Liveblog: Resistance | Activist Fined for Discharging Red Ink Into Water During June 20 Protest
2025 Vol. 3
Non-stop protests have been taking place across Georgia for 243 days since Georgian Dream announced it was halting the EU integration process. Since then, protesters have blocked Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue, where the parliament building is located, every day, while daily gatherings have also taken place in other major Georgian cities. Georgian Dream authorities, whose legitimacy is disputed after the contested October 26, 2024, parliamentary elections, have responded to the protests with force and repression.
The one-party parliament has introduced a series of repressive laws to crack down on dissent, independent media, and civil society. Dozens have been arrested and remain in jail on criminal charges, including protesters, opposition leaders, and journalist Mzia Amaglobeli. Key demands include the release of political prisoners, the resignation of the GD government, and the scheduling of new elections.
For earlier developments, refer to our previous:
Monday, July 28
15:30 – Activist Fined for Discharging Red Ink Into Water During June 20 Protest
Tbilisi City Hall has fined activist Tamar Kuratishvili 5,000 GEL [1,845 USD] under the Waste Management Code for allegedly discharging “hazardous waste” into a water source. The penalty stems from a June 20 incident in which Kuratishvili poured red ink into a fountain in front of the Parliament building during a protest. Kuratishvili said the substance was “red natural dye powder, which would not cause any harm even if used as food” further adding that she “will file a complaint in court in an hour (anyway).”
The action was part of a demonstration marking the anniversary of the June 20, 2019 protests, when Russian Duma Deputy Sergey Gavrilov took the chair of the Georgian parliament speaker’s during an interparliamentary assembly, sparking mass protests and a violent police crackdown on demonstrators. Activists dyed the fountain water red and unfurled a protest banner reading, “We remember what you did.”
Photo: Guram Muradov/Civil.ge
Sunday, July 27
21:00 – Culture Representatives March Against Authoritarianism
16:00 – Protests over Russian Military-Affiliated Fencers in Tbilisi
Activists gathered at Tbilisi’s new Sports Palace to protest the Georgia-hosted World Fencing Championship featuring several Russian athletes with Russian military ranks. Protesters were seen burning a Russian flag on the site. Read more about the Fencing Championship controversy here.
Friday, July 25
14:50 – Another Activist Put into Administrative Detention Over Alleged Verbal Abuse
Judge Aleksandre Goguadze of the Batumi City Court put activist Levan Khorava into 20 days of administrative detention for for allegedly swearing at a Ministry of Internal Affairs representative, Tea Laghadze, following the May 27 court hearing that saw student Luka Natsvlishvili detained. Khorava is charged under Part 3 of Article 173 of the Administrative Offenses Code, which pertains to insulting public officials.
14:40 – Student Arrested Near Rustaveli Metro Without Explanation
Ilia State University student Guja Tabatadze was reportedly arrested near Rustaveli Metro Station without any official explanation. The reason and exact location of his arrest remain unclear.
Thursday, July 24
11:45 – Prosecution Softens Charges Against Saba Skhvitaridze
Saba Skhvitaridze, an activist and member of the opposition party Ahali, remains in pre-trial detention despite the prosecution softening his charges. Skhvitaridze was charged with the attack against a police which caused health damage, carrying a jail penalty of 7-11 years, which today was reclassified to “intentional minor bodily harm,” a charge punishable by a fine, correctional labor, house arrest, or imprisonment for a term of one to three years.
The initial charge stemmed from a confrontation on the evening of December 4, 2024, during a pro-EU protest near the Marriott Hotel in Tbilisi. During the confrontation, one protester was slapped in the face by a man believed to be a thug, the so-called “Titushka,” with the incident allegedly leading Skhvitaridze to hit the man back. The man, who wore no police insignia, was later identified as police officer Mirian Kavtaradze.
