Opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria, leader of Droa party and a member of the Coalition for Change, has been sentenced to one year and six months in prison in connection with an inscription she made on an election campaign banner belonging to Kakha Kaladze of Georgian Dream. The decision was announced by Judge Giorgi Arevadze. Khoshtaria …
Category Archives: Articles in English
Netgazeti Journalist Faces Up to 15 Days in Detention Over Protest Coverage
A journalist from Netgazeti, Mariam Dzidzaria, is facing up to 15 days of administrative detention after being accused by Georgia’s Interior Ministry of blocking a road while covering a protest, despite clearly displaying press identification. Dzidzaria and Tabula journalist Mariam Kuprava were both charged with “artificially blocking the road” while reporting from demonstrations on Rustaveli …
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OSCE Moscow Mechanism Report: Democratic Backsliding and Systemic Violence in Georgia
The report prepared under the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) “Moscow Mechanism” on human rights and fundamental freedoms in Georgia has been published on March 12. The report reviews developments concerning human rights and fundamental freedoms in Georgia since the spring of 2024 and provides relevant recommendations. The rapporteur for the report …
Georgia’s Supreme Court Rejects Appeal of Journalist and Sakharov Prize Laureate Mzia Amaglobeli
Georgia’s Supreme Court has declined to consider the appeal of Mzia Amaglobeli, co-founder and director of the independent media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti. Under Georgia’s legal system, a Supreme Court decision to declare an appeal inadmissible means the court will not review the merits or substance of the case, and the appellate court’s decision remains final. As a result, the …
Georgian Dream Passes Sweeping Changes to ‘Grant Law’ and Criminalizes Non-Recognition of State Institutions
Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, has passed a restrictive legislative package that substantially broadens the definition of grants, criminalizes non-recognition of constitutional bodies, and imposes new restrictions on civil society, political engagement, and public expression. The new law defines a grant as any monetary or in-kind resource—from specified sources—that is used or potentially used to …
Nine Pro-Western Parties Form United Opposition Alliance in Georgia
The alliance, announced on March 2, brings together United National Movement, Akhali, Droa, Girchi – More Freedom, Freedom Square, Strategy Aghmashenebeli, Federalists, National Democratic Party, and European Georgia. According to a joint statement, the parties have agreed on a unified strategy for victory and clear rules for cooperation. The alliance’s stated goals are to end …
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Georgian Dream Condoles Iran Over Deaths of Leaders and Citizens, Israel Over Civilian Victims — Silent on U.S. Casualties
On the third day after the launch of US–Israel strikes on the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Georgian Dream government issued a statement expressing condolences to the Iranian people and the Islamic Republic for the deaths of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, other political leaders, “innocent civilians, and dozens of children”. The statement also extended condolences to …
Journalist Eliso Kiladze Arrested in Alleged Call Center Scam Case, Faces Up to 12 Years in Prison
On February 18, police in Tbilisi detained Eliso Kiladze, the founder and editor-in-chief of Qronika+. It later emerged that the journalist had been arrested in connection with a so-called fraudulent call center case. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, Kiladze has been charged alongside several other individuals, including former Chief Prosecutor Otar Partskhaladze, brothers David and …
Bachiashvili, Sentenced to 11 Years, Released After ‘Compensating Damages’ in Ivanishvili Bitcoin Case
Giorgi Bachiashvili, the former head of Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Co-Investment Fund who had been sentenced to 11 years in prison in the high-profile “Bitcoin case,” has been released under a plea agreement after admitting guilt and reimbursing damages, the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office confirmed. “He also fully cooperated with the investigation and compensated the damage, on the …
Individual U.S.-Based Crowdfunding Donation Prompts Regulator to Open Case Against Kavkasia TV
Georgian National Communications Commission has launched administrative proceedings against TV company Kavkasia TV over a donation received from the United States. The information was made public by Nino Jangirashvili, director of Kavkasia TV, who published the letter received from the Georgian National Communications Commission. The Commission has requested a written explanation from the broadcaster within …
‘Non-Recognition of Constitutional Bodies’ to Become a Criminal Offense
By decision of Georgian Dream, refusing to recognize constitutional bodies will become a criminal offense. The announcement was made on February 16 during a session of the Legal Affairs Committee in the Georgian Dream parliament, as lawmakers discussed another restrictive amendment to the law on grants. The decision comes amid an ongoing dispute over the …
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Georgian Dream Reshuffles University Admission Quotas: Ilia State University Sees 92% Cut
By decree, the Georgian Dream government has approved the number of student places at state universities for the upcoming academic year. The move follows a controversial higher education reform, widely seen as an attempt to consolidate control over the education system. Based on the principle of “one city, one faculty” and changes to faculty quotas, …
