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Saakashvili Case Discussed at the Event in EU Parliament Dedicated to Political Prisoners
On March 14, an event was held in Strasbourg, hosted by MEP Petras Auštrevičius and co-hosted by William Browder, lawyer and human rights activist behind the Magnitsky Act. The event was dedicated to three high-profile political prisoners, Vladimir Kara-Murza and Alexei Gorinov in Russia, and Mikheil Saakashvili in Georgia. The event was broadcast live and …
Tags: EU Parliament, Mikheil Saakashvili
14/03/2023 - 18:46
IDFI’S 2022 Report on Access to Public Information in Georgia
According to the 2022 report on the availability of public information in Georgia by the non-governmental organization “Institute for the Development of Freedom of Information” (IDFI), the rate of responses received from public institutions in the previous year decreased by 24% compared to 2021, and it reached 58%, which is “the lowest since 2010.” Moreover, …
Tags: Georgia, IDFI, public information
S&D Rejects PM’s “War Conspiracy” and Calls for Debates on Georgia’s Political Situation
The Socialists and Democrats (S&D), in the European Parliament have rejected the claims made by the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, that the European Parliament wishes to drag Georgia into the Russian war against Ukraine. The Georgian Dream, comes from the same political family as the Socialists and Democrats (S&D). The Socialists and Democrats have …
Tags: European Parliament, Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, S&D
Analyzing Georgia’s Teacher Workforce: Findings from CCIIR’s Analytical Bulletin
Center for Civil Integration and Inter-Ethnic Relations (CCIIR) published an analytical bulletin on “What we need to know about teachers in Georgian schools” on March 13. The research found that the overall number of teachers in Georgia has reached 56,116, out of which 12,382 are working in Tbilisi. Imereti also has a high number of …
Georgian President Meets European Leaders During Visit to Brussels and Paris
During her visit to Europe, Salome Zurabishvili, the President of Georgia, met with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, in Brussels, and with the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, in Paris. During President’s meeting with French Foreign Minister Colonna, the …
Tags: Brussels, Charles Michel, France, Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili
GD Leader Kobakhidze Accuses Opposition, Former Ombudsman, Critical Media and Youth Groups of “Liberal Fascist Campaign”
In a lengthy press conference today on last week’s protests in Tbilisi, Georgian Dream leader Irakli Kobakhidze accused the opposition, the former Ombudsman, critical media and youth groups of organizing the ‘liberal fascist campaign’. Irakli Kobakhidze reiterated that the law on “foreign agents”, even without its adoption, had brought more results than it would have …
Tags: Attack on CSOs, Georgia, Georgian Dream, Irakli Kobakhidze, Law on Foreign Agents, Tbilisi protests
The Daily Beat: 13 March
In a Sunday interview with the ruling party mouthpiece – Imedi TV, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili linked Tbilisi protests against the Russian-style “foreign agents” law to “destructive, anarchist and extremist forces,” saying their purpose was to sow “chaos and destabilization” in the country. Prime Minister slammed the young protesters, describing them as radical, politically motivated, and …
Tags: Draft Law on Foreign Agents, Giga Bokeria, Imedi TV, Levan Ioseliani, National Statistics Office, Ombudsman, President Salome Zurabishvili, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Toomas Ilves, Vladimir Solovyov
Foreign Direct Investment Increased by 61.1% In 2022
According to preliminary data released by the National Statistical Service of Georgia on 10 March, FDI in 2022 will exceed the adjusted data for 2021 by 61.1% and amount to USD 2 billion. According to Georgian Department of Statistics, the increase is due to the growth of two components of FDI – share capital and …
Tags: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Georgia
13/03/2023 - 20:53
Criticism Mounts Over Georgian PM’s Repeat “War Conspiracy” Claims
The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, has faced criticism from international partners of Georgia after accusing MEPs and Ukraine of attempting to drag Georgia into the war. Garibashvili claimed that during recent protests in Georgia, several MEPs and Ukrainian officials made statements implying a wish to involve Georgia in the war and make it …
Tags: Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, MEPs, Russia, United States
Georgian PM’s Controversial Comments Draw Strong Opposition Backlash
The members of the opposition have reacted to an interview given by Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili to the TV company “Imedi” on March 12. They focused on Georgian Dream’s failure to comply with the 12 recommendations presented by the European Union to qualify for candidate status. Levan Khabeishvili, head of the “National Movement,” remarked, …
