to data from the National Bank of Georgia (NBG). Once again, the largest share of these inflows came from the European Union and the United States, which together accounted for 64,4% of all transfers, totaling USD 206,58 million. Transfers from EU countries alone totaled USD 145.58 million, representing 45.41% of overall inflows and a 10.71% increase compared to March 2025. At the country level, the United States ranked first with USD 61 million (19.03%), followed by Italy with USD 55.29 million (17.25%). Other contributors included Russia with USD 38.2 million (11.91%), Germany with USD 28.33 million (8.84%) and Greece with USD 26.89 million (8.39%). China recorded the sharpest year-on-year growth, with transfers increasing to USD 1.61 million. Significant growth was also reported from Armenia, up 40.71% to USD 1.42 million; Turkey, up 33.92% to USD 11.55 million; the Netherlands, up 30.15% to USD 2 million; and Spain, up 25.64% to USD 8.75 million. By contrast, Kyrgyzstan saw the largest decline, with transfers falling 43.52% year-on-year to USD 3.97 million. Meanwhile, money transfers from Georgia totaled USD 36.7 million in March 2026, up 14.5% from USD 31.2 million in March 2025. Personal remittances to Georgia account for 11.9% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to the World Bank’s 2024 data. Also Read: * 31/03/2026 – Georgia’s GDP Up by 8.8% in February 2026 * 17/03/2026 – Money Transfers to Georgia Up 17% in February, EU and US Lead * 16/02/2026 – EU, U.S. Remain Top Sources as Money Transfers to Georgia Rise 16.6% in January * 26/01/2026 – Money Transfers to Georgia Rise 18% in December, EU and U.S. Remain Top Sources

Money Transfers to Georgia Up 9.8% in March, EU and US Lead #Civil #Georgia

Disputed Parliament Adopts New Exemptions to Controversial Grants Law Georgia’s disputed parliament adopted new exemptions to the controversial Law on Grants, stipulating that diplomatic and international organization missions, as well as the Georgian Red Cross Society and financial and credit institutions, are not required to obtain government approval to disburse grants to local organizations. The amendments were adopted in the third and final reading on April 15, after two days of deliberations under an accelerated procedure. The amendments follow a restrictive package adopted by the disputed parliament on March 4, which, among other changes, significantly broadened the definition of a foreign “grant” requiring government approval to include any monetary or in-kind support from a foreign organization or individual to local entities. Under the new version, funds disbursed by diplomatic missions, consular offices, and international organizations that are “used or may be used for activities arising from the political or public interests, approaches, or relations of a foreign government or a foreign political party” will not be considered grants requiring government approval, provided they are used for the entities’ “own activities.” In addition, the new version of the law exempts the Georgian Red Cross Society and its grants, as well as grants issued by financial and credit institutions, from the requirement to obtain government consent. The amendment was approved during the second reading in the disputed parliament’s Legal Issues Committee on April 15. Archil Gorduladze, the committee chair, said regarding the financial and credit institutions that grants issued by the World Bank, for example, would be deemed exempt, noting that they are “usually always accompanying grants linked to loan agreements” and therefore would not require government approval. Exemptions already applied to grants issued by international sports organizations, individual funding for education and research received abroad, and programs such as the EU’s “Horizon Europe” and Erasmus+, as well as grants from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the EU–Georgia “Creative Europe” program. Also Read: * 15/04/2026 – Botchorishvili Says Authorities Reviewed 165 Applications Under Grants Law

Disputed Parliament Adopts New Exemptions to Controversial Grants Law #Civil #Georgia

