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French Side Has Not Contacted Us About the Father of Arras Terrorist, SSSG Chief Says
Grigol Liluashvili, the chief of the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG), said that the French investigative services have not contacted the Georgian government about the father of Arras terrorist. A few days earlier, media reports surfaced, suggesting that the father of 20-year old Mohammed Mogouchkov, who attacked and killed a teacher in Arras (France) …
Tags: France, Grigol Liluashvili, State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG), Terrorism
19/10/2023 - 12:47
Georgia’s Foreign Trade Up 16.5% in January-September 2023
On October 19, the National Statistics Service of Georgia (Geostat) published preliminary data indicating that in January-September 2023, Georgia’s foreign trade increased by 16.5% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, totaling $15.9 billion in value. During the same period, exports from Georgia increased by 12.7% to $4.6 billion, while imports rose by 18.2% to …
Tags: Foreign Trade, Georgia, Geostat
The Daily Beat: 18 October
The Parliament failed to impeach President Salome Zurabishvili with 86 votes in favor and one against. 90 MPs registered to vote, while 100 votes were needed to impeach the President. A chilly welcome of the President and insulting debates preceded the voting. The ruling Georgian Dream lawmakers claimed that from now on, Salome Zurabishvili is …
Tags: Georgian Dream, Impeachment Case, Juansher Burchuladze, MEPs, National Bank of Georgia (NBG), Opposition, OSCE/ODIHR, President Salome Zurabishvili, Public Defender of Georgia, Russia Occupation, State Security Service
MEPs React to GD’s Attempt to Impeach President, Say GD Does not Support Georgia’s EU Aspirations
After the Georgian Parliament failed to impeach President Salome Zurabishvili with 86 votes in favor and 1 against, reactions from members of the European Parliament followed. MEP Miriam Lexmann tweeted: “victory for common sense, victory for the Georgian constitution, and a victory for Georgia’s European future”. victory for common sense, victory for the Georgian constitution, …
Tags: European Parliament, Georgia, MEPs
18/10/2023 - 21:36
Politicians React to Failed Attempt to Impeach President Zurabishvili
On October 18, the Parliament of Georgia failed to impeach President Salome Zurabishvili, with 86 votes in favor and 1 against. 100 votes were needed for impeachment, but only 90 MPs registered. 18/10/2023 – Georgian Parliament Fails to Impeach President Salome Zurabishvili Civil.ge has compiled the politicians’ reactions to the failed attempt to impeach the President. …
Tags: Georgia, Georgian Dream, Impeachment Case, Opposition, President Salome Zurabishvili
Ombudsman Asks OSCE/ODIHR For Legal Assessment on Amendments to Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations
On October 18, the Public Defender of Georgia (Ombudsman) sent a letter to the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE/ODIHR) requesting a legal opinion on the amendments to the Georgian “Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations”. According to the statement released on 18 October, “In …
Tags: Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations, OSCE/ODIHR, Public Defender of Georgia
NBG Sells Additional Foreign Reserves
The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) accelerated the sale of Foreign Exchange (FX) reserves following the turmoil in the financial regulator. In less than a month, NBG intervened five times as a result of which almost USD 150 mln have been sold: October 17: NBG makes another intervention, selling USD 40 mln FX. October 6: …
Georgian Parliament Fails to Impeach President Salome Zurabishvili
The Parliament of Georgia fails to impeach President Salome Zurabishvili, with 86 votes in favor and 1 against. 100 votes were needed for impeachment, but only 90 MPs registered. Before the official decision, Georgian Dream representative have noted that the majority itself had not expected it would be able to impeach the President, since opposition …
Tags: Impeachment Case, Parliament of Georgia, President Salome Zurabishvili
Parliament Debates Impeachment of the President
A plenary session of parliament is discussing the impeachment of President Salome Zurabishvili. A quorum of 87 registered MPs is present. 100 votes are needed to impeach the president. The Parliament failed to reach the necessary votes needed to impeach the President. In the vote, 90 MPs registered to vote, with 86 in favor and …
Tags: Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili
TI Georgia Urges MPs Not to Support President’s Impeachment, Calling it “Sabotage”
On October 18, Transparency International – Georgia released a statement saying that the impeachment proceedings initiated by the ruling Georgian Dream party “directly harm the most important process of Georgia’s European integration, all the more so in the conditions when the country is waiting for the European Commission’s report on the granting of the status …
Tags: Georgia, Impeachment Case, Parliament of Georgia, President Salome Zurabishvili, TI Georgia
Two Georgian Citizens Illegaly Detained by Russian Occupation Forces
