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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Civil Georgia</title> <atom:link href="https://civil.ge/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://civil.ge</link> <description>News from Tbilisi, Georgia</description> <lastBuildDate>Sun, 06 Apr 2025 13:51:29 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <image> <url>https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/cropped-adapted-no-square-32x32.png</url> <title>Civil Georgia</title> <link>https://civil.ge</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>Liveblog: Resistance | Strong Georgia Filed Complaint Against CEC Over Alleged Voting Restrictions</title> <link>https://civil.ge/archives/666987</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Civil.ge]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 06 Apr 2025 12:26:39 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Protest2025]]></category> <category><![CDATA[repression2025]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://civil.ge/?p=666987</guid> <description><![CDATA[With the arrival of spring, popular protests all over Georgia continue, having endured what felt like a long and difficult winter, while repression has intensified. Georgia finds itself internationally isolated from its traditional partners. Relations with the EU, the US, and traditional partners are at an all-time low. The Georgian Dream sits alone in the …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>With the arrival of spring, popular protests all over Georgia continue, having endured what felt like a long and difficult winter, while repression has intensified. Georgia finds itself internationally isolated from its traditional partners. Relations with the EU, the US, and traditional partners are at an all-time low. The Georgian Dream sits alone in the rump parliament, although its two offshoots – People’s Power and the European Socialists – try to give the appearance of opposition. The legitimacy of the parliament, the government, and the new president is hotly contested. Georgian Dream has <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/666757" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/666757" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>introduced</strong></a> a series of repressive laws aimed at further <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/659043" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/659043" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>stifling</strong></a> <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/649022" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/649022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>dissent</strong></a>, independent <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/665105" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/665105" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>media</strong></a>, and <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/664944" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/664944" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>civil society</strong></a>. 49 protesters remain in prison on criminal charges, as does the founder and director of <em>Batumelebi/Netgazeti </em>Mzia Amaghlobeli. Despite brutal police repression, protesters across the country continue to demand new elections and the release of all those unlawfully detained during the authorities’ repression.</p> <p>For developments in 2024, refer to our previous: </p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://civil.ge/archives/638926" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Liveblog: Resistance 2024</strong></a>, </li> <li><a href="https://civil.ge/archives/649547" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Liveblog: Resistance 2025, Vol. 1 </strong></a></li> </ul> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sunday, April 6</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">16:00 – Journalist Saba Sordia Arrested</h3> <p>Police <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/192ZkNnLhf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arrested</a> <strong>Saba Sordia,</strong> a journalist for the online media outlet Indigo, accusing him of disobedience to a lawful police order, according to a Facebook post by Indigo’s executive director, <strong>Nata Dzvelishvili</strong>.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">12:20 – Strong Georgia Filed Complaint Against CEC Over Alleged Voting Restrictions</h3> <p>The “Strong Georgia” coalition has <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=198&v=HKmCgPLdIG4&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Ftvpirveli.ge%2F&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">filed </a>a lawsuit against Georgia’s Central Election Commission (CEC), alleging that a recent CEC resolution effectively prevents observers from fully monitoring the voting process. Giorgi Sioridze, a CEC member representing the coalition, said the resolution unlawfully prohibits observers from verifying voters’ identities or requesting identification from individuals inside polling stations. <strong>Tornike Artkmeladze</strong>, another coalition representative, added that the decision also bars observers from inspecting verification devices or taking photo and video recordings. “This is clear proof that what we’ve been saying for a long time — that the October 26, 2024, elections were rigged — is true,” Artkmeladze said, accusing the ruling Georgian Dream party of using the personal ID numbers of Georgian citizens living abroad to manipulate the vote. He called the resolution a direct violation of the Election Code and said the coalition had no choice but to challenge it in Tbilisi City Court.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">12:00 – Vato Shakarashvili Involved in Second Incident</h3> <p><strong>Vato Shakarashvili </strong>was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1DnCojVMkH/?mibextid=wwXIfr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">involved</a> in another incident against youth activist, <strong>Tatia Apriamashvili</strong>, on Rustaveli Avenue, where he appeared alongside the pro-government POST TV crew. Activist reportedly shouted “slave” at the propagandists aligned with the ruling Georgian Dream party. During the altercation, Shakarashvili was heard saying, “Move now, or I’ll crack your head.” The incident follows a separate assault just a day earlier, when Shakarashvili and GD Propagandist <strong>Goga Khaindrava</strong> physically attacked Mtavari Channel journalist <strong>Giorgi Mamniashvili </strong>after he questioned Shakarashvili about his role in freezing the bank accounts of foundations aiding pro-European demonstrators and vulnerable citizens. Mamniashvili remains hospitalized.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Pro-EU Rallies in Georgia Reach Day 130</h3> <p>On the 130th day of pro-EU protests in Georgia, demonstrations are planned in several cities. In Tbilisi, protests will begin near the public broadcaster at 19:00, followed by a gathering outside Parliament at 20:00.</p> <p>Other cities, including Gori, Akhaltsikhe, Zugdidi, Telavi, Kutaisi, Batumi, and Chkhorotskhu, will also host rallies and demand new elections and the release of all “political prisoners.”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Saturday, April 5</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:00 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked</h3> <p>On the 129th day of pro-EU, anti-regime rallies, protesters once again gathered in Tbilisi, near the Parliament. The Rustaveli Avenue is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16T4uj3YWM/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blocked</a> to traffic.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">20:00 – Mtavari Channel’s Journalist Mamniashvili Attacked by Vato Shakarashvili</h3> <p><strong>Vato Shakarashvili,</strong> a leader of the political movement “United Neutral Georgia,” and <strong>Goga Khaindrava</strong>, a filmmaker and GD propagandist, physically <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AR1J7ZnrZ/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">assaulted</a> Mtavari Channel journalist <strong>Giorgi Mamniashvili</strong>, according to the journalist. Mamniashvili said the altercation occurred after he <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIEj-7Yi6m9/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">called </a>Shakarashvili a “slave,” referring to a March 17 appeal by Shakarashvili’s organization that led to the freezing of bank accounts belonging to foundations supporting pro-European rally participants and socially vulnerable groups.</p> <p><em>The United Neutral Georgia movement, which often echoes narratives of the ruling Georgian Dream party, was founded on 10 July, 2024. Its founders are Nana Kakabadze and Gela Nikolaishvili, members of the organization “Former Political Prisoners for Georgia”; <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/548564" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Vato Shakarishvili,</strong></a> former member of Georgian Dream youth wing; Bidzina Giorgobiani, former member of the Supreme Council of Georgia and former head of the Forestry Department; Levan Nikolaishvili, former deputy chief of staff of the armed forces; Petre Mamradze,<em> former MP</em>.</em></p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Pro-EU Rallies in Georgia Reach Day 129</h3> <p>On the 129th day of pro-EU protests in Georgia, demonstrations are planned in several cities. In Tbilisi, protests will begin near the public broadcaster at 19:00, followed by a gathering outside Parliament at 20:00.</p> <p>Other cities, including Gori, Akhaltsikhe, Zugdidi, Telavi, Kutaisi, Batumi, and Chkhorotskhu, will also host rallies and demand new elections and the release of all “political prisoners.”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Friday, April 4</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:00 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked</h3> <p>On the 128th day of pro-EU, anti-regime rallies, protesters once again gathered in Tbilisi, near the Parliament. The Rustaveli Avenue is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1E4sWndhL9/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blocked </a>to traffic.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">15:40 – Prosecutor’s Office Files Charges Against Badri Japaridze</h3> <p>The Prosecutor’s Office has <a href="https://mtavari.tv/news/179267-culukianis-komisiaze-gamoutskhadeblobistvis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">charged </a><strong>Badri Japaridze</strong>, leader of the Strong Georgia coalition, with violating <a href="https://matsne.gov.ge/en/document/download/16426/157/en/pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Article 349 of the Criminal Code</a>, which refers to failure to comply “with a request of the Provisional Investigative Commission of the Parliament of Georgia.” The offense is punishable by a fine or up to one year in prison, with deprivation of the right to hold an official position or to carry out a particular activity for up to three years. </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">15:00 – CSOs Condemn Case Against 11 Detainees as Politically Motivated</h3> <p>Civil society organizations <a href="https://www.myvideo.ge/tv/formula/2025-04-04/15:03:15" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">issued </a>a joint statement condemning the detention of eleven individuals accused of group violence, calling the case “politically motivated.” <strong>Eka Gigauri</strong>, executive director of Transparency International Georgia, said the case lacks clear and convincing evidence beyond a reasonable doubt to support the charges. She further argued that the key evidence, including video and photo materials, was obtained in violation of criminal procedural law and personal data protection regulations, making it inadmissible. According to Gigauri, the prosecution failed to demonstrate the existence of a premeditated, organized group, a necessary element of the alleged crime.</p> <p><strong>Sandro Baramidze, </strong>a human rights and rule of law program manager at TI Georgia, echoed these concerns, stating that the case lacks essential evidence to substantiate any criminal charges. He emphasized the absence of a causal link between the accused individuals’ actions and the alleged harm. Baramidze also pointed out inconsistencies in the prosecution’s claims, including the alleged harm to police officers and property damage, which he said were not supported by time, place, or circumstances.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Pro-EU Rallies in Georgia Reach Day 128</h3> <p>On the 128th day of pro-EU protests in Georgia, demonstrations are planned in several cities. In Tbilisi, protests will begin near the public broadcaster at 19:00, followed by a gathering outside Parliament at 20:00 and a public lecture near the Ilia and Akaki Monument at 21:00.</p> <p>Other cities, including Gori, Akhaltsikhe, Zugdidi, Telavi, Kutaisi, Batumi, and Chkhorotskhu, will also host rallies and demand new elections and the release of all “political prisoners.”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday, April 3</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">22:45 – Swedish FM Condemns Georgia’s Repressive Laws, Citing Threat to Democracy</h3> <p>Swedish Foreign Minister <strong>Maria Stenergard</strong> <a href="https://x.com/MariaStenergard/status/1907866200584986790" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said </a>new repressive laws adopted by Georgia’s government “further erode the country’s democracy and restricts the enjoyment of human rights.” She added that such legislation is “fundamentally incompatible with EU values.” Stenergard emphasized Sweden’s support for Georgian civil society and “the right of all Georgians to freedom of expression and assembly.”</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:40 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked</h3> <p>On the 127th day of pro-EU, anti-regime rallies, protesters once again gathered in Tbilisi, near the Parliament. The Rustaveli Avenue is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1E4sWndhL9/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blocked </a>to traffic.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">18:30 – UN Human Rights Condemns GD’s Repressive Laws</h3> <p>UN Human Rights <a href="https://x.com/UNHumanRights/status/1907802686101000648" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expressed</a> concern on X about the recent repressive laws passed by the GD Parliament in the third hearing, noting that these laws “amplify existing risks to freedoms of expression and association, equality and civic space and stifle political pluralism.” UN human rights call on the GD government “to uphold its International human Rights Law obligations.”</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">18:15- Norway Condemns Georgia’s Repressive Laws, Warns of Democratic Backsliding</h3> <p>Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has <a href="https://x.com/NorwayMFA/status/1907798920677265761" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">voiced </a>deep concerns over Georgia’s recent adoption of repressive laws, including the so-called Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and initiatives that could lead to the banning of opposition parties.”This curtails Georgian democracy by undermining freedom of expression, dismantling civic space and political pluralism,” the statement reads.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">14:00 – Public Broadcaster Re-elects Vasil Maghlaperidze as Board Chairman Amid Protests</h3> <p>The Board of Trustees of Georgia’s Public Broadcaster has <a href="https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1322150682934568&id=100054189464765&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=DCzJjFUS1LQhzKY6#" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1322150682934568&id=100054189464765&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=DCzJjFUS1LQhzKY6#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">re-elected</a> <strong>Vasil Maghlaperidze</strong> as board chairman, with no alternative candidates nominated for the position. The demonstrators gathered outside the broadcaster’s new building, displaying a banner reading “People deserve the independent public broadcaster.”</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">13:45 – Estonia Pushes for EU Action on Georgia’s Visa Liberalization</h3> <p>At the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Estonian Foreign Minister <strong>Margus Tsahkna</strong> <a href="https://www.natomultimedia.tv/app/asset/718674?s=Margus%20Tsahkna" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">called </a>for stronger measures against Georgia in response to recent legislative changes. Noting that Estonia has already imposed national sanctions on key figures such as <strong>Bidzina Ivanishvili</strong>, honorary chair of Geordian Dream and Prime Minister <strong>Irakli Kobakhidze</strong>, Tsahkna urged the EU to reconsider Georgia’s visa-free status. When asked if this was on the table, he confirmed that the process requires 15 EU member states to move forward, and emphasized the need for the Georgian government to change course.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Pro-EU Rallies in Georgia Reach Day 127</h3> <p>On the 127th day of pro-EU protests in Georgia, demonstrations are planned in several cities. In Tbilisi, protests will take place near the public broadcaster and Parliament. By 20:00, protesters plan to rally near the Supreme Court, under the slogan “No to Injustice!”</p> <p>Other cities, including Gori, Akhaltsikhe, Zugdidi, Telavi, Kutaisi, Batumi, and Chkhorotskhu, will also host rallies and demand new elections and the release of all “political prisoners.”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wednesday, April 2</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">22:00 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked</h3> <p>On the 126th day of pro-EU, anti-regime rallies, protesters once again gathered in Tbilisi, near the Parliament. The Rustaveli Avenue is blocked to traffic.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:30 – Families of Detained Protesters Announce New Resistance Movement</h3> <p>The parents and relatives of individuals detained during the pro-EU rallies announced the creation of a new resistance movement, <em>For the Freedom of Prisoners of Conscience</em>. In a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TVFormula/videos/1195796338853778" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">joint statement</a>, they outlined their plan to hold a vigil near the Parliament at the April 9 Memorial on April 8 to demand the “release of political prisoners” and the scheduling of new elections. They also urged political parties to unite around three key demands: new elections, the release of “political and conscience prisoners,” and a boycott of upcoming local elections.</p> <p>The statement also included an appeal to the EU to act against what they called an “illegitimate, Russian-backed regime.” They urged for strict financial sanctions on the GD party patron, oligarch <strong>Bidzina Ivanishvili</strong>, his business associates, family members, and government officials accused of corruption and systemic repression. Additionally, they appealed to the Georgian Orthodox Church to play a unifying role during what they described as a critical moment for the country. They also called on Georgian businesses to cease funding the GD and urged students to be more actively engaged in the ongoing protests.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">16:20 – Court Postpones Trial of Eleven Defendants in Group Violence Case</h3> <p>Tbilisi City Court Judge <strong>Nino Galustashvili </strong><a href="https://tvpirveli.ge/ka/siaxleebi/politika/97903-sindisis-11-patimris-saqmis-morigi-skhdoma-24-aprils-chainishna" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">postponed</a> the hearing of eleven prisoners accused of alleged <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/650987" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>involvement </strong></a>in group violence to April 24. The defendants, whose cases have been consolidated into a single trial, include actor <strong>Andro Chichinadze </strong>and comedian <strong>Onise Tskhadadze,</strong> as well as <strong>Guram Mirtskhulava, Luka Jabua, Jano Archaia, Ruslan Sivakov, Revaz Kiknadze, Giorgi Terashvili, Valeri Tetrashvili, Sergei Kukharchuk, </strong>and <strong>Irakli Kerashvili.</strong></p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">15:15 – ECtHR Admits Case of Detained Actor Andro Chichinadze</h3> <p>The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has admitted the case of detained actor <strong>Andro Chichinadze</strong> and begun its review, his lawyer, <strong>Tornike Migineishvili</strong>, announced. “We will maintain constant communication with the European Court,” Migineishvili <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tornike.migineishvili/posts/pfbid026F2q8nwBBDuJrPNbEVyfafNJrcMKbx1dusZKMwrDmLp8PtYJdUxrc6WyY5Ct4g1sl" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/tornike.migineishvili/posts/pfbid026F2q8nwBBDuJrPNbEVyfafNJrcMKbx1dusZKMwrDmLp8PtYJdUxrc6WyY5Ct4g1sl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote on social media</a>. Chichinadze was arrested in December and faces charges under Article 225, Part 2 of the Georgian Criminal Code, which pertains to participation in group violence and carries a potential prison sentence of four to six years.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Tbilisi City Court Judge <strong>Nino Galustashvili</strong> is also hearing his case today, along with those of 10 other detainees.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">15:00 – President Zurabishvili’s Resistance Platform Parties Reject Participation in GD-led Investigative Commission</h3> <p>President <strong>Salome Zurabishvili</strong> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/zourabichvilisalome/videos/1751748402041102/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/zourabichvilisalome/videos/1751748402041102/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced</a> that parties within the <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/672743" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/672743" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Resistance Platform</strong></a> that she initiated a day earlier, have agreed not to participate in the parliamentary investigative commission established by the ruling GD party that examines alleged crimes of the previous UNM government. She asserted that the commission serves Russian interests and is intended to intimidate political leaders, stating that its goal is to “sow fear” within the people.</p> <p>Zurabishvili also noted that the opposition will enhance coordination with international partners, including the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), which is <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/657207" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>set to review</strong></a> the credentials of the Georgian Dream delegation on April 7. She added that a unified communication group will be created to share updates on their decisions via Facebook and Twitter.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">13:10 – CSOs Condemn Degrading Treatment of Elene Khoshtaria, Call for Investigation</h3> <p>Civil society organizations (CSOs) have expressed solidarity with <strong>Elene Khoshtaria</strong>, <a href="https://www.myvideo.ge/tv/pirvelitv/2025-04-02/13:14:47" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condemning</a> the degrading treatment she endured after being detained by police during a March 28 rally and calling on relevant institutions to investigate the case. According to Khoshtaria, she was handcuffed and forcibly stripped naked by several female officers. CSOs stressed that such actions are illegal and constitute inappropriate and degrading treatment<strong>, </strong>with<strong> Eka Gigauri</strong>, head of Transparency International (TI) Georgia, calling it a “Russian practice.” <strong>Nino Lomjaria, </strong>founder of Georgia’s European Orbit, criticized media channels like Rustavi 2 and TV Imedi for requesting video footage of Khoshtaria’s naked detention, labeling it an act of intimidation. She further emphasized that, according to UN and Council of Europe standards, full stripping amounts to degrading and humiliating treatment, and even partial stripping requires justification and must be conducted in areas without video surveillance.</p> <p>CSOs also cited similar cases of mistreatment of detained women in November and December 2024, highlighting a disturbing pattern of forced stripping and humiliation. They named law enforcement officers <strong>Nino Chkhartishvili, Salome Lashkhia, </strong>and<strong> Davit Bolotashvili</strong> as those involved in Khoshtaria’s degrading treatment.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">12:50 – Czech Embassy Highlights Growing Concerns Over Media Freedom in Georgia</h3> <p>The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Tbilisi has <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/12HxzvVyq1H/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stressed</a> the critical role of independent, free, and pluralistic media in democracy, ensuring informed public debate and holding those in power accountable. Alongside the UK and other EU embassies, the Embassy continues to monitor the court hearings of Mzia Amaghlobeli, the director of the Batumelebi/Netgazeti publication. “It is sad to see how Georgia, once a beacon of democracy in the South Caucasus, is backsliding toward authoritarianism—laws to protect media freedom are being eroded, physical and online attacks against journalists persist with impunity, and the use of courts and the legal system to harass journalists and media outlets is on the rise,” stated the Czech Embassy.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">12:40 – Nika Melia Summoned by Commission Investigating UNM’s Activities</h3> <p>Nika Melia, one of the leaders of the opposition force Coalition for Change, has been <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GuJ6kj2uS/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">summoned</a> to appear before the parliamentary investigative commission, investigating the actions of former UNM governemnt, on April 11. The commission has requested Melia to provide explanations regarding the state of human rights protection from 2004 to 2012, as well as domestic and foreign political developments in the years that followed.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:45 – Nika Gvaramia of Coalition For Change Summoned by Commission Investigating UNM’s Activities</h3> <p><strong>Nika Gvaramia,</strong> one of the leaders of the opposition force <em>Coalition for Change</em>, has been <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1B5njgU5P7/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">summoned</a> to appear before the Parliamentary Investigative Commission on April 8. The commission is investigating the actions of the former <em>United National Movement</em> government. In a Facebook post, Gvaramia shared the commission’s request, stating: “We would like to inform you that the Parliamentary Commission has requested that you provide explanations on the situation in the field of human rights protection during 2004-2012 and on the internal and foreign political processes in the subsequent period.”</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:10 – Opposition Leader Zurab Japaridze Summoned by Commission Investigating UNM’s Activities</h3> <p><strong>Zurab Japaridze,</strong> a leader of the opposition coalition <em>Coalition for Change</em>, has been <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/15YdZ6Wxv7/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">summoned</a> to appear before the Parliamentary Investigative Commission on April 4. The commission was established by the GD to investigate the actions of the former <em>United National Movement</em> government. On April 1, however, its mandate was extended to cover not only 2003-2012, as originally planned, but also 2012 to the present.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Planned Protests Timeline</h3> <p>Protests in Georgia have entered their 126th day, with demonstrators continuing to demand new elections and the release of imprisoned activists. Rallies are set to take place across multiple cities, with Tbilisi remaining the focal point. The day’s events will begin at 14:00 near Tbilisi City Court, where a hearing for the “eleven prisoners of conscience” is scheduled. At 19:00, the daily protest will be held near the Public Broadcaster’s office, followed by a large-scale demonstration near Parliament at 20:00. The day will conclude with a public lecture at 21:00 at the Ilia and Akaki Monument.