Prosecutors admitted today that Skhvitaridze could not identify the individual as a police officer. While the defense argued that reclassification warranted his release, Judge Jvebe Nachkebia ruled to keep him in custody. Skhvitaridze earlier reported inhuman treatment by police upon his detention, including beating and rape threats. The next court hearing is scheduled for August 26.
Tuesday, July 22
17:00 – Russian Activists Jailed in Georgia Launch Hunger Strike
Two Russian citizens, Anton Chechin and Artem Gribul, have gone on a hunger strike in protest. Both have been charged under Georgia’s criminal code for the acquisition and possession of particularly large quantities of drugs—offenses that carry sentences ranging from eight to 20 years or even life imprisonment. However, the activists deny the charges, claiming that the drugs were planted by police and linking their detention to their involvement in Georgian protests. Prior to their arrest, Chechin and Gribul had actively participated in demonstrations against Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia.
In a letter written before beginning his hunger strike, Gribul outlined three demands: that media be granted access to court hearings; that the prosecution launch an investigation into their complaints against police officers; and that the condition of his partner, Anastasia Zinovkina—who was arrested alongside him on the same charges—be improved by providing proper food, adequate medical care, and transferring her to a well-lit, clean, and spacious cell.
10:00 – Helsinki Commission: GD Cracks Down on Press to Hide Corruption
Saturday, July 19
20:00 – March Against Local Elections Kicks Off
A march organized by political parties boycotting the upcoming local elections, scheduled for October 4, began at Tbilisi State University’s first building in Vake, moving toward Rustaveli Avenue near Parliament. The participants call for non-participation in what they describe as the “Russian elections.”
Friday, July 18
10:40 – Another Detainee Sentenced to 4.5 Years in Jail
Anzor (Anri) Kvaratskhelia, a 26-year-old protester detained early in December, was sentenced to four years and six months in jail as the Tbilisi City Court found him guilty of throwing a “Molotov cocktail” towards riot police in the early days of ongoing protests, an allegation the defense denies.
Thursday, July 17
15:25 – Tbilisi City Court Fines Activist 3000 GEL
Tbilisi City Court Judge Koba Chagunava fined activist Tamar Gvilia 3,000 lari [1107 USD] for a March 21 protest on Rustaveli Avenue, where she and two others were detained after placing chairs in front of Parliament. One of the others, Tatia Apriamashvili, was also fined on Wednesday.
Wednesday, July 16
21:00 – Detained Activist’ s Health Worsens as Lawyers Urge Immediate Hospitalization
The health of Nino Datashvili, an activist and teacher held in pretrial detention since June 21 on charges of assaulting a bailiff, is worsening, her lawyers say, urging her immediate transfer to a city hospital for a comprehensive medical examination. Despite two formal requests to the Penitentiary Service—including appeals for an orthopedic mattress, medical belt, and proper table—none have been granted. Her defense notes that the prosecutor’s office, the court, and the Public Defender have all been informed of her deteriorating condition.
13:35 – Tbilisi City Court Fines Activist 4000 GEL
Tbilisi City Court Judge Koba Chagunava has fined activist Tatia Apriamashvili 4,000 GEL [1,478 USD] for a March 21 protest on Rustaveli Avenue, where she and two others were detained after placing chairs in front of the Parliament. Earlier, on May 31, Apriamashvili was sentenced to 12 days of administrative detention for allegedly insulting Georgian Dream MP Mariam Lashkhi.
Tuesday, July 15
15:30 – Press Freedom Groups Decry Trial of Mzia Amaghlobeli, Call for Her Immediate Release
Representatives of international media watchdogs who attended the July 14 court hearing of Mzia Amaghlobeli, director of Batumelebi/Netgazeti, condemned the case as politically motivated and called for her immediate release. Gypsy Guillén Kaiser, Chief Global Affairs Officer at the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), described the trial as being “shrouded in a shocking smear campaign to destroy her credibility, personally and as a journalist.” Amy Brouillette, Director of Advocacy at the International Press Institute (IPI), echoed this sentiment, stating that the charges are “entirely disproportionate” and should be dropped.