PM Garibashvili Links Tbilisi Protests to “Destructive, Anarchist” Forces
In an interview with Imedi TV on March 12, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili linked the March 7-9 protests in Tbilisi against the Russian-style “foreign agents” law to “destructive, anarchist and extremist forces” and said their purpose was to maintain “chaos and destabilization” in the country. The Prime Minister also spoke about EU membership, the …
Tags: Attack on CSOs, Georgia, Georgian Dream, Irakli Garibashvili, Law on Foreign Agents, Prime Minister, საქართველო
In January-February 2023, Foreign Trade Increased by 12.3%
According to express data published on March 13 by the National Statistical Service of Georgia, in January-February 2023 compared to the corresponding period of the previous year the foreign trade of Georgia increased by 12.3% and amounted to 2.9 billion US dollars. In the same period, exports increased by 20.3% – to 914.7 million US …
Tags: Foreign Trade, Georgia, საქართველო
Ombudsman Addresses Violations against Protesters During March 7-9 Protest Rallies
On March 13 newly appointed Obmudsman Levan Ioseliani held the first press–conference addressing the events on March 7-9, when large rallies took place near Parliament building protesting against Russian type “foreign agents” Law. The Public Defender of Georgia emphasized that the freedom of peaceful assembly is protected by the Georgian Constitution and that isolated acts …
Tags: Attack on CSOs, Georgia, Levan Ioseliani, Ombudsman, Zurab Japaridze
CSOs Demand Full Investigation into the Disproportionate Use of Force During Recent Protest Rallies
Georgian civil society organizations issue a statement in which they demand the charges against the individuals detained during March 7-9 protests to be dropped. They note that although the detainees have been released, their release from administrative detention does not envisage the termination of the criminal proceedings, which are still ongoing. CSOs call on the …
Tags: Attack on CSOs, CSOs, Georgia, Law on Foreign Agents
12/03/2023 - 15:17
Watchdogs Stop Cooperating with Majority on Open Government
On March 10, key Georgian CSOs said they “no longer see the possibility of continuing the format of cooperation with the parliamentary majority” and suspended their membership in the Consultative Group of the Standing Council of Open Government. The Council was created to foster increased government openness and transparency. Key watchdogs Institute for Development of …
Tags: Attack on CSOs, Georgia, GYLA, IDFI, Open Government Partnership, Parliament of Georgia, Transparency International Georgia
11/03/2023 - 17:56
Kremlin Speaker Sees “Risk of Provocations” After Tbilisi Protests
On March 10, the Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov was quoted by the press agency Interfax as saying the developments in Georgia create “risks of provocations” in relation to Georgia’s two territories occupied by Russia. This follows the reports on March 9 of the phone consultation between the top diplomat of occupied Tskhinvali region Aleksey …
Tags: Dmitry Peskov, Georgia, Law on Foreign Agents, Occupied Territories, Sergey Lavrov
Sullivan Warns Zurabishvili against Aiding Russia to Evade Sanctions
The White House released an official readout of the March 10 meeting between National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan with President Salome Zourabichvili of Georgia. While endorsing “shared interest” in Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, Sullivan “underscored the need for Georgia to avoid becoming an avenue for evasion or backfill.” The key White House advisor also noted Zurabishvili’s …
Tags: Law on Foreign Agents, Salome Zurabishvili, The White House, US-Georgia relations
The Daily Beat: 10 March
Under the weight of the protests, the ruling Georgian Dream scrapped the law on transparency of foreign funding in the second reading. Notably, none of the 76 majority MPs that supported the bill on March 7 voted against it on March 10. The Speaker of the parliament also withdrew his request from the Council of …
Tags: Dmitry Peskov, Draft Law on Foreign Agents, European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Georgian Dream, Ministry of Economy of Russia, Russian Politicians' Reactions, Salome Zurabishvili, Sergey Lavrov
Moscow Reacts to the Protest Rallies in Tbilisi
Representatives of the Russian authorities and Kremlin propagandists are actively commenting on the events related to the protests in Tbilisi against the so-called “foreign agents”. Some of them declare that the bill initiated in the Parliament of Georgia, which the ruling party Georgian Dream has already withdrawn after 3 days of protests, has nothing to …
10/03/2023 - 18:41
President Zurabishvili Interviewed by Bloomberg
