“Georgian Dream” propagandist Zaza Shatirishvili claims that part of the youth is “redundant” and should leave Georgia – “just as the communists left the Basque Country during Franco’s regime”. He praised the Spanish dictator and said that “Georgian Dream” likewise defends religion. Speaking on Radio Sivrtse, Shatirishvili said that many opposition supporters are already emigrating. …
Category Archives: Articles in English
Armenian Appeals Court Refuses to Release Georgian Citizen Giorgi Kinoiani Wanted by Russia
The Armenian Court of Appeals has denied the release of Georgian citizen Giorgi Kinoiani, who is wanted by Russia and faces deportation. “The hearing of Giorgi’s appeal took place without his presence. The court did not grant our request for Giorgi to be released from unlawful detention, where he has already been held for 23 …
Georgia Summons UK Ambassador, a Day After German Diplomat
This time, the UK Ambassador has been summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Gareth Ward, the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Georgia, is already at the Ministry for the meeting. The Ambassador did not make any comments to the media before entering. Yesterday, on September 24, Germany’s Ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer, was also summoned …
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Georgia’s First Woman Journalist Prisoner of Conscience, Mzia Amaglobeli, Wins Forum 2000 International Award
Mzia Amaglobeli, journalist, and founding CEO of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, has been named the recipient of this year’s Forum 2000 International Award for Courage and Responsibility. Forum 2000 is both a foundation and an annual conference held in Prague, Czech Republic. “This year, the award will be presented to the Georgian movement of resistance to …
German Ambassador Summoned to Georgia’s Foreign Ministry – TV Pirveli
Germany’s Ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, TV Pirveli reported. The channel said it had interviewed the ambassador as he arrived at the ministry. According to the translation published by TV Pirveli, Fischer said he intends to reject what he called “baseless and provocative” accusations voiced …
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Unprecedented Turbidity Threatens the Black Sea and Adjara’s River Ecosystems
On September 20–21, the Black Sea coastline of Adjara experienced an unprecedented surge in water turbidity, signaling a severe ecological crisis. According to marine biologist and ecologist Archil Guchmanidze, measurements taken with specialized instruments showed turbidity levels of 2,650 NTU — a level never before recorded in the Black Sea. For context, anything above 50 …
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“No Train Yet”: Azerbaijan Delays Opening Land Borders
Despite an agreement reached at the beginning of 2025 between Azerbaijan and Georgia to resume train services between the two countries from May 28, overland travel remains suspended due to Azerbaijan’s closed land borders. There is no information on when these borders might reopen. Official Reason for the Closure Azerbaijan closed its land borders with …
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Police Will Stand with Citizens on October 4, Former Department Official Claims
“You will see with your own eyes on October 4, 2025, how many Ministry of Internal Affairs officers will switch sides and stand with the public,” says Irakli Shaishmelashvili, a former senior official of the Special Tasks Department, who now lives in the United States. In an interview with Batumelebi, Shaishmelashvili discusses the internal dynamics …
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Another Georgian Opposition Leader, Elene Khoshtaria, Arrested Over Protest Act
Opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria, leader of Droa party and a member of the Coalition for Change, has been arrested after writing “Russian Dream” on Kakha Kaladze’s election banner on Melikishvili Street, Tbilisi. The Ministry of Internal Affairs said the investigation was launched following a complaint from the ruling Georgian Dream party, citing Article 187 of …
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Georgia’s Local Elections: Crisis, Boycotts, and No ODIHR Watch
In the 2025 local self-government elections, Batumi has five mayoral candidates: Tamar Mikeladze [Homeland, Language, Faith]; Zviad Kvirikadze [Our United Georgia]; Gocha Gugunava [For Georgia – Gakharia]; Giorgi Tsintsadze [Georgian Dream]; and Kakha Tsiskaridze [Independent Candidate]. Although less than four weeks remain before the elections, pre-election campaigning in Batumi, as across the entire country, is …
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GD Supporters Attack Citizens and Police — Only Two Arrested, And a Pro-European Activist for “Russian Dream” Graffiti
The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced on September 10 that three people had been detained over the clashes of September 8 and protest of September 9 on Melikishvili Avenue in Tbilisi. Two of them are Georgian Dream activists accused of violence, while the third is a pro-European protester who spray-painted “Russian Dream” on Kakha Kaladze’s …
The Mzia List: Emigrants Unite to Expose and Resist Georgia’s Repressive Regime
Georgian emigrants have launched a movement called Mzia, inspired by imprisoned journalist Mzia Amaglobeli to unite all of today’s political prisoners under one symbol, strengthen resistance against the ruling regime, mobilize supporters at home and abroad, and create a unified agenda for freedom. The Mzia List is a key component of this effort. Koki Ionatamishvili …