Botchorishvili Said Authorities Reviewed 165 Applications Under Grants Law Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili said the officials reviewed 165 grant applications over the past year and gave a “positive recommendation” for issuing grants in more than 95% of cases, referring to the controversial procedure under Georgia’s Law on Grants that critics say effectively restricts access for critical media and non-government actors to foreign funding. The law, which has been amended several times since last April, requires donors to obtain government approval before disbursing grants. Recent legislative changes have significantly expanded the definition of what constitutes such a “grant” while introducing criminal penalties for related violations. Observers warned that these provisions are highly restrictive, noting that the requirements and the surrounding official rhetoric have discouraged donors and beneficiaries from even applying for such approval. “Not a single project that was not [directed] against Georgia’s national interests was rejected,” Botchorishvili told the disputed parliament on April 15, as she was summoned under an interpellation procedure to answer questions from the opposition For Georgia party. “More than 95% – this concerns projects worth about 47 million lari,” she added. According to her, the Georgian Dream government made decisions on 165 grant applications between April 16, 2025, and April 8, 2026. April 16, 2025, marks the date when the Georgian Dream-led parliament adopted initial controversial amendments to the country’s Law on Grants, introducing a requirement for foreign donors to obtain government approval before disbursing funds to local organizations. Botchorishvili claimed that laws and regulations adopted in 2024–2025, which she said were “aimed at preventing foreign interference in [Georgia’s] politics and ensuring transparency of foreign influence, had not led to the suspension or cancellation of any projects.” The 2025 changes to the Grants Law, along with several legislative acts adopted since 2024 restricting foreign funding, including the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, often referred to as the Foreign Agents Law, and the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), have been widely seen as curbing the work of local civil society organizations and media. The April amendments to the Law sparked immediate outcry from Georgia’s Western partners, who expressed concerns and worries that the changes were repressive and would further shrink independent voices in Georgia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia had provided a similar figure about the number of registered and approved grants to the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism Rapporteur Patrycja Grzebyk, covering the period up to February 2026. Grzebyk, whose critical report was published on March 12, said Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told her that approval is granted if a grant “does not have political content.” However, she noted that the “mere existence of such a provision may, and in fact does, discourage both donors and potential beneficiaries (especially those involved in challenging the government legally or rhetorically) from even applying.” Speaking on the basis of the report, Nona Kurdovanidze, former head of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), a prominent human rights watchdog, said on April 14 that the approvals were primarily granted to projects “oriented towards delivering some kind of service,” while watchdog organizations had “entirely vanished” from this space. GYLA, which has operated for over three decades, said in March that it was temporarily suspending its free legal aid services and would focus only on strategic cases, entering what it called “crisis mode” amid increasing pressure on civil society. Months after government consent became mandatory, the British Embassy said it canceled planned grants aimed at supporting transparency and competitiveness in Georgia’s October 4 local elections. The embassy cited procedural “uncertainty” stemming from the newly amended law. Online media outlet Tabula later said that a £50,000 British grant had been intended to support its coverage of the local elections. Several civil society organizations, including the GYLA, the Rule of Law Centre, and Georgia’s Future Academy, were also among those affected, as they were reportedly set to receive around £100,000 each from the British Embassy. Georgian Dream officials later said the British Embassy aimed to fund “propaganda” and “extremism” in the country. The embassy rejected the ruling party’s accusations. Since April 2025, the disputed parliament has amended the Law on Grants several times. In its first amendment in June, the definition of grants requiring government approval for disbursement was expanded to include “technical assistance” and “knowledge-sharing” from foreign organizations. The law was further amended in March 2026, when the scope of grants requiring government approval was significantly expanded to cover any potential money or in-kind support from a foreign organization or foreign citizen to a Georgian organization, citizen, or resident engaged in a range of politically related activities. The amendments also introduced criminal liability for violations, including imprisonment of up to six years as a possible penalty in certain cases. The changes, adopted alongside amendments to other laws, were criticized by local and international actors, who warned that civic space and political activity in Georgia could be significantly restricted. In April, Georgian Dream drafted another amendment that exempted grants disbursed by diplomatic and international organization missions for their “own activities” from the requirement to obtain government approval. In 2025, dozens of civil society organizations received inspection requests from the country’s Anti-Corruption Bureau, which cited, among other laws, the Law on Grants, to request wide-ranging information about their activities. Also Read: * 12/01/2026 – Rights Georgia, Local Watchdog, Halts Work Amid Civil Society Crackdown * 02/10/2025 – GIP, Georgia’s Key Think Tank, Halts Work Citing Repression, Loss of Mission

Botchorishvili Said Authorities Reviewed 165 Applications Under Grants Law #Civil #Georgia