As part of her ongoing visit to the US, on March 9 President Zurabishvili gave an interview to Bloomberg. She spoke about events in Georgia and Georgia’s EU aspirations. Asked about the recent developments in relation to the controversial so-called foreign agent law, including the public protests, condemnation by Georgia’s partners and eventual rescinding of …
Tags: Bloomberg, Georgia, Law on Foreign Agents, President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili
ECHR Rules Russia Responsible for Violation of Human Rights by de-facto Abkhaz Authorities
The European Court of Human Rights has recently issued a ruling regarding the violation of the human rights of two Georgian men, Levan Mamasakhlisi and Grigol Nanava, in a case that dates back to their arrest and alleged ill-treatment by de-facto Abkhaz authorities in 2001 and 2003 respectively. The Court found that the men’s arrests …
Tags: Abkhazia, European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Georgia, Russia
MDF Report on Anti-Gender and Anti-LGBTQI Mobilization in Georgia
On March 7th, the Media Development Foundation (MDF), a media watchdog, released a report revealing 987 instances of discriminatory content related to gender and LGBTQI affiliation. The report found that most of the discriminatory content (64.6%) was homophobic. Contributors used desk research and media monitoring, including Facebook’s Crowdtangle tool, to analyze 10 traditional media outlets …
Tags: Gender discrimination, LGBTQ Rights, Media Development Foundation, Russian disinformation
Majority Drops the Bill on “Foreign Agents” in the Second Reading
Amid public protests, the ruling majority fulfilled its promise and failed the Russian-style bill on “Transparency of Foreign Funding”. In the second reading, 35 deputies voted against it. Only 1 was in favor. 115 deputies took part in today’s vote on the bill. Of those present, 79 did not participate in the vote at all. …
Quick Take | “Foreign Agents” Bill Down, but Ruling Party Rhetoric Not Out
On March 10, the ruling majority was forced to vote down the law “On Transparency of Foreign Funding” that it passed with the first reading only three days before, on March 7. Massive rallies that lasted for three days despite heavy-handed police crackdown forced this decision. The quick look at the voting record shows that …
Tags: Attack on CSOs, Georgian Dream, Law on Foreign Agents, Tbilisi protests
The Daily Beat: 9 March
After mass protests and violent clashes between the riot police and protestors, the ruling Georgian Dream party pledged to pull the bill from the legislative pipeline. In a morning statement, the ruling party said it would “unconditionally withdraw the bill we supported without any reservations” and thanked law enforcement officers for their “patience and professionalism.” …
Tags: Draft Law on Foreign Agents, Georgian Dream, Grigory Karasin, Inal Ardzinba, Kakhi Kaladze, Mamuka Mdinaradze, Ned Price, Salome Zurbaishvili, Zurab Japaridze
133 People Arrested on Administrative Charges in March 7-9 Rallies Released
133 people arrested on administrative charges during the March 7-9 rallies against the Russian-style “foreign agents” bill have been released. The Interior Ministry said that some of the detainees were released after trials, while others were released due to the expiration of their pre-trial detention. One person who was charged with assaulting a law enforcement …
Tags: საქართველო, შსს
09/03/2023 - 23:07
President Congratulates Citizens on Majority’s Decision to Withdraw “Foreign Agent” Bill
In her video address, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, who is visiting the United States, has welcomed the government’s “right decision” to withdraw the draft law on foreign agents from the Parliament and congratulated Georgian citizens on the “first victory.” “This decision was made taking into account the real power of the people, which was demonstrated …
Tags: სალომე ზურაბიშვილი, საქართველო
U.S. Embassy Calls on Georgian Dream to Officially Retract Foreign Agents Bills
The U.S. Embassy to Georgia has welcomed Georgian Dream’s decision to withdraw both draft laws on “foreign influence” and urged the ruling party to “officially retract” and “not pursue further this type of legislation, which is incompatible with Georgian and European values and the protection of fundamental freedoms.” “The Georgian people have, once again, spoken …
Tags: საქართველო
UPDATE: 134 Arrested in March 7-9 Rallies Against Foreign Agents Law
On March 7-9, 134 people were arrested during rallies against the Russian-style “foreign agents” bill supported by the ruling majority. 133 of them were charged with administrative offences or petty hooliganism and disobeying a law enforcement officer, and one was charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer, a charge that carries criminal liability. Detentions on …
Tags: Attack on CSOs, Georgia, MIA, საქართველო, შსს
Foreign Partners Cautiously Welcome the Majority Pledge to Withdraw Foreign Agent Bills