Higher Education Shake-Up: Which Faculties Stay Where
On February 12, the the Georgian Dream government approved student admission quotas for state universities. The announcement regarding the quotas was made by Minister of Education, Givi Mikanadze. According to him, quotas for state universities will be distributed on the principle of “one city, one faculty,” taking into account each university’s “traditional profile.” At Tbilisi …
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Georgian Dream Joins Islamic Revolution Anniversary Celebration, Pledges “Continued Cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran”
Amid ongoing international criticism of Iran’s human rights record, Georgian Dream attended a celebration of the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Tbilisi, with representatives from the Foreign Ministry speaking on behalf of the Georgian government and pledging to deepen cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The reception was held at the Paragraph Hotel …
“Sabotage” Case Against Eight Opposition Politicians Moves Forward – Court Report
A so-called pre-trial hearing was held in court in the case concerning the prosecution of opposition politicians, allegedly on the grounds of crimes committed against the state – “sabotage case”. The court deemed all evidence submitted by the prosecution admissible and moved the case to the merits stage. The case concerns the so-called “sabotage” charges, …
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‘Reform’ to Seize Total Control: Georgian Dream Targets Education System
Introduced amid mass protests and a freeze on EU integration, Georgian Dream’s education reform is reshaping Georgia’s universities and schools in ways that experts say threaten academic autonomy, international cooperation, and students’ freedom of choice. What Does Georgian Dream’s Reform Change in Higher Education? ♦ “One city, one faculty” principle: State universities will no longer …
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Lawyer Says Authorities Bring New Charge Against Imprisoned Opposition Figure Nika Melia
Nika Melia, one of the leaders of the “Akhali” party who is currently imprisoned, is facing yet another criminal charge, according to his lawyer Giorgi Kondakhishvili. The charge is scheduled to be formally presented at 15:00 at Rustavi Prison. “An investigator from the Vake-Saburtalo investigative service contacted me this morning and once again informed us …
Georgian Dream Passes Another Package of Repressive Amendments at First Reading
The “Georgian Dream” parliament has passed another set of repressive legislative amendments at first reading. Under the amendments, the definition of a “grant” is further defined and significantly expanded, placing virtually any form of political self-expression by an individual under state control and criminalizing it if the individual receives resources from a citizen or a …
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Georgian Dream Unveils Sweeping Crackdown on Foreign Funding and Political Activity
The ruling Georgian Dream party has introduced a sweeping new legislative package tightening restrictions on foreign funding, political activity, and public engagement for organizations and individuals in Georgia. On January 28, Georgian Dream’s parliamentary majority convened at the party’s Gorgasali office, with party chair Irakli Kobakhidze present. After the meeting, majority leader Irakli Kirtskhalia presented …
Anti-Corruption Agency Employee Found Dead in Car from Gunshot Wound
On January 26, in Tbilisi, an employee of the State Security Service’s Anti-Corruption Agency was found dead. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the deceased had sustained a gunshot wound. “An Anti-Corruption Agency employee was found this morning in their car with a gunshot wound. During the inspection of the scene, a firearm, which the deceased …
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“My Would-Be Assassin Was Held Below My Cell”: Givi Targamadze Released After Seven Months in Prison
Former Georgian lawmaker Givi Targamadze was released from prison on January 26 after serving a seven-month sentence for refusing to appear before the so-called Tsulukiani Commission, established by the Georgian Dream–controlled parliament to “investigate crimes of the previous government,” a process critics say is being used to justify the banning of political parties. Speaking to …
ECHR Takes Up GYLA Case Over Alleged Mass Violations of Ballot Secrecy in 2024 Elections
The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg has begun a substantive review of the application filed by the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) concerning the 2024 parliamentary elections, the organization announced. “The court has emphasized that the case may be granted the status of a matter of significant impact. The case concerns widespread violations …
Independent Georgian Media Outlet Radio Marneuli Receives Second Warning Over Foreign Funding
The Georgian National Communications Commission has issued a written warning to independent regional media outlet Radio Marneuli over a grant received from the U.S.-based international organization NED. “32,542 GEL, which we were warned about, covered the four-month salaries of 12 staff members,” Radio Marneuli’s founder and director, Kamila Mamedova, told Batumelebi. “The funds were received as …
Opposition Leader Giorgi Vashadze Leaves Prison After Serving Seven-Month Sentence
Giorgi Vashadze was released from prison today, January 23. He had been held in Rustavi No. 12 Penitentiary for seven months. Giorgi Vashadze is the leader of the political party Strategy Aghmashenebeli. He was arrested on June 24, 2025, for failing to appear before the so-called Tsulukiani Investigative Commission. “I am spirited and optimistic… I …
