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 …
Tag Archives: Repression In Georgia
“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 …
Vakho Sanaia Becomes First Journalist Ordered to Detention Over Facebook Posts
Journalist and Formula TV anchor Vakho Sanaia has been ordered to serve 14 days of administrative detention over Facebook posts, following a case brought against him over alleged insults directed at public officials. He becomes the first journalist in Georgia to be ordered into detention over social media posts. Sanaia’s detention comes after he was …
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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, …
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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Concerns Grow Over Elene Khoshtaria’s Health in Prison
Lawyers for imprisoned opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria report her health has deteriorated significantly in prison, warning that inadequate treatment could cause irreversible harm. Authorities insist she is receiving proper medical care. Concerns intensified on June 17 when Khoshtaria’s lawyer, Shota Tutberidze, and Droa’s executive secretary, Giga Lemonjava, reported a significant decline in her health over …
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Lawyer Fined 4,000 GEL Over MP Post Comment | Social Media Speech Cases Expand in Georgia
Lawyer Shota Tutberidze was first issued an administrative offence report by Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and was later fined 4,000 GEL by Judge Davit Makaridze over a comment he posted under a social media post by Georgian Dream Parliament member Nino Tsilosani. The fine was imposed under Article 173¹⁶ of Georgia’s Code of Administrative …
Detained While Putting Up a Poster: Over A Year Later, Court of Appeal Orders Review of Amaglobeli’s First Arrest
On April 23, Batumi City Court was due to hear another case involving imprisoned Georgian journalist and Sakharov Prize laureate Mzia Amaglobeli, but the hearing was postponed until May 11. The case concerns an incident on January 11, 2025, when Amaglobeli placed a sticker on the fence of the Adjara Police Department building. She has …
Court Dismisses Yet Another Defamation Case Filed by Mzia Amaglobeli Against PM Irakli Kobakhidze
On April 24, Tbilisi City Court has terminated proceedings in yet another defamation lawsuit brought by journalist Mzia Amaglobeli against Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. The hearing was held in Kobakhidze’s absence, as neither he nor his legal representative attended court. The court was also informed that no written defence had been submitted, despite …
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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Early Release for Mzia Amaglobeli Denied Over “Unrepentant Attitude”
Cover Photo: Mzia Amaglobeli holding a handwritten poster that reads: “Don’t Stop! Don’t Register” (referring to registering as a foreign agent when receiving foreign grants) The Local Board of the Special Penitentiary Service reviewed Mzia Amaglobeli’s case for conditional early release (parole) and rejected it because she “still does not repent her actions.” The law …
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Four Highlights from the Ombudsman’s Annual Report on Rights Violations in Georgia
Georgia’s Public Defender has presented its 2025 annual human rights report to parliament, also flagging concerns over protest-related enforcement, due process violations, prison deaths, and rising child poverty. The 427-page report, released on March 31, reviews the state of human rights and freedoms across the country and highlights several systemic problems. Double jeopardy concerns in …
Journalists on Trial: Hearing for Netgazeti Reporter Postponed; Photojournalist’s Case Dismissed, Mediachecker Reporter’s Decision Delayed
The hearing of Netgazeti journalist Mariam Dzidzaria, who is facing up to 15 day detention for covering protest, was postponed just minutes after it began. Judge Tornike Kapanadze has not yet set a date for the next session. The postponement request was made by Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia representative Tinatin Kachkachishvili, who said …
Georgia Added to the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist Alongside Iran, the Philippines, Ecuador and Benin
Georgia’s rapid decline in civic freedoms has once again triggered international alarm, with the country added to the CIVICUS Monitor’s March 2026 Watchlist alongside Benin, Ecuador, Iran and the Philippines. The CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist – an alert system for countries experiencing a rapid and significant deterioration in civic freedoms – rates Georgia (with 34/100 points) …
Judge Giorgi Arevadze’s Rulings: Denounced as “Politically Motivated” — Then by Georgian Dream, Now by Its Opponents
Judge Giorgi Arevadze sentenced Georgian opposition leader and mother of four, Elene Khoshtaria, to one and a half years in prison for writing “Russian Dream” with a marker on an election banner of Kakha Kaladze, “causing damage estimated by the prosecution at 570 GEL”. Earlier, the same judge sentenced Archil Museliantsi to four years in …
MIA Challenges Definition of Journalism, Seeks 15-Day Detention for Reporter Despite Wearing Press ID at Protest
The court hearing in the administrative offence case against Tabula journalist Mariam Kuprava has been postponed to March 30 at the request of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). Kuprava, along with Mariam Dzidzaria of Netgazeti, is accused of “artificially blocking the road” while performing professional duties. Both journalists face up to 15 days in …
Opposition Leader Elene Khoshtaria Sentenced to 18 Months for Writing “Russian Dream” on Kakha Kaladze Banner
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 …
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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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 …
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, …
“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 …
“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 …
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 …
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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“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 …
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 …
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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