</p> <p>Outside Tbilisi, protests will take place in <strong>Gori </strong>(17:00), <strong>Akhaltsikhe </strong>(18:00), <strong>Zugdidi</strong> (18:00), <strong>Telavi </strong>(19:00), <strong>Kutaisi </strong>(19:00) and <strong>Batumi </strong>(19:00). In Chkhorotsku, demonstrators will continue their daily protest at 20:00 in front of the city hall.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday, April 1</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">23:50 – UK MP James MacCleary Urges Tougher Action on Georgia Over Protester Mistreatment</h3> <p><strong>James MacCleary</strong>, a Member of the UK Parliament, has <a href="https://x.com/JamesMacCleary/status/1907160783475069222" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">voiced</a> strong concerns over the treatment of protesters in Georgia. In a post on X, he highlighted reports of detentions and mistreatment, specifically condemning the humiliating and degrading treatment of<strong> Elene Khoshtaria</strong> before her release. Urging a firmer stance, MacCleary called on the UK government to take a “tougher” approach toward the actions of the Georgian authorities.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:30 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked</h3> <p>On 125th day of protest Rustaveli avenue <a href="https://tvpirveli.ge/ka/siaxleebi/sazogadoeba/97857-utskveti-protestis-125-e-dge-rustavelis-gamziri-gadaiketa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">closed </a>for traffic earlier than usual, despite police efforts to prevent this from happening.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">17:30 – Anti-Putin Russian Activists Remanded in Custody</h3> <p>Tbilisi City Court <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1410148857051327&set=pb.100041686795244.-2207520000" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1410148857051327&set=pb.100041686795244.-2207520000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remanded </a>Russian citizens <strong>Anastasia Zinovkina</strong> and <strong>Artem Gribul</strong> to pretrial detention. The couple, known for their <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/669315" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/669315" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>participation </strong></a>in pro-European rallies in Tbilisi and anti-Putin activism, face charges under Article 260, Section 6, Part A of the Georgian Criminal Code for the acquisition and possession of particularly large quantities of drugs. If convicted, they could be sentenced to between eight and 20 years or life imprisonment.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">14:30 – Prosecutor’s Office Files Charges Against Mamuka Khazaradze</h3> <p>The Prosecutor’s Office has <a href="https://pog.gov.ge/news/prokuraturam-saqartvelos-parlamentis-droebiti-sagamodziebo-komisiis-kanonieri-motkhovnis-sheusruleblobis-faqtze-mamuka-khazaradzes-braldeba-tsarudgina-4746" data-type="link" data-id="https://pog.gov.ge/news/prokuraturam-saqartvelos-parlamentis-droebiti-sagamodziebo-komisiis-kanonieri-motkhovnis-sheusruleblobis-faqtze-mamuka-khazaradzes-braldeba-tsarudgina-4746" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">charged </a><strong>Mamuka Khazaradze</strong>, leader of the Strong Georgia coalition, with violating <a href="https://matsne.gov.ge/en/document/download/16426/157/en/pdf" data-type="link" data-id="https://matsne.gov.ge/en/document/download/16426/157/en/pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Article 349 of the Criminal Code</a>, which refers to failure to comply “with a request of the Provisional Investigative Commission of the Parliament of Georgia.” The offense is punishable by a fine or up to one year in prison, with deprivation of the right to hold an official position or to carry out a particular activity for up to three years.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">13:00 – Personal Data Protection Service Issues Warning to Vivamedi Clinic for Disclosing Aleko Elisashvili’s Medical Details</h3> <p>The Personal Data Protection Service has found the <em>Vivamedi </em>clinic and its general director, <strong>Nino Nadiradze</strong>, in violation of personal data regulations for sharing politician <strong>Aleko Elisashvili’s</strong> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nadiradzekuzanova/posts/pfbid02PDLoUy5gtfMQ9UBUZK7ts3CV86VFeavFrBDWwBcfkF56B2KgiGUNfZhZStFdzTqgl?locale=ka_GE" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/nadiradzekuzanova/posts/pfbid02PDLoUy5gtfMQ9UBUZK7ts3CV86VFeavFrBDWwBcfkF56B2KgiGUNfZhZStFdzTqgl?locale=ka_GE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medical information on Facebook</a> on January 10.</p> <p>The agency ruled that the clinic violated <a href="https://pdps.ge/files/content/%E1%83%9E%E1%83%94%E1%83%A0%E1%83%A1%E1%83%9D%E1%83%9C%E1%83%90%E1%83%9A%E1%83%A3%E1%83%A0%20%E1%83%9B%E1%83%9D%E1%83%9C%E1%83%90%E1%83%AA%E1%83%94%E1%83%9B%E1%83%97%E1%83%90%20%E1%83%93%E1%83%90%E1%83%AA%E1%83%95%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1%20%E1%83%A8%E1%83%94%E1%83%A1%E1%83%90%E1%83%AE%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%20%E1%83%9B%E1%83%9D%E1%83%A5%E1%83%9B%E1%83%94%E1%83%93%E1%83%98%20%E1%83%99%E1%83%90%E1%83%9C%E1%83%9D%E1%83%9C%E1%83%98_1711019935.pdf" data-type="link" data-id="https://pdps.ge/files/content/%E1%83%9E%E1%83%94%E1%83%A0%E1%83%A1%E1%83%9D%E1%83%9C%E1%83%90%E1%83%9A%E1%83%A3%E1%83%A0%20%E1%83%9B%E1%83%9D%E1%83%9C%E1%83%90%E1%83%AA%E1%83%94%E1%83%9B%E1%83%97%E1%83%90%20%E1%83%93%E1%83%90%E1%83%AA%E1%83%95%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1%20%E1%83%A8%E1%83%94%E1%83%A1%E1%83%90%E1%83%AE%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%20%E1%83%9B%E1%83%9D%E1%83%A5%E1%83%9B%E1%83%94%E1%83%93%E1%83%98%20%E1%83%99%E1%83%90%E1%83%9C%E1%83%9D%E1%83%9C%E1%83%98_1711019935.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Article 68 </a>of the Law on Personal Data Protection, which prohibits the unlawful processing of “special category data,” and ordered the deletion of the post, which included details of Elisashvili’s health and an X-ray image. While the law allows for fines of up to 3,000 GEL, the <em>Vivamedi </em>clinic received only a warning. Elisashvili <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AlexanderElisashvili/posts/pfbid0bJuhXN3A1ZPXAz6bryyzviXJ35TZSL65SW29dYLE6FUsHyAs67EuvZGCEmhRQmKul?locale=ka_GE" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/AlexanderElisashvili/posts/pfbid0bJuhXN3A1ZPXAz6bryyzviXJ35TZSL65SW29dYLE6FUsHyAs67EuvZGCEmhRQmKul?locale=ka_GE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shared a screenshot</a> of the ruling on social media.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">12:30 – Temur Katamadze Resumes Hunger Strike</h3> <p>Detained <strong>Temur Katamadze</strong>, a Turkish citizen of Georgian origin, has resumed his hunger strike. Katamadze previously ended a 48-day hunger strike on March 5. A day earlier, on March 4, he was transferred to the <em>Vivamedi </em>clinic for medical attention. Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association reported that during his previous hunger strike, Katamadze had lost more than 20 kilograms. Katamadze <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/667176" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/667176" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>has repeatedly applied </strong></a>for Georgian citizenship, but the Georgian authorities have denied his requests.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Georgia Marks 125 Days of Protests</h3> <p>As Georgia enters the 125th consecutive day of anti-regime demonstrations, protesters are once again taking to the streets. In Tbilisi, demonstrators will gather at 19:00 near the Public Broadcaster and at 20:00 in front of the Parliament. In Gori, a rally will be held at 17:00 in front of the Municipality Council to demand the “release of political prisoners” and new elections. In Akhaltsikhe and Kutaisi, protests will be held at 18:00, while in Zugdidi and Batumi, demonstrators will rally at 19:00. Chkhorotskhu will continue its daily protest near the City Hall at 20:00.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">02:00 – Tamta Mikeladze Reports Activist Luka Kintsurashvili Detained</h3> <p><strong>Tamta Mikeladze</strong>, the Equality Policy Program Director at the <em>Social Justice Center</em> (SJC), <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tamta.mikeladze/posts/pfbid026KQB1fV4UGR2XZd8xxk4LUptqa6mfu9xjJ5YeMwKTe2SUAuXpaEDjnW9oGeoaK3Sl" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/tamta.mikeladze/posts/pfbid026KQB1fV4UGR2XZd8xxk4LUptqa6mfu9xjJ5YeMwKTe2SUAuXpaEDjnW9oGeoaK3Sl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported </a>that police detained activist <strong>Luka Kintsurashvili</strong>. According to Mikeladze, officers stopped Kintsurashvili in Tbilisi, on Vazha-Pshavela Avenue, demanded access to his Telegram messages, and, upon his refusal, seized his phone. His whereabouts remained unknown for several hours. Later in the night, it was confirmed that he was being held at a temporary detention center under administrative charges. Mikeladze added that Kintsurashvili had previously been a victim of police violence in July 2024.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">00:15 – Lecturer Giorgi Tsotskolauri Says He Was Taken to Police, Later Released</h3> <p>Lecturer <strong>Giorgi Tsotskolauri</strong>, one of the participants in the ongoing pro-EU protests, was taken to the police department near Tbilisi’s old Sports Palace. In a short Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/giorgio.tsotskolauri/videos/1304362907344033" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/giorgio.tsotskolauri/videos/1304362907344033" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Live video</a>, Tsotskolauri said that police stopped him and his companion and were taking them to the department without giving a justification. Several hours later, Tsotskolauri <a href="https://www.facebook.com/giorgio.tsotskolauri/posts/pfbid034vh9efqSyVRs6MQa3o6s1SbtUEMu14WM34T414GbQAnmN4tKRKjiee2BzzskA88ql" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/giorgio.tsotskolauri/posts/pfbid034vh9efqSyVRs6MQa3o6s1SbtUEMu14WM34T414GbQAnmN4tKRKjiee2BzzskA88ql" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote on social media</a> that he had been released and had returned home. He didn’t disclose further details.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monday, March 31</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">20:00 – Parallel Rallies See Protesters March to Rustaveli Avenue</h3> <p>A large group of students from various universities started the march from the first building of Tbilisi State University (TSU) toward Rustaveli Avenue. Carrying flags of the European Union and the First Republic of Georgia, the students held photos of national heroes, including Kote Abkhazi and Kakutsa Cholokashvili. As they proceeded through the city’s central thoroughfare, they chanted, “Freedom to the prisoners of the regime.” A separate rally is also underway from Republic Square to Rustaveli Avenue.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">18:35 – Batumi City Court Holds Substantive Hearing on Mzia Amaghlobeli’s Case</h3> <p>A substantive hearing was held at the Batumi City Court in the case of <strong>Mzia Amaghlobeli</strong>, founder of <em>Batumelebi/Netgazeti</em>. The court heard testimony from prosecution witnesses, including Berdia Peradze, head of the Investigative Division of the Adjara Police Department, and police officer Tamar Kereselidze. The following court hearings are scheduled for April 7, 14, and 28, as well as May 8 and 16. </p> <p>Diplomatic representatives from the embassies of the Czech Republic, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Mediachecker/posts/pfbid02W4Rsvdf8bvta83XpPWL9A5Yo8BRnj2Ngft4wB4E918CpWjEb2CKaogUeygUSxj8nl" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/Mediachecker/posts/pfbid02W4Rsvdf8bvta83XpPWL9A5Yo8BRnj2Ngft4wB4E918CpWjEb2CKaogUeygUSxj8nl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attended the proceedings</a>. Amaghlobeli, who was arrested on January 12, is charged under Article 353 Prima of the Georgian Criminal Code for allegedly assaulting a police officer.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">16:30 – German Ambassador Reaffirms Support for Human Rights in Georgia</h3> <p>The German Ambassador to Georgia, <strong>Peter Fischer</strong>, took to social media after a meeting at the Human Rights House in Tbilisi to <a href="https://x.com/Diplo_Peter/status/1906685438728835282" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">express </a>his concerns about frozen accounts, investigations, and intimidation of NGOs, including the organization itself. He reiterated Germany’s support for human rights defenders, noting “Poor human right record = No EU.”</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">13:00 – GD Parliamentary Committee Advances Law Banning Foreign Funding for Broadcasters</h3> <p>GD Parliament’s Sectoral Economy and Economic Policy Committee has <a href="https://mtavari.tv/news/179074-oligarkis-deputatebma-komitetze-saboloo-mosmenit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">approved</a> a draft law that would ban broadcasters from receiving foreign funding, moving it to a final vote in the legislature. The proposal by the ruling Georgian Dream party, which is expected to pass this week, would amend the Broadcasting Law to <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/665105" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>prohibit </strong></a>direct or indirect foreign financing.. The ban extends to foreign entities purchasing broadcasting services or funding program production. The <a href="https://info.parliament.ge/file/1/BillReviewContent/381174" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">explanatory note</a> attached to the amendments states they “will help reduce the influence of foreign powers in shaping public opinion through broadcasters.” The amendments align with a wider trend of GD restricting foreign funding to non-state actors.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">12:10 – Gela Khasaia of Coalition for Change Arrested</h3> <p><strong>Gela Khasaia, </strong>a member of the opposition force <em>Coalition for Change</em>, was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18sn2hJqUa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arrested </a>near Parliament after refusing a police request for a superficial inspection. The charges against him remain unclear. Khasaia was previously detained on Dec. 4, 2024, during raids on the Coalition for Change’s office.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Planned Protests Timeline</h3> <p>Protests in Georgia have reached their 124th day, with demonstrators demanding new elections and the release of imprisoned activists. Rallies are planned across multiple cities, with Tbilisi remaining the epicenter. The day’s events will begin at noon near the parliament building with the rally “Antsukhelidze is Immortal,” honoring Giorgi Antsukhelidze, a Georgian war hero tortured and killed by Russian forces in 2008. At 19:00, protests will take place at various locations, including “Rally by the Students: Our Future is Independent Georgia” near Tbilisi State University and a demonstration near Republic Square marking the anniversary of Georgia’s 1991 independence referendum. Other rallies include the regular protest near the Public Broadcaster, a gathering by social democrats at the Akaki Chkhenkeli statue, and a large-scale demonstration at 20:00 near the parliament titled “People’s Spring is Coming!” At the same time, cultural figures will hold a protest near Rustaveli Theatre. The day will conclude with a public lecture at 21:00 at the Ilia and Akaki Monument.</p> <p>Outside Tbilisi, protests will take place in <strong>Gori </strong>(17:00), <strong>Akhaltsikhe </strong>(18:00), <strong>Zugdidi</strong> (18:00), <strong>Telavi </strong>(19:00), <strong>Kutaisi </strong>(19:00) and <strong>Batumi </strong>(19:00). In Chkhorotsku, demonstrators will continue their daily protest at 20:00 in front of the city hall.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">09:00 – Chikvaidze on 19th Day of Hunger Strike, Demands Transfer to Hospital</h3> <p><strong>Giorgi Chikvaidze,</strong> arrested on March 11 for allegedly embezzling a large sum of money, has entered the 19th day of his hunger strike, with his health deteriorating rapidly. He is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19ATRELfLd/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">demanding </a>to be transferred to a multi-profile hospital because he refuses any medical care from the prison clinic, but the penitentiary institution has remained silent on the matter, according to a statement on Giorgi Chikvaidze/Facebook.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Saturday, March 29</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">20: 20 – Elene Khoshtaria Released from Detention</h3> <p>Leader of Droa and one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change Elene Khoshtaria has been released from detention. No details are known at this time about her possible appearance before court.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">19:00 – ALDE Party Condemns Arrest and “Horrific Treatment” of Elene Khoshtaria</h3> <p>ALDE Party <a href="https://x.com/ALDEParty/status/1905969495858094346" data-type="link" data-id="https://x.com/ALDEParty/status/1905969495858094346" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said </a>it condemns the arrest and “horrific treatment” of Elene Khoshtaria and calls for her immediate release. “Another outrageous case of the Georgian Dream regime’s treatment of the unlawfully imprisoned. Our members will continue to fight for democracy and a European future for Georgia. We stand with the Georgians!” the statement said.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">18:00 – Elene Khoshtaria Says She was Subjected to Degrading Treatment by Police</h3> <p>One of the leaders of the opposition Coalition for Change, Elene Khoshtaria, who was detained by police during a rally on March 28, said she was subjected to degrading treatment, her hands were handcuffed, and several female police officers forcefully stripped her naked. The police also inflicted injuries on her jaw and teeth, she said. She wrote from detention: “This practice of forced stripping is a shameless Russian method of violating human dignity and physical violence against individuals.”</p> <p>The Interior Ministry responded with a statement saying Khoshtaria was detained “for disobeying a lawful order of a police officer and petty hooliganism. The statement said she refused to fully undergo the procedures established by law when she was transferred to a detention facility. The ministry also claimed that “during the examination, the detainee was found to be carrying an allegedly illegal substance, for which an appropriate examination has been ordered”.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Friday, March 28</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">20:10 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked for Traffic </h3> <p>On 121st day of protest Rustaveli avenue closed for traffic earlier than usual, despite police efforts to prevent this from happening.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">20:05 – Elene Khoshtaria of Coalition for Change Detained</h3> <p>Police detained Elene Khoshtaria, one of the leaders of Coalition for Change near Parliament.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">18:00 – Two Citizens Detained Near Parliament</h3> <p>Two demonstrators were <a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/517234604763301" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arrested</a> near parliament while protesting statements made by the GD’s Temporary Investigation Commission, which is investigating alleged crimes committed by the former United National Movement government. One of the detained is reportedly activist Tako Kuratishvili. One of the detained was standing on the sidewalk by the parliament with a banner saying “Antsukhelidze is immortal!”. Giorgi Antsukhelidze is a Georgian war hero who was tortured and killed by the Russian invaders in 2008. The charges against the detained protesters have not yet been made public.</p> <div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex"> <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="684" height="1024" src="https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/487217675_3887669121547831_5645402519861149217_n-684x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-672482" srcset="https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/487217675_3887669121547831_5645402519861149217_n-684x1024.jpg 684w, https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/487217675_3887669121547831_5645402519861149217_n-200x300.jpg 200w, https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/487217675_3887669121547831_5645402519861149217_n-768x1149.jpg 768w, https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/487217675_3887669121547831_5645402519861149217_n-1027x1536.jpg 1027w, https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/487217675_3887669121547831_5645402519861149217_n.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 684px) 100vw, 684px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Demonstrator gathered near the parliament, protesting Investigative Commission’s claims.<br>Photo: Giorgi Mosiashvili/Mo Se</figcaption></figure> </div> <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="685" height="1024" src="https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/487210624_3887693288212081_7095056801436997745_n-685x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-672479" srcset="https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/487210624_3887693288212081_7095056801436997745_n-685x1024.jpg 685w, https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/487210624_3887693288212081_7095056801436997745_n-201x300.jpg 201w, https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/487210624_3887693288212081_7095056801436997745_n-768x1149.jpg 768w, https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/487210624_3887693288212081_7095056801436997745_n.jpg 793w" sizes="(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Activist detained near the parliament. <br>Photo: Giorgi Mosiashvili/ Mo Se</figcaption></figure> </div> </div> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">17:30 – Protest near Parliament</h3> <p>Demonstrators <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/daitove.ge/permalink/602271969538578/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gathered </a>near the parliament to protest remarks made in public to a war general during a meeting of the Georgian Dream Temporary Investigative Commission. Holding banners that read “No to the Russian Regime,” the demonstrators condemned the remarks made by <strong>Tea Tsulukiani </strong>and other members of the commission. The commission is hearing <strong>Mamuka Kurashvili,</strong> a Georgian military officer who served as Chief of Staff of the Peacekeeping Forces of the Joint Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces during the August war.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">15:00 – Prosecutor Probes Irakli Okruashvili’s Refusal to Appear Before GD Parliament’s UNM Investigation Commission</h3> <p>The prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation against <strong>Irakli Okruashvili</strong>, the former Minister of Defense (2004-2006), for not complying with the request to appear before a parliamentary investigative commission probing the previous United National Movement (UNM) government’s activities.</p> <p>If convicted, under <em>Article 349</em> of <a href="https://police.ge/files/IRD/Criminal%20Code%20of%20Georgia.pdf" data-type="link" data-id="https://police.ge/files/IRD/Criminal%20Code%20of%20Georgia.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Georgia’s Criminal Code,</a> Okruashvili could face a fine or up to one year in prison, along with potential restrictions on holding public office or engaging in certain professional activities for up to three years.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">13:05 – Strong Georgia Coalition Members Summoned by Prosecutor’s Office</h3> <p>The General Secretary of the opposition coalition, <em>Strong Georgia</em>, <strong>Irakli Kupradze</strong>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTPwPURxGWA" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTPwPURxGWA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> that “Ivanishvili’s Russian regime continues its fight against its main opponent,” and said that two members of <em>Strong Georgia</em> – <strong>Eka Giorgobiani</strong> and <strong>Tornike Artkmeladze</strong> have been summoned by the Prosecutor’s Office. Kupradze emphasized that neither would comply, asserting that they would only testify in a courtroom before a magistrate judge. </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Planned Protests Timeline</h3> <p>On the 121st consecutive day of nationwide protests, demonstrators across Georgia remain resolute, mobilizing once again in other cities. In Tbilisi, protests will begin at 13:00 near the Ministry of Health in solidarity with Chiatura. Evening demonstrations are scheduled at 19:00 near the Public Broadcaster, at the same time near Ilia State University under the slogan “Power Lies in Students’ Unity!” and near Heroes Square with the theme “Protest Glory to Heroes: End the Russian Regime.” A larger protest will follow outside Parliament at 20:00 and a public lecture will take place at 21:00 near the statues of Ilia Chavchavadze and Akaki Tsereteli.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the protests will continue in various other cities: Gori will see a gathering at 17:00, and Akhaltsikhe will host a “No to Russian Regime!” demonstration at 18:00 by the Shota Rustaveli statue. Zugdidi will rally against the “Russian regime” at 19:00 in front of the regional administration. At the same time, protests will continue in Telavi, Kutaisi, and Batumi. Chkhorotsku<strong> </strong>will maintain its ongoing daily protest at 20:00 by the City Hall.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday, March 27</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">20:55 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked</h3> <p>Tbilisi’s main thoroughfare, Rustaveli Avenue, is once again <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14DTiy8nwHY/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">closed</a> to traffic. Protesters have taken to the streets for the 120th consecutive day to demand the new elections and the release of all detained protesters.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">15:50 – ECtHR Accepts Lawsuit Against Georgia’s Foreign Agents Law</h3> <p>The European Court of Human Rights has begun <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1H81nYLbTe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">examining </a>a case challenging Georgia’s Foreign Agents Law and has accepted the case for proceedings on all relevant articles, the Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA) announced. The watchdog argues that the law violates several rights protected by the European Convention on Human Rights, including freedom of assembly and association (Article 11), freedom of expression (Article 10), the right to respect for private and family life (Article 8), Prohibition of discrimination (Article 14), the right to an effective remedy (Article 13), and limitations on the use of restrictions on rights (Article 18). According to court correspondence cited by GYLA, the case may be granted the status of a case of significant impact, a designation reserved for matters of exceptional importance for the protection of human rights.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">14:30 – Anzor Kvaratskhelia Remanded in Custody</h3> <p>Tbilisi City Court Judge <strong>Jvebe Natchkebia</strong> remanded <strong>Anzor Kvaratskhelia</strong> in detention. The activist was arrested during protests on December 5 on charges of allegedly assaulting a police officer by throwing a Molotov cocktail. At today’s hearing, two prosecution witnesses, a fire safety expert and a detective, were questioned. <em>TV Pirveli</em> <a href="https://tvpirveli.ge/ka/siaxleebi/politika/97470-anri-kvaratskhelias-sasamartlo-protses-daniis-saelchos-tsarmomadgeneli-ests" data-type="link" data-id="https://tvpirveli.ge/ka/siaxleebi/politika/97470-anri-kvaratskhelias-sasamartlo-protses-daniis-saelchos-tsarmomadgeneli-ests" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> that a representative of the Danish Embassy attended the hearing of Anri Kvaratskhelia.