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Newspapers Sold Out Amid Broadcast Restrictions
Unusually for Georgia, most local newspapers were sold out in Tbilisi by 1 pm local time on November 8. With two pro-opposition TV stations off the air and news coverage in the remaining private television stations banned, the Georgian Public Broadcaster?s (GPB) hourly news bulletins are the main source of information for most of the population. …
08/11/2007 - 14:16
Police Disperse Protesters in Batumi ? Local Reporter
Police dispersed a small group of students in Batumi, who were planning to protest outside the local university on November 8, a Batumi-based journalist told Civil.Ge by phone. ?Students started to gather outside the university at about 11 am [local time]. Riot police were deployed immediately and used tear gas. Several students were beaten,? Eter Turadze, the editor of the …
CoE Calls for Restraint
The priority for all sides now must be to show restraint, avoid provocations and avoid being provoked, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Terry Davis said in reference to recent developments in Georgia. ?I am very concerned about the situation in Georgia which has deteriorated since I left Tbilisi on Sunday [November 4]… Freedom …
HRW Condemns Dispersal of Peaceful Protesters
Georgians have the right to peacefully protest without being beaten by the police, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on November 8. ?Even in a time of crisis, Georgians have a right to protest peacefully without being beaten by the police,? Holly Cartner, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said. ?Firing rubber bullets at peaceful demonstrators …
Vice-Speaker: I Hope there will be no Need to Approve Emergency Rule
Mikheil Machavariani, the Vice-Speaker of Parliament, said on November 8 he hoped calm would be restored and there would be no need for Parliament to approve the presidential decree on the state of emergency in the country. ?We hope calm will be restored today and tomorrow and tension will be defused and I hope Parliament will not need [to approve] …
First Day of State of Emergency
Riot police remain deployed on the capital?s main boulevard and adjoining streets – the focal point of yesterday?s unrest ? on Thursday morning, the first day of emergency rule in the country. With two pro-opposition TV stations off the air and news coverage in the remaining private television stations banned, the Georgian Public Broadcaster?s (GPB) hourly news …
OSCE Chairman Calls for Calm in Georgia
The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, has expressed concern over recent developments in Georgia, in which a state of emergency has been declared following clashes between demonstrators and police and the closure of two TV stations. ?I hope the Georgian authorities and the opposition will do their utmost to prevent a deterioration of the situation,? Minister …
Tbilisi Unrests in Pictures
Click on image to view photos .A total of 508 people were taken to hospital on November 7 after a day of unrests in Tbilisi, involving riot police dispersing thousands of protesters in various parts of Tbilisi, the healthcare ministry said. 94 of them remained in the hospital by the end of the day, it …
Full Text: Saakashvili’s Televised Address to Nation
November 7 My sisters and brothers, my mothers and fathers! I, as a President and as a person, have no value or goal more important, than my country, my people, each of you. I am ready to sacrifice myself for each of you in order to make Georgia and its citizens happy. As the President …
Georgia to Expel Three Russian Diplomats
The Georgian Foreign Ministry has declared three Russian diplomats in Tbilisi persona non grata and said it wanted them to leave the country. Russia has said it would take “an appropriate response.” President Saakashvili said in a televised address on November 7 that some diplomats in the Russian embassy were engaged in “subversive activities” against …
Emergency Rule in Georgia, News Coverage Curtailed
President Saakashvili has imposed a state of emergency throughout the country for 15 days, Economy Minister Giorgi Arveladze announced at 1 am local time on November 8. Restrictions, he said, would be imposed on the dissemination of information, demonstrations and strikes. As a result, news programs on all private television stations will be banned for 15 days. …
State of Emergency Imposed for 15 Days in Georgia
President Saakashvili has imposed a state of emergency throughout the country for 15 days, Economy Minister Giorgi Arveladze announced at 1 am local time on November 8. Restrictions, he said, would be imposed on the dissemination of information, demonstrations and strikes. The measures mean that news programs on all private television stations will be cancelled for 15 days. The …
508 People Injured in Unrests – Ministry
A total of 508 people were taken to hospital on November 7 after a day of unrests in Tbilisi, involving riot police dispersing thousands of protesters in various parts of Tbilisi, the healthcare ministry said. 94 of them remained in the hospital by the end of the day, it said, including 24 policemen. Riot police used …