Two Activists Ordered to Detention for Sidewalk Protest as Court Applies New Restrictive Law
Another precedent has been set at the Tbilisi City Court, where two civil activists were ordered to four days of detention each for protesting on the sidewalk. Sandro Megrelishvili and Dimitri Jamburia are the first individuals to be sentenced to detention since the adoption of a new repressive law by Georgian Dream that severely restricts …
Defendants in the October 4 Case Remain in Custody – Joint Case of 10 Defendants
On January 22, the Tbilisi City Court, presided over by Judge Irakli Khuskivadze, held another hearing in one of the October 4 cases involving ten defendants and kept the in detention. This group of defendants includes the so-called “members of the organizing committee”: Paata Burchuladze, Murtaz Zodelava, Irakli Nadiradze, Paata Manjgaladze, and Lasha Beridze, as …
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First Ruling Under New Law – Citizen Penalized for Sidewalk Protest
A first precedent has been set regarding sidewalk protest cases. Citizen Rezi Dumbadze was declared to have committed an administrative offense solely for standing on the sidewalk during a protest. However, Judge Tornike Kapanadze issued him only a verbal warning and did not impose administrative detention. This information was shared by Dumbadze himself and his …
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ECHR Rules Georgia Violated Rights of Protester Detained During 2023 ‘Russian Law’ Rallies
A citizen detained during protests against the so-called “Russian Law” has won a case against the Georgian government at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Giorgi Mekvabishvili was detained in 2023, when Georgian Dream first initiated the “Russian Law” [Law on transparency of foreign influence]. His rights were defended by the Georgian Young …
Judge Orders 11 Defendants in October 4 Case to Remain in Pre-Trial Detention
On January 20, Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili reviewed the use of pre-trial detention as a preventive measure for 11 defendants detained in connection with the October 4 case. However, the judge ruled to keep all 11 in custody. The defendants are Abo Naveriani, Vakhtang Pitskhelauri, Guriel Kardava, Beka Kelekhsashvili, Mamuka Labuchidze, Giorgi Muladze, Avtandil Surmanidze, Temur …
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Ombudsman Files Constitutional Complaint Against Protest-Limiting Legislation
The Public Defender has submitted a constitutional complaint to the constitutional Court challenging the restrictions defined by Georgia’s Law on “Assemblies and Manifestations,” including the blanket prohibition on covering one’s face with a mask or by any other means. According to the Public Defender’s Office, in addition to the substantive restrictions related to the rules …
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“She Has No Expectations” – Mzia Amaglobeli’s Brother Comments After Meeting Her in Prison
“Mzia thanks everyone. She has no expectations and has no information whatsoever regarding a possible pardon… No one from the prison administration has visited her today or yesterday either. Due to the weather, she has not been able to watch television channels. Yesterday, only Formula was available until 7 p.m. Mzia is feeling well and …
Kutaisi Court Jails Four Miners as Defendants Denounce Case as Politically Motivated
The Kutaisi City Court has sentenced four miners to prison. Merab Saralidze and Giorgi Neparidze were each sentenced to 6 years and 3 months in prison, while Tengiz Gvelesiani and Archil Chumburidze received sentences of 4 years and 3 months. The verdict was announced by Judge Tamar Mazanashvili. The prosecution charged the miners – Giorgi …
Sakharov Prize Laureate Mzia Amaglobeli Convicted After Unfair Trial, CFJ’s TrialWatch Says
The trial and conviction of Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli violated her right to a fair trial and constituted an abuse of process, the Clooney Foundation for Justice asserted in a new TrialWatch Fairness Report released today. Amaglobeli, who was arrested one year ago this week, is the co-founder of the independent Georgian media outlets Batumelebi …
Georgian Dream Seeks Retraction and Apology From BBC Over Chemical Weapons Report
“Georgian Dream” has filed an official complaint with the BBC. The announcement was made by Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of Parliament of Georgian Dream. According to him, the complaint was submitted to the BBC yesterday, on January 14. On December 1, the BBC published an investigative report alleging that chemical weapons dating back to World War …
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ECHR Registers Second Application by Jailed Georgian Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli
The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), which represents the interests of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), has announced that the Court has registered a second application lodged on her behalf. This application concerns her administrative detention and the related proceedings. Sakharov Prize 2025 laureate and Georgia’s first female journalist …
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Ivanishvili’s 13 Steps to Undermine Democracy in Georgia
Here are several key events from 2025 that illustrate how Ivanishvili’s Georgian Dream systematically undermined democracy in Georgia, consolidated authoritarian rule, and pushed the country closer to Russia. Although Ivanishvili’s government now prohibits even standing on the sidewalk—threatening imprisonment for those who defy the ban—pro-European protesters have persisted in the streets for over a year. …
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