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">14:10 – Opposition Leader Mamuka Khazaradze Faces Court Summons, Calls It Political Persecution</h3> <p><strong>Mamuka Khazaradze</strong>, leader of the opposition party Strong Georgia, <a href="https://www.myvideo.ge/tv/formula/2025-03-27/14:06:18" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced </a>during a briefing that he has been summoned to court today on March 27, a move that could lead to his detention. Despite calling the judiciary “completely subordinate” to <strong>Bidzina Ivanishvili,</strong> the honorary chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Khazaradze said he will appear in court and present a reasoned argument. The Prosecutor’s Office <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/671750" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>launched </strong></a>an investigation against Khazaradze following an appeal by <strong>Tea Tsulukiani</strong>, citing his absence from a parliamentary investigative commission examining alleged crimes under the previous United National Government. He is being investigated under Article 349 of the Criminal Code, which carries a penalty of a fine or up to one year in prison.</p> <p>Khazaradze denounced the case as “political persecution” orchestrated by Bidzina Ivanishvili. He accused the GD government of attempting to “kill free thought” and “discredit any political group or party” to consolidate power in favor of “criminal Georgian Dream” governemnt. His remarks were made in the presence of journalists and anchors representing various independent media outlets.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Georgia Marks 120 Days of Resistance</h3> <p>On the 120th consecutive day of nationwide protests, demonstrators across Georgia remain resolute, mobilizing once again in multiple cities. In Tbilisi, the day starts with two detained protesters’ court hearings: <strong>Anri Kvaratskhelia’s </strong>at 11:30 and <strong>Saba Shkvitiridze’s</strong> at 15:30 at the City Court. Evening protests will take place near the Public Broadcaster at 19:00, Parliament at 20:00, and a public lecture by the “Protest Auditorium” at 21:00, near Ilia Chavchavadze and Akaki Tsereteli Statue.</p> <p>Meanwhile, regional cities will hold their rallies: Gori will see a gathering at 17:00, and Akhaltsikhe will host a “No to Russian Regime!” demonstration at 18:00 by the Shota Rustaveli statue. Zugdidi will rally against the “Russian regime” at 19:00 in front of the regional administration. At the same time, protests will continue in Telavi, Kutaisi, and Batumi. Chkhorotsku<strong> </strong>will maintain its ongoing daily protest at 20:00 by the City Hall.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wednesday, March 26</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:30 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked</h3> <p>On the 119th day of pro-EU protests, a rally resumed near the Parliament. Rustaveli Avenue is closed to traffic.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">20:15 – Congressman Joe Wilson: Free and Fair Elections in Georgia Are Crucial for Regional Stability</h3> <p>U.S. Congressman and Co-Chairman of the Helsinki Commission <strong>Joe Wilson</strong> has emphasized the need for a “stable, prosperous, and independent South Caucasus” without the influence of Russia, Iran, and China. In a <a href="https://x.com/RepJoeWilson/status/1904919068940919018" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a> on X, Wilson highlighted the importance of free and fair elections in Georgia and the finalization of an Armenia- Azerbaijan peace deal as key steps toward regional stability.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Planned Protests Schedule</h3> <p>On the 119th day of protests across Georgia, demonstrators are set to mobilize in multiple cities. In Tbilisi, the day’s events begin at 19:00 with the protest <strong>“Power is in Students’ Unity.”</strong> At the same time, another gathering will take place near the Public Broadcaster, continuing the regular demonstrations. At 20:00, a larger rally will be held near Parliament, followed by a public discussion at 21:00 in front of the Ilia and Akaki statue on Rustaveli Avenue. Meanwhile, regional cities will host their rallies: In Gori, protesters will gather at 17:00 to demand freedom for “regime’s prisoners” and new elections, Akhaltsikhe will host a “No to Russian Regime!” protest at 18:00, Zugdidi will rally “Till the Victory!” at 18:00 at the regional administration. Telavi (19:00), Kutaisi (19:00), Batumi (19:00), and Chkhorotsku (20:00) will hold continuous protests.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday, March 25</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:10 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked</h3> <p>On the 118th day of resistance, protesters <a href="https://www.myvideo.ge/tv/pirvelitv/2025-03-25/20:57:01" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marched</a> to the parliament. Rustaveli Avenue is once again closed to traffic.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">20:35 – Senator Shaheen Backs Georgian Protesters, Urges Support for MEGOBARI Act</h3> <p>U.S. Senator <strong>Jeanne Shaheen</strong> <a href="https://x.com/SFRCdems/status/1904572709423448361" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reaffirmed </a>her support for Georgian demonstrators, urging partners to back the MEGOBARI Act, which is set to be reviewed in the Senate on March 27. In a statement on social media, she highlighted the ongoing peaceful protests advocating for democracy and Georgia’s European future. “Protestors continue to march peacefully in support of democracy and Georgia’s European future,” Shaheen stated. “I stand with the Georgian people and encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting the MEGOBARI Act.” </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">20:30 – Eleven Protesters, Including Actor Andro Chichinadze Remanded in Custody</h3> <p>Tbilisi City Court Judge <strong>Irakli Shvangiradze </strong><a href="https://www.myvideo.ge/tv/pirvelitv/2025-03-25/20:26:42" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remands </a>eleven people in custody on charges of participating in group violence during pro-EU demonstrations. The defendants, whose cases have been consolidated into a single trial, include actor <strong>Andro Chichinadze </strong>and comedian <strong>Onise Tskhadadze,</strong> as well as <strong>Guram Mirtskhulava, Luka Jabua, Jano Archaia, Ruslan Sivakov, Revaz Kiknadze, Giorgi Terashvili, Valeri Tetrashvili, Sergei Kukharchuk, </strong>and <strong>Irakli Kerashvili.</strong> The next hearing is scheduled for April 2. </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">16:15- Giorgi Chikvaidze Refuses Medical Examination, Treatment in Prison, Addresses Diplomatic Corps</h3> <p>Imprisoned businessman <strong><a href="https://civil.ge/archives/669023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giorgi Chikvaidze</a></strong>, who has been on hunger strike since March 12, one day after his arrest, is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17bPcJrztr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">refusing</a> medical examination and treatment in prison, citing “security concerns” with prison doctors. His decision comes after his health reportedly deteriorated drastically and after he was denied transportation to his court hearing. Chikvaidze has appealed to the U.S. and British embassies, requesting a meeting with Ambassador Robin Dunnigan or her representative, claiming that both embassies are aware of undisclosed details in his case.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">13:00 – UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Concerned Over Freezing of Funds that Supported Protesters</h3> <p>Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur for human rights defenders, reacted in a social media <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18Ti5hAfqR/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">post</a> to the decision by Georgian prosecutors to <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/669696" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>freeze</strong></a> the bank accounts of funds supporting protesters, saying she is “very concerned” by the move. Lawlor called for the decision to be reversed and for attacks on human rights defenders and peaceful protesters to be prosecuted.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">12:00 – Prosecutor’s Office to Receive Khazaradze’s Case Over Refusal to Attend Commission Investigating UNM</h3> <p>The investigative parliamentary commission has voted to refer Mamuka Khazaradze, one of the leaders of the <em>Strong Georgia</em> coalition, to the Prosecutor’s Office for failing to appear before the commission. The case is set to be handed over today. At the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/parliamentgeo/videos/660354950272726" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/parliamentgeo/videos/660354950272726" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">session</a>, Commission Chair Tea Tsulukiani stated that Khazaradze’s refusal to appear before the commission constitutes a criminal offense.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:30 – Khazaradze Slams UNM Investigation Commission Amid Subari’s Imprisonment Threats</h3> <p>The parliamentary commission investigating the former UNM government has opened its session on the alleged illegal seizure of the “Magnate” oil company. The commission in a rump parliament, is examining alleged business takeovers under the previous administration. Commission member <strong>Sozar Subari</strong> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Khalkhisdzala/videos/986530213458080/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/Khalkhisdzala/videos/986530213458080/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">claimed </a>former Defense Minister <strong>Davit Kezerashvili</strong> built his “oil empire” through criminal means and accused business figures linked to the UNM, including <em>Strong Georgia</em> coalition leaders <strong>Mamuka Khazaradze</strong> and <strong>Badri Japaridze</strong>, of involvement. He warned that their refusal to testify could lead to legal consequences, including up to a year in prison.</p> <p>Khazaradze <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mamukakhazaradzeofficial/posts/pfbid0RNvxG9AmPr3maVJRyymoidQ9sJAup4yj7KwHwR7kYJETdR1MP4SFag8tSn2VYpHKl" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/mamukakhazaradzeofficial/posts/pfbid0RNvxG9AmPr3maVJRyymoidQ9sJAup4yj7KwHwR7kYJETdR1MP4SFag8tSn2VYpHKl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dismissed </a>the GD parliament as “illegitimate,” vowing not to participate in what he called a “circus.” He argued that GD should first summon <strong>Bidzina Ivanishvili</strong>, whom he accused of financing the UNM in the past, and investigate judges and prosecutors he claims switched allegiance to the GD party. He also alleged a five-year “smear campaign” against him, noting that the ECtHR accepted his defamation case against GD. “Wait for the Strasbourg verdict,” he wrote.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Planned Protests Schedule</h3> <p>On the 118th day of protests across Georgia, demonstrators are set to mobilize in multiple cities. In <strong>Tbilisi</strong>, the day begins at 13:00 with a court hearing for 11 detained protesters, including actor Andro Chichinadze. It will be followed by protests at 19:00 by the Public Broadcaster and at 20:00 at Parliament. A public discussion at 21:00 in front of the Tbilisi Museum of Fine Arts will be set. Meanwhile, regional cities will host their rallies: In Gori, protesters will gather at 17:00 to demand freedom for “regime’s prisoners” and new elections, Akhaltsikhe will host a “No to Russian Regime!” protest at 18:00, Zugdidi will rally “Till the Victory!” at 18:00 at the regional administration. Telavi (19:00), Kutaisi (19:00), Batumi (19:00), and Chkhorotsku (20:00) will hold continuous protests.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monday, March 24</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:40 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked </h3> <p>On the 117th day of resistance, protesters marched to the parliament. Rustaveli Avenue is once again closed to traffic.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:12 – President Zurabishvili Visits Lithuania, Thanks Country for Support</h3> <p>President <strong>Salome Zurabishvili</strong> has begun her visit to the Baltic states, starting in Lithuania, which she described as “a country that has always stood by Georgia on our European path.” In a <a href="https://x.com/Zourabichvili_S/status/1904218574673047556" data-type="link" data-id="https://x.com/Zourabichvili_S/status/1904218574673047556" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">post</a> on X, she expressed gratitude for Lithuania’s support in the “fight for new, free, and fair elections.”<a href="https://x.com/Zourabichvili_S/status/1904218574673047556"></a></p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">20:55 – Protesters March from Public Broadcaster to Rustaveli Avenue</h3> <p>Protesters gathered outside the Public Broadcaster have begun marching toward Rustaveli Avenue. Chanting slogans such as “Georgia, Rise up!” “Hellfire to oligarchy!” protesters are demanding the release of those detained during the pro-European rallies and calling for new parliamentary elections.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">20:00 – Mate Devidze Remanded in Custody</h3> <p>Tbilisi City Court has upheld the pretrial detention of <strong>Mate Devidze</strong>, who was arrested during the November 19, 2024, protest against alleged election fraud in Tbilisi, on <em>Melikishvili Avenue</em>. At the hearing, the court questioned police officer <strong>Levan Kodelashvili</strong>, who <a href="https://formulanews.ge/Live" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">claimed</a> that Devidze struck him once on the hand with a stick, resulting in “slight redness.” Devidze faces charges under Article 353 Prima of the Criminal Code for allegedly assaulting a police officer. An offense is punishable by four to seven years in prison.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">16:40 – Temur Katamadze Fined 2800 GEL</h3> <p>Tbilisi City Court Judge <strong>Lela</strong> <strong>Tsagareishvili</strong> <a href="https://mtavari.tv/news/178769-nadiradzis-sachivris-sapudzvelze-oligarkis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fined</a> flag bearer <strong>Temur Katamadze </strong>2,800 GEL [1,000 USD] for allegedly physically assaulting Nino Nadiradze, the director of the <em>Vivamedi </em>clinic where he was staying after being transferred on March 5. Katamadze had been on hunger strike for 48 days, causing his health to deteriorate and leading to his transfer to the clinic.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">16:00 – Japaridze and Khazaradze Summoned by Commission Investigating UNM’s Activities</h3> <p><strong>Badri Japaridze</strong> and<strong> Mamuka Khazaradze,</strong> leaders of the opposition force <em>Strong Georgia,</em> have been <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tsouloukiani.thea/posts/pfbid02FoADhYRXVGoeViJ93oPFybJKxYmJk5hm3MGDvDvRseEMVnkpHbhfzGRuJfsQWz17l" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">summoned </a>by the Parliamentary <strong><a href="https://civil.ge/archives/668491" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Investigative Commission</a></strong>, which is investigating the activities of the National Movement government. Commenting on the situation, <strong>Kakha Kaladze,</strong> Tbilisi Mayor, and GD Secretary General claimed that although neither <strong>Japaridze </strong>nor Khazaradze had represented any party during the previous government, “they had their role under Saakashvili’s government, so all questions must be answered accordingly”. This statement was highlighted in a press release issued by the GD City Hall.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">13:00 – Chiatura Miners Protest in Tbilisi, Demanding Action from GD Government</h3> <p>Chiatura Miners are <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg-RjQAnxiI&t=43s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protesting </a>near the Georgian government administration with a list of demands. The protesters are rallying against Georgian Manganese, the town’s largest employer, for its decision to cease production and are calling for the company to leave the area. They are also seeking immediate action from the Georgian Dream (GD) government to address their urgent needs, including the payment of unpaid wages. Beyond these immediate concerns, the protesters are also calling for the nationalization of Chiatura’s mining industry to ensure long-term economic stability for the region.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Planned Protests Schedule</h3> <p>Protests in Georgia have entered their 117th day, with demonstrators continuing to demand new elections and the release of imprisoned activists. Rallies are planned in several cities, with Tbilisi remaining the focal point. In the capital, the protests will begin at 12:00 with the trial of <strong>Mate Devidze</strong> near the Tbilisi City Court. At 13:00 the protest in solidarity with the miners is scheduled near the Administration of the Government of Georgia. The demonstrations will continue at 19:00 near the Public Broadcaster, followed by a rally at 20:00 near the Parliament. A public lecture is scheduled for 21:00 at the Ilia and Akaki Monument.</p> <p>Outside Tbilisi, protests will take place in <strong>Gori </strong>(17:00), <strong>Akhaltsikhe </strong>(18:00), <strong>Zugdidi</strong> (18:00), <strong>Telavi </strong>(19:00), <strong>Kutaisi </strong>(19:00) and <strong>Batumi </strong>(19:00). In Chkhorotsku, demonstrators will continue their daily protest at 20:00 in front of the city hall.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sunday, March 23</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:30 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked</h3> <p>Tbilisi’s main thoroughfare, Rustaveli Avenue, is once again closed to traffic. Protesters have taken to the streets for the 116th consecutive day to demand the new elections and the release of all detained protesters.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">12:00 – Georgia Marks 116th Day of Protests with Nationwide Rallies </h3> <p>On the 116th day of pro-EU demonstrations in Georgia, protests are set to take place across multiple cities. In <strong>Tbilisi</strong>, rallies will be held at 19:00 outside the Public Broadcaster and at 20:00 near Parliament. In <strong>Gori</strong>, a 17:00 demonstration will call for the “release of the regime’s prisoners” and new elections. Other planned protests include <strong>Akhaltsikhe</strong> and <strong>Zugdidi</strong> at 18:00. With the slogan “Yes to Europe, No to Russia!” will be held in <strong>Kutaisi</strong> and Batumi at 19:00 near the Constitutional Court. Meanwhile, Chkhorotsku will continue its daily protests at 20:00 by the City Hall.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Saturday, March 22</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">20:30 – March and Rally in Support of MEGOBARI Act</h3> <p>As protests reach the 115th day, protesters carrying Georgian and American flags gathered to march to the Parliament in support of MEGOBARI act, bipartisan bill to be heard in U.S. Senate on March 27, envisaging sanctions against Georgian Dream government over human rights abuses and undermining democracy. </p> <div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-4 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex"> <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="771" src="https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/March-22-1-1024x771.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-671127" srcset="https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/March-22-1-1024x771.jpeg 1024w, https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/March-22-1-300x226.jpeg 300w, https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/March-22-1-768x578.jpeg 768w, https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/March-22-1-1536x1157.jpeg 1536w, https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/March-22-1.jpeg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>March in support of MEGOBARI Act, Photo: Nini Gabritchidze/Civil.ge</em></figcaption></figure> </div> <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="771" src="https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/March-22-2-1024x771.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-671130" srcset="https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/March-22-2-1024x771.jpeg 1024w, https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/March-22-2-300x226.jpeg 300w, https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/March-22-2-768x578.jpeg 768w, https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/March-22-2-1536x1157.jpeg 1536w, https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/March-22-2.jpeg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>March in support of MEGOBARI Act, Photo: Nini Gabritchidze/Civil.ge</em></figcaption></figure> </div> </div> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Five Days Ahead of U.S. Senate Review, Georgians Rally in Support of MEGOBARI Act</h3> <p>Pro-EU and Pro-democracy protests that demand new elections and the release of all detained demonstrators continue for the 115th consecutive day.</p> <p>Five days before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee reviews the bipartisan <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/668405" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/668405" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>MEGOBARI Act</strong></a>, which envisages sanctioning of GD officials, citizens will rally in support of the bill in <strong>Tbilisi</strong> at 8 p.m. Demonstrators plan to gather at Marjanishvili Square and march toward Parliament.</p> <p>In <strong>Gori</strong>, demonstrators will gather at 17:00 in front of the Municipal Council to demand the release of “political prisoners” and new elections. In <strong>Akhaltsikhe</strong>, protesters will “rally against the Russian regime” near the statue of Shota Rustaveli at 18:00, while in Zugdidi, a demonstration under the slogan “Until Victory!” will start at the regional administration. Other cities hosting protests include <strong>Telavi</strong>, <strong>Kutaisi</strong>, <strong>Batumi,</strong> and <strong>Chkhorotsku</strong>, where participants will express pro-European sentiments and opposition to GD’s U-turn.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Friday, March 21</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">22:20 – Detention of Students by Parliament “Groundless”- GYLA</h3> <p>The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association said the detention of the students is “groundless” protesting by the Parliament earlier in the day and is yet another manifestation of the repressive and illegal crackdown on the student protest movement.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">20:00 – Police Detain Three Near Parliament </h3> <p>Police <a href="https://www.facebook.com/radiotavisupleba/videos/579199641806370" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">detained</a> three people in front of the parliament on Rustaveli Avenue, including two female students from the Georgian National University. They were reportedly arrested after one of them attempted to bring plastic chairs for students who had been protesting overnight near the parliament.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">19:30 – Journalists Rally in Kutaiasi in Solidarity with Mzia Amaghlobeli</h3> <p>On Georgian Journalists’ Day, journalists in Kutaisi gathered in solidarity with their imprisoned colleague Mzia Amaghlobeli. “Fight until it’s not too late,” the rally participants chanted near Kutaisi’s city hall.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">19:00 – Salome Zurabishvili Meets CSO Representatives</h3> <p>President Salome Zurabishvili <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSQBigt3l6I" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">met</a> with representatives of Georgian civil society, including Eka Gigauri, Director of Transparency International – Georgia, Nino Dolidze, Head of the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), Tamta Mikeladze of the Social Justice Center, and others. According to the parties, they discussed, among others, the ongoing resistance and the planned rally on March 31.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">17:00 – Temur Katamadze Seeks Zurabishvili’s Help for Refugee Status</h3> <p>Temur Katamadze, a Turkish citizen of Georgian origin <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/670298" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>denied</strong></a> refugee status and facing deportation, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1400474348018778&set=pb.100041686795244.-2207520000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">appeals</a> from prison to Salome Zurabishvili, urging her to ask President Macron to grant him refugee status or French citizenship. Temur Katamadze, a long-time resident of Georgia, actively participated in the protests until his arrest, after which he faces deportation to Turkey, where his life may be in danger.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">15:00 – CSOs Assess Okmelashvili’s Case, Cite Legal Violations</h3> <p>Civil society organizations have <a href="https://tvpirveli.ge/ka/siaxleebi/sazogadoeba/97054-3-dgeshi-gamodziebuli-saqme-giorgi-okmelashvilis-tsinaagmdeg-ra-dargvevebze" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raised </a>concerns about the case of <strong>Giorgi Okmelashvili,</strong> with <strong>Londa Toloraia, </strong>one of the representatives, highlighting several violations of the law. She pointed out that the investigation violated the Criminal Procedure Code, noting that the police did not report the alleged assault on the same day and waited until after the investigation had already taken place. Toloraia also criticized the illegal use of photographs to identify Okmelashvili, the lack of justification for seven searches and the unsubstantiated motions submitted to the court by the prosecution. “It is a good example of how investigative bodies, with the help of the prosecutor’s office and the court, exceeded their authority,” Toloraia stressed. She also mentioned that seized items “were intended to disrupt business activities” as they had no connection to the crime. Okmelashvili, founder of the Limon advertising agency, was sentenced to five years in prison for allegedly assaulting a police officer under Article 353 Prima of the Georgian Criminal Code during the May 2024 protests against the Foreign Agents Law.<br></p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:10 – CMIS Reports Media Repression at Pro-European Rallies</h3> <p>The Center for Media, Information and Social Studies (CMIS) <a href="https://cmis.ge/incident/#2888" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">issued </a>a statement highlighting a disturbing trend of media rights violations at pro-European rallies since 28 November. The research center reported 124 incidents involving 147 journalists, photographers and cameramen, many of whom faced repression, including physical injury, damage to equipment, fines and legal proceedings. In particular, 24 reporters suffered multiple injuries. CMIS noted that police also fined 17 journalists a total of 5,000 GEL [1805 USD] for allegedly blocking roads. The Center stressed that interference with the work of the media, including verbal and physical abuse and the confiscation or damage of equipment, has become a trending pattern. “There have also been cases of journalists being harassed and fired for expressing a critical position,” says the statement.