Former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has released another letter from prison, saying he sees no point in attending court hearings because he considers the latest criminal case against him to be a political process. Garibashvili describes the proceedings against him as a political farce and says that, at this point, his only path forward and …
Tag Archives: Georgia
“They Are Leaving Me No Choice but to Fight” – Garibashvili’s New Letter From Prison
On August 18, former Georgian Dream leader and former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has issued another statement, which he announced yesterday. Garibashvili says that the letter published yesterday was sent to him in July by one of Georgian Dream’s leaders, Mamuka Mdinaradze. According to Garibashvili, the main aim of the “fight against corruption” campaign was …
Garibashvili Says He Was Offered Deal to Take Responsibility for New Corruption Case, Holds Ivanishvili Responsible for His and His Family’s Safety
Former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, who is currently in prison, says that he received a letter in prison, allegedly sent on the instructions of Bidzina Ivanishvili, offering him a deal to take responsibility for a new corruption case. Garibashvili considers the demand a humiliating and degrading act and appears to be preparing to reject it. …
The Ultimate Batumi Travel Guide (2026): 25 Best Things to Do, Hidden Gems & Local Tips
Welcome to Batumi—Georgia’s vibrant Black Sea destination where beaches, mountains, modern architecture and local hospitality come together. This guide is designed to help first-time visitors discover the city’s most memorable experiences, with practical local tips and picnic ideas along the way. ✈️ Watch Planes Land Over the Black Sea At the southern end of Batumi …
Rewriting 2008
As Georgia commemorates the 18th anniversary of the August 2008 war, the ruling party is reviving Kremlin-style narratives — blaming the former government for Russia’s invasion and branding its critics as “Russophobes.” On August 7, 2008, Russian forces crossed Georgia’s internationally recognized border, launching a full-scale invasion that killed hundreds, displaced tens of thousands, and …
“Freedom for Mzia Amaglobeli”: Andrzej Poczobut Stands With Imprisoned Georgian Journalist on Verdict Anniversary
On August 6, 2026, the day marking one year since Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli was sentenced to two years in prison, Polish-Belarusian journalist and 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought laureate Andrzej Poczobut voiced his solidarity with her and called for freedom for all those persecuted for defending democracy and human rights in Georgia. …
One Year Since Mzia Amaglobeli’s Verdict, International Community Renews Calls for Her Release
On the first anniversary of Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli‘s sentencing, the Media Freedom Coalition, the European Union, and several Western embassies have renewed calls for her immediate and unconditional release, describing her imprisonment as politically motivated and disproportionate. International coalition renews calls for Mzia Amaglobeli’s release one year after sentencing A year after Georgian journalist …
Widespread Power Outage Hits Georgia for the Third Time in Two Weeks
A widespread power outage is affecting large parts of Georgia, including Tbilisi and Batumi, after electricity went out at around 8:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday. Residents across the country are reporting outages, while data from the Georgian State Electrosystem shows electricity transmission has dropped to zero across much of the national grid. Internet and …
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Hungarian Journalist Detained in Georgia as Court Reviews Residency Extension Request
According to the journalist’s lawyer, Hungarian journalist László Róbert Mészesi, who has been staying in Georgia, has been detained. Speaking to Netgazeti, lawyer Tornike Janelidze said that Mészesi is being transferred to the Migration Department. The lawyer is also heading there, and said that further details will become available afterward. The lawyer believes the detention …
Dredging Returns to Anaklia as Long-Delayed Deep Sea Port Project Faces an Uncertain Future
According to Georgia’s Ministry of Economy, dredging works are set to begin in Anaklia. The dredging vessel Tristão da Cunha has already arrived in Georgia’s territorial waters and, once it completes the required procedures, will begin work on the port’s breakwater channel. “The seabed in Anaklia’s maritime area will be dredged to a depth of …
Thai Vlogger Found Dead in Tbilisi: Family Rejects Suicide Theory, Seeks Answers
The family of Thai traveler Lun Solo, who was found dead in Tbilisi, rules out suicide. Lun Solo, 27 (officially named Bowornthat Pengsuk), was a Thai traveler and popular social media personality. He was known to have come from a disadvantaged background, having spent years doing physically demanding, low-paid jobs before pursuing his dream of …
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International Visitor Numbers and Tourism Revenue Decline, Russians Remain Georgia’s Top Visitors — GeoStat
According to the latest data from Georgia’s National Statistics Office (Geostat), the trend in international visitors to the country reversed in the second quarter of 2026, with both visitor numbers and tourism revenues declining compared to the same period last year. However, visitor satisfaction and the average length of stay increased. The report shows that …