On October 18, representatives of the Russian occupation forces illegally detained two Georgian citizens on the occupied Tskhinvali region territory in the village of Ghromi, and in the village of Balaani, occupied Akhalgori district, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, reports State Security Service of Georgia in its release. Upon receiving information about the incident, the State Security Service activated the “hot …
Tags: Georgia, occupation line, Russian Occupatin, State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG), Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia
GD Registers in Parliament Controversial Amendments to Broadcasting Law related to Regulation of Hate Speech
The Parliament will deliberate on the initiative of Georgian Dream to make amendments to the Law on Broadcasting in an accelerated manner. The amendments expand the powers of the National Communications Commission, including on regulating hate speech, have been registered by the ruling Georgian Dream party. According to the explanatory card, “the draft law aims …
Tags: Broadcasting Law, Georgia
President’s Administration Objects to Restricted Access to Parliament During Impeachment Session
According to the statement of Parliament, on October 18, “yellow security level” will be in effect in the Parliament building, which means that the visitors, except media representatives, are restricted from entering the Parliament. Thus, contrary to the President’s wishes, her representatives in the Constitutional Court and representatives of the diplomatic corps will not be …
Tags: Diplomatic missions, Georgian Parliament, Impeachment Case, Parliament of Georgia, President Salome Zurabishvili
The Daily Beat: 17 October
The parliament is set to vote on the President’s impeachment on 18 October. According to Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, the notice of impeachment vote has already been communicated to the President’s Office, which confirmed her attendance. A day before her impeachment hearing at the parliament, President Salome Zurabishvili revoked the Georgian citizenship of US-sanctioned Otar …
Tags: Georgian Dream, High Council of Justice, Le Monde, Parliament of Georgia, President Salome Zurabishvili, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Robin Dunnigan, Shalva Papuashvili, Sokhumi, Transparency International Georgia
MFA of France Issues Statement on President Salome Zurabishvili’s Impeachment Proceedings
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement ahead of the upcoming vote on President Salome Zurabishvili’s impeachment on October 18. The statement reads that France has taken note of the decision of the Constitutional Court of Georgia to validate the impeachment procedure initiated by the parliamentary majority, with the support of the government, …
Le Monde: the Father of the Arras Terrorist Allegedly Lives in Georgia
According to the French newspaper Le Monde, the father of Mohammed Mogouchkov, who attacked and killed a teacher in Arras (France) on October 13, lives in Georgia “where he has not yet been questioned”. The Le Monde article examines the family and entourage of the terrorist, who is originally from Ingushetia in the North Caucasus, …
Tags: France, Islamic State, Terrorism
President Revokes Partskhaladze’s Citizenship & Vetoes “Tents Law” Ahead of Impeachment Procedure in Parliament
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili revoked Otar Parskhaladze’s citizenship and vetoed the so-called “tent law” before the Parliament votes on her impeachment on October 18. “Before the Parliament starts impeachment procedure, President signed a decree renouncing Georgian citizenship for Otar Partskhaladze and vetoed the amendments to the “Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations,” as another anti-European law,” …
Tags: Impeachment Case, Otar Partskhaladze, President Salome Zurabishvili, Tents Law
17/10/2023 - 21:21
SSSG Summons the Documentary Association of Georgia Member in Connection with “Trainings Plot” Allegations
The Documentary Association of Georgia (DOCA) says in its statement that the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) has summoned its member Mariam Chutkerashvili for questioning in connection with the so-called “training plot” allegation. According to the statement, on September 26-29 Mariam Chutkerashvili took part in the training in the framework of “Citizens Engagement Programme”, …
Tags: Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Speech, State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG)
Three Dissenting Judges of Constitutional Court: Our colleagues misinterpreted President’s constitutional mandate
On October 16, the Constitutional Court of Georgia ruled that President Salome Zurabishvili breached the country’s Constitution by making working visits to Europe without the Government’s approval. The decision of the Constitutional Court on violating the Constitution by the President of Georgia includes a dissenting opinion from three judges – Giorgi Kverenchkhiladze, Irine Imerlishvili, and Teimuraz Tugushi. …
Parliament Elects Two Non-Judge Members of HCoJ