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Planned Protests Schedule</h3> <p>Protests in Georgia have <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=122162681324330944&set=p.122162681324330944&type=3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entered </a>their 114th day, with demonstrators continuing to demand new elections and the release of imprisoned activists. Rallies are planned in several cities, with Tbilisi remaining the focal point. In the capital, the protests will begin at 14:00 with the trial of Anton Chechin near the Tbilisi City Court. The demonstrations will continue at 19:00 near the Public Broadcaster, followed by a rally at 20:00 near the Parliament. A public lecture is scheduled for 21:00 at the Ilia and Akaki Monument.</p> <p>Outside Tbilisi, protests will take place in <strong>Gori </strong>(17:00), <strong>Akhaltsikhe </strong>(18:00), <strong>Zugdidi</strong> (18:00), <strong>Telavi </strong>(19:00), <strong>Kutaisi </strong>(19:00) and <strong>Batumi </strong>(19:00). In Chkhorotsku, demonstrators will continue their daily protest at 20:00 in front of the city hall.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday, March 20</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:05 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked Again</h3> <p>For the 113th day, despite the rainy weather, the protesters were still able to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A4nAnsyz1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">block</a> Rustaveli Avenue with their remaining demands: a re-run of the elections and the release of all those illegally detained.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">18:30 – Reorganization Begins in Tbilisi Kindergartens, Employees Notified of Changes</h3> <p>According to Radio Liberty -Georgia bureau, the reorganization process has <a href="https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/33354087.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawJJCaJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXMVNWKyyOVYipPSrQBIemTIDGwUtspLXxtcclwU2Pcb8oyQgvAkCDdnmQ_aem__lg-86F3dxho8n2h7D5_hA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">begun </a>in Tbilisi’s kindergartens, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Tbilisi City Hall. On March 20, kindergarten employees were notified of the relevant order. Radio Liberty was informed by the press service of Tbilisi City Hall that the reorganization extends beyond kindergartens and has been announced for all other departments under the jurisdiction of the City Hall.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">17:10 – Students near Parliament Resist Unjustified Police Searches</h3> <p>Police <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1A44EzKc7U/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attempted </a>to conduct superficial inspections on students participating in a strike near the parliament, which led to resistance from the youth. The students demanded that a female patrol officer be present during each search. One student <a href="https://tvpirveli.ge/ka/siaxleebi/sazogadoeba/96979-gapitsul-studentebs-politsia-chkhreks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated </a>that officers tried to search her bag, but since no crime was being committed, she refused to comply.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">17:00 – Giorgi Chikvaidze Transferred to Penitentiaty Clinic</h3> <p><strong>Giorgi Chikvaidze, </strong>a businessman arrested on March 11 who began a hunger strike, has been <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1SDaYTFBBX/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transferred </a>to a penitentiary clinic as his health continues to deteriorate, stated Irakli Papiashvili, Chikvaidze’s business partner.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">15:40 – Beselia: Chikvaidze Must be Placed in Specialized Medical Facilicy</h3> <p>Businessman <strong>Giorgi Chikvaidze</strong>, who was arrested on March 11 for allegedly embezzling a large sum of money, has entered the ninth day of his hunger strike, with his health deteriorating rapidly, but has not yet been hospitalized. Lawyer <strong>Eka Beselia,</strong> who <a href="https://tvpirveli.ge/ka/siaxleebi/politika/96965-ver-dadis-ukiduresad-mdzime-situatsiashia-uchirs-saubari-chikvaidze-eka-beseliastan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visited </a>Chikvaidze, reported that he is now unable to move or speak, but remains determined to continue his protest. According to Beselia, the prison doctor indicated that Chikvaidze would be transferred to a medical facility near the prison, but she stressed that this would not be enough. “From what I saw visually, he must definitely be placed in a specialized medical facility,” Beselia stressed.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">15:30 – Swedish PM Reiterates EU Support, Calls for Reforms in Georgia</h3> <p>Swedish Prime Minister <strong>Ulf Kristersson</strong> <a href="https://video.consilium.europa.eu/event/en/27869" data-type="link" data-id="https://video.consilium.europa.eu/event/en/27869" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">addressed </a>the absence of Georgia from the European Council’s discussion topics, stating that it does not imply a lack of support from the EU for the country. He expressed concerns about the current developments in Georgia and reiterated calls for reforms.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">15:00 – Latvian PM Hopes Georgians Defend Their Rights and Democratic Values</h3> <p>Latvian Prime Minister <strong>Evika Siliņa</strong>, speaking at the doorstep interview ahead of a two-day European Council summit <a href="https://video.consilium.europa.eu/event/en/27869" data-type="link" data-id="https://video.consilium.europa.eu/event/en/27869" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expressed </a>hope that the Georgian people would defend their rights and democratic values, adding that “Latvia has always understood how difficult it is to fight for your own freedom because we share the same history.”</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">13:45 – Human Rights House Tbilisi Appeals Court Ruling, Urges Prosecutor’s Office to Halt Investigation and Unfreeze Accounts</h3> <p>Human Rights House Tbilisi, a fund providing financial assistance to individuals fined during the ongoing anti-regime protests or subjected to unlawful detention and physical abuse, has <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=efnm2h6rXVs&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Ftvpirveli.ge%2F&source_ve_path=MTM5MTE3LDM2ODQyLDI4NjY2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">filed </a>a lawsuit with the Court of Appeal, challenging a recent decision to <strong><a href="https://civil.ge/archives/669696" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freeze </a></strong>its funds. The group condemns the City Court’s decision as illegal and unfounded, calling on the Court of Appeal to overturn it. They also call on the Prosecutor’s Office to immediately end its investigation and lift the seizure of the organization’s accounts, stressing that these actions are hampering their ability to continue their vital human rights work. “We call on the Prosecutor’s Office to immediately terminate the investigation and lift the seizure of the organization’s accounts so that we can continue our human rights activities without hindrance,” <a href="https://tvpirveli.ge/ka/siaxleebi/sazogadoeba/96954-angarishis-dakadageba-ukanonoa-adamianis-uplebata-sakhli-saapelatsio-sasamartlos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated </a>representatives of Human Rights House Tbilisi</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">13:00 – ECtHR Registers GYLA’s Case on Mass Violations of Ballot Secrecy in Georgia’s 2024 Elections</h3> <p>The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has officially <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dh3bRESxh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">registered </a>a case filed by the Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA), a local watchdog, regarding alleged mass violations of ballot secrecy during Georgia’s 2024 parliamentary elections. GYLA argues that the right to free elections, guaranteed by Article 3 of Protocol 1 to the European Convention on Human Rights, has been violated. GYLA also says that the election administration failed to uphold the fundamental principle of ballot secrecy. The application is precedent-setting as it allows the ECtHR to assess both the systemic nature of these violations during the October 26, 2024 elections and the overall fairness of Georgia’s mechanisms for reviewing election-related complaints. GYLA also challenges the Georgian legal framework that limits the ability of citizens to file election-related complaints, arguing that it does not comply with the European Convention’s requirements for effective remedies.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">12:00 – Public Defender Criticizes Dismissals in the Public Service, Looks into Discrimination Cases</h3> <p>The Public Defender <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OmbudsmanofGeorgia/posts/pfbid037EU7BwWexRGz9jNr9mSD2aCFSz3ZDZa8QRbeUexaLSXS1LAspunX22kKRwpUpNxAl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">addressed </a>the issue of dismissals in the public service, stating that it is inadmissible to fire individuals for openly expressing their civic positions or opinions. Since December 2024, the office has contacted 41 dismissed employees and held consultations, among which some plan to file a lawsuit to protect their labor rights. The office is looking into “eight cases of alleged discrimination in labor relations, involving a total of 15 individuals,” the statement read.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Schedule of the Protests</h3> <p>Protests in Georgia have <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=122162528498330944&set=a.122100419156330944" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=122162528498330944&set=a.122100419156330944" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entered </a>their 113th day, with demonstrators continuing to demand new elections and the release of detained activists. Rallies are planned in several cities, with <strong>Tbilisi </strong>remaining the focal point. In the capital, protests will begin at 19:00 near the Public Broadcaster, followed by rallies at the Supreme Court and Parliament at 20:00. A public lecture is scheduled for 21:00 at the Ilia and Akaki Monument.</p> <p>Outside Tbilisi, protests will take place in <strong>Gori </strong>(17:00), <strong>Akhaltsikhe </strong>(18:00), <strong>Zugdidi</strong> (18:00), <strong>Telavi </strong>(19:00), <strong>Kutaisi </strong>(19:00) and <strong>Batumi </strong>(19:00). In Chkhorotsku, demonstrators will continue their daily protest at 20:00 in front of the city hall.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wednesday, March 19</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:00 – Protests Continue as Demonstrators Block Rustaveli Avenue for Traffic </h3> <p>On the 112th day of continuous protests, demonstrators blocked Rustaveli Avenue for traffic. The demands remain the same: new elections and the release of all those arrested during the protests. At the same time, students are holding a separate protest rally outside the Ministry of Education. They plan to march to Rustaveli Avenue later to join protesters near the parliament.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">15:15 – Giorgi Chikvaidze’s Health Deteriorates on Eighth Day of Hunger Strike, Doctors Warn of Brain Damage</h3> <p><strong>Giorgi Chikvaidze,</strong> a businessman <strong><a href="https://civil.ge/archives/669023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arrested </a></strong>on March 11 and accused of embezzling a large sum of money, has entered the eighth day of a hunger strike that has taken a heavy toll on his health. His business partner, <strong>Irakli Papiashvili,</strong> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1ARSPiNfSm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">posted </a>worrying updates on social media, revealing that Chikvaidze had been taken in a wheelchair to meet his lawyer due to his deteriorating condition. Papiashvili reported that Chikvaidze had been experiencing long twitching motions five days ago, and that doctors suspect brain damage that has left him unable to move. In addition, detention center doctors are concerned that he may be suffering from meningitis or encephalitis. Papiashvili has called for urgent medical attention and for Chikvaidze to be transferred to a hospital for proper treatment.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">15:10 – Court Remands Nika Katsia in Custody</h3> <p>Tbilisi City Court Judge <strong>Tamar Mchedlishvili </strong>has <a href="https://www.myvideo.ge/tv/pirvelitv/2025-03-19/15:09:40" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remanded </a><strong>Nika Katsia </strong>in custody. During today’s hearing, the judge did not accept a request to replace the detention with bail. The prosecution has charged him with drug possession, which carries a possible sentence of 8 to 20 years or life imprisonment. The defence lawyer also asked the judge to question the taxi driver who was present at the time of the arrest, but the judge did not grant this request. Katsia was arrested on 7 December during the pro-EU demonstration.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Planned Protests Timeline</h3> <p>The fight for democracy and European integration continues as protests sweep across the country for the 112th consecutive day. Protesters demand the release of all detained demonstrators and news elections. In Tbilisi, demonstrations will begin at 11:00 with a court hearing for<strong> Davit Lomidze</strong> at the Tbilisi City Court, followed at 12:00 by a hearing for <strong>Nika Katsia</strong> at the same location. Two separate protests are planned for 19:00 – “Power lies in student unity” at the Ministry of Education and another protest at the Public Broadcaster’s office. A demonstration near Parliament is scheduled for 20:00, followed by a public lecture at 21:00 by the Ilia and Akaki monument. Meanwhile, protests will continue in other cities across the country. In Gori, demonstrators will assemble at 17:00 in front of the Municipality Council to demand “Freedom for Political Prisoners”. At 18:00, rallies will be held in Akhaltsikhe by the Shota Rustaveli statue and in Zugdidi in front of the Regional Administration. In Kutaisi, at 19:00, citizens will gather in front of City Hall under the slogan “Yes to Europe, No to Russia!” At the same time, in Batumi, a protest titled “In Service to the Homeland” will take place in front of the Constitutional Court, while in Telavi, protesters will continue their demonstration at City Hall. Later in the evening, at 20:00, demonstrators in Chkhorotsku will continue their daily protests near City Hall.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday, March 18</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:05 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked</h3> <p>Demonstrators have again <a href="https://www.myvideo.ge/tv/pirvelitv/2025-03-18/21:03:46" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taken</a> to Rustaveli Avenue, blocking the roadway as anti-government, pro-EU protests enter their 111th day. Gathered in front of the parliament, the demonstrators remain steadfast in their demands – the new elections and the immediate release of those detained during previous rallies. At the same time, another demonstration is taking place near the public broadcaster. Protesters there plan to march to Parliament later to join the ongoing protest.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">17:50 – Batumi City Court Fined Mzia Amaghlobeli 2000 GEL</h3> <p>Batumi City Court Judge <strong>Salikh Shainidze</strong> <a href="https://www.myvideo.ge/tv/formula/2025-03-18/17:53:36" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">found </a><strong>Mzia Amaghlobeli </strong>guilty of allegedly violating Article 173 of the Administrative Code of Georgia, which pertains to disobedience to a police officer’s lawful order, and fined her 2,000 GEL (718 USD). On January 11, Amaghlobeli posted a sticker calling for a nationwide strike, which led to her detention on administrative charges. </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">17:30 – Court Denies Refugee Status to Temur Katamadze</h3> <p>Tbilisi City Court Judge <strong>Diana Parkhosadze</strong> <a href="https://mtavari.tv/news/178515-oligarkis-sasamartlom-temur-katamadzes-ltolvilis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rejected</a> the appeal of activist and “flag bearer” <strong>Temur Katamadze</strong> for refugee status. Katamadze has repeatedly <strong><a href="https://civil.ge/archives/667176" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">applied</a></strong> for citizenship, but has been denied. According to GYLA, Katamadze is seeking refugee status “because he is the subject of an arrest warrant in Turkey and has a well-founded fear of persecution if expelled from Georgia”.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">15:40 – Court Postpones Mzia Amaghlobeli’s Hearing</h3> <p>The Batumi City Court began the substantive hearing in the case of Mzia Amaghlobeli, the detained journalist and director of Batumelebi and Netgazeti. The trial was postponed until March 31 after Mzia Amaghlobeli’s lawyers filed a motion to present new evidence. During the hearing, the defense called for the disqualification of Judge Nino Sakhelashvili, arguing that she lacks the necessary qualifications in criminal law. Amaghlobeli, who was arrested on January 12, faces charges under Article 353 Prima of the Criminal Code of Georgia for allegedly assaulting a police officer.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">14:40 – Tbilisi City Court Jurge Remands Another Citizen in Custody</h3> <p>Tbilisi City Court Judge <strong>Nino Galustashvili</strong> has <a href="https://tvpirveli.ge/ka/siaxleebi/sazogadoeba/96771-mosamartle-nino-galustashvilma-26-tslis-musikosi-patimrobashi-datova" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remanded </a>in custody <strong>Davit Khomeriki,</strong> a 26-year-old musician accused of allegedly making a Molotov cocktail. Khomeriki was detained on December 2.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">14:00 – Tbilisi City Court Judge Remands Giorgi Akhobadze in Custody</h3> <p>Tbilisi City Court Judge<strong> Mikheil Jinjolia </strong>has <a href="https://tvpirveli.ge/ka/siaxleebi/sazogadoeba/96769-mosamartle-jinjoliam-eqimi-giorgi-akhobadze-patimrobashi-datova" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remanded</a> in custody <strong>Giorgi Akhobadze</strong>, a doctor accused of acquiring and possessing a “large quantity” of drugs. Akhobadze, who was arrested on December 8, faces eight to 20 years or life imprisonment. His defense argues that the police planted drugs on him, in retaliation for his active participation in the protests.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">13:00 – Nanuka Zhorzholiani Says Authorities May Search Her Home Amid Fund Freeze</h3> <p>Journalist <strong>Nanuka Zhorzholiani</strong>, who manages <em>Nanuka’s Fund</em>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nanuka.zhorzholiani/posts/pfbid036VSQvrWMLcTdr7yUJJu8QmobzgNYKqNX6ofCyLN4zgMCm7ED8nzf5BoZi5Qq5u1El" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/nanuka.zhorzholiani/posts/pfbid036VSQvrWMLcTdr7yUJJu8QmobzgNYKqNX6ofCyLN4zgMCm7ED8nzf5BoZi5Qq5u1El" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated </a>that authorities are considering searching her home. “I am not deleting anything from my computer. All the information will remain, detailing everything the fund has done,” she said. She also added that it is an <em>“honor”</em> to be persecuted based on a complaint filed by Russian agents—ostensibly referring to United Neutral Georgia, an anti-Western and pro-government public movement whose leaders, <strong>Vato Shakarashvili</strong> and <strong>Nana Kakabadze</strong>, filed a complaint against Nanuka’s Fund with the Prosecutor’s Office.</p> <p>The accounts of three public funds – <em>Nanuka’s Fund, Prosperity Georgia, and Human Rights House Tbilisi</em>—which have been providing financial aid to individuals fined or dismissed for participating in pro-EU protests were frozen on March 17. According to the Prosecutor’s Office <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/669696" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/669696" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>statement</strong></a>, the funds have spent more than 2,000,000 GEL [around 721,000 USD] “to finance illegal activities.”</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Planned Protests Timeline </h3> <p>Protests across Georgia have reached their 111th day, with demonstrators persisting in their demands for new elections and the release of detained activists. Rallies are <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122162242802330944&set=a.122100419156330944" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122162242802330944&set=a.122100419156330944" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">set </a>to take place in multiple cities, with Tbilisi once again at the heart of the movement. The day’s events in the capital include a series of court hearings for detained activists at Tbilisi City Court, beginning with <strong>Davit Khomeriki</strong> at 11:00, followed by <strong>Giorgi Akhobadze</strong> at 12:00 and <strong>Temur Katamadze</strong> at 15:00. In the evening, protests will be near the Public Broadcaster at 19:00 and the Parliament at 20:00. A public lecture will be held at 21:00 at <em>Ilia and Akaki Monument</em>.</p> <p>Demonstrations are also planned across the country. In <strong>Gori</strong>, protesters will assemble at 17:00 to demand the release of “political prisoners” and new elections. <strong>Akhaltsikhe </strong>and <strong>Zugdidi </strong>will see rallies at 18:00, while <strong>Telavi</strong>, <strong>Kutaisi</strong>, and <strong>Batumi </strong>will host protests at 19:00. In <strong>Chkhorotsku</strong>, locals will continue their daily protest at 20:00 near the City Hall.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monday, March 17</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:30 – Protesters Block Rustaveli Avenue</h3> <p>Demonstrators have again taken to Rustaveli Avenue, blocking the roadway as anti-government, pro-EU protests enter their 110th day. Gathered in front of the parliament, the demonstrators remain steadfast in their demands – the new elections and the immediate release of those detained during previous rallies. At the same time, another demonstration is taking place near the public broadcaster. Protesters there plan to march to Parliament later to join the ongoing protest.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">18:05 – Tbilisi City Court Issues Verbal Warning to Journalist Aleksandre Keshelashvili</h3> <p>Tbilisi City Court Judge<strong> Nino Enukidze</strong> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Em1WgrR48/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">found<strong> </strong></a><strong><strong>Aleksandre</strong></strong> <strong>Keshelashvili,</strong> a journalist for the online publication Publika, guilty and issued a verbal warning. Keshelashvili was accused of violating Article 173 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, which implies disobedience to the lawful request of a police officer, and Article 166 – petty hooliganism. The charges related to petty hooliganism were dropped. The verdict has raised concerns from the media watchdog, the Media Ombudsman, which said: “Today’s ruling further increases the risks of pressure on the media during journalistic activities, putting press freedom at greater risk.”</p> <p><em>Keshelashvili was carrying out his professional duties near parliament on November 29, 2024, during the pro-Eruopena protest when he was <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/611538" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>arrested </strong></a>and brutally assaulted by representatives of the special forces.</em></p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">17:00 – Journalist Nano Chakvetadze Fined 5000 GEL</h3> <p><strong>Nano Chakvetadze</strong>, a journalist from the opposition-leaning <em>Formula TV,</em> was <a href="https://formulanews.ge/News/124441?fbclid=IwY2xjawJFCVVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYRpmD5RNHD6WU_rjs5XP-voTqvLblmhYWCV7abcSVspPQ-4Kv0G9pZbYQ_aem_DRtAwinpSGLbHkIDn5JH7A" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fined</a> 5,000 GEL (1,800 USD) for allegedly blocking the road on March 13, while carrying out her professional duties.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">16:43 – GD Parliament Committee Reviews the Amendments to the Law on Broadcasting</h3> <p>GD Parliament’s Sectoral Economy and Economic Policy Committee <a href="https://www.parliament.ge/media/news/parlamentis-reglamentshi-tsvlilebebis-tanakhmad-sajaro-gadatsqvetilebata-mighebis-protsesshi-arasamtavrobo-organizatsiata-monatsileoba-savaldebulo-aghar-ikneba" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.parliament.ge/media/news/parlamentis-reglamentshi-tsvlilebebis-tanakhmad-sajaro-gadatsqvetilebata-mighebis-protsesshi-arasamtavrobo-organizatsiata-monatsileoba-savaldebulo-aghar-ikneba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supported</a>, in its second reading, the motion to advance amendments to the Law on Broadcasting for consideration during the plenary session. The proposed bill seeks to restrict broadcasters from receiving direct or indirect funding from foreign entities, with exceptions made for commercial advertising, teleshopping, sponsorship, and product placement. Additionally, the bill limits the ability of foreign entities to purchase services from broadcasters or co-finance the production and broadcasting of programs.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">16:00 – GD Parliament Committee Reviews the Amendments to the Rules of Procedure</h3> <p>GD Parliament’s Procedural Issues and Rules Committee <a href="https://www.parliament.ge/media/news/parlamentis-reglamentshi-tsvlilebebis-tanakhmad-sajaro-gadatsqvetilebata-mighebis-protsesshi-arasamtavrobo-organizatsiata-monatsileoba-savaldebulo-aghar-ikneba" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.parliament.ge/media/news/parlamentis-reglamentshi-tsvlilebebis-tanakhmad-sajaro-gadatsqvetilebata-mighebis-protsesshi-arasamtavrobo-organizatsiata-monatsileoba-savaldebulo-aghar-ikneba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supported</a>, in its second reading, the motion to advance amendments to the Rules of Procedure for consideration during the plenary session. If enacted, the law will limit the role of civil society organizations in public decision-making. Under the revised rules, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) might participate in discussions, but will no longer be given a mandatory role in decision-making processes.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">12:00 – Omar Okribelashvili Transferred to Rustavi Prison </h3> <p><strong>Omar Okribelashvili</strong>, who was arrested on May 14, 2024, for allegedly damaging the iron barrier at the entrance to Parliament, causing 400 GEL [US$145] in damage to the state, was forcibly <a href="https://mtavari.tv/news/178444-advokatis-tsnobit-omar-okribelashvili-gldanidan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transferred </a>from Gldani to Rustavi prison.</p> <div class="wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-2 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex"> <p><a href="https://civil.ge/archives/666987">View Post</a></p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Planned Protests Timeline</h3> </div> <p>The fight for democracy and European integration continues as protests sweep across the country for the 110th consecutive day. Protesters demand the release of all detained demonstrators and news elections. In Tbilisi, demonstrations will begin at 14:00 with a court hearing for Anri Kvaratskhelia at the Tbilisi City Court, followed at 16:00 by a hearing for Saba Skhvitaridze at the same location. At 19:00, protest near the Public Broadcaster’s office is planned. A demonstration near Parliament is scheduled for 20:00, followed by a public lecture at 21:00 by the Ilia and Akaki monument. Meanwhile, protests will continue in other cities across the country. In Gori, demonstrators will assemble at 17:00 in front of the Municipality Council to demand “Freedom for Political Prisoners”. At 18:00, rallies will be held in Akhaltsikhe by the Shota Rustaveli statue and in Zugdidi in front of the Regional Administration. In Kutaisi, at 19:00, citizens will gather in front of City Hall under the slogan “Yes to Europe, No to Russia!” At the same time, in Batumi, a protest titled “In Service to the Homeland” will take place in front of the Constitutional Court, while in Telavi, protesters will continue their demonstration at City Hall. Later in the evening, at 20:00, demonstrators in Chkhorotsku will continue their daily protests near City Hall.