The announcement by Georgia’s ruling majority that it will withdraw its draft legislation on “foreign influence” has been welcomed by international interlocutors. Several high-ranking officials echoed the caution of the Georgian civil society leaders, saying that concrete legal steps must now follow that pledge. The EU Delegation Georgia welcomes the announcement by the ruling party …
Photo story: March 2023 protests rallies against the bills on “foreign agents” in Tbilisi
Protest rally near Parliament against the “Foreign Agents’ Law”, Tbilisi, March 8, Photo, Guram Muradov/Civil.ge Protest rally near Parliament against the “Foreign Agents’ Law”, Tbilisi, March 7-9, Photo, Guram Muradov/Civil.ge Protest rally near Parliament against the “Foreign Agents’ Law”, Tbilisi, March 7-9, Photo, Guram Muradov/Civil.ge At the parliament: protest against the draft law that would …
Tags: საქართველო
UPDATE: Majority Pledges to Withdraw the “Foreign Agent” Bill, But Questions Loom
A statement issued by the ruling majority on the morning of March 9 says “as a result of the internal consultations,” a decision has been taken to withdraw the draft foreign agents’ law from the Parliament. “We can see that the adopted bill has caused differences of opinion in society. The machine of lies managed …
President Zurabishvili Interview by CNN
President Salome Zurabishvili, who was visiting the United States to attend the event at the United Nations was interviewed by CNN. Asked about the ongoing protest and why would a country with European aspirations want to take the route towards authoritarianism, Zurabishvili noted that “it is clear that population does not want to take that …
Tags: Attack on CSOs, CNN, Georgia, President
Georgia’s Partners React to Recent Events in the Country
In light of the recent developments in Georgia, several high-ranking representatives of EU institutions, EU member states and UK Embassy in Georgia have expressed concern over the erosion of democracy in the country. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas expressed her distress over the footage of violence against peaceful protesters in Georgia. She highlighted that democracies …
Tags: Attack on CSOs, European Union (EU), Georgia, Law on Foreign Agents, UK Embassy
08/03/2023 - 23:04
Moscow, Sokhumi Say EU is Pressuring Georgia
Grigory Karasin, a former diplomat representing Russia in informal talks with Georgia, and the Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova both criticized European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, for his position concerning the situation in Georgia. Karasin accused Borrell of “crossing the limits of decency” and “putting pressure on Georgian citizens.” In response to …
Tags: Georgia, Joseph Borrell, Law on Foreign Agents, Russian disinformation
Tbilisi Lives the Night of Protest, Violence
Already tense discussions about the imminent passing of the draft law “On Transparency of Foreign Funding,” also known as the “foreign agent law,” have descended into scenes of violence as the ruling majority decided to ram the controversial changes through the parliament on March 7. The tensions were high from March 6, when the joint …
Tags: Attack on CSOs, Draft Law on Foreign Agents, Tbilisi protests
GD Kobakhidze Speaks “Spies Revolution,” Thanks Police
On March 8, the Chair of Georgian Dream, Irakli Kobakhidze, addressed yesterday’s events. He blamed the “radical opposition” and critical media for convincing a large part of the society “that the draft foreign agents’ law was Russian,” which stirred “sincere emotions.” He then claimed that the radical opposition tried to use these emotions for its …
Tags: Attack on CSOs, Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, Law on Foreign Agents
State Department: We Hold Tools at Our Purview to Hold Anyone Accountable
The U.S. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price held his regular briefing on March 7, where he fielded several questions concerning the law “On Transparency of Foreign Funding” that was passed in its first reading today by the Georgian parliament, as well as about the suppression of protest triggered by that decision. Below is our unofficial …
Tags: Attack on CSOs, Law on Foreign Agents, Ned Price, U.S. State Department
EUHR Borrell: Law Goes Against Georgia’s Stated Objective of Joining the EU
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell issued a statement in relation with the adoption of the law On Transparency of Foreign Funding in the first reading by the Georgian Parliament today: “On Tuesday, the Georgian Parliament adopted the new law on “transparency of foreign influence” in a first reading. This …
Irakli Kobakhidze Holds Briefing Amid Ongoing Protest in Tbilisi
At a press briefing held at the Georgian Dream party’s office, Chairman Irakli Kobakhidze made a statement in response to the US Embassy’s recent statement regarding the ongoing protests in Tbilisi. Kobakhidze stated, “Today is a dark day only for the radical opposition and the forces related to it”. 07/03/2023- US Embassy Raises Alarm over …