On October 17, the Parliament of Georgia elected two non-judge members of the High Council of Justice (HCoJ)- Levan Nemsadze and Goga Kikilashvili. Goga Kikilashvili, guest lecturer at the International Black Sea University and researcher, was nominated by the International Black Sea University. Levan Nemsadze, a specialist in the field of law, was nominated by …
Tags: Georgia, High Council of Justice, Parliament of Georgia
Parliament to Vote on President’s Impeachment on October 18
The vote on the President’s impeachment will be held in the Parliament tomorrow, on October 18, Speaker of Parliament Shalva Papuashvili said at the plenary session today. According to Papuashvili, he had already communicated with the President’s administration and received Salome Zurabishvili’s confirmation for attendance. The parliamentary procedure is set to start at 12:00 Tbilisi …
Tags: Impeachment Case, Parliament of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, Speaker Shalva Papuashvili
PM: Gone Are the Days When the President Thought She was Above the Law and the Constitution
On October 17, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said that “gone are the days when the President thought she was above the law and the constitution.” As the head of government told the journalists, “some citizens expected Salome Zurabishvili to introduce the European standard into Georgian politics, which means that everyone respects the law and the …
Tags: Constitutional Court, Impeachment Case, Irakli Garibashvili, Salome Zurabishvili
Plans to Link Russian Cities with Sokhumi by Sea Using “Kometas”
On October 16, the “Vice-President” of the Crimean Development Fund, Vasily Dyachenko, presented plans for cooperation between the Russian-annexed Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea and Russian-occupied region of Abkhazia, according to which it is planned to revive the old Soviet-era sea route of the “Kometa” ships, which will connect the cities Gelendzhik – Novorossiysk – Sochi …
UPDATE: Newly Appointed U.S. Ambassador Meets Prime Minister, Parliament Speaker
The newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Georgia, Robin L. Dunnigan met with the Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili. Meeting with the Prime Minister On October 16, Georgia’s Prime Minister, Irakli Garibashvili met with the newly appointed US Ambassador, Robin …
Tags: Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, Robin Dunnigan, Shalva Papuashvili
TI-Georgia: Parliament is Becoming a Closed Institution
According to the Transparency International (TI) – Georgia assessment, the Parliament is becoming a closed institution. The watchdog believes that the legislature is using security as a pretext to limit public participation in its activities. On September 4, Parliament adopted new Security Rules, which tightened the access to the Parliament for the general public and …
Tags: Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Speech, Parliament of Georgia, Transparency International Georgia
Special Investigation Service Investigates 139 Alleged Crimes Since Inception
The Special Investigative Service, which was granted expanded powers on March 1, 2022, said that since its establishment, the Service has implicated 139 people and initiated criminal proceedings against them. Out of the 139 exposed individuals, 62 were law enforcement officers who have faced criminal charges for their alleged involvement in ill-treatment and violence. 65 …
The Daily Beat: 16 October
The Constitutional Court concluded that President Salome Zurabishvili violated the Constitution of Georgia by conducting foreign visits to European capitals without the government’s approval. The court’s conclusion will be submitted to the parliament, paving the way for an impeachment vote. According to the Chairman of the Constitutional Court, Merab Turava, the decision was supported by …
Tags: Constitutional Court, Georgian Dream, Holodomor, Irakli Kobakhidze, Iran, Israel, PACE, President Salome Zurabishvili, Prosecutor’s Office, Russia
President Zurabishvili: the Time for Dreaming “Dreams” Is Over
In her first public address to the nation since today’s Constitutional Court ruling that the President had violated the Constitution by making working visits to Europe, Salome Zurabishvili said that she was hurt by the Court decision, although she couldn’t say she was surprised by “everything that happens in this country”. Zurabishvili said she was …
Tags: Constitutional Court, President, Salome Zurabishvili
16/10/2023 - 22:35
8th Session of Sino-Georgian Trade and Economic Cooperation Joint Commission held in Beijing
The 8th session of the Joint Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation between Georgia and China was held in Beijing under the co-chairmanship of Levan Davitashvili, Vice Prime-Minister and Minister of Economy of Georgia, and Ling Dze, the Deputy Minister of Commerce of China. As Davitashvili and Dze said, the meeting will further contribute to …
Politicians React to Constitutional Court Ruling on President’s Constitutional Breach
On October 16, the Constitutional Court of Georgia ruled that President Salome Zurabishvili has violated the Constitution. The Court determined that the President breached the country’s Constitution by making working visits to Europe without the Government’s approval. 16/10/2023 – Constitutional Court Rules President’s Foreign Visits Unconstitutional Civil.ge has compiled the reactions of politicians to the Constitutional Court ruling: …