Monday, July 14
12:50 – International Media Watchdogs Attend Mzia Amaghlobeli’s Trial
Representatives from international media watchdogs, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders, and the International Press Institute, are attending the court hearing of Mzia Amaghlobeli, director of Batumelebi/Netgazeti. Amaghlobeli has been charged under the Georgian Criminal Code for allegedly assaulting a police officer. If convicted, she could face a prison sentence of four to seven years.
Saturday, July 12
20:00 – Protest Held in Zugdidi Demanding Release of Jailed Protesters
A protest march is being held in the western Georgian town of Zugdidi, the hometown of 19-year-old Saba Jikia, who was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for “assaulting” police. Protesters are demanding the release of Jikia and others detained during the ongoing resistance.
13:40 – Zurab Japaridze’s Mother Dies, Fourth Such Case in Opposition, Protest-Related Jailings
The mother of Zurab Japaridze, the leader of the opposition Girchi–More Freedom party and one of those jailed for defying the controversial Tsulukiani Commission, has died. This is the fourth case in which a parent of a detained person whose imprisonment is widely seen as politically motivated has passed away.
Onise Tskhadadze, who is facing four to six years in prison for alleged group violence against police during protests, lost his father on June 26. Guram Mirtskhulava, who is facing similar charges, lost his father on January 4. Another detained protester, Giorgi Akhobadze, who is facing eight to 20 years or life in prison on drug-related charges that critics claim were fabricated, lost his mother on January 14.
Friday, July 11
Amnesty International Criticizes Georgia Over Fair Trial Concerns in Sentencing of Teen Protester
Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Denis Krivosheev, reacted to the sentencing of 19-year-old protester Saba Jikia to four and a half years in prison, saying his trial “was marred by fair trial concerns and a failure to apply youth justice procedures,” noting that Georgian law provides for such procedures for defendants aged 18 to 21.
“There is a wider pattern of protesters being dealt lengthy jail sentences following unfair trials,” the international watchdog said, while noting that no police officer has been held accountable for widespread ill-treatment of protesters during their arrests and allegations of torture in custody. “This selective approach to justice is of deep concern,” the organization added, stressing, “Georgian authorities must immediately end this impunity and injustice.”
Thursday, July 10
13:47 – March Leader Says Police Requested Drug Test
Tako Kheladze, known for leading marches with protest chants from the Public Broadcaster building to Rustaveli Avenue, said police had asked her to take a drug test.
The Interior Ministry said yesterday that 314 people had been tested for drugs over the past week, rejecting claims that only protest participants or opposition politicians had been targeted.
12:00 – 19-Year-Old Protester Saba Jikia Sentenced to 4.5 Years in Jail
Saba Jikia, a 19-year-old protester detained during the early weeks of ongoing protests, was sentenced to four years and six months in prison on charges of assaulting a police officer.
Wednesday, July 9
18:25 – Opposition Coalition For Change’s Member Detained
Dimitri Bidzinashvili, a member of the opposition Coalition for Change, was detained under Article 166 of Georgia’s Administrative Code, which covers petty hooliganism, following a courtroom incident in Tbilisi. According to Bidzinashvili, court bailiffs held him in a room for more than three hours without clarifying whether he had been formally detained. The incident stemmed from an verbal altercation between Bidzinashvili and a court bailiff after he attempted to attend the hearing of activist Saba Skhvitaridze. In a Facebook post made after hours of uncertainty, Bidzinashvili called the situation unlawful and added, “Don’t forget, this happens in ‘court.’”
16:00 – Activist Jailed for Five Days Over Facebook Comment
Zugdidi District Court Judge Irakli Abshilava sentenced activist Rosto Zarandia to five days of administrative detention over a comment he posted on Facebook that allegedly insulted Magdalina Todua, an employee of Zugdidi City Hall, who filed the complaint. Dozens of citizens, including journalists, opposition politicians, activists, have been fined for “insulting” Georgian Dream MPs in social media.