EU Says Concerned over Georgia Developments
EU foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, said he was concerned with the recent developments in Georgia and was sending his special representative for South Caucasus, Peter Semneby, to Tbilisi. Solana said in a statement that Peter Semneby planned meeting with the both opposition and the authorities. ?I am concerned about the latest developments in Georgia,? …
07/11/2007 - 23:14
State of Emergency Declared in Tbilisi, as Two TV Stations Off Air
President Saakashvili has imposed emergency rules in the capital city Tbilisi in the evening on November 7, Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli, said. ‘There was an attempt of unrests and state coup; so we had to react on that,’ he said in a televised address. ‘Temporary restrictions are imposed on demonstrations and manifestations, as well as …
State of Emergency Declared in Tbilisi
President Saakashvili has imposed emergency rules in the capital city Tbilisi in the evening on November 7, Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli said. ?There was an attempt of unrests and state coup; so we had to react on that,? he said in a televised address. ?Temporary restrictions are imposed on demonstrations and manifestations, as well as …
Imedi TV Off the Air
Imedi TV went off the air shortly after its anchor announced in the live broadcast that ‘police broke into the television.’ Education minister, Aleksander Lomaia, had declined to comment on the issue. ”The General Prosecutor’s Office will make a statement about it,” Aleksander Lomaia told reporters. A spontaneous rally by several dozen of people, living …
Kavkasia TV Off the Air
An opposition TV Kavkasia went off the air shortly after Imedi TV also went off the air this evening. Unlike Imedi TV, Kavkasia is a small television covering only the capital Tbilisi. This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)
Saakashvili Says Russia, ‘Some Radical Opposition’ Involved in Unrests
President Saakashvili said the recent unrests in Georgia were masterminded by Russia and implemented through the help of “some radical opposition parties.” Mikheil Saakashvili made a televised address to the nation in the evening on November 7 – hours after the riot police dispersed twice thousands of protesters in various parts of Tbilisi with use …
Saakashvili Makes a Statement
I have no goal or value more important than my country and my people and each of you. I am ready to sacrifice my life in sake of Georgia?s happiness and your happiness. I am extremely concerned about development in the Tbilisi center. Demonstrations were underway for several days. Everyone has the right to hold …
Georgia Recalls Ambassador from Russia for Consultations
Tbilisi has recalled its ambassador to Russia, Irakli Cbubinishvili, “for consultations in connection with recent developments in the country,” the Georgian Foreign Ministry said. Earlier the Georgian officials accused some opposition leaders of cooperating with the Russia’s counter-intelligence service. Meanwhile, the Georgian Foreign Ministry has summoned ambassador to Georgia, Vyacheslav Kovalenko, over the same issue. …
Burjanadze Calls for Calm
Parliamentary Chairperson, Nino Burjanadze, called on the population to keep calm and refrain from rallies. ?Coming out in the streets will further escalate tensions. I call on our supporters as well as opposition supporters not to come out in the streets. Clam is the most important at this moment? Stay at homes,? she told reporters. …
Riot Police Disperse Protesters Again
Riot police used tear gas and water cannons for the second time today to disperse a renewed protest rally. After dispersing rally earlier on November 7 outside the parliament, thousands again gathered on the area known as Rike several kilometers away from the parliament. TV footages showed some protesters throwing stones at riot policemen. This …
Thousands Gather at Anti-Governmental Rally
Thousands of protesters have gathered in Tbilisi on the area known as Rike, several kilometers away from the Parliament. The protest rally was resumed after the riot police dispersed protesters with tear gas and water cannons outside the Parliament earlier on November 7. This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)
‘Opposition Engaged in Crime Against State’ – Ruling Party MPs
Some opposition leaders have been engaged in crimes against the state and the law enforcement agencies should undertake appropriate measures against them, MP Levan Bezhashvili, the chairman of the parliamentary committee for legal issues, said.The statement was made after the Interior Ministry issued on November 7, taped audio and video materials through which the authorities …
‘Opposition Leaders Cooperate with Russian Intelligence’ – MIA
The Interior Ministry has issued taped audio and video materials through which the authorities claim that some opposition leaders were cooperating with the Russian counter-intelligence service. The materials involve taped phone conversations of Shalva Natelashvili, leader of Labor Party; MP Levan Berdzenishvili of Republican Party and Giorgi Khaindrava, leader of opposition group Equality Institute, with …