Tags: Constitutional Court, Georgia, Impeachment Case, Salome Zurabishvili
Presidential Representatives: Constitutional Court Ruling is Political
On October 16, Tamar Chugoshvili and Maia Kopaleishvili who represented President Zurabishvili in the impeachment proceedings before the Constitutional Court, said at the press-conference dedicated to the Constitutional court decision that the verdict was political. Earlier today the Court announced its decision that the President had violated the Constitution by paying working visits to Europe …
Tags: Constitutional Court, Maia Kopaleishvili, Parliament, President Salome Zurabishvili, Tamar Chugoshvili
Relatives of Man Accused of 14-Year-Old Girl’s Murder Sentenced to Pre-Trial Detention
The Telavi District Court has sentenced the uncle and cousin of the man accused in murder of a 14-year-old Aitaj Shakhmarova to pre-trial detention for failing to report a serious crime. The two have plead guilty. The case caused an outcry among the general public and human rights watchdogs. According to the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office, …
Tags: Human Rights, Prosecutor’s Office
Constitutional Court Rules President’s Foreign Visits Unconstitutional
On October 16, the Constitutional Court of Georgia ruled that President Salome Zurabishvili has violated the Constitution. The Court determined that the President breached the country’s Constitution by making working visits to Europe without the Government’s approval. The Court’s decision stated that on 31 August, 1 September and 6 September, when the President made working …
Tags: Constitutional Court, Georgia, Impeachment Case, Salome Zurabishvili
Georgian Citizen Illegally Detained Near Tskhinvali Occupation Line Released
Georgian citizen Archil Basanidze, illegally detained by Russian occupation forces near Tskhinvali was released on October 15, State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) reported. According to SSSG, hotline and all available mechanisms at the government’s disposal were actively used for Basanidze’s release. It also note in the service’s press release that “the responsibility for all …
Tags: Georgia, occupation line, State Security Service of Georgia
Former Investigator Arrested for False Testimony in Dead Programmer’s Case Released
On October 16, Sergo Shubitidze, the investigator who led the controversial investigation into the death of 23-year-old programmer Tamar Bachaliashvili, was released from prison. He had been arrested on June 25, 2023, under allegation of providing false testimony in Bachaliashvili’s legal case. 26/06/2023 – Former Investigator in Dead Programmer’s Case Arrested for False Testimony According …
Iranian Ambassador Requests to Address Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee
Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Georgia, Mahmoud Adib, denounced Israeli Ambassador’s speech in the Parliament regarding recent Hamas attack on Israel, called on Georgian authorities to side with Palestine and requested an equal opportunity to speak before the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee. 12/10/2023 – Israeli Ambassador’s Hearing at Foreign Relations Committee Session …
Tags: Georgia, Hamas, Iran, Israel
15/10/2023 - 17:51
The Daily Beat: 13 October
President Salome Zurabishvili met with the Israeli Ambassador to Georgia, Hadas Ester Meitzad, expressing unwavering support and solidarity with Israel amid the recent developments and discussing the unfolding situation in Israel. “In this difficult time, the Georgian people stand with Israel and its people,” said the President during the meeting. Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili …
Tags: Bulgaria, Culture Ministry, Georstat, Ilia Darchiashvili, Israel, President Salome Zurabishvili, Russia, TASS, Tea Tsulukiani
14/10/2023 - 09:00
Bulgaria Adopts Declaration in Support of EU Candidate Status for Georgia as FM Visits Sofia
On October 13, Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili began his visit to Bulgaria. He held a one-on-one meeting with his Bulgarian counterpart and Deputy Prime Minister Mariya Gabriel. After the meeting, Darchiashvili announced on social media that the Bulgarian National Assembly has adopted a declaration in favor of granting Georgia EU candidate status. Thrilled to …
Tags: Bulgaria, Georgia, Ilia Darchiashvili
13/10/2023 - 18:06
Another Dismissed Employee Wins Legal Dispute with National Museum
Another dismissed National Museum employee, Nino Macharashvili, has won a lawsuit in the Tbilisi City Court against the National Museum of Georgia which is under the authority of the Ministry of Culture. According to Dito Khvichia, head of the “Justice League” legal firm defending the plaintiff’s interests in court, the court ruled that the dismissal …
Tags: Georgian National Museum, Tbilisi City Court, Tea Tsulukiani
About 100 Students from Georgia Apply to Study in Russian Universities
The Russian Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy in Georgia says about 100 applications from Georgia have applied for admission to Russian universities for 2024 so far. The quota for Georgian students is 200 places, the same as last year, when 100% of submitted applicants were accepted to study in Russia. The study of students …