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Defense Lawyers Appeal Two-Year Prison Verdict Against Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli
Today, September 4, the lawyers of journalist and founding CEO of independent Georgian online media outlets Batumelebi.ge and Netgazeti.ge, Mzia Amaglobeli filed an appeal with the Criminal Cases Chamber of the Kutaisi Court of Appeals. Mzia Amaglobeli’s lawyers are challenging the verdict delivered on August 6 by the Batumi City Court, which sentenced her to …
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Former ISFED Director Nino Dolidze Gives Testimony in ‘Face Masks’ Case’ Over Alleged Sabotage
In the so-called “face masks’ case,” on September 3, former director of ISFED, Nino Dolidze, is testifying before a magistrate judge. According to Dolidze, ISFED has never purchased anything for protests, and the face masks cited in the case brought against them under the investigation into “sabotage against the state” had in fact been bought …
Prosecutor’s Office Summons NGOs’ Leaders in ‘Face Masks’ Case Over Alleged Sabotage
The General Prosecutor’s Office is summoning the heads of civil society organizations for questioning as witnesses in the so-called “face masks” case over alleged sabotage against the state. “As the public is aware, the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia is conducting an investigation into sabotage, attempted sabotage under aggravating circumstances, assisting foreign organizations or organizations under …
From Siberia to the “Georgian Dream’s” Prison — The Case of Anton Chechin
The total number of prisoners of conscience has exceeded 60 in Georgia. But behind the numbers are specific names, and behind those names lie distinct pasts and futures. Some are accused of group violence, including organized acts; some of attacking law enforcement officers; some of damaging surveillance cameras; and politicians of showing disrespect to Tea …
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“Your Inaction Raises Doubts and Questions Among the Georgian People” – Kavelashvili’s Open Letter to Trump
Georgian Dream–appointed President Mikheil Kavelashvili addresses US President Donald Trump: Open Letter To the President of the United States of America, His Excellency Mr. Donald Trump First of all, I would like once again to express my deep respect for you as the leader chosen by the American people. I also wish to reiterate my …
TV Imedi Publishes $3,230 PPE Purchase Records as ‘Evidence’ in ‘State Sabotage’ Allegations Against Georgian NGOs
After the Georgian court froze the bank accounts of seven Civil Society Organizations (CSO/NGO), the ruling party’s propaganda channel, TV Imedi, attempted to portray these organizations as engaged in “state sabotage.” The channel aired documents showing that the CSOs had purchased respirators, protective goggles and other protective items worth 8,700GEL [approximately $3,230]. In a press …
“Despite Asset Freezes and Repressions, Georgian NGOs Will Continue Our Work” – Response to Escalated Crackdown
“Despite Asset Freezes and Repressions, Georgian NGOs Will Continue Our Work,” – said representatives of civil society organizations whose accounts have been frozen by the authorities. Today, seven civil society organizations held a joint briefing and stated: “The asset freeze of seven independent organizations represents yet another illegal act by Ivanishvili’s government. It violates fundamental …
Georgia Escalates Crackdown on Civil Society | Sabotage Allegations Spark Reactions in Tbilisi
The decision by Tbilisi City Court to freeze the bank accounts of seven civil society organizations has drawn sharp reactions from rights groups and public figures, who warn the move threatens Georgia’s democracy and relations with the EU. According to Tamta Mikeladze, head of the civil society organization Social Justice Center, freezing the accounts of …
In Connection with Pro-EU Protests, Court Freezes Bank Accounts of 7 CSOs Citing Alleged Sabotage
The Tbilisi City Court granted the Prosecutor’s Office’s motion and ordered the freezing of the bank accounts of seven civil society organizations. By the court’s decision, the accounts of the following organizations were frozen: the Civil Society Foundation, the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy, the Institute for the Development of Freedom of Information, …
Museliantsi Given Four Years Following Claims of Beatings and Forced Confession
Prisoner of conscience Archil Museliantsi, who was arrested in connection with pro-European rallies and has reported police abuse and a forced confession, was sentenced to four years in prison. The decision was handed down by Judge Giorgi Arevadze. Notably, while in pre-trial detention, Museliantsi took the Unified National Exams and was admitted to a four-year …
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“A Slap for Everyone, Starting with Bidzina Ivanishvili” — Poet Zviad Ratiani Remanded in Pretrial Detention
At today’s hearing, the court reviewed a motion to reconsider the preventive measure in the case of poet Zviad Ratiani. The defense sought his release on 10,000 GEL bail, while the prosecution requested he remain in custody. Judge Lela Kalichenko sided with the prosecution, ruling to keep Ratiani in pretrial detention. “It was the least …
“Russia’s Pressure on Georgia” — Breaking Down Kobakhidze’s Statement on the Origin of the August 2008 War
“A statement that the war was started by Georgia — no matter how bad a ruler Georgia had at the time, that ruler still represented Georgia — directly harms Georgia’s territorial integrity and the hope that one day it might be restored. This is a betrayal of the country’s interests, regardless of the fact that …