Tuesday, July 8
15:10 – Court Fines Activist GEL 30,000 for Blocking Roads at Six Rallies
Tbilisi City Court Judge Koba Chagunava has fined activist Nino Kalandia GEL 30,000 (around USD 11,100) for blocking roads during pro-EU protests on six separate occasions, with a GEL 5,000 fine on each. The penalty appears to deviate from standard judicial practice, as Georgian courts typically do not apply cumulative punishment principles when reviewing multiple administrative offenses on similar charges.
12:45 – Opposition Leader Elene Khoshtaria Fined
Tbilisi City Court Judge Nino Enukidze fined Elene Khoshtaria, leader of the opposition Coalition for Change, 5,000 GEL [1845 USD] for allegedly calling a police officer a “slave” during the detention of fellow opposition leader Giorgi Vashadze at the Strategy Aghmashenebeli office.
12:20 – Activist Albi Kordzaia Faces Second Administrative Detention
Batumi City Court sentenced activist Albi Kordzaia to five days in administrative detention for “insulting” police officer Bidzina Zhamerashvili. The case stems from a video that Kordzaia released on June 28, in which she confronts Zhamerashvili, one of the officers listed as a victim in the case against the jailed activist Mate Devidze in Batumi. In the video, Kordzaia calls Zhamerashvili “shameless” and “disgraceful”. This is Kordzaia’s second detention in recent weeks. On 4 June, she was sentenced to ten days of administrative detention for allegedly insulting GD MP Tea Tsulukiani. This incident occurred during a protest on April 12 outside Tsulukiani’s home, following her controversial remarks about 2008 war hero Giorgi Antsukhelidze that sparked protests.
Sunday, July 6
23:30 – Protesters Say Thug Attacked Them with Stun Gun
A thug allegedly assaulted several demonstrators with a stun gun. The suspect reportedly verbally assaulted the protesters before injuring some of them with the device. According to Publika, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has launched an investigation under Article 126 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to violence.
19:00 – Musician Vano Tarkhnishvili Says He Was Physically Attacked
Musician and actor Vano Tarkhnishvili was physically attacked near his home. He shared the footage showing bruising around his eye and nose. Tarkhnishvili said the assault may be linked to an anti-Georgian Dream chant he performed at a Tbilisi pub in January.
16:00 – Rustavi Protest March Held in Support of Jailed Activist Giorgi Mindadze
A Protest march was held in Rustavi in support of Giorgi Mindadze, who was arrested in November at a pro-Western rally and whose birthday is today. On July 3, Judge Nino Galustashvili sentenced Mindadze to five years in prison on charges of assaulting a police officer. Participants marched under the slogan “Freedom to Giorgi Mindadze! Freedom to the regime’s prisoners.” Read more about Mindadze’s case here.
Saturday, July 5
22:00 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked to Traffic
For the 220th day in a row, pro-European Union demonstrators gathered on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, blocking traffic near the Parliament building.
Friday, July 4
12:00 – Alumni of LSE and LBS Condemn Arrests of Activists, Opposition Leaders
43 graduates of the London School of Economics and Political Science and the London Business School have issued a statement strongly condemning the arrests of civil activists and opposition leaders in Georgia, including Badri Japaridze, an alumnus of the London School of Economics.
“The persecution of political opponents and independent voices — the existence of prisoners of conscience in our country — directly threatens the future of our homeland, as well as the freedom and well-being of every citizen of Georgia,” the statement reads. “Our solidarity with the opposition leaders and with all prisoners of conscience who have been imprisoned for their views is unwavering. We demand the immediate release of all prisoners of conscience and those persecuted for truth.”