ISFED Policy Document: Analysis of Political Finances in Georgia
The International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) Policy Document says that although Georgian legislation “more or less covers” the main issues defined by international standards that exist in the field of political finance, the dominance of the ruling party in fundraising, leading to financial inequality among parties is identified as a major problem. …
Tags: election campaign, Georgia, ISFED, Political Parties
Georgia’s Foreign Trade Up 16.6% in January-September 2023
On October 13, the National Statistics Service of Georgia (Geostat) published express data indicating that the external merchandise trade (excluding non-declared trade) of Georgia increased by 16.6% in January-September 2023 compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, reaching USD 15, 919.5 million. According to Geostat, Georgia’s external merchandise trade saw exports rise by 12.7% to …
Tags: Foreign Trade, Georgia, Geostat
The Daily Beat: 12 October
New US Ambassador Robin Dunnigan arrived in Georgia and met President Salome Zurabishvili, presenting her Ambassadorial credentials and conveying the best regards from US President Joe Biden. This ceremonial meeting at the president’s palace marked the beginning of Dunnigan’s ambassadorship in Georgia amid tensions in the US-Georgia relations. President Salome Zurabishvili signed the new …
Tags: Defense Code, Droa, Education Ministry, Girchi - More Freedom, President Salome Zurabishvili, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Robin Dunnigan, State Security Service, TI Georgia, Viktor Orban
Newly Appointed U.S. Ambassador Presents Credentials to President, Meets Foreign Minister
On 12 October, the day of her arrival to Georgia, new U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan presented her diplomatic credentials to the President and met with the Foreign Minister of Georgia. According to the Presidential Administration of Georgia, the U.S. Ambassador expressed her expectation of close collaboration with the President of Georgia, particularly as the nation …
Tags: Ilia Darchiashvili, President Salome Zurabishvili, Robin Dunnigan, US-Georgia relations
12/10/2023 - 23:19
Israeli Ambassador’s Hearing at Foreign Relations Committee Session
On October 12, the Georgian Parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee held a session with Israel’s Ambassador to Georgia, Hadas Ester Meitzad. The meeting began with a moment of silence to honor recent civilian casualties in Israel. Committee Chairman Nikoloz Samkharadze expressed support for Israel in its fight against terrorism and reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to a strong …
Tags: Georgia, Israel, Nikoloz Samkharadze
Security Service Summons Activists Amid “Trainings Plot” Allegations
On October 11 and 12, the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) summoned Natalia Vatsadze, an actress, and Vakho Kareli, a photographer, in a follow-up to the so-called “training plot” allegations. In a statement on October 2, SSSG said three Serbian trainers affiliated with the civil society organization CANVAS, were brought to Georgia to participate in a …
Tags: Canvas, State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG), USAID
Prime Minister of Hungary Visits Georgia
On October 10, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán began his official visit to Georgia. On October 11 he held a face-to-face meeting with the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. During his visit, a meeting of the Georgian-Hungarian intergovernmental commission was held followed by a memorandum signing ceremony. The Prime Ministers of Georgia and Hungary made …
Tags: Georgia, Hungary, Irakli Garibashvili, Viktor Orban
President Signs New Defense Code into Law
On 12 October, President Salome Zurabishvili signed the new Defense Code into law “despite flaws,” Davit Tevzadze, Presidential Advisor on Strategic Planning said in a briefing today. 28/02/2023 – Explainer | Georgia’s New Defense Code Tevzadze indicated that the requirement for conscripts to exclusively serve under the Defense Ministry’s jurisdiction will put an end to …
TI-Georgia: Political appointment of public school principals is illegal and unacceptable
According to Transparency International-Georgia, the Ministry of Education has begun a process of selecting school principals based on political loyalty and their possible use for electoral purposes. TI reports that the Ministry presented only one candidate for the post of principal to more than 900 public schools, resulting in a “decidedly uncompetitive environment” and the …
Tags: Georgia, Ministry of Education
Opposition Parties Launch New Whistleblowing Project
On October 12, the political parties “Girchi – More Freedom” and “Droa,” along with other opposition political parties, media, and non-governmental organizations, launched a joint project Mona.ge (Mona – მონა – is a Georgian word which means slave). This project aims to publicly identify individuals in Georgia who are supporting the Russian regime, which the …
Tags: Droa, Georgia, Girchi - More Freedom
Page 19 of 763
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