Veteran of 2008 Russo-Georgian War and Prisoner of Conscience Jailed for Two Years in War Anniversary Week
Veteran soldier and prisoner of conscience Anatoli Gigauri has been sentenced to two years in prison. The verdict was delivered by Judge Jvebe Nachkebia. The judge altered the charges against Gigauri in the same way as in the case of conscience prisoner and journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, who was also sentenced to two years in prison. …
Georgian Dream’s PM Irakli Kobakhidze Accuses Georgia of Starting the August 2008 Russia-Georgia War
Georgian Dream’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accuses Georgia of starting the August 2008 Russia-Georgia War. On the 17th anniversary of the August 2008 War, Georgian Dream-appointed Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze called the war an “adventure” by Georgia’s previous government and claimed that the Georgian side was not carrying out a defensive operation, but offensive actions. …
August 7 Tells Two Stories — Russia’s Invasion and Georgian Dream’s Kremlin Alignment
August 7 marks 17 years since Russia’s invasion of Georgia in 2008 Today, Georgian opposition leaders, international diplomatic missions, civil society activists, and members of the public honoured the memory of the fallen heroes and civilians who lost their lives due to the Russian occupation. Georgian Dream did not. Another date often associated with the …
Prisoner of Conscience Doctor Giorgi Akhobadze Acquitted and Released from Courtroom
On August 6, Judge Romeo Tkeshelashvili acquitted Giorgi Akhobadze, a doctor and prisoner of conscience charged with drug-related offenses, and ordered his immediate release from the courtroom. Akhobadze was accused of purchasing and possessing a particularly large quantity of narcotics — a charge that carried a sentence of 8 to 20 years, or even life …
24 Diplomatic Missions Call for Release of Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli After Sentencing
Following the sentencing of Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli to two years in prison on what are widely viewed as politically motivated charges, 24 diplomatic missions issued a joint statement calling for her release. We the diplomatic missions of Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, …
Judge Sentences Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli to 2 Years in Prison Despite International Outcry
Judge Nino Sakhelashvili has sentenced journalist Mzia Amaglobeli to 2 years in prison, ignoring widespread calls from local and international human rights and press freedom organizations to release her and end what they describe as politically motivated prosecution tied to her journalism. In accordance with the ruling, the time Mzia Amaglobeli has spent in pre-trial …
Telling the Court Who Mzia Amaglobeli Is — Closing Statement of the Defense
“It is my honor to represent Ms. Mzia Amaglobeli in this trial,” stated Mzia Amaglobeli’s attorney, Maia Mtsariashvili, on August 1st in Batumi City Court. Before presenting the legal arguments of the defense, she began by explaining to the court who Mzia Amaglobeli is and what her work entails. Batumelebi presents a slightly abridged transcript …
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Amid Government Pressure, Amaglobeli’s Lawyer Asks: “How Will You Convince Us You Can Withstand It?”
On August 1, 2025 Maia Mtsariashvili, the lead defense lawyer in Mzia Amaglobeli’s case, delivered an almost eight-hour-long closing statement. She began by emphasizing the political nature of the case, saying it had placed her in an unusual position — more as a human rights defender than simply a lawyer. Mtsariashvili opened her remarks by …
“U.S. Involvement in Baku-Yerevan Talks Is Good News for the South Caucasus” — Olesya Vartanyan
“The activation of the U.S. is particularly important for Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and, more broadly, for the South Caucasus,” says Olesya Vartanyan, an analyst on South Caucasus affairs, assessing Washington’s initiative to improve relations between Baku and Yerevan. The U.S. administration has already offered to assist Baku and Yerevan in negotiations concerning transportation issues. Around three …
Direct Flights from St. Petersburg to Occupied Sokhumi Set to Begin August 14
“Direct flights from St. Petersburg to Sokhumi to begin on August 14”, reports the Abkhaz news agency Apsnypress. According to the agency, until now, traveling from Russia’s “northern capital” to Sokhumi was only possible with layovers. The first direct flights are scheduled for August 14 and 20, operated by the airline iFly using Airbus A330 …
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15,000 Tons of Russian Fuel Enter Batumi; Georgia’s Revenue Service Denies Sanctions Breach
The Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia confirms that Russian fuel was brought into the country by ship but states that neither the vessel nor the cargo is subject to international sanctions. The information that a ship imported Russian fuel into Georgia was initially shared by one of the leaders of the …
“We Will Be Watching the Verdict Closely” — Clooney Foundation for Justice on Mzia Amaglobeli’s Case
The Clooney Foundation for Justice, co-founded by human rights lawyer Amal Clooney and actor George Clooney, which has been monitoring the trial of Batumelebi/Netgazeti founding CEO Mzia Amaglobeli, has issued a statement. The foundation expresses concern over the charges brought against Mzia Amaglobeli and the way the proceedings were conducted. “The trial of Georgian journalist …