Thursday, July 3
15:40 – Tensions Flare at Tbilisi City Court, Activist Suffers Broken Nose
A physical altercation broke out at Tbilisi City Court as the trial of 21-year-old activist Giorgi Mindadze, charged with assaulting police officers, was about to begin. Tensions escalated when citizens and his family expressed dissatisfaction over the courtroom’s limited capacity. As frustrations grew, court bailiffs began forcefully removing people from the premises, resulting in one activist sustaining a broken nose.
14:00 – Activist’s Bank Account and Property Seized After Failing to Pay Fine for Alleged Insult
Activist Mariam Mamukashvili’s bank accounts and apartment have been seized due to her failure to pay a fine issued on May 30, when she was ordered to pay 4,000 GEL [1470 USD] for allegedly “insulting” Georgian Dream MP Mariam Lashkhi. In similar cases involving alleged insults toward Lashkhi, activists Lika Lortkipanidze and Tatia Apriamashvili have been placed in detention.
Wednesday, July 2
13:40 – Paata Burchuladze Says Police Informed Him of 34 Protest Fines During Appeal Visit
Paata Burchuladze, a famous opera singer, reported in a Facebook post that, during a visit to the Interior Ministry to appeal his ninth fine for allegedly blocking the road, he was informed that a total of 34 fines had been issued against him.
Tuesday, July 1
21:00 – Amnesty International Launches Global Campaign for Georgian Protesters’ Justice
Amnesty International has launched a global campaign urging the Georgian Dream government to hold accountable those responsible for the violent crackdown on protesters during the November–December 2024 demonstrations. “Amnesty International’s campaign will in particular focus on the cases of specific protesters, including Saba Skhvitaridze and Mzia Amaghlobeli, who have been subjected to torture and ill-treatment, unfair justice and imprisonment for exercising their right to protest,” says the watchdog. Amnesty calls on Georgia’s prosecutor general to conduct a prompt, independent investigation and ensure justice and full reparation for all victims.
13:30 – Benjamin Haddad Warns of Georgia’s Authoritarian Drift
French Minister for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad expressed serious concerns over Georgia’s political trajectory in a recent post on X, calling the “authoritarian drifts of the Georgian Dream” unacceptable. He highlighted his participation in a coordination meeting initiated by British MP Stephen Doughty to discuss the situation. According to Haddad, the current course taken by Georgia’s ruling party directly contradicts the pro-European aspirations of the Georgian people, stressing that Europe “will not remain unresponsive.”
Monday, June 30
13:45 – Tsulukiani Commission Seeks New Probe as Opposition Leaders Defy Summons Again
Tsulukiani Commission asks Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office to launch investigations into opposition figures Nika Gvaramia, Mamuka Khazaradze, and Giorgi Vashadze for again refusing to comply of its resummon. All three opposition leaders have already been sentenced to prison for defying the commission’s earlier summonses.
12:45 – GD PM Kobakhidze Confirms He Needed Visa to Travel to Europe
Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze confirmed he had to obtain a visa to travel to Europe, following the EU’s January decision to suspend visa-free access for Georgian diplomatic passport holders.
“We simply obtain visas. I traveled with a visa to one of the countries,” Kobakhidze told reporters on June 30, without specifying which country, though his recent trips included Hungary, Albania, and Italy.
12:00 – Police Officer Files Complaint Against Activist Albi Kordzaia Over “Insult”
Activist Albi Kordzaia says police officer Bidzina Zhamerashvili has filed a complaint against her, alleging “insult.” On June 28, Kordzaia released a video showing her confronting Zhamerashvili, one of the officers listed as a victim in the case of activist Mate Devidze. In the footage, Kordzaia shouts at Zhamerashvili, “The boys are in prison and you’re resting in Batumi?” and calls him “shameless” and “disgraceful.” Zhamerashvili is heard replying, “I received a big bonus.” Devidze, 21, was sentenced to four years and six months in prison on June 12 by Tbilisi City Court Judge Nino Galustashvili. He was arrested during the November 19 protest and convicted of hitting three police officers, Levan Kodelashvili, Giorgi Estatishvili, and Bidzina Zhamerashvili, with a stick.