Opposition Calls for Rallies
Opposition leaders have called for resumption of protest rallies, as thousands of protesters already started gathering on Rike, an area in several kilometers away from the Parliament. Protesters moved there after riot police dispersed the rally outside the parliament. Giorgi Khaindrava a leader of an opposition Equality Institute joined protesters after he was released. Khaindrava …
Minister: 250 Persons Asked for Treatment
A total of 250 people showed up in hospitals and asked for treatment after the riot police dispersed the protest rally using tear gas and water canons outside the Parliament, Davit Tkeshelashvili, the healthcare minister, said. He also said that police used tear gas which is not life-threatening and will not cause any major health …
Burjanadze Calls for Calm, Dialogue
Opposition parties should not call on their supporters for new rallies, Nino Burjanadze, the parliamentary speaker, said. ?Much depends on calmness of each citizen,? she told reporters. ?We should maintain stability. It is not a time to speak with each other with ultimatums. I call on everyone to stop calling for rallies. We all should …
Burjanadze Says Ready to Meet Opposition
MP Nino Kurdadze, chief of parliamentary speaker?s administration said Nino Burjanadze was ready to meet opposition leaders. Meanwhile, it is not yet clear what will be the opposition?s tactic after riot police dispersed protesters with tear gas and water cannons outside the parliament. Opposition leaders are now gathered in the office of the Republican Party …
Officials: Protesters Used Force Against Police
Police has been provoked by protesters, which in turned triggered an appropriate measures undertaken by the police, an influential lawmaker from the ruling party, Giga Bokeria, ?[Opposition] political groups should assume responsibility for what has happened. These political groups have provoked the police. Political leaders should tone down rhetoric and call their supporters for calm,? …
Riot Police Disperse Protesters
Riot police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters outside the parliament. Hundreds of riot policemen armed with shields, batons and riot guns were deployed on the Rustaveli Avenue after patrol police failed to contain protesters. Television stations were broadcasting a live footage from the incident site. Several dozen of protesters, including some …
Patriarch of Georgian Orthodox Church Calls for Calm
Patriarch of Georgian Orthodox Church, Ilia II, has called on the opposition and the authorities to immediately resolve tensions through a dialogue. ?And if there is a willingness of both sides, we are ready to intervene in this dialogue,? Ilia II said. ?I am deeply concerned about the current situation and confrontation between the opposition …
PM: ‘Appropriate Measures’ Used against Protesters
Police has undertaken “appropriate measures” to unblock the capital city Tbilisi’s main thoroughfare, Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli said. “An appropriate measure have been undertaken to unblock the Rustaveli Avenue,” he said after riot police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters outside the parliament. “These measures are usually used in the western countries. …
Riot Police Disperse Protesters
Riot police used tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons to disperse protesters outside the parliament. Hundreds of riot policemen armed with shields, batons and riot guns were deployed on the Rustaveli Avenue after patrol police failed to contain protesters. Television stations were broadcasting a live footage from the incident site. Several dozen of protesters, including …
Riot Police, Watercannon Vehicles Deployed
Riot police with batons and shields, as well as police water cannon vehicles have been deployed on the Rustaveli Avenue as protesters again blocked the thoroughfare.Police officers speaking in loudspeakers told protesters to disperse, ?otherwise actions envisaged by the law will be undertaken against you.? This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)
Police Clash with Protesters
Police armed with batons clashed with protesters after demonstrators pushed the police cordon attempting to block the Tbilisi’s main thoroughfare, Rustaveli Avenue, in front of the Parliament. After about 20-minute long scuffle protesters pushed the police away from the area and blocked the Rustaveli Avenue. Several people were injured, including an opposition lawmaker Levan Gachechiladze. …
Opposition Tries to Resume Protest Rallies
The leaders of the united opposition said that they would continue protest rallies and even more people would join them. Earlier on November 7 police broke up an anti-governmental protest rally outside the Parliament. Reports say, several activists, including Giorgi Khaindrava of the Equality Institute were arrested. Currently, the protesters and the opposition leaders are again gathering …
Police Break up Rally, Opposition Vows to Keep Protesting