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sunday, March 16</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:30 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked Again</h3> <p>For the 109th consecutive day, protesters <a href="https://mtavari.tv/news/178424-ucqveti-protestis-109-e-dghe-rustavelis-gamziri" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blocked </a>Rustaveli Avenue, demanding new elections and the release of those arrested during the past three months of protests.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:00 – Court of Appeal Upholds Giorgi Chikvaidze’s Detention</h3> <p>The Court of Appeal has <a href="https://tvpirveli.ge/ka/siaxleebi/sazogadoeba/96648-saapelatsio-sasamartlom-chikvaidzes-agkvetis-gadasinjvaze-uari-utkhra" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rejected</a> the appeal of Giorgi Chikvaidze, who was <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/669023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>arrested </strong></a>on March 11 for allegedly embezzling a large sum of money. Following his detention, Chikvaidze initiated a hunger strike as a form of protest.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Planned Protests Timeline</h3> <p>The fight for democracy and European integration continues as nationwide protests reach their 109th day, with demonstrators demanding the release of detained protesters and new elections. In Tbilisi, today’s demonstrations will begin at 19:00 near the Public Broadcaster’s office, followed by a larger gathering at 20:00 near Parliament. Protests are also spreading across other cities: a demonstration in Gori at 17:00 in front of the Municipality Council calling for “Freedom for Political Prisoners,” and rallies at 18:00 in Akhaltsikhe by the Shota Rustaveli statue and in Zugdidi in front of the Regional Administration, while in Telavi, protests will continue at City Hall. At 19:00, citizens in Kutaisi will gather in front of City Hall under the slogan “Yes to Europe, No to Russia!”, another protest is planned in Batumi, titled “In Service to the Homeland,” in front of the Constitutional Court. Later in the evening, at 20:00, demonstrators in Chkhorotsku will continue their daily protests near City Hall, ensuring the movement for democracy and European integration remains strong across the country.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Saturday, March 15</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">22:40 – A Journalist Allegedly Attacked by MIA Special Forces Officer</h3> <p>Editor-in-chief of the “Mtis Ambebi” publication <strong>Gela Mtivlishvili</strong> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gela.mtivlishvili/posts/pfbid022WMG5XU6pVFG22zzYXw6GY72yjE4BXiDRiFM3QhiaC6iwABFKivjd8ec2xTSA3fUl" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/gela.mtivlishvili/posts/pfbid022WMG5XU6pVFG22zzYXw6GY72yjE4BXiDRiFM3QhiaC6iwABFKivjd8ec2xTSA3fUl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote</a> on his Facebook page that he was attacked by an armed officer of the Interior Ministry’s special forces on the highway near the village of Tserovani. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=662462999568115&rdid=bG2OP3uqkmTdhOiQ" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=662462999568115&rdid=bG2OP3uqkmTdhOiQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Footage </a>of the incident later surfaced on Facebook, showing the armed man dressed in black behaving aggressively and allegedly cursing at Mtivlishvili. </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:30 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked</h3> <p>For the 108th consecutive day, protesters <a href="https://www.instagram.com/formulaoriginals/reel/DHOqjxXobAb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blocked </a>Rustaveli Avenue, demanding new elections and the release of those arrested during the past three months of protests.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">15:00 – Omar Okribelashvili Allegedly Forcibly Transfered to Rustavi Prison</h3> <p><strong>Omar Okribelashvili</strong>, who was arrested on May 14, 2024 for allegedly damaging the iron barrier at the entrance to Parliament, causing 400 GEL [US$145] in damage to the state, is <a href="https://mtavari.tv/news/178374-mamisa-advokatis-inpormatsiit-omar-okribelashvili" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reportedly </a>being forcibly transferred from Gldani to Rustavi prison, according to his father and his lawyer. His father said that he had received a call from Omar who notified him about the transfer. Despite submitting documents to prevent the transfer, Okribelashvili’s father says the authorities still intend to transfer him. Confirming the situation, the lawyer said: “We immediately contacted the Special Investigation Service and informed them today that there is coercion against Omar Okribelashvili.”</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Planned Protests Timeline</h3> <p>The fight for democracy and European integration continues as nationwide protests reach their 108th day, with demonstrators demanding the release of detained protesters and new elections. In Tbilisi, today’s demonstrations will begin at 19:00 near the Public Broadcaster’s office, followed by a larger gathering at 20:00 near Parliament. Protests are also spreading across other cities: a solidarity protest in Chiatura at 13:00, a demonstration in Gori at 17:00 in front of the Municipality Council calling for “Freedom for Political Prisoners,” and rallies at 18:00 in Akhaltsikhe by the Shota Rustaveli statue and in Zugdidi in front of the Regional Administration, while in Telavi, protests will continue at City Hall. At 19:00, citizens in Kutaisi will gather in front of City Hall under the slogan “Yes to Europe, No to Russia!” followed by a public lecture at 20:00. Another 19:00 protest is planned in Batumi, titled “In Service to the Homeland,” in front of the Constitutional Court. Later in the evening, at 20:00, demonstrators in Chkhorotsku will continue their daily protests near City Hall, ensuring the movement for democracy and European integration remains strong across the country.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Friday, March 14</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">23:50 – Theater University Students Call for Rector’s Resignation Amid Ongoing Protest</h3> <p>Students from the Shota Rustaveli State University of Theater and Film <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vw4CPI7mrJE&t=4s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">participated </a>in a live broadcast to air their grievances with the university administration. Despite rector <strong>Giorgi Shalutashvili</strong>‘s claim that the administration was open to dialogue and that the problems from earlier in the week had been <strong><a href="https://civil.ge/archives/669244" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resolved</a></strong>, the students called for his resignation. Shalutashvili had said that he had made a “principled decision” to change the harsh disciplinary measures imposed by the Ethics Commission, which had previously threatened to expel the students. Students, however, criticized the administration’s response, claiming that the willingness to engage in dialogue came too late.</p> <p>During the broadcast, student representatives <strong>Nino Gogia </strong>and <strong>Temur Vacharadze</strong> reaffirmed their commitment to the protest, which also called for new parliamentary elections and the release of those detained during the demonstrations. Vacharadze pointed out that Shalutashvili initially failed to show solidarity with detained colleagues and did not oppose the government’s repressive actions, including illegal detentions and the halting of EU integration. He also noted that as the protests escalated within the university, students were denied basic necessities such as food and heating, with guards attributing the decision to the rector’s orders.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:30 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked</h3> <p>For the 107th consecutive day, protesters blocked Rustaveli Avenue, demanding new elections and the release of those arrested during the past three months of protests.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">17:00 – European Commission’s Spokesperson Hipper Says GD Threatens Georgia’s European Path</h3> <p>Speaking to <a href="https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/833003-evrokomisiis-spikeri-sakartveloshi-vxedavt-adamianis-uplebebis-gauaresebas-archevnebis-shemdeg-xelisuplebis-amzhamindeli-kursi-saprtxes-ukmnis-evropul-gzas-vagrzelebt-kartveli-xalxis-gverdit-dgomas" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/833003-evrokomisiis-spikeri-sakartveloshi-vxedavt-adamianis-uplebebis-gauaresebas-archevnebis-shemdeg-xelisuplebis-amzhamindeli-kursi-saprtxes-ukmnis-evropul-gzas-vagrzelebt-kartveli-xalxis-gverdit-dgomas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPN</a>, European Commission spokesperson for Foreign and Security Affairs <strong>Anitta Hipper</strong> has said that Georgia is immersed in a deep political crisis and the country witnesses the deterioration of human rights after the parliamentary elections of October 26. She stated that the current course of the GD government threatens Georgia’s European path. Hipper assured that the EU remains committed to monitor the situation closely and continues to stand by the Georgian people.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Planned Protests Timeline</h3> <p>The fight for democracy and European integration continues as nationwide protests enter their 107th consecutive day, with demonstrators demanding the release of detained protesters and new elections. In Tbilisi, today’s demonstrations will begin at 14:30 with a court hearing for Anatoli Gigauri at the Tbilisi City Court. At 19:00, two separate protests will take place: demonstration near the Public Broadcaster’s office and the March “In Solidarity with the Prisoners of Conscience” from Public Broadcaster. A larger gathering near Parliament is scheduled for 20:00, followed by a public lecture by the protest auditorium at 21:00 by the Ilia and Akaki monument. Meanwhile, protests will continue across other cities. In Gori, demonstrators will assemble at 17:00 in front of the Municipality Council, demanding “Freedom for Political Prisoners” and new elections. At 18:00, rallies will be held in Akhaltsikhe by the Shota Rustaveli statue and in Zugdidi in front of the Regional Administration, while in Telavi, protests will continue at City Hall. In Kutaisi, at 19:00, citizens will gather in front of City Hall under the slogan “Yes to Europe, No to Russia!” At the same time, in Batumi, a protest titled “In Service to the Homeland” will take place in front of the Constitutional Court. Later in the evening, at 20:00, demonstrators in Chkhorotsku will continue their daily protests near City Hall, ensuring the movement for democracy and European integration remains strong across the country.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday, March 13</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">23:30 – Shota Rustaveli Theater University Refrains from Revoking Status of Protesting Students</h3> <p>Shota Rustaveli State University for Theater and Film has <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1C4G8aJSg5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decided </a>not to revoke the student status of those participating in protests, a decision made on March 10. In a statement posted on Facebook, the university announced that “based on the statements of students, faculty, and staff, and in the best interests of the university, the rector decided not to apply the most extreme disciplinary measure against the students—termination of status.”</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:00 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked</h3> <p>For the 106th consecutive day, hundreds of protesters took to Rustaveli Avenue, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19qpKhpTmW/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">standing</a> firm in their demands for a rerun of elections and the release of all detained individuals. The streets of Tbilisi once again echoed with chants of resistance, highlighting the persistence of a movement that refuses to back down.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">19:00 – Batumi Court Hears Mzia Amaghlobeli’s Administrative Case, Ruling Expected on March 18</h3> <p>The Batumi City Court held a hearing on the administrative case of <strong>Mzia Amaghlobeli</strong>, the founder of <em>Batumelebi</em>/<em>Netgazeti</em>, who was detained during a January 11 protest in Batumi. Amaghlobeli, who attended the hearing remotely, was initially arrested for placing a sticker reading “Georgia Strikes” on the fence of the Adjara Police Department. During the hearing, Amaghlobeli dismissed the charges, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TVFormula/videos/2195674774224766/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/TVFormula/videos/2195674774224766/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stating </a>that the case was fabricated and based on false testimonies. “The only truth in this case is that I did place the sticker, fully consciously,” she said, denying accusations of verbally insulting police officers. Amaghlobeli added that she was treated disrespectfully at the police station.</p> <p>According to <em>Batumelebi</em>, the detention report was <a href="https://batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/news/565799/" data-type="link" data-id="https://batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/news/565799/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">falsified</a>. The document stated that Amaghlobeli was arrested not for placing the sticker but for allegedly verbally insulting police officers. While the report was signed by <strong>Gocha Vanadze</strong>, deputy to <strong>Irakli Dgebuadze</strong>, footage shows Amaghlobeli was actually detained by <strong>Grigol Beselia</strong>, head of the Adjara Police Department. Beselia, Dgebuadze, and Vanadze are <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/666721" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/666721" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>sanctioned </strong></a>by Estonia.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">18:00 – Professor Tsagareli Resigns from Theatre University Council Amid Student Status Revocations</h3> <p>The Shota Rustaveli Theatre and Film State University’s decision to <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/668146" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/668146" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>suspend </strong></a>the student status of some protesters has sparked dissent within its Academic Council. Professor <strong>Tamar Tsagareli</strong> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tamaratsagareli/posts/pfbid0tvfjAeM3r6Bxj2SMiNcFZQi8n2bdjd5PkuCsVftC74qw76LszpbMuPmWGSW7bfyMl" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/tamaratsagareli/posts/pfbid0tvfjAeM3r6Bxj2SMiNcFZQi8n2bdjd5PkuCsVftC74qw76LszpbMuPmWGSW7bfyMl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced</a> her resignation from the Council, criticizing the Ethics Commission for “sacrificing” students.</p> <p>“It is extremely difficult for me to remain a member of a council that includes academic staff who ‘despise’ young people,” Tsagareli wrote on Facebook. While stepping down from the council, she vowed to continue teaching, telling students, “Together, we will prevail.”</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Nationwide Rallies on 106th Day of Protests</h3> <p>Protests across Georgia have entered their 106th day as demonstrators <a href="https://www.facebook.com/protesti24/posts/pfbid0v6AFjtmmaVAxisHSKjtftcy2bcUutcTz1ML5Yx82Vy5PU4tW5rUXqufCk2QvwgF4l" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/protesti24/posts/pfbid0v6AFjtmmaVAxisHSKjtftcy2bcUutcTz1ML5Yx82Vy5PU4tW5rUXqufCk2QvwgF4l" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">continue </a>to rally against GD’s U-turn, demanding new elections and release of all detained protesters. Gatherings are planned in multiple cities, with Tbilisi remaining the movement’s epicenter. In the capital, the day’s events began at 16:00 with the court hearing of Russian activists <strong>Anastasia Zinovkina</strong> and <strong>Artem Gribuli</strong> at the <em>Tbilisi City Court</em>. At the same time, people will gather near the <em>Embassy of Germany</em>, demanding the freedom of detained <strong>Temur Katamadze.</strong> The protest outside the <em>Public Broadcaster</em> at 20:00 will be seen as usual. A public lecture hosted by the Protest Auditorium is scheduled for 21:00 at the <em>Ilia and Akaki Monument</em>, while a discussion titled “<strong>Levan Gotua</strong>: Literature of Freedom” by <strong>Dato Turashvili</strong> will take place at 21:30 in front of the <em>Municipality Council</em>.</p> <p>Meanwhile, demonstrations are continuing across Georgia. At 17:00, protesters will gather in <strong>Gori </strong>to demand the release of “political prisoners,” and new elections. Other rallies are planned for <strong>Akhaltsikhe </strong>(18:00); <strong>Zugdidi </strong>(18:00); <strong>Telavi </strong>(19:00); <strong>Kutaisi </strong>(19:00 with the slogan <em>“Yes to Europe, No to Russia!”</em>), and <strong>Telavi </strong>(19:00). Protesters will gather near the <em>Constitutional Court</em> in <strong>Batumi </strong>at 19:00. “<em>Protest Every Day</em>,” with that slogan, people in <strong>Chkhorotskhu </strong>will hold a demonstration near the <em>City Hall</em>.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">00:55 – Public Broadcaster Agrees to Air Live Discussion Amid Student Protests</h3> <p>Amid ongoing protests outside the Public Broadcaster, University of Theatre and Film Rector <strong>Giorgi Shalutashvili</strong>, representatives of the Broadcaster, and students met to address the situation. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to a live broadcast on Friday at 10 p.m., during which Shalutashvili and several students will present their positions on the unfolding events.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wednesday, March 12</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">22:30 – Theatre and Film University Students Demand Air Near the Public Broadcaster </h3> <p>The rally is ongoing near the Pubic Broadcaster building. Students from the Theatre and Film University are demanding that the Public Broadcaster give them airtime.</p> <p><strong>Giorgi Shalutashvili,</strong> the rector of the Theatre and Film University, was invited to the broadcaster’s airtime. The students claim that Shalutashvili is “telling lies” through the channel, and are demanding that a student representative be invited to the airtime. “Airtime for students, solidarity for students,” – the protesters chant. Several students were suspended by the University earlier this week for protesting inside the university building.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:45 – Protesters Block Rustaveli Avenue</h3> <p>For the 105th consecutive day, protesters blocked traffic on Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi’s one of the main thoroughfares. The demonstrators, who have maintained a consistent presence since late November, continue to demand new elections and the release of all illegally detained protesters.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">17:50 – Eight Prisoners Remanded in Custody, Trial Set for March 24</h3> <p>Tbilisi City Court has <a href="https://tvpirveli.ge/ka/siaxleebi/sazogadoeba/96359-rejimis-8-tkvis-shemdegi-sasamartlo-protsesi-24-marts-gaimarteba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remanded</a> into custody eight individuals accused of group violence, moving the case to a substantive hearing scheduled for March 24 at 12:00. The defendants— <strong>Zviad Tsetskhladze, Vepkhia Kasradze, Vasil Kadzelashvili, Giorgi Gorgadze, Irakli Miminoshvili, Insaf Aliev, Tornike Goshadze,</strong> and <strong>Nikoloz Javakhishvili— </strong><strong><a href="https://civil.ge/archives/651175" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">face</a></strong> serious charges, with the first three accused of organizing and directing the violence, carrying potential sentences of six to nine years in prison, while the others face four to six years for alleged participation.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Planned Protests Schedule</h3> <p>The fight for democracy and European integration continues as protests sweep across the country for the 105th consecutive day. Protesters demand the release of all detained demonstrators and news elections. In Tbilisi, demonstrations will begin at 11:00 with a court hearing for Archil Museliantsi at the Tbilisi City Court, followed at 13:00 by a hearing for eight prisoners of conscience at the same location. At 16:00, protesters will gather in front of the National Center for Education and Quality Development for a demonstration titled “We Will Not Give It Up” (authorization of Ilia State University). At 19:00, two separate protests will take place: the “March of Adjarians Against Authoritarianism” from Marjanishvili Metro Station and another protest near the Public Broadcaster’s office. A demonstration near Parliament is scheduled for 20:00, followed by a public lecture on education at 21:00 by the Ilia and Akaki monument. Meanwhile, protests will continue in other cities across the country. In Gori, demonstrators will assemble at 17:00 in front of the Municipality Council to demand “Freedom for Political Prisoners” and new elections, while another protest will take place in Akhmeta near City Hall. At 18:00, rallies will be held in Akhaltsikhe by the Shota Rustaveli statue and in Zugdidi in front of the Regional Administration, while in Telavi, protesters will continue their demonstration at City Hall. In Kutaisi, at 19:00, citizens will gather in front of City Hall under the slogan “Yes to Europe, No to Russia!” At the same time, in Batumi, a protest titled “In Service to the Homeland” will take place in front of the Constitutional Court. Later in the evening, at 20:00, demonstrators in Chkhorotsku will continue their daily protests near City Hall.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday, March 11</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:20 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked Again</h3> <p>For the 104th consecutive day, the demonstrators have once again successfully <a href="https://tvpirveli.ge/ka/siaxleebi/sazogadoeba/96296-protestis-104-dge-dedaqalaqshi-isev-saprotesto-msvlelobaa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blocked</a> Rustaveli Avenue. Their demands remain unchanged: a re-run of the recent elections and the release of all those illegally detained.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">20:30 – Protest near TSU</h3> <p>Students at Tbilisi State University are <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI5db1TU3HA&t=48s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protesting</a> near the TSU building, condemning the dismissal of two lecturers, allegedly for political reasons. The students have also announced the launch of an information campaign to raise awareness of the issue.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Nationwide Rallies on 104th Day of Protests</h3> <p>Demonstrators will once again <a href="https://www.facebook.com/protesti24/posts/pfbid02wvdxCZpZnpA7wrpLhBEiFUbGqYhFBNAP6FQ6oykxfdx8Nnob3QQPPYJ3yW54UrRkl" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/protesti24/posts/pfbid02wvdxCZpZnpA7wrpLhBEiFUbGqYhFBNAP6FQ6oykxfdx8Nnob3QQPPYJ3yW54UrRkl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gather</a> on the 104th day of pro-EU and pro-democracy protests across Georgia, demanding new elections and the release of all detained protesters. In <strong>Tbilisi</strong>, the day’s events will begin at 11:00 with a court hearing for Russian citizen <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/656167" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/656167" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Anton Chechin</strong></a> at Tbilisi City Court, who actively participated in the pro-EU protests before his detention. At 13:00, students and supporters will rally at Theater University on Rustaveli Avenue in solidarity with Theater University students. Later in the evening, as usual, at 19:00, protesters will gather outside the Public Broadcaster’s building, followed by a gathering near Parliament at 20:00. At 21:00, a public lecture titled “<em>Systems and Us</em>” will take place at the Rustaveli Avenue, near the Akaki and Ilia Monument. </p> <p>In <strong>Gori</strong>, demonstrators will convene at 17:00 outside the Municipality Council, demanding the release of “political prisoners” and the scheduling of early elections. A separate demonstration is planned in <strong>Akhmeta</strong>, where protesters will gather at 17:00 near the City Hall. At 18:00, rallies will be held in <strong>Akhaltsikhe</strong>, by the Shota Rustaveli statue, under the slogan “No to the Russian Regime!,” and in <strong>Zugdidi</strong>, outside the Regional Administration, under the slogan “Till the Victory!” In <strong>Telavi</strong> and <strong>Kutaisi</strong> at 19:00, demonstrators will continue their protest in front of the City Halls. In <strong>Batumi</strong>, at the same time, a demonstration under the theme “In Service to the Homeland!” will take place outside the Constitutional Court. The evening will conclude with a 20:00 protest in <strong>Chkhorotsku</strong>, where demonstrators will maintain their daily presence outside the City Hall.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monday, March 10</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">22:00 – Protesters Block Rustaveli Avenue</h3> <p>On the 103rd consecutive day of pro-EU protests, demonstrators have gathered on Rustaveli Avenue, near the Parliament. As of now, the traffic is blocked on the Avenue.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:45 – Two Protesters Reportedly Detained on Rustaveli Avenue</h3> <p>Two people were reportedly detained on Rustaveli Avenue near the <em>Marriott Hotel</em> in Tbilisi. The information about the detentions was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/337755359323575/?multi_permalinks=587269047705537&hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/groups/337755359323575/?multi_permalinks=587269047705537&hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shared</a> by <strong>Tea Gogrichiani</strong> in the Facebook protest group <em>Daitove</em>. The identities of those detained remain unclear at this time.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:30 – Solidarity March for Suspended Theatre University Students Underway</h3> <p>A solidarity march in support of Shota Rustaveli Theater and Film University students, some of whose status was <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/668146" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/668146" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>suspended</strong></a> by the administration, is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIt-YM95TQo&t=1s&ab_channel=%E1%83%A2%E1%83%95%E1%83%9E%E1%83%98%E1%83%A0%E1%83%95%E1%83%94%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98%E2%80%A2TVPirveli" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIt-YM95TQo&t=1s&ab_channel=%E1%83%A2%E1%83%95%E1%83%9E%E1%83%98%E1%83%A0%E1%83%95%E1%83%94%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98%E2%80%A2TVPirveli" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underway</a> in Tbilisi. The protest was initiated by Ilia State University students. The protesters first marched toward the Theatre University, where they expressed solidarity and support with their fellow students before proceeding toward Rustaveli Avenue. Citizens, gathered near the Public Broadcaster, also joined the demonstration.