Tags: Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, Law on Foreign Agents, Tbilisi protests
President Zurabishvili: “I Stand by Your Side Today Because Today You Represent Free Georgia”
The Georgian President, who is currently on an official visit to the United States, addressed those protesting at the Parliament saying: “I stand by your side because today you represent free Georgia. Georgia that sees its future in Europe and will not give anyone the right to take away its future. No one has the …
Tags: Attack on CSOs, President
Law on “Transparency of Foreign Funding” Passes 76-13 in the First Reading
Despite the ongoing protests and opposition of a large part of society, as well as the calls of international partners, the Georgian Parliament, at its plenary session on March 7, passed a Russian-style bill “On Transparency of Foreign Influence” in the first reading by 76 votes in favor and 13 against. Below is the list …
Tags: Attack on CSOs, Georgia, Law on Foreign Agents, საქართველო, ქართული ოცნება
07/03/2023 - 20:19
Human Rights Groups Warn Georgia Against Russian-Style Bills Restricting Freedom of Expression and Association
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have called on Georgia’s parliament to reject the two Russian-style bills that are currently under debate. According to them, the bills are incompatible with international human rights law and standards that protect freedom of expression and association. They have urged Georgian Parliament to withdraw the bills and ensure that they …
Tags: Amnesty International, Georgia, Human Rights Watch, Law on Foreign Agents
Newly Appointed Public Defender of Georgia Speaks About the Protests
In a statement released today, Levan Ioseliani, the newly appointed Public Defender of Georgia, said the protesters’ freedom of assembly, protected by the Constitution, should be guaranteed. “It is mandatory to warn the participants of the protest in advance and give them a reasonable time to fulfill the legal requirements. The type and intensity of …
Tags: Georgia, Law on Foreign Agents, Levan Ioseliani, Tbilisi protests
US Embassy Raises Alarm over ‘Kremlin-Inspired’ Bills
The US Embassy in Georgia has released a statement condemning the recent actions of the Georgian Parliament, stating that it is a “dark day” for the country’s democracy. The Embassy further asserts that the the advancement by the Parliament of these “Kremlin-inspired” laws is at odds with the Georgian people’s desire for European integration and …
Tags: Attack on CSOs, Georgia, Law on Foreign Agents, US Embassy
PM: Georgia’s Future No Longer Belongs to Foreign Agents
“The future of our country does not belong and will no longer belong to foreign agents or servants of foreign countries. The future of our country and our people belongs to patriots,” Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, who is visiting Germany to attend the ITB Berlin 2023 tourism fair, told reporters on March 7 while …
Tags: Attack on CSOs, Georgia, Georgian Dream
PM Speaks of Occupation, Ukraine War, European Integration in Berlin
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili spoke about his country’s tourism potential, Russia’s occupation of Georgian territories, the war in Ukraine and European integration at the ITB Berlin 2023 tourism trade fair on March 6. This year, Georgia was the host country at the fair. Occupation and War in Ukraine PM Garibashvili spoke at length about …
Tags: garibashvili, Georgia, Prime Minister
Georgia Parliament Appoints Levan Ioseliani as Public Defender
Levan Ioseliani has been appointed as Georgia’s next Public Defender, with 96 MPs present at the session voting in favour of his candidacy. A minimum of 90 votes were required to secure the position. As part of the decision, the Chairman of the Parliament announced that Ioseliani’s powers as an MP will be terminated as …
Tags: Levan Ioseliani, Parliament of Georgia, Public Defender, Public Defender Election 2022
Debates on Draft Laws on Foreign Agents Began at the Parliament’s Plenary Session
Despite the opposition of a large part of the public and the calls from international partners to withdraw the majority-backed Russian-style bills on “foreign agents”, the parliamentary majority began their first reading at the plenary session on March 7. Yesterday, on March 6, Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Chair of the parliamentary faction “Georgian Dream”, announced that …
Tags: საქართველო, ქართული ოცნება
RSF Urges Georgia’s Parliament to Reject “Foreign Agents” Law
The Reporters Without Borders (RSF) call on Georgian MPs to reject the proposed Law on Foreign Agents expressing concern with growing authoritarianism in Georgia. The Head of the RSF Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk, Jeanne Cavelier, warns that a proposed draft laws on “foreign agents” poses a threat to freedom of press in Georgia. …
Tags: Attack on CSOs, Draft Law on Foreign Agents, Reporters Without Borders
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