Georgian police broke up protest rally outside the Parliament in early hours of November 7. Reports say, several opposition activists, including Giorgi Khaindrava of the Equality Institute were arrested. Officials said they were arrested for ‘disobeying police orders.’ TV stations reported that the police prevented them from filming the scuffle between protesters and the police …
Tags: Georgia, Gigi Ugulava, November 7, Salome Zurabishvili
Okruashvili: Audiotape Hoaxed
Ex-defense minister, Irakli Okruashvili, said a taped phone conversation, allegedly, between him and Bacho Akhalia, the prison system chief, was made-up. In the 20-second long audio tape, disseminated through the television stations by the press office of Penitentiary System on November 6, a man said to be Irakli Okruashvili tells Akhalaia he wanted the Prime …
Officials Release Audio Saying Okruashvili Aspires for PM Position
The authorities have released a taped phone conversation, allegedly, between ex-defense minister Irakli Okruashvili and chief of prison system Bacho Akhalaia, which was conducted on November 3. The 20-second long audio tape was disseminated through the television stations by the press office of Penitentiary System. It was not immediately clear whether the tape was edited …
06/11/2007 - 22:32
Opposition Plans ‘Town of Tents’ Outside Parliament
Irakli Batiashvili‘s release would be a confirmation of the authorities’ claims that they are really ready for a dialogue with the opposition, Tina Khidasheli of the opposition Republican Party told protesters outside the Parliament on November 6. “The only thing they [the authorities] have to do in order to make us believe in their pledge …
Ruling Party Targets Tycoon in Drive to Confront Opposition
Ruling party has renewed efforts to confront ten-party opposition coalition by linking its campaign to business tycoon Badri Patarkatsishvili’s “conspiracy against the state.”These efforts were encouraged by a surprise resurface of ex-defense minister, Irakli Okruashvili, who was interviewed by Imedi TV – co-owned by Patarkatsishvili and News Corporation, late on November 5.The General Prosecutor’s Office, …
Patarkatsishvili Issues Tough-Worded Statement
Badri Patarkatsishvili, a business tycoon, has warned that the authorities’ tactic of brushing off tens of thousand protesters calls may trigger “uncontrolled processes.” “And President Saakashvili and his inner circle will have to assume the responsibility in case of this scenario of events,” he said in a written statement issued on November 6. Unlike his …
2007 State Spending Increased
The Parliament approved the budgetary amendment envisaging the increase in the 2007 state spending by GEL 350 million (over USD 213), with the lion?s share ? GEL 224 million ? going to the Defense Ministry. As a result, already record high defense spending has reached GEL 1.495 billion (over USD 906 million). Finance Minister Nika …
Burjanadze Speaks of Recent Developments
Parliamentary Chairperson, Nino Burjanadze, said the authorities were ready to negotiate on three out of four opposition?s demands, but issue of holding elections in spring instead of late 2008 was closed for discussions. Speaking at the parliamentary session on November 6, Burjanadze denied the opposition?s accusations about the authorities? unwillingness to have a dialogue by …
MP Quits Parliamentary Majority
Vladimer Papava, a deputy chairman of the parliamentary committee for finances and budget, said on November 6 he quitted the ruling National Movement party?s parliamentary faction. Earlier he said that the authorities should meet thousands of protesters demand and hold parliamentary elections in April, instead of late 2008. ?I quit the parliamentary majority faction, but …
Russian Foreign Minister Comments on Georgia
Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has declined to respond to Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili’s assumptions that Moscow may orchestrate troubles in Georgia for Russia’s internal consumption. “I would not like to comment on the statements of this political figure [referring to President Saakashvili],” Sergey Lavrov was quoted by RIA Novosti news agency as saying on …
Prosecutors Reject Okruashvili’s Allegations
General Prosecutor’s Office has issued a statement in an attempt to disavow new allegations levelled by ex-defense minister, Irakli Okruashvili, on November 5. Okruashvili said neither he, nor any of his friend and ally posted GEL 10 million bail through which he was released from custody. Large part of the GEL 10 million bail, Okruashvili …
Sidelined Okruashvili Back into Play
Irakli Okruashvili, the ex-defense minister, made a surprise appearance and said in a late-night live interview with Imedi TV that he was forced to retract accusations against President Saakashvili while being in jail.Ruling party officials have already described the Okruashvili’s interview with the Imedi TV as a business tycoon Badri Patarkatsishvili’s attempt to give a …
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This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)