Sanctioned by the West, Hit by Ukrainian Drone Strikes in Russia: How Wildberries Is Expanding in Georgia
Advertisements for the Russian online marketplace Wildberries, which has been sanctioned by the United States, Poland and Ukraine, have appeared on Batumi’s municipal buses. The buses are operated by Batumi Autotransport, a company owned by Batumi City Hall. Batumelebi contacted Batumi Autotransport to ask why advertisements for a Russian sanctioned company had been placed on …
“Is Bidzina a D**k?” Question Results in Administrative Detentions and Fines for Nine Protesters | Court Hearing
Judge Zviad Tsekvava found four of the ten protesters detained during a demonstration outside Tbilisi City Council on 26 July guilty of administrative offences after merging their cases into a single hearing. The court handed down the following penalties: Tornike Toshkhua – fined 3,000 GEL Mariam Mekantsishvili – fined 6,000 GEL Nato Bolkvadze – sentenced …
‘He Got Roughed Up and Stopped Bothering Us’: Adjara Deputy Culture Minister on Confrontation with a Citizen
In Adjara, Georgian Dream’s Deputy Minister of Culture, Zaur Akhvlediani, has confirmed to Batumelebi that he had a verbal [and, according to one version of events, physical] confrontation with a citizen during an event at the Adjara Art Museum. Earlier, it was reported that Zaur Akhvlediani was physically attacked in a public space and sustained …
Georgian Dream Supporter and MMA Fighter Announces Movement to Defend ‘Traditional Values’
Georgian MMA fighter Giorgi Kartvelishvili has announced the creation of what he calls a new “public movement”, saying it will defend Georgian traditions, religion and national values against what he described as “foreign-funded individuals and groups in slavish obedience to foreign interests and driven by a distorted ideology.” Kartvelishvili has publicly expressed support for the …
“Is Bidzina a D*ck?” – 10 Detained in Tbilisi Over Handwritten Posters Supporting Free Speech
On 26 July, ten people were detained in Tbilisi after displaying handwritten protest posters in support of freedom of speech and in protest against censorship detentions. The arrests came less than a week after Georgian journalist Vakho Sanaia was ordered to 14 days of administrative detention over Facebook posts that the Ministry of Internal Affairs …
TI Georgia’s Updated Political Prisoners List Includes 90 People, Saakashvili and Elisashvili Not Included at This Stage
Transparency International – Georgia has published an updated list of political prisoners, according to which the number of political prisoners in Georgia currently stands at 90. According to the organisation, the list was compiled based on the criteria established by a resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). Under these criteria, …
What We Know About the Clash Between Georgian Wedding Guests and Visitors from Russia
A confrontation between guests attending a wedding and visitors from Russia at Agarani Estate hotel in Telavi, eastern Georgia, on July 18 has resulted in the arrest of Georgian citizen Giorgi Chigladze. He has been charged under Article 120 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which criminalises the intentional infliction of minor bodily harm. The prosecution has …
Georgian Broadcaster Formula TV Fined Amid Financial Crisis
The Georgian National Communications Commission has fined critical TV channel Formula 5,000 GEL. This is the third time in the past four months that the Commission, based on its periodic media monitoring, has reviewed Formula for allegedly violating the provision of the Law on Broadcasting that concerns content regulation. The fine comes as Formula TV …
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Formula TV May Be Fined Again or Have Its Broadcasting Licence Suspended Over Use of the Term “Dream’s Government”
Critical TV channel Formula TV could face another fine or even the suspension of its broadcasting licence for using terms such as “Dream’ government” and similar expressions. Georgia’s Communications Commission is set to consider the case on 17 July. This will be the third time in the past four months that the Commission has reviewed …
British War Veteran Fined, Deported and Banned from Georgia for 20 Years Under Plea Deal
On July 16, British citizen Matthew Roy Desmond has reached a plea agreement with the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office. The agreement was approved by Judge Nino Galustashvili. Desmond was found guilty, fined 100,000 GEL, ordered to be deported from Georgia, and banned from re-entering the country for 20 years. The war veteran was arrested on Georgian …
Georgian Opposition Leader Zurab Japaridze Hospitalised After Being Hit by a Car
According to a family member, opposition politician Zurab (Girchi) Japaridze has been taken to hospital after being hit by a car. Japaridze himself confirmed the incident in a Facebook post. “A car hit me while on scooter, I am good. Have no fractures, only bruises. I have a concussion, and I can’t remember certain things. …
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Critical Broadcaster Formula TV Loses Defamation Case Brought by Georgian Dream Propagandist
Tbilisi City Court Judge Liana Kajashvili has fully upheld the civil lawsuit filed by Georgian Dream propagandist film director Goga Khaindrava against the critical TV broadcaster Formula TV. The court ordered “Shabatis Formula” to retract the “materially false statements containing information damaging to the claimant’s reputation, honour and dignity” broadcast in its report. It also …