Dispatch – April 15: Last Supra The ajika they offer in Imereti is not nearly as spicy as the one served further west. That’s probably because enough tears have already been shed on those rare occasions when it is prepared here. The occasion is the kelekhi, a Georgian funeral dinner. The kelekhi ajika is different from the usual kind, and critics from regions that claim the sauce as their own may even suggest it’s not ajika at all. But what does the name matter? Call it Trump sauce, if you like, or believe it might somehow increase your geopolitical survival chances. What matters is that whoever mixes that kelekhi ajika with kelekhi lobio, a Georgian bean stew, and takes a bite is instantly reconciled with one’s mortality and revealed one transcendental wisdom: that the only bad thing about dying is not being able to dine at your own funeral. --- Here is Nini and the Dispatch newsletter, to talk about the culinary magic of Georgia’s funerals, and the solace and wisdom it offers to those left behind. --- Kelekhi is a modest and somewhat uneasy ritual, or at least it is meant to be. It offers food to those who come to pay their respects, many of whom have traveled long distances and are likely hungry after an emotionally charged day. They may also drink a glass or two for the soul of the deceased, to help them on their way to eternal peace. There will be some community networking as well: in the countryside, there are few other opportunities to see distant relatives and learn about their lives, aside from occasional weddings. Of course, no family is in the mood to arrange a large dinner in the midst of grief, and younger people will often tell you that the very idea of feasting minutes after someone is buried is outdated and disrespectful to the deceased. But one is also perfectly aware that the deceased themselves would not have wished to let their mourners go unfed. If they had lived a long, blessed life and passed away at a very old age, chances are they had even spent their later years replaying their last supra over and over again in their head. One needs to respect their wish, but not overdo it. The funeral meal often takes place in a plain, greyish hall reserved for such rituals. In rural areas, a special feast tent (“sepa”) may also be set up outdoors. If a grieving family member approaches you after the burial and asks you to “stay” for the kelekhi, you are expected to look shy and hesitant—you didn’t come here for lunch, after all. But neither should you make someone who has gone through so much pain plead too much. If nobody stays to break bread, it is not a good look for the family either. The ritual expenses are covered by funds the mourners contribute. There is usually a designated person who collects the offerings and keeps the records in a “twelve-sheet notebook.” For those unsure of the proper amount, there is a reciprocal habit of consulting their own family records, their ancestral twelve-sheet notebook, to see what the family in question had offered when tragedy visited their household. Again, tribute should not be overdone. Some dishes, like lobio, mimic, or claim to mimic, those from the everyday tables of Georgian families. Others, such as different types of plov – sweet or savory (shila), or tsandili, a sweet dessert made with honey, grains, and walnuts, or the kelekhi ajika, are typically reserved for funerals. Not that they are forbidden on less sorrowful days; they simply never taste quite as good. Fatal Attraction The question of why the funeral meal tastes so distinctively good is as inescapable as death itself. One can’t help but ask it after taking that first bite and, against one’s conscious will, enjoying it far too much. Browse the internet, and you’ll find people begging for recipes. Some even go so far as to confess to sinful intrusive thoughts about waiting for some distant elderly relative to pass away, just to receive that long-awaited kelekhi dinner invitation. Those who have attended many kelekhis will offer their theories for why this is so. There is, of course, a scientific answer. Some say that the flavors of kelekhi dishes simply blend better because they are cooked in large pots, unlike when they are prepared at home in smaller quantities. There must also be some forbidden-fruit psychology at play: the food may taste so good precisely because you are not supposed to enjoy it. But then there are spiritual explanations as well. According to this roaming anecdote, often heard but hard to verify, about this “American” guest who was once so impressed by the kelekhi lobio that he took both the recipe and ingredients back home. Once he tried to recreate it in the United States, however, it was nothing like what he had at the funeral. Frustrated, he called his Georgian host to ask what he had forgotten to add, only to be told, over the telephone, that the missing ingredient was somebody’s dead body resting nearby. Not sure about the body, but it would be quite understandable if the soul of the deceased had decided to mess with the meal. Sauce to die for Imagine leaving this world after a long, exhausting life and finding yourself in those few lingering days when your soul still clings to familiar places before ascending to heaven. As the days pass, you look forward to your kelekhi, when everyone you have known and loved finally comes together. Your last spotlight, your last supra. And then all you see is appearances, reservations, “don’t eat this,” “don’t eat that,” endless tiptoeing so as not to disrespect your memory. While alive, you may have appreciated, or even wished for, all that sadness and tears and plainness. But death can be liberating. It frees us from societal pressures and from the vanity of wanting to be cried about. If someone truly wishes to eternalize your memory, they might be better off throwing an unforgettable party. It’s that for us, mortals, joy can be a taboo even greater than death. Yet you can’t intervene too openly: you don’t want to take others with you just yet. So you use whatever otherworldly powers you have acquired and quietly work your magic on the food. It’s your last party, and they are going to enjoy it, whether they want to or not, and then they are going to talk about it for years to come. But then there is another haunting question that the fatally delicious food invokes: does somebody really have to die for Georgians to deliver their best performance? The question becomes all the more pressing as the nation keeps looking outward, only to find everyone else suddenly doing better, everyone else seemingly getting rid of autocrats one way or another, while we, who once saw ourselves as the most freedom-loving, self-reforming society, remain stuck in a deadly, inescapable circle. What did we forget to add? Certainly not sacrifice. But perhaps the missing ingredient is the positive liberties one acquires through death-like transformations. Perhaps the only thing that needs to die is the overly prudent politics of “don’t do this, don’t do that,” which still somehow dominates political discourse in Georgia even when there is little left to lose. Perhaps, at last, it is time for a politics of doing this and doing that.

Dispatch – April 15: Last Supra #Civil #Georgia