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">20:00 – 11 Protesters, Including Actor Andro Chichinadze Remanded in Custody</h3> <p>Tbilisi City Court judge <strong>Irakli Shvangiradze</strong> <a href="https://tvpirveli.ge/ka/siaxleebi/sazogadoeba/96193-rejimis-11-tkve-kvlav-patimrobashi-rcheba-morigi-sasamartlo-protsesi-25-marts" data-type="link" data-id="https://tvpirveli.ge/ka/siaxleebi/sazogadoeba/96193-rejimis-11-tkve-kvlav-patimrobashi-rcheba-morigi-sasamartlo-protsesi-25-marts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ruled</a> to extend pretrial detention for 11 individuals charged with alleged participation in group violence during pro-EU demonstrations. The defendants, whose cases have been consolidated into a single proceeding, include actor<strong> Andro Chichinadze</strong> and comedian <strong>Onise</strong> <strong>Tskhadadze</strong>, alongside <strong>Guram Mirtskhulava, Luka Jabua, Jano Archaia, Ruslan Sivakov, Revaz Kiknadze</strong>, <strong>Giorgi</strong> <strong>Terashvili, Valeri Tetrashvili, Sergei Kukharchuk</strong>, and <strong>Irakli Kerashvili</strong>.</p> <p>The decision came from a semi-closed hearing, despite objections from defense attorneys who had <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tornike.migineishvili/posts/pfbid0mrFkr5Vbg8gL2c8acocm3aP3rQTMPe3cTnCYHeBZDsDGrQYij2A8GRrWtc42egqYl" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/tornike.migineishvili/posts/pfbid0mrFkr5Vbg8gL2c8acocm3aP3rQTMPe3cTnCYHeBZDsDGrQYij2A8GRrWtc42egqYl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">requested</a> an open proceeding. All defendants face charges under Article 225, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which addresses participation in group violence. The next court hearing has been scheduled for March 25 at 11:00 a.m.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">13:00 – Tbilisi City Court Remands Giorgi Mindadze in Custody</h3> <p>The Tbilisi City Court judge <strong>Nino Galustashvili</strong> has <a href="https://mtavari.tv/news/178151-rezhimis-patimari-21-clis-giorgi-mindadze" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remanded</a> in custody <strong>Giorgi Mindadze</strong>, a 21-year-old medical student accused of assaulting a police officer. Mindadze faces charges under Article 353 Prima, Part 1 of the Criminal Code, which criminalizes assaults on law enforcement officers. Prosecutors accuse him of throwing pyrotechnics at a police officer during a protest on November 29, allegedly causing an injury to the officer’s leg.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Student Protester Suspended from Theater University</h3> <p>The administration of the University of Theater and Film has <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/12FGbhyii1W/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suspended</a> the student status of those involved in the recent protests, citing “violations of the university’s code of ethics.”</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">10:00 – Planned Protests Timeline</h3> <p>The fight for democracy and European integration continue as protests sweep across the country for the 103rd consecutive day. Protesters demand the release of all detained protesters and new elections. In <strong>Tbilisi</strong>, demonstrations will begin at <strong>12:00</strong> with a court hearing for “eleven prisoners of conscience” at the Tbilisi City Court. Later, at <strong>16:00,</strong> protesters will gather in front of German Embassy in solidarity with “flag bearer” <strong>Temur Katamadze.</strong> At <strong>19:00 </strong>Protesters will gather on two seperate locations, near Iliauni building and the public broadcaster’s office. A protest near the parliament is planned to take place at <strong>20:00</strong>. At <strong>21:00</strong>, a public lecture on education will take place by the <strong>Ilia and Akaki monument</strong>. Meanwhile, other cities across the country will also see continued protests. In <strong>Gori</strong>, demonstrators will assemble at <strong>17:00</strong> in front of the Municipality Council to demand “freedom for political prisoners” and new elections. Another protest will take place in <strong>Akhmeta</strong> near the City Hall. At <strong>18:00</strong>, rallies will be held in <strong>Akhaltsikhe</strong>, by the Shota Rustaveli statue, and in <strong>Zugdidi</strong>, in front of the Regional Administration, while in <strong>Telavi</strong>, protesters will continue their protest at the City Hall. In <strong>Kutaisi</strong>, at <strong>19:00</strong>, citizens will gather in front of City Hall under the slogan “Yes to Europe, No to Russia!” At the same time, in <strong>Batumi</strong>, a protest “In Service to the Homeland” will take place in front of the <strong>Constitutional Court</strong>. Later in the evening, at <strong>20:00</strong>, demonstrators in <strong>Chkhorotsku</strong> will continue their daily protests near City Hall.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sunday, March 9</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">20:00 – SJC Calls on MIA and Theater University to Respect Students’ Right to Protest</h3> <p>The Social Justice Center (SJC) has <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1BN3TnTsxG/?mibextid=wwXIfr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">called</a> on the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) to immediately stop using “unconstitutional” measures against students of the Theater University, who have been fined 5,000 GEL [1802 USD] for their protest. SJC also urges the university administration to uphold students’ rights to freely express their dissent, protect them from unjust penalties, and ensure that protests can continue with prior written consent. Emphasizing that freedom of assembly and expression are fundamental constitutional rights in Georgia, the organization highlights that universities serve as essential spaces for such freedoms. SJC stresses that peaceful protests, particularly those held in non-disruptive areas like university lobbies, do not interfere with institutional functions and are constitutionally protected. Any restriction on students’ ability to gather and voice their concerns, the statement argues, is a direct violation of these rights.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">15:00 – Students Fined GEL 5,000 for Protesting Inside Theater University</h3> <p>Police fined students GEL 5,000 for protesting inside the Theater and Film University, where protests have been going on for almost three months. According to the students, the university administration called the police after asking them to leave the premises for sanitary work. When the students demanded an alternative space, the administration offered them a small room, which they refused to enter. The police issued fines under a recently <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/660338" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>passed</strong></a> legislation that prohibits protests in closed spaces or buildings without the owner’s consent.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Saturday, March 8</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:00 – “Women Against Regime” Mark International Women’s Day</h3> <p>As Georgia entered the 101st day of non-stop protests, women gathered in three cities – Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi – to mark International Women’s Day. In the capital, they <a href="https://x.com/CivilGe/status/1898408698126520424" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marched</a> from Republic Square to the Parliament building, carrying symbolic prison cells and demanding the release of prisoners, including jailed female journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli. The protesters again blocked Rustaveli Avenue. The march <a href="https://x.com/CivilGe/status/1898418823298244906" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ended</a> with a performance in which activists <a href="https://x.com/CivilGe/status/1898422189738570189" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">burned</a> pieces of the cell installations they had carried throughout the demonstration.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">16:00 – Activist Sandro Kinkladze Left Georgia “for Security Reasons”</h3> <p><strong>Sandro Kinkladze</strong>, an 18-year-old activist, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GwYbyFRBS/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote</a> on social media that he and his wife, <strong>Elene Khubulava</strong>, left Georgia “for security reasons.” Kinkladze said that he, his wife, and his mother were being followed by the government, which prompted his decision to leave. Kinkladze had actively participated in pro-EU protests. He was <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/638926" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>arrested</strong></a> on December 8, 2024, and sentenced to twelve days of administrative detention for disobeying police orders.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Friday, March 7</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:00 – Protesters Gather in Front of Parliament Marking 100th Day of Protests</h3> <p>Crowds <a href="https://x.com/CivilGe/status/1898060561885073866" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gather</a> on Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue to mark the 100th day of protests in Georgia. The non-stop protests began on November 28, 2024, in response to GD’s announcement that it was suspending EU accession, and have continued despite police crackdowns and repression. The protesters are demanding new elections and the release of people they say have been unjustly imprisoned.</p> <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="771" data-id="667956" src="https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Rustaveli1-1-1024x771.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-667956" srcset="https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Rustaveli1-1-1024x771.jpeg 1024w, https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Rustaveli1-1-300x226.jpeg 300w, https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Rustaveli1-1-768x578.jpeg 768w, https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Rustaveli1-1-1536x1157.jpeg 1536w, https://civil.ge/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Rustaveli1-1.jpeg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Protesters on Rustaveli Avenue, March 7, 2025. Photo: Nini Gabritchidze/Civil.ge</figcaption></figure> </figure> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">18:00 – Temur Katamadze Taken Back to Detention Center</h3> <p>Temur Katamadze, the “flag bearer” from Batumi, who <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/667176" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>ended</strong></a> his hunger strike after 48 days, was taken back from the <em>Vivamedi </em>clinic to the detention center of the migration department today.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Nationwide Protests Mark 100th Day</h3> <p>The protests have persevered a tough winter, holding their ground for 100 days. Demonstrations will once again sweep across Georgia to mark that day, with citizens <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=122160326084330944&set=a.122100419156330944" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=122160326084330944&set=a.122100419156330944" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rallying</a> against GD’s U-turn, demanding new elections and releasing all detained protesters. In Tbilisi, the rally will begin at <strong>18:00 </strong>with architects gathering in solidarity at the City Hall, followed by a student-led rally at TSU’s First Building. Simultaneously, demonstrators as usual, will protest outside the Public Broadcaster, calling for the release of all “prisoners of conscience.” At <strong>20:00</strong>, the main demonstration will take place near Parliament under the slogan “Till the End!” followed by the public discussions and lectures late into the evening near Ilia and Akaki’s Monument. Meanwhile, protests will be held across the country. In <strong>Gori</strong>, citizens will gather at <strong>17:00</strong> near the Municipality Council to demand new elections and freedom for “regime’s prisoners.” In <strong>Akhmeta</strong>, demonstrators will rally at the City Hall. Rallies in <strong>Akhaltsikhe</strong> (Shota Rustaveli Statue), <strong>Zugdidi</strong> (Regional Administration), and <strong>Telavi </strong>(City Hall)<strong> </strong>will begin at 18:00. In <strong>Kutaisi</strong> protest will start at the City Hall from 18:00 with the slogan “100th Day of Protest,” while in <strong>Batumi</strong>, a demonstration titled “In Service to the Homeland” will be held at 19:00 in front of the Constitutional Court. In <strong>Chkhorotsku</strong>, the daily protests will start at 20:00.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday, March 6</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:35 – Belgium Urges GD to Uphold Democratic Freedoms Amid Concerns Over Press Repression</h3> <p>The Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has <a href="https://x.com/BelgiumMFA/status/1897701105695703323" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">issued </a>a statement urging the Georgian Dream government to uphold the fundamental rights of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, emphasizing that democracy cannot flourish without these freedoms. “No press freedom, no democracy,” stresses the Belgian MFA. The statement makes specific reference to the trial of <strong>Mzia Amaghlobeli</strong> and highlights concerns about repressive measures against journalists and peaceful demonstrators. Belgium expressed its deep concern about such measures, stating that they are incompatible with Georgia’s European and international commitments.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:30 – Judge Remands Eight Protesters in Custody</h3> <p>Tbilisi City Court Judge <strong>Davit Mgeliashvili</strong> <a href="https://www.myvideo.ge/tv/pirvelitv/2025-03-06/21:31:52" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remanded </a>eight individuals in custody. The defendants – <strong>Zviad Tsetskhladze, Vepkhia Kasradze, Vasil Kadzelashvili, Giorgi Gorgadze, Irakli Miminoshvili, Insaf Aliev, Tornike Goshadze, </strong>and<strong> Nikoloz Javakhishvili </strong>– are being tried together, although the defense contends there is no evidence they even know each other. The individuals were arrested during pro-European protests in December last year and face charges under Article 225 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which penalizes participation in group violence with prison sentences of four to six years.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:00 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked</h3> <p>Protesters have again <a href="https://www.myvideo.ge/tv/pirvelitv/2025-03-06/21:13:59" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blocked</a> Rustaveli Avenue. Hundreds of protesters remain with the same demands – new elections and the release of all those illegally detained.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">18:35 – Darius Vitkauskas Calls Journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli a ‘Symbol of Courage’</h3> <p>Lithuania’s ambassador to Georgia,<strong> Darius Vitkauskas,</strong> today <a href="https://x.com/VitkauskasDar/status/1897656175233052683" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attended</a> the hearing of journalist <strong>Mzia Amaghlobeli</strong> at Batumi City Court and later visited the Batumelebi/Netgazeti office. In a statement on social media, Vitkauskas expressed his support, calling Amaghlobeli “a symbol of courage and devotion of all those unjustly detained.” The hearing, which concerns an administrative charge for displaying a sticker calling for a national strike on the night of January 12, has been <a href="https://tvpirveli.ge/ka/siaxleebi/sazogadoeba/95888-mzia-amaglobelis-protsesi-gadaido" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">postponed</a> until March 13.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:30 – One Arrested for Allegedly Attacking Founders of “Krab Coffee”</h3> <p>MIA confirmed to <em>Civil.ge</em> that one man has been arrested in connection with a verbal and physical altercation involving “<em>KRAB Coffee</em>” founders: <strong>Kristi Pirveli</strong> and <strong>Barbare Rokita</strong>. Both young women are prominently involved in the pro-EU protests, offering free refreshments to demonstrators on Rustaveli Avenue. The incident is being investigated under Article 126 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to violence.</p> <p>Following the attack, one of the victims, Kristi Pirveli, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pirveli.qristi/posts/pfbid0Ypr4p3nzwmjFAqUJa9Yd9WZYnonFa2AeM99PqtSBwvDoPUY7TofKwJ2WPojWENmrl" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/pirveli.qristi/posts/pfbid0Ypr4p3nzwmjFAqUJa9Yd9WZYnonFa2AeM99PqtSBwvDoPUY7TofKwJ2WPojWENmrl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shared </a>an update on social media, stating that she has an internal tooth fracture and a bruised spleen. “Barbi has a broken nose and has been taken in for surgery,” she wrote. “We are not afraid of anything, we’re already home and waiting for the investigation,” Pirveli later <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pirveli.qristi/posts/pfbid0bRStGHw7KyaXjexxwwmxKyaJhEnL3feg5jMsvBTccbToi1aV5MiY1JwWJVbtiaiRl" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/pirveli.qristi/posts/pfbid0bRStGHw7KyaXjexxwwmxKyaJhEnL3feg5jMsvBTccbToi1aV5MiY1JwWJVbtiaiRl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote </a>in another post on <em>Facebook</em>.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:25 – Planned Protest Marches</h3> <p>The fight for democracy and European integration continue as protests sweep across the country for the 99th consecutive day. Protesters demand the release of all detained protesters and new elections. In <strong>Tbilisi</strong>, demonstrations will begin at <strong>12:00</strong> with a court hearing for “eight prisoners of conscience” at the Tbilisi City Court. Later in the evening, at <strong>20:00</strong>, protesters will gather in front of the <strong>Supreme Court of Georgia</strong>, as well as near <strong>Parliament</strong>. At <strong>21:00</strong>, a public lecture on fines and new laws will take place by the <strong>Ilia and Akaki monument</strong>. Meanwhile, other cities across the country will also see continued protests. In <strong>Gori</strong>, demonstrators will assemble at <strong>17:00</strong> in front of the Municipality Council to demand “freedom for political prisoners” and new elections. Another protest will take place in <strong>Akhmeta</strong> near the City Hall. At <strong>18:00</strong>, rallies will be held in <strong>Akhaltsikhe</strong>, by the Shota Rustaveli statue, and in <strong>Zugdidi</strong>, in front of the Regional Administration, while in <strong>Telavi</strong>, protesters will continue their protest at the City Hall. In <strong>Kutaisi</strong>, at <strong>19:00</strong>, citizens will gather in front of City Hall under the slogan “Yes to Europe, No to Russia!” At the same time, in <strong>Batumi</strong>, a protest “In Service to the Homeland” will take place in front of the <strong>Constitutional Court</strong>. Later in the evening, at <strong>20:00</strong>, demonstrators in <strong>Chkhorotsku</strong> will continue their daily protests near City Hall.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wednesday, March 5</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">23:30 – 11 Detained Protesters, Including Actor Andro Chichinadze Remanded in Custody</h3> <p>Tbilisi City Court judge <strong>Irakli Shvangiradze</strong> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tornike.migineishvili/posts/pfbid0WUDyVGyqiUYsdGHm6XniwaBc9RG3aHBQsMapoff8e2GzzriGKyzGfRXL5zEarX4Yl" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/tornike.migineishvili/posts/pfbid0WUDyVGyqiUYsdGHm6XniwaBc9RG3aHBQsMapoff8e2GzzriGKyzGfRXL5zEarX4Yl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ruled</a> to keep 11 individuals in pretrial detention on charges of participating in group violence during the pro-EU protests near Parliament. The case, which is consolidated into a single proceeding, involves actor <strong>Andro Chichinadze, comedian Onise Tskhadadze, </strong>and nine other individuals<strong>: Guram Mirtskhulava, Luka Jabua, Jano Archaia, Ruslan Sivakov, Revaz Kiknadze, Giorgi Terashvili, Valeri Tetrashvili, Sergei Kukharchuk, and Irakli Kerashvili</strong>. They have been charged under Article 225, Part 2 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to participation in group violence.</p> <p>During the hearing, detained <strong>Revaz Kiknadze’s</strong> defense lawyer <strong>Guja Avsajanishvili</strong> <a href="https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/33337041.html" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/a/33337041.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">requested</a> the recusal of judge Irakli Shvangiradze, arguing that until the previous night, the case was expected to be heard by judge <strong>Nino Tarashvili</strong>. However, Judge Shvangiradze declined to step aside and proceeded with the hearing. Avsajanishvili also requested the recusal of Prosecutor <strong>Vazha Todua</strong>, who was <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/666721" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/666721" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>sanctioned</strong></a> by Estonia on March 3. However, Judge also declined this request.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:55 – Protest Continues on Rustaveli Avenue, Traffic Blocked</h3> <p>On its 98th consecutive day, Pro-EU and pro-democracy protests persist on Rustaveli Avenue. Protesters have again blocked the traffic.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">15:00 – Tbilisi Court Judge Issues Verbal Warning to Gigi Gigiadze</h3> <p>Tbilisi City Court Judge <strong>Nino Enukidze</strong> <a href="https://tvpirveli.ge/ka/siaxleebi/sazogadoeba/95755-mosamartle-nino-enuqidzem-gigi-gigiadzis-saqmeze-gadatskvetileba-gamoatskha" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">issued</a> a verbal warning to <strong>Gigi Gigiadze,</strong> senior researcher at the Economic Policy Research Centre and former Georgian ambassador to Denmark, after he was accused of obstructing traffic in a bus lane during protests on Chavchavadze Avenue on December 17.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">13:00 – EU Takes Into Account Baltic States’ Call for Sanctions on GD Officials</h3> <p>The EU press office <a href="https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/832130-evrokavshiris-pressamsaxuris-opisi-chven-vitvaliscinebt-baltiis-kveqnebis-gadacqvetilebas-evrokavshiri-mzadaa-sankciebistvis-rata-pasuxismgebelma-pirebma-pasuxi-agon-zaladobaze" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">informed </a>IPN that they are taking into account the Baltic states’ decision regarding sanctions on individuals actively involved in repressive measures in Georgia. Emphasizing its commitment to upholding democratic values and human rights, the EU reaffirmed its readiness to take further action, including the imposition of sanctions, if necessary.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">12:05 – Temur Katamadze Ends Hunger Strike</h3> <p><strong>Temur Katamadze,</strong> the Georgian flag bearer who had been on a hunger strike for 48 consecutive days in protest against the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ decision to deny his request for refugee or humanitarian status, has <a href="https://formulanews.ge/News/124145" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ended </a>his strike.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">12:00 – Anatoli Gigauri Remanded in Custody</h3> <p>Judge <strong>Jvebe Nachkebia</strong> of the Tbilisi City Court has <a href="https://mtavari.tv/news/177955-oligarkis-sasamartlom-rezhimis-tqve-anatoli" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remanded</a> in custody <strong>Anatoli Gigauri, </strong>a member of the opposition force Unity-UNM. Gigauri was arrested on November 25 on charges of assaulting a police officer, a crime under Article 353 Prima of the Georgian Criminal Code, which carries a prison sentence of 4 to 7 years.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:50 – Temur Katamadze Hospitalized</h3> <p><strong>Temur Katamadze,</strong> the flag bearer who has been on a hunger strike for 48 days, has been <a href="https://gyla.ge/post/Shimshilobis-48-e-dges-temur-qatamadze" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taken </a>to the hospital after his last medical check-up on February 15. According to a statement from the Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA), Katamadze has already lost 20 kilograms.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Timeline of Protests</h3> <p>The wave of pro-EU protests gripping Georgia shows no signs of fading as demonstrators take to the streets for the 98th consecutive day. The demands remain unchanged: the release of detained protesters, and new elections. In <strong>Tbilisi</strong>, protests are scheduled at 12:00 near the Tbilisi City Court, at 19:00 near the Public Broadcaster’s building and at 20:00 near Parliament. At 21:00, a public lecture titled <em>“Georgian Polyphony</em> <em>and Protest”</em> will take place near the Ilia and Akaki statue. In <strong>Gori</strong>, protesters will gather at 17:00 in front of the Municipality Council to demand “freedom for prisoners and new elections.” Protests will also take place at 18:00 in <strong>Akhaltsikhe </strong>(Shota Rustaveli statue), <strong>Zugdidi </strong>(Regional Administration), <strong>Telavi </strong>(City Hall), and <strong>Kutaisi </strong>(City Hall). In <strong>Batumi</strong>, a protest for the freedom of <strong>Mzia Amaghlobeli</strong> will be held at 13:00 near the Batumi City Court, followed by a demonstration at 19:00 in front of the Constitutional Court. Other protests include <strong>Chkhorotsku</strong> at 20:00 by the City Hall.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday, March 4</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">21:30 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked</h3> <p>Protesters have again <a href="https://tvpirveli.ge/ka/siaxleebi/sazogadoeba/95718-protestis-97-e-dge-rustavelis-gamziri-gadaiketa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blocked</a> Rustaveli Avenue. Hundreds of protesters remain with the same demands – new elections and the release of all those illegally detained.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">16:00 – EaP CSF Calls on Georgian Authorities to Repeal Restrictive Laws, Urges EU to Sanction Georgian Authorities</h3> <p>The <strong>Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF) Steering Committee</strong> issued a <a href="https://eap-csf.eu/articles/no-to-weaponised-legislation-in-georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement </a>raising concerns over Georgia’s democratic backsliding. It highlighted that Georgian authorities rapidly adopted the legislative amendments that “restricted freedom of assembly and expression “and imposed harsh penalties, following “controversial” 26th October’s elections. These changes affected key laws, including those on assemblies and demonstrations, the Administrative Offenses Code, and the Criminal Code, the statement argues.</p> <p>The EaP CSF calls on Georgian authorities to cease the crackdown on civil society and media, conduct new free and fair parliamentary elections, repeal laws that “unjustifiably restrict civil and political rights of Georgian people,” release individuals unjustly detained during protests, and align their actions with the Georgian people’s European integration aspirations. It also urges the EU and its member states to condemn “draconian legislation,” impose sanctions on <strong>Bidzina Ivanishvili</strong> and “key political figures responsible for Georgia’s democratic backsliding,” support Georgian civil society and media, engage directly with protesters, and maintain pressure on the GD party to uphold democratic principles.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">13:00 – Musician and Activist Davit Gabunia Physically Assaulted</h3> <p>Musician and civil activist Davit (Tornado) Gabunia was reportedly assaulted by <strong>Misha Meskhi</strong>, a supporter of the ruling Georgian Dream party and the husband of singer <strong>Sopho Bedia</strong>. Meskhi later <a href="https://www.facebook.com/misha.meskhi.94/videos/2379162295796731" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">confirmed </a>the attack in a Facebook post, while his associate, <strong>Beso Danelia</strong>, shared <a href="https://www.facebook.com/100095354858601/videos/496335343331483/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">footage </a>of the confrontation online.