Kobakhidze Does Not Rule Out Refusing to Invite OSCE/ODIHR Election Observers for the 2028 Parliamentary Elections
Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has not ruled out the possibility that the government may choose not to invite an OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission to monitor the 2028 parliamentary elections. Asked whether the government would invite the mission, Kobakhidze said the decision would only be made in 2028. “I can’t tell you anything about …
Anaklia Reset: Government Takes Full Ownership as Strategic Port Plan Shifts
After years of delay, Georgia’s Anaklia deep-sea port is being relaunched under a new model, which the government claims will protect national interests. Yet, following nearly a decade marked by political controversy, failed partnerships, and international disputes, the latest announcement prompts a familiar question: Is Anaklia finally emerging as a truly strategic infrastructure project, or …
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Inside Russia’s Shadow Fleet: The Hidden Risks for Georgian Seafarers
“There was a cracked pipe that should have been welded and properly repaired. Instead, they just covered it with a thick layer of paint. All that mattered was that the inspector took a quick look and said, ‘Yes, it’s been fixed,’” recalls Sandro (name changed), a young Georgian seafarer describing the most harrowing voyage of …
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Closed-Door Trial of Eight Georgian Opposition Leaders Speeds Toward Verdict
The substantive hearings in the so-called “sabotage” case against Georgia’s eight opposition leaders are continuing at an accelerated pace. The defendants and their lawyers expect a verdict by the end of this month or, at the latest, in August. While the court initially held roughly one hearing per month, over the past month proceedings have …
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British Veteran Faces Up to 12 Years in Prison in Georgia Over Drugs Lawyers Claim Was Doctor-Prescribed
A British citizen, Matthew Roy Desmond, faces between 8 and 12 years in prison in Georgia. According to his lawyers, the Prosecutor’s Office has charged him under Paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 262 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which concern the illegal importation of large quantities of narcotic and psychotropic substances into the country. His …
Kobakhidze Holds Special Briefing on Georgia-China Ties, Calls Them a Model of “Equal Partnership”
On June 10, Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze held a special press briefing to announce the elevation of Georgia–China relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership — a move that was announced yesterday, on the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and Georgia. On June 9, Chinese …
Rasa Juknevičienė: Armenians are already taking the European Union flag from Georgia
On June 17, the European Parliament will discuss the annual report on Georgia as a candidate country. Rapporteur on Georgia Rasa Juknevičienė expects the European Parliament to adopt the report with a large majority, as the main political groups in Europe are united in their assessment of Georgian Dream. In an interview with Netgazeti, Juknevičienė …
David McAllister on Georgia and Enlargement: The EU Cannot Treat a Candidate Country Purely as a Transactional Partner
“There is no more time for grey zones,” says David McAllister, Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs. He answered Netgazeti’s questions about the enlargement process and relations between Georgia and the European Union. In June, the European Parliament will debate a critical report on Georgia, which AFET has adopted. Representatives of the …
Journalist Afgan Sadygov Detained in Azerbaijan After Authorities Reopen Case Previously Closed, Enabling His Deportation from Georgia
A court in Azerbaijan has ordered the detention of journalist Afgan Sadygov after reopening a criminal case that Azerbaijani authorities had officially closed just two months earlier. Sadygov — who was forcibly deported from Georgia in April despite legal concerns raised by the European Court of Human Rights — says the case is politically motivated …
Azerbaijani President Aliyev Meets Georgia’s Informal Ruler Ivanishvili in Tbilisi
An oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili — the honorary chairman of the Georgian Dream party, former Prime Minister of Georgia, and widely regarded as the country’s informal ruler — hosted Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at his business center. The meeting also included government delegations. The party published a video of the meeting with the original sound replaced …
Aliyev Visits Georgia a Day After Tbilisi Deports Journalist Afghan Sadygov
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his wife, Mehriban Aliyeva, arrived in Georgia today, on April 6. The Georgian government confirmed the visit only today, despite reports about Aliyev’s trip having circulated unofficially as early as yesterday. According to official information, Ilham Aliyev is scheduled to meet with Irakli Kobakhidze and Mikheil Kavelashvili. His program also …
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Iran’s Ambassador to Georgia: “No Country Is Protected from the Consequences of a Regional Crisis”
“Let us pay attention to this phrase: no country is protected from the consequences of a regional crisis. The crisis is much closer than it may seem at first glance,” Iran’s Ambassador to Georgia, Seyed Ali Moujani, wrote in a social media post on March 31. He accompanied the post with an image showing a …