</p> <p>In the video, the assailant can be heard grilling Gabunia over <em>“Ole, Ola”</em>, a protest song that has become emblematic of recent pro-EU demonstrations, asking whether he intended to perform it. Gabunia responds, <em>“</em>Why are you so worried<em>?”</em> before being struck and verbally abused.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">12:00 – Comedian Misha Andguladze Physically Attacked in Hague</h3> <p>Comedian and actor <strong>Misha Andguladze</strong> was attacked near a restaurant in the Hague, Netherlands. A circulated <a href="https://www.instagram.com/raveegram/reel/DGvzFSfImxV/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video </a>captures the confrontation, showing several individuals, reportedly Georgians, physically assaulting Andguladze just outside the venue. Known for his pro-European stance and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/misha.andguladze.1/posts/pfbid05vfom2jNjjWSd94758RNTev7eAW3HChQVvtuMJeRU4ae1e7Rgdi2tCTySDggyaTel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">support </a>to the pro-EU rallies, Andguladze was in the Netherlands to perform the stand-up show.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Timeline of Protest Marches</h3> <p>The wave of pro-EU protests gripping Georgia shows no signs of fading as demonstrators take to the streets for the 97th consecutive day. The demands remain unchanged: the release of detained protesters, and new elections. In <strong>Tbilisi</strong>, protests are scheduled at 19:00 near the Public Broadcaster’s building and at 20:00 near Parliament. At 21:00, a public lecture titled <em>“From Hopelessness to Victory”</em> will take place near the Ilia and Akaki statue. In <strong>Gori</strong>, protesters will gather at 17:00 in front of the Municipality Council to demand “freedom for prisoners and new elections.” Protests will also take place at 18:00 in <strong>Akhaltsikhe </strong>(Shota Rustaveli statue), <strong>Zugdidi </strong>(Regional Administration), <strong>Telavi </strong>(City Hall), and <strong>Kutaisi </strong>(City Hall). In <strong>Batumi</strong>, a protest for the freedom of <strong>Mzia Amaghlobeli</strong> will be held at 13:00 near the Batumi City Court, followed by a demonstration at 19:00 in front of the Constitutional Court. Other protests include <strong>Chkhorotsku</strong> at 20:00 by the City Hall, <strong>Akhmeta </strong>at 17:00 by the City Hall, and a public discussion in <strong>Rustavi </strong>at 18:30 at Zedgenidze Street 62, focusing on “How to Protect Ourselves from 5000 GEL Fines?”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monday, March 3</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">22:30 – German Foreign Ministry: Mzia Amaghlobeli Must be Released Immediately</h3> <p>Noting that the founder of Batumelebi/Netgazeti Mzia Amaghlobeli “will appear in court tomorrow after over a month in detention,” the German Foreign Ministry <a href="https://x.com/GermanyDiplo/status/1896604271338258692" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said </a>that she must be released immediately. “The Georgian Dream continues its campaign of intimidation against journalists, protesters & the opposition. We stand by those defending freedom,” the Ministry said.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">20:15 – Mothers’ March Towards the Parliament building</h3> <p>On the 96th day of protest, which coincides with Mother’s Day in Georgia, the protesters are gathering for the March of Mothers, which is going to take off from the Philharmonic Hall towards the Parliament.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">13:45 – Health of Detained Temur Katamadze Deteriorates Amid 47-Day Hunger Strike</h3> <p>The health condition of detained <strong>Temur Katamadze</strong> has significantly worsened as his hunger strike enters its 47th day without medical supervision. Katamadze, who faces potential deportation to Turkey, is refusing medical examinations since February 15. He feels weak, has difficulty moving, and has lost more than 20 kg, his lawyer Mariam Gabroshvili <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDfLq1jY0x4&t=226s&ab_channel=%E1%83%A2%E1%83%95%E1%83%9E%E1%83%98%E1%83%A0%E1%83%95%E1%83%94%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98%E2%80%A2TVPirveli" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> reporters, emphasizing that it’s important for Katamadze to feel well and be able to attend the upcoming court proceedings regarding refugee and humanitarian status, and state his position at the hearing.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 -Planned Protests</h3> <p>Pro-democracy and pro-EU protests continue across Georgia for the 96th consecutive day. In <strong>Tbilisi</strong>, demonstrations will start at 19:00 near the Public Broadcaster’s building, followed by a “Mothers’ March” from the State Concert Hall and a protest near Parliament. At 21:00, a public lecture on civil resistance and democratic movements will take place by the Akaki and Ilia statue on Rustaveli Avenue. In <strong>Gori</strong>, a protest will start at 17:00 near the Municipality Council, while marches will begin at 18:00 in <strong>Akhaltsikhe </strong>(Shota Rustaveli statue), <strong>Zugdidi </strong>(Regional Administration), and <strong>Telavi </strong>(City Hall). Rallies will also occur in <strong>Kutaisi </strong>(19:00, City Hall), Batumi (19:00, Constitutional Court), and <strong>Chkhorotsku </strong>(20:00, City Hall). [Local time] <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sunday, March 2</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">22:30 – 95th Day of the Protest</h3> <p>On the 95th day of the protest, the Rustaveli Avenue is closed again for traffic by the demonstrators.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">March 1</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">16:00 – Opposition Politician Gvianidze Visits Temur Katamadze, Raises Alarm Over Deteriorating Health</h3> <p>Batumi City Council member from the opposition <em>For Georgia</em> party, <strong>Akaki Gvianidze</strong>, has <a href="https://www.facebook.com/a.gvianidze/posts/pfbid033Kr5Rm5tSMA9v68nMMrys3nJSai9yA3T1g5icEcV6hvyNd332KFTttLRyek7yuRkl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expressed</a> concern over the deteriorating health of <strong>Temur Katamadze</strong>, who is on the 45th day of a hunger strike. According to Gvianidze, Katamadze fears he will no longer be able to walk on his own in the coming days. “The situation is further worsened by the fact that the protest hunger strike is taking place without medical supervision,” Gvianidze wrote on social media, following visiting Katamadze at the detention center.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">11:00 – Planned Protests</h3> <p>On the 94th day of pro-EU rallies, protests are scheduled across Georgia. In <strong>Tbilisi</strong>, demonstrations will take place at the Public Broadcaster (19:00) and Parliament (20:00). A rally will be in <strong>Gori </strong>at 17:00 near the Municipality Council, demanding freedom for “political prisoners and new elections.” <strong>Akhaltsikhe </strong>protesters will gather at the Shota Rustaveli statue at 18:00 under the slogan “No to Russian regime!” Simultaneously, protests will occur in <strong>Zugdidi </strong>(Regional Administration), <strong>Telavi </strong>(City Hall), and <strong>Kutaisi </strong>(City Hall). <strong>Batumi </strong>demonstrators will meet at the Constitutional Court at 19:00, while <strong>Chkhorotsku</strong> will hold a late-night protest by the City Hall at 20:00 with the slogan – “Protest Every Day.” [Local time] ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Okhanashvili Appoints his Deputies in State Security Service</title> <link>https://civil.ge/archives/674223</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Civil.ge]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 05 Apr 2025 14:18:08 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Anri Okhanashvili]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Gela Geladze]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Irakli Beraia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Levan Kharanauli]]></category> <category><![CDATA[State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG)]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://civil.ge/?p=674223</guid> <description><![CDATA[The newly appointed GD head of State Security Service, Anri Okhanashvili, named his three deputies on April 5, following his replacement of Grigol Liluashvili earlier in the week. The new GD deputy chiefs are Irakli Beraia, Gela Geladze and Levan Kharanauli. Irakli Beraia, was appointed head of the Georgian Intelligence Service on April 5, 2024. …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>The newly appointed GD head of State Security Service,<strong> Anri Okhanashvili</strong>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/14gSoWvEYF/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">named</a> his three deputies on April 5, following his replacement of <strong>Grigol Liluashvili</strong> earlier in the week. The new GD deputy chiefs are <strong>Irakli Beraia, Gela Geladze </strong>and<strong> Levan Kharanauli.</strong></p> <p><strong>Irakli Beraia,</strong> was <strong><a href="https://civil.ge/archives/590367" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">appointed</a></strong> head of the Georgian Intelligence Service on April 5, 2024. A long-serving member of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Beraia has <a href="https://www.parliament.ge/parliament-members/5697/biography" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">served</a> in Parliament since 2016. From 2016 to 2019, he was the first deputy chairman of the parliamentary Defense and Security committee. From 2015 to 2016, he headed the Information and Analytical Department of the State Security Service. Earlier in his career, he held senior positions at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, where he headed the Reforms and Development Department from 2012 to 2015. In 2007, he served as the head of the National Investment Agency under the Ministry of Economic Development.</p> <p>Beraia was at the center of controversy in October 2023 after verbally <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/566524" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>attacking</strong></a> opposition MP<strong> Teona Akubardia </strong>during a parliamentary session. The altercation followed the opposition’s criticism of the Georgian delegation’s failure to support a pro-Georgia amendment at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. In a widely condemned remark, Beraia said: “I urge this person to refrain from mentioning me and my committee with her long tongue, wherever it has been.”</p> <p><strong>Gela Geladze,</strong> another newly named GD deputy chief, had been <strong><a href="https://civil.ge/archives/534043" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">serving</a></strong> as Deputy Minister of Education and Science since 2023. He has been <a href="https://bm.ge/news/tavdatsvis-ministris-akhali-moadgile-gela-geladzea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">working</a> in the Ministry of Education since 2018 as the Head of the LEPL (legal entity of public law) Office of Resource Officers of Educational Institutions. From 2016 to 2018, he served as the Head of Division in the Central Criminal Police Department at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Before that, from 2012 to 2016, he was the Deputy Head of the National Probation Agency of the Ministry of Corrections and Probation of Georgia.</p> <p><strong>Levan Kharanauli,</strong> the third appointed deputy, previously <a href="https://justice.gov.ge/?m=articles&id=k4p26Qqd26" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">served</a> under Okhanashvili at the Ministry of Justice, where he was Deputy Minister. Kharanauli, who holds a doctorate in law, is also an associate professor at the Tbilisi State University Faculty of Law.</p> <p>On April 2, Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze appointed Anri Okhanashvili as head of the State Security Service. Okhanashvili previously served as Minister of Justice and Chairman of the parliamentary committee on Legal Issues.</p> <p><strong>Also Read:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>04/04/2025 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/674075" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GD Drops Security Chief Liluashvili as Minister Pick</a></strong></li> <li><strong>02/04/2025 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/673221" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GD Cabinet Reshuffled</a></strong></li> <li><strong>25/11/2024 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/637650" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PM Kobakhidze Nominates Three New Cabinet Members</a></strong></li> <li><strong>25/09/2024 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/625995" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GD’s Longest-Serving Minister, Tsulukiani, Resigns</a></strong></li> </ul> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Badri Japaridze Ordered to Pay GEL 50,000 Bail for Defying GD Parliament Probe</title> <link>https://civil.ge/archives/674208</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Civil.ge]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 05 Apr 2025 14:11:55 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Badri Japaridze]]></category> <category><![CDATA[investigative commission]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lelo]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://civil.ge/?p=674208</guid> <description><![CDATA[On April 5, Tbilisi City Court judge Eka Barbakadze ordered Badri Japaridze, a leader of the opposition Lelo party, to pay 50,000 GEL [about USD 18,200] in bail after he refused to appear before the Georgian Dream parliamentary investigative commission, which is investigating alleged crimes committed during the rule of the United National Movement (UNM). …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>On April 5, Tbilisi City Court judge<strong> Eka Barbakadze </strong><a href="https://tvpirveli.ge/ka/siaxleebi/politika/98146-badri-japaridzes-agkvetis-gonisdziebis-sakhit-50-000-lariani-girao-sheepard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ordered</a> <strong>Badri Japaridze</strong>, a leader of the opposition Lelo party, to pay 50,000 GEL [about USD 18,200] in bail after he <strong><a href="https://civil.ge/archives/671750" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">refused</a></strong> to appear before the Georgian Dream parliamentary investigative commission, which is investigating alleged crimes committed during the rule of the United National Movement (UNM). Judge Barbakadze granted Japaridze 50 days to pay the imposed bail.</p> <p>Another Lelo leader, <strong>Mamuka Khazaradze</strong>, was ordered to pay the same amount in <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/671750" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/671750" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>bail</strong></a> for also failing to comply with the commission’s summons. Under Georgian law, failure to comply with a parliamentary investigative commission is a criminal offense punishable by a fine or up to one year in prison.</p> <p>The ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party established the commission to investigate alleged systemic abuses committed during UNM’s time in power from 2003 to 2012. However, the GD-controlled parliament recently expanded the commission’s mandate to cover the entire period from 2003 to the present, a move which allegedly is aimed at targeting current opposition figures beyond the UNM era.</p> <p>On April 2, the commission summoned other leaders of the opposition Coalition for Change — <strong>Nika Gvaramia, Nika Melia, </strong>and<strong> Zurab Japaridze </strong>— who already said they won’t comply. All three have rejected the validity of the current parliament, which they and other opposition figures have been boycotting since the contested October 26, 2024 elections.</p> <p>The GD plans to send the final report of its investigative commission to the country’s Constitutional Court seeking to <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/672248" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>ban</strong></a> the UNM and what GD calls its “successor parties,” which include several of Georgia’s main pro-European opposition forces.</p> <p><strong>Also Read:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>11/03/2025 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/668491" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GD Amends Rules to Let Commission Investigating UNM Request Probe at Any Stage</a></strong></li> <li><strong>14/02/2025 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/662764" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tea Tsulukiani to Chair Parliamentary Commission Investigating UNM Government</a></strong></li> <li><strong>07/02/2025 –</strong> <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/661005" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>GD Parliament Staffs Commission to Investigate UNM, Threatens Criminal Liability for Refusal to Cooperate</strong></a></li> <li><strong>09/01/2025 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/650493" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GD Announces Creation of Parliamentary Commission to Investigate UNM’s Alleged “Systemic Crimes”</a></strong></li> </ul> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Adjara Region’s Head of Government Tornike Rizhvadze Resigns</title> <link>https://civil.ge/archives/673923</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Civil.ge]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2025 16:30:54 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Autonomous Republic of Adjara]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tornike Rizhvadze]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://civil.ge/?p=673923</guid> <description><![CDATA[On April 4, Tornike Rizhvadze announced his resignation as Head of the local government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. Later the same day, GD-elected President Mikheil Kavelashvili nominated Sulkhan Tamazashvili to the post. Tamazashvili is a UK-sanctioned MIA officer. “I remain a loyal soldier of the Georgian Dream, and I am sure that many …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>On April 4, <strong>Tornike Rizhvadze</strong> announced his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/163rAHKgFR/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resignation </a>as Head of the local government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. Later the same day, GD-elected President Mikheil Kavelashvili <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GeorgianDreamOfficial/videos/1958896884853241" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nominated</a> <strong>Sulkhan Tamazashvili</strong> to the post. Tamazashvili is a UK-sanctioned MIA officer.</p> <p>“I remain a loyal soldier of the Georgian Dream, and I am sure that many great victories lie ahead!” Rizhvadze wrote in a Facebook post.</p> <p>Rizhvadze has led the regional government since 2018. He was often the subject of criticism, including over an episode on November 25, 2021, when opposition politicians and activists called for his resignation when allegations surfaced that his father tasked two<strong> <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/106959" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aslan Abashidze-era</a></strong> law enforcement officials to bribe and pressure United National Movement’s elected member of the Batumi City Council. The allegations sparked protests in both Tbilisi and Batumi, demanding his resignation.</p> <p>The then-Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili <a href="https://www.gov.ge/index.php?lang_id=ENG&sec_id=557&info_id=78976" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.gov.ge/index.php?lang_id=ENG&sec_id=557&info_id=78976" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dismissed</a> the allegations as “absurd”, backing Rizhvadze and calling him an “effective manager.”</p> <p>In 2022, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Rizhvadze became the target of <a href="https://formulanews.ge/News/66183" data-type="link" data-id="https://formulanews.ge/News/66183" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">criticism</a> when he could not answer a journalist’s question about who started the war in Ukraine. “You should ask this field specialist,” he replied.</p> <p>In 2023, while presenting the government’s progress report to the Supreme Council of Adjara, Rizhvadze <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/548560" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>referred </strong></a>to the 2008 Russo-Georgian war as a “cowardly lost.” His remarks drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders, critical media outlets, and former military officers, who called for his resignation and a public apology.</p> <p>GD-elected President <strong>Mikheil Kavelashvili</strong> will hold consultations with the Supreme Council of Ajaria to confirm the appointment of the Head of the Government of Ajaria, <a href="https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/834812-davit-gabaize-acharis-mtavrobis-tavmjdomaris-dasamtkiceblad-mixeil-qavelashvili-acharis-umagles-sabchostan-konsultaciebs-gamartavs" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.interpressnews.ge/ka/article/834812-davit-gabaize-acharis-mtavrobis-tavmjdomaris-dasamtkiceblad-mixeil-qavelashvili-acharis-umagles-sabchostan-konsultaciebs-gamartavs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> Chairman of the Supreme Council of Ajaria, <strong>David Gabaidze</strong>, in an interview with <em>InterpressNews</em>. </p> <p>According to him, the meeting will be held as soon as possible. “Within two weeks after the termination of the powers of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, the President of Georgia, after consulting the political entities represented in the Supreme Council, will submit the candidacy of the Head of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara and the candidacy of the ministers nominated by the candidate for the post of the Head of the Government to the Supreme Council for approval,” he said. </p> <p>“The Government of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara shall be considered approved if it is supported by the majority of the full composition of the Supreme Council. If the Supreme Council does not approve the Government within two weeks, the President of Georgia shall be authorized to submit the same or a different composition of the Government to the Supreme Council for approval, which shall be put to a vote within two weeks.” David Gabaidze noted.</p> <p><em>NOTE: This news article was updated at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, April 4, to include the nomination of Sulkhan Tamazashvili as head of government of Adjara.</em></p> <p><strong>Also Read:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>18/11/2024 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/636141" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Final Results of Adjara Supreme Council Elections</a></strong></li> <li><strong>25/11/2021 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/457681?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Opposition, Activists Demand Adjara Government Head’s Resignation</a></strong></li> <li><strong>17/07/2018 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/246453" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">President, Parliament Speaker at odds over Adjara Govt Head Appointment</a></strong></li> </ul> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Kobakhidze Meets Judges, Blasts Foreign Sanctions</title> <link>https://civil.ge/archives/674145</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Civil.ge]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2025 16:09:28 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Irakli Kobakhidze]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Judiciary]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://civil.ge/?p=674145</guid> <description><![CDATA[Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met today, April 4, with members of the Supreme Court and the High Council of Justice of Georgia. The meeting followed the sanctioning of two senior Georgian judges – Mikheil Chinchaladze and Levan Murusidze – by the United Kingdom for their involvement in “serious corruption.” At the meeting, GD …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Georgian Dream Prime Minister <strong>Irakli Kobakhidze</strong> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tvimedi/videos/2393761740987829" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">met</a> today, April 4, with members of the Supreme Court and the High Council of Justice of Georgia. The meeting followed the <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/673347" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/673347" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>sanctioning</strong></a> of two senior Georgian judges – <strong>Mikheil Chinchaladze</strong> and <strong>Levan Murusidze</strong> – by the United Kingdom for their involvement in “serious corruption.” At the meeting, GD Prime Minister Kobakhidze focused largely on the alleged attempts coming from Georgia’s Western partners to “interfere” in the Georgian judiciary. He praised the Georgian judiciary, alleged its independence, and, together with the chairperson of the Supreme Court, <strong>Nino Kadagidze</strong>, denounced foreign sanctions against judges.</p> <p>Claiming that the Georgian judiciary has been experiencing international pressure to give up its independence, Kobakhidze said, “The Georgian judiciary must be independent, it is independent, and it will continue to be independent.” He praised the situation in the Georgian judiciary since the GD came to power in 2012. Kobakhidze criticized the EU’s call during 2024, as part of 12 recommendations for opening accession talks, for the GD government to undergo <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/588657" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>“vetting”</strong></a> or checks on the integrity of judges, saying: “In reality, they were demanding us to give up the independence of the judiciary.”</p> <p>He condemned the recent sanctions against judges Murusidze and Chinchaladze, calling the UK’s decision to sanction them a “tragic event.” He also said the same about the U.S. sanctions <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/536131" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>imposed</strong></a> on Georgian judges in 2023, saying: “It is indeed tragic from the land of Thomas Jefferson that the government representatives sanction Georgian judges and later tell you that they have no evidence, but received information about certain alleged activities from open sources such as the press, television, and media.” He said this is “tragic.” He called foreign sanctions against judges “an attempt of political interference” in the Georgian judiciary, adding that the GD government will ensure that such actions fail.</p> <p>“I cannot condone and I cannot explain the fact that a judge can be sanctioned simply for carrying out a professional activity,” echoed Supreme Court chairperson Nino Kadagidze. “It is particularly worrying and regrettable that this pressure is coming primarily from those countries and foreign actors whose democracies, as we know them, have so far been based on the principles of protecting the individual independence of judges,” she complained adding: “I would like to say that, fortunately, some people have forgotten that in these cases we are dealing with Georgian judges who… have professional self-respect and a high sense of public responsibility. Therefore, we do not doubt the solidity of our system and the firm position of each of my colleagues.”</p> <p>She further <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tvimedi/videos/1305665160720569" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suggested </a>that the sanctions “may be aimed at strengthening the survival instinct of a judge, thus ensuring the collapse of one of the three pillars of the government.”</p> <p><strong>Also Read:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>25/03/2024 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/588751" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Judicial Conference Condemns “Vetting”, Elects Two to HCoJ</a></strong></li> <li><strong>13/03/2024 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/586913" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watchdogs: Government’s Refusal of Vetting in Judiciary Hinders EU Integration</a></strong></li> <li><strong>11/03/2024 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/586544" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Supreme Court Denounces Proposed ‘Vetting’ as Threat to Judicial Independence</a></strong></li> </ul> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Adjara Police Chief Grigol Beselia Resigns Amid Local Government Reshuffle</title> <link>https://civil.ge/archives/674117</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Civil.ge]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:03:19 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Grigol Beselia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Police of the Adjara Autonomous Republic]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://civil.ge/?p=674117</guid> <description><![CDATA[Grigol Beselia, the police chief of the Adjara Autonomous Republic, resigned on April 4, the Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed to Civil.ge. He will be replaced by Giorgi Bukharishvili. Before his appointment, Bukharishvili served as the director of the Samtskhe-Javakheti Police Department in 2023. According to reports from TV Pirveli, he was one of the …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><strong>Grigol Beselia</strong>, the police chief of the Adjara Autonomous Republic, <a href="https://mtavari.tv/news/179276-acharis-politsiis-uprosma-grigol-beseliam" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resigned </a>on April 4, the Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed to Civil.ge. He will be <a href="https://info.police.ge/page?id=153&parent_id=130" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">replaced </a>by <strong>Giorgi Bukharishvili.</strong></p> <p><em>Before his appointment, Bukharishvili <a href="https://police.ge/ge/saqartvelos-shinagan-saqmeta-saministros-tsarmomadgenlebi-ofitsialuri-samushao-vizitit-turqetis-respublikashi-imkofebodnen/15884" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">served </a>as the director of the Samtskhe-Javakheti Police Department in 2023. <a href="https://tvpirveli.ge/ka/siaxleebi/sazogadoeba/98099-acharis-politsiis-uprosad-giorgi-bukhrashvili-danishna" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">According </a>to reports from TV Pirveli, he was one of the police spokespersons during the previous government and led the special operation to arrest former President Mikheil Saakashvili on October 1, 2021.</em></p> <p>The Ministry of Internal Affairs told <em>Civil.ge</em> that department heads are periodically rotated “to further increase the efficiency of police activities”. However, it remains unclear what position Beselia will hold next as part of the rotation.</p> <p>Beselia was <strong><a href="https://civil.ge/archives/474134" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">appointed </a></strong>as Adjara’s Police Chief on February 21, 2022, replacing <strong>Avtandil Galdava</strong>. Before taking the post, he led the Vake-Saburtalo division at the Tbilisi Police Department and previously served as the chief of the Interior Ministry’s Regional Main Division in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region in 2013. Beselia is<a href="https://civil.ge/archives/645067" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/645067" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong> sanctioned</strong></a> by Estonia and <a href="https://www.opensanctions.org/entities/NK-bNJvV2RnfMGzVAPYe76vxC/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.opensanctions.org/entities/NK-bNJvV2RnfMGzVAPYe76vxC/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lithuania</a>.</p> <p>In recent developments, Beselia was <a href="https://batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/news/568183/" data-type="link" data-id="https://batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/news/568183/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">involved </a>in the case of <strong>Mzia Amaghlobeli</strong>, director of the Batumelebi/Netgazeti publication. According to the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), video footage showed Beselia detaining Amaghlobeli for <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/651271" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>placing </strong></a>a sticker on a police fence. GYLA has called for criminal charges against Beselia and other officers involved, alleging unlawful detention.</p> <p>Beselia’s resignation comes amid a broader reshuffling within the ruling Georgian Dream party. Earlier in the day, <strong>Tornike Rizhvadze</strong> announced his resignation as head of the local government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. Additionally, the Georgian Dream government reversed its decision to appoint State Security Service head <strong>Grigol Liluashvili</strong> as Minister of Regional Development, with Prime Minister I<strong>rakli Kobakhidze</strong> instead naming <strong>Kakhaber Guledani </strong>to the position. </p> <p><strong>Anri Okhanashvili </strong>was appointed as the new head of the State Security Service of Georgia, replacing Liluashvili. Okhanashvili previously served as Minister of Justice and chaired Parliament’s Legal Issues Committee.</p> <p><strong>Also Read:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>04/04/2025 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/674075" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GD Drops Security Chief Liluashvili as Minister Pick</a></strong></li> <li><strong>04/04/2025 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/673923" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adjara Region’s Head of Government Tornike Rizhvadze Resigns</a></strong></li> <li><strong>12/02/2025 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/662321" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GYLA: Legal Team to File Petition to Lift Pre-Trial Detention of Mzia Amaghlobeli</a></strong></li> </ul> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>GD Drops Security Chief Liluashvili as Minister Pick</title> <link>https://civil.ge/archives/674075</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Civil.ge]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2025 12:56:33 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[GD government]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Grigol Liluashvili]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Irakli Kobakhidze]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kakhaber Guledani]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://civil.ge/?p=674075</guid> <description><![CDATA[Georgian Dream changed its mind about appointing the current head of the State Security Service, Grigol Liluashvili, to the soon-to-be-created Ministry of Regional Development, as GD PM Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Kakhaber Guledani would take over instead of Liluashvili. Kobakhidze named Liluashvili as a candidate to head the new ministry on April 2. But two …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Georgian Dream changed its mind about appointing the current head of the State Security Service, <strong>Grigol Liluashvili</strong>, to the soon-to-be-created Ministry of Regional Development, as GD PM <strong>Irakli Kobakhidze</strong> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1586381608737132&rdid=har1EprThEEnctUa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced</a> that <strong>Kakhaber Guledani</strong> would take over instead of Liluashvili.</p> <p>Kobakhidze <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/673221" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>named</strong></a> Liluashvili as a candidate to head the new ministry on April 2. But two days later, on April 4, he said that consultations with Liluashvili had revealed that he had “different approaches” to the principles of the ministry’s work, including the personnel policy to be implemented.</p> <p>The new candidate to head the Ministry of Regional Development is Kakhaber Guledani, who served as Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure in 2016-2017. He has also served as Tbilisi’s Deputy Mayor, Kobakhidze said, presenting Guledani, who thanked the GD Prime Minister for his confidence.</p> <p>Also today, the GD parliament voted to appoint <strong>Anri Okhanashvili</strong> as head of the State Security Service, replacing Grigol Liluashvili. Okhanashvili served as GD’s Minister of Justice since the end of last year and previously headed the Legal Issues Committee in the Georgian Parliament.</p> <p><strong>Also Read:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>25/11/2024 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/637650" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PM Kobakhidze Nominates Three New Cabinet Members</a></strong></li> <li><strong>25/09/2024 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/625995" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GD’s Longest-Serving Minister, Tsulukiani, Resigns</a></strong></li> <li><strong>18/10/2024 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/628804" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Culture Minister Appointed, GD Says it Plans to Separate Sports Ministry After Elections</a></strong></li> </ul> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Critics Fear CEC Amendments Make it Easier to Rig Elections</title> <link>https://civil.ge/archives/673989</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Civil.ge]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2025 12:14:38 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Central Election Commission]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ISFED]]></category> <category><![CDATA[My vote]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Salome Zurabishvili]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://civil.ge/?p=673989</guid> <description><![CDATA[On April 3, Georgia’s Central Election Commission (CEC) approved amendments to regulations that tighten election-day procedures and limit media and observer access to polling station. Civil society groups, President Salome Zurabishvili, and opposition figures criticized the move as a step backward for electoral transparency and warned that the changes could make it more difficult to …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>On April 3, Georgia’s Central Election Commission (CEC) approved amendments to regulations that tighten election-day procedures and limit media and observer access to polling station. Civil society groups, President Salome Zurabishvili, and opposition figures criticized the move as a step backward for electoral transparency and warned that the changes could make it more difficult to detect voter fraud, including the recurring problem of carousel voting.</p> <p>It will be <a href="https://cesko.ge/static/file/202504032220-%E2%84%9622_2025-%E1%83%AA%E1%83%94%E1%83%A1%E1%83%99%E1%83%9D%E1%83%A1-%E1%83%93%E1%83%90%E1%83%93%E1%83%92%E1%83%94%E1%83%9C%E1%83%98%E1%83%9A%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%E1%83%90.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prohibited</a> for any person with the right to be present at the polling station to demand to see or take a voter’s identification card, or to take photographs and videos of it, or to otherwise process the document, as well as the data displayed on the verification device. </p> <p>Media representatives will be <a href="https://cesko.ge/static/file/202504032418-%E2%84%9623_2025-%E1%83%AA%E1%83%94%E1%83%A1%E1%83%99%E1%83%9D%E1%83%A1-%E1%83%93%E1%83%90%E1%83%93%E1%83%92%E1%83%94%E1%83%9C%E1%83%98%E1%83%9A%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%E1%83%90.pdf">limited</a> to taking photos or video at polling stations for no more than once and for no more than ten minutes, as longer coverage will only be permitted from a specific area designated by the polling station chairperson.</p> <p>Photo and video recording will only be allowed from a distance of at least three meters from the subject. While the amendments allow for “unobstructed” photo and video recording when high-profile individuals – politicians and religious leaders – are voting, the decree states that the recording devices must be removed from the building after these individuals have voted.</p> <p>Critics say the changes significantly reduce transparency and limit the ability of election observers to detect possible fraud. <strong>Nino Dolidze</strong>, executive director of the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), expressed concern about the changes, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BBcMFUWLM/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stating</a>, “Observers will no longer be able to detect people trying to vote on behalf of others (the so-called “carousel”), which is one of the main methods of electoral fraud.”</p> <p>President <strong>Salome Zurabishvili</strong> also <a href="https://www.facebook.com/zourabichvilisalome/videos/1060253986162208/?rdid=xFVFKQaLMmfIdMD1#" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/zourabichvilisalome/videos/1060253986162208/?rdid=xFVFKQaLMmfIdMD1#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">commented </a>on the matter, arguing that the amendments “legalize” carousel voting. She said that on the one hand, the GD authorities “are extremely nervous,” and on the other, they are preparing for elections. Zurabishvili stated, “This means they [GD] know they’ll have to call [new parliamentary] elections,” adding, “But even that won’t work for them.”</p> <p><strong>Natia Mezvrishvili</strong>, a member of the opposition party <em>For Georgia,</em> also <a href="https://www.facebook.com/natia.mezvrishvili.9/posts/pfbid06h8oxvVgAbDVzhyFfQu8JGhVGX7kDrCN47APEE5QeL2WJgmZfaGDXGrgb811HvmEl" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/natia.mezvrishvili.9/posts/pfbid06h8oxvVgAbDVzhyFfQu8JGhVGX7kDrCN47APEE5QeL2WJgmZfaGDXGrgb811HvmEl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">criticized </a>the changes, claiming that the GD is mobilizing for the new elections by all possible means, including “pressure, corruption, and manipulation.” Mezvrishvili added that the changes ban the election observation process.</p> <p>Allegations of carousel voting surfaced during the contested October 26, 2024 elections. The journalistic <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/633816" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/633816" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>investigation of <em>TV Pirveli</em></strong></a> exposed multiple cases of individuals attempting to vote on behalf of others using different identification documents. According to the report, some election workers related to the ruling GD party allegedly facilitated the fraud.</p> <p>My Vote, the local observation mission that unites dozens of Georgian CSOs, <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/631924" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>called</strong></a> for the annulment of more than 300,000 votes in the October 26 elections after an electoral fraud scheme was uncovered. The organization pointed to various schemes, including carousel voting, as one of the problematic issues.</p> <p><strong>Also Read:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>19/02/2025 –</strong> <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/663815" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/663815" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>GD Parliament Elects CEC Members</strong></a></li> <li><strong>24/12/2024 –</strong> <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/647851" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/647851" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>CEC Rejects President’s Allegations of Vote-Rigging Amid Growing International Scrutiny of October 26 Elections</strong></a></li> <li><strong>17/11/2024 –</strong> <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/635951" data-type="link" data-id="https://civil.ge/archives/635951" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Amid Brawls and Protests, CEC Announces Final Results, Stamps GD Victory</strong></a></li> </ul> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>The Daily Beat: 3 April</title> <link>https://civil.ge/archives/673919</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[George Paniashvili]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2025 04:59:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Daily Beat]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Donald Trump]]></category> <category><![CDATA[FARA]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Foreign Ministry]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Georgian Dream Government]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Georgian Public Broadcaster]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Inflation rate]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Irakli Beraia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Margus Tsahkna]]></category> <category><![CDATA[National Statistics Office]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Norway]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Slovenia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Spain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tariffs]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Holy See]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ukraine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vasil Maglaperidze]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://civil.ge/?p=673919</guid> <description><![CDATA[U.S. President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on April 2, calling it “Liberation Day,” with a baseline tariff of 10 percent applied to Georgia. According to the White House, Georgia also had 10 percent tariffs imposed on U.S. goods. The tariffs are expected to impact the prices of key Georgian exports to the U.S., including ferroalloys and …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>U.S. President <strong>Donald Trump</strong> announced reciprocal tariffs on April 2, calling it “<em>Liberation Day</em>,” with a baseline tariff of 10 percent <strong><a href="https://civil.ge/archives/673681" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">applied</a></strong> to <a href="https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1907536529943154779" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Georgia.</a> According to the <strong>White House</strong>, Georgia also had 10 percent tariffs imposed on U.S. goods. The tariffs are expected to impact the prices of key Georgian exports to the U.S., including <em>ferroalloys</em> and <em>manganese</em>.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <p>The <strong>Georgian Dream</strong> government has <strong><a href="https://civil.ge/archives/673707" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amended</a></strong> its visa policy for <strong>Ukrainian citizens</strong>, reducing the visa-free stay duration from three years to one, according to a decree signed by GD Prime Minister <strong>Irakli Kobakhidze</strong>. The move reverses an earlier decision in April 2024, when the government extended the visa-free stay from two to three years in a show of solidarity with Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <p>The <strong>Georgian Public Broadcaster</strong>’s board of trustees <strong><a href="https://civil.ge/archives/673684" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reelected</a></strong> <strong>Vasil Maghlaperidze</strong> as its board chairman for a six-year term on April 3, despite protests from critics who accuse him of promoting Russian propaganda and the demonstrators who have demanded his resignation, rallying for the last several months near the GPB building.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <p>On April 3, the <strong>Foreign Ministry</strong> <strong><a href="https://civil.ge/archives/673859" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced</a></strong> three new ambassadorial appointments. New ambassadors are appointed to the <strong>Kingdom of Spain</strong>, the <strong>Republic of Slovenia</strong>, and the <strong>Holy See</strong>. <strong>Aleksandre Chkuaseli</strong> has been appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Kingdom of Spain, while <strong>Konstantine Surguladze</strong> will become Georgia’s Ambassador to Slovenia. <strong>Davit Mekvabishvili</strong> will head the Georgian diplomatic mission to the Holy See.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <p><strong>Irakli Beraia</strong> has been <strong><a href="https://civil.ge/archives/673614" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">appointed</a></strong> as the head of the <strong>Investigative Service of the Ministry of Finance</strong>, according to a decree issued by Georgian Dream Prime Minister <strong>Irakli Kobakhidze</strong> on April 2. Beraia, 48, served as Deputy Minister of Justice, a position he has held since February 5, 2025.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <p><strong>Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs</strong> has <a href="https://x.com/NorwayMFA/status/1907798920677265761">voiced</a> deep concerns over Georgia’s recent adoption of repressive laws, including the so-called <strong>Foreign Agents Registration Act</strong> (FARA) and initiatives that could lead to the banning of opposition parties. “<em>This curtails Georgian democracy by undermining freedom of expression, dismantling civic space and political pluralism,</em>” the statement reads.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <p>While making a doorstep comment before the <strong>NATO Ministerial</strong>, the <strong>Estonian Foreign Minister</strong> <strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/civil.ge/posts/pfbid0CvBdWwebMgED9c79PbUv3xCVx36gPLVTSuv2VbBkvpcQkThdGBA3qojJaMpmaT7Ul" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a></strong> Estonia is calling on the EU to revisit the visa-free regime with Georgia. “<em>It can be on the table. It needs 15 member states to start this process, to screen and also ask the regime that they need to change the behavior,</em>” Minister <strong>Tsahkna</strong> told reporters.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <p><strong>The Data of the Day</strong> </p> <p>The <strong>National Statistics Service</strong> (<em>Geostat</em>) <strong><a href="https://civil.ge/archives/673829" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a></strong> that Georgia’s <em>annual inflation rate</em> in March was <strong>3.5%</strong>. Meanwhile, consumer prices rose by 1.1% monthly. According to <em>Geostat</em>, the annual inflation rate was primarily influenced by price changes in health (8.8% increase), food and non-alcoholic beverages (6.6% increase), restaurants and hotels (6.6% increase), miscellaneous goods and services (6.3% increase), alcoholic beverages and tobacco (4.2% increase) and communication (12.4% decrease).</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>124th Ergneti IPRM Meeting</title> <link>https://civil.ge/archives/673864</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Civil.ge]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 03 Apr 2025 18:35:05 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ergneti]]></category> <category><![CDATA[IPRM]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Irakli Antadze]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://civil.ge/?p=673864</guid> <description><![CDATA[On April 3, the 124th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism meeting was held in Ergneti (in the vicinity of the Tskhinvali occupation line). Statement by SSSG Representatives from the State Security Service of Georgia demanded the punishment of those responsible for the murder of Georgian citizen Tamaz Ginturi, who was shot dead by Russian occupying forces on Nov. 6, …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>On April 3, the 124th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism meeting was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/18jt8ogNqn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">held </a>in Ergneti (in the vicinity of the Tskhinvali occupation line).</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Statement by SSSG</h2> <p>Representatives from the State Security Service of Georgia demanded the punishment of those responsible for the murder of Georgian citizen <strong>Tamaz Ginturi,</strong> who was <strong><a href="https://civil.ge/archives/567764" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shot </a></strong>dead by Russian occupying forces on Nov. 6, 2023, near the village of Kirbali in the Gori municipality during an attempted illegal arrest.</p> <p>The Georgian government also reiterated its call for the release of all illegally detained Georgian citizens and “strongly condemned the illegal so-called borderization practices identified during the meetings.”</p> <p>“The subject of the discussion was the humanitarian problems faced by the local population living near the occupation line, including issues related to free movement, and the potential solutions to these problems,” the SSSG statement said.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Statement by EUMM</h2> <p>According to the EUMM Statement, the OSCE and EUMM co-facilitators (Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus, <strong>Christoph Späti</strong> and the Head of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia, <strong>Bettina Patricia Boughani</strong>) <a href="https://www.osce.org/chairpersonship/588709" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">advocated </a>for the lifting of freedom of movement restrictions during the upcoming Orthodox Easter holiday period, emphasizing the importance of allowing local communities on both sides of the administrative boundary line (ABL) to participate in religious traditions, in particular visiting cemeteries.”</p> <p>The co-facilitators called for the full reopening of crossing points, citing the positive impact such measures would have on the lives of conflict-affected population.</p> <p>Additionally, both co-facilitators urged to discontinue the practice of detentions and called for a humanitarian approach to resolving existing cases.</p> <p>Participants “commended the constructive technical meeting on irrigation that took place on March 31 in anticipation of the upcoming irrigation season,” the EUMM said. The mission reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating the exchange of irrigation-related information through the EUMM-managed hotline and measuring water levels, recognizing the importance of timely and accurate data in addressing these issues.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Statement by Tskhinvali Representative</h2> <p>According to the de facto authorities in occupied Tskhinvali, discussions <a href="https://cominf.org/node/1166562128" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">included</a> issues related to the supply of irrigation water.<strong> Egor Kochiev,</strong> the de facto deputy presidential envoy for post-conflict settlement and head of the South Ossetian delegation to the IPRM, said the parties confirmed their intention to continue supplying irrigation water.</p> <p>“Last year we had quite a successful season, and there is hope that this year it will be no worse, and perhaps even better, and our agricultural producers will not lack irrigation water,” he said.</p> <p><strong>The next meeting within the framework of the IPRM will be held on June 11.</strong></p> <p><strong>Also Read:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>14/02/2025 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/662881" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">123rd Ergneti IPRM Meeting</a></strong></li> <li><strong>19/11/2024 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/636661" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">122 Ergneti IPRM Meeting</a></strong></li> <li><strong>13/09/2024 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/623911" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">121 Ergneti IPRM Meeting</a></strong></li> <li><strong>08/08/2024 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/619563" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">President Zurabishvili in Ergneti: Europe Will be the Ultimate Unifier</a></strong></li> <li><strong>23/07/2024 – <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/617355" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">120th Ergneti IPRM Meeting</a></strong></li> </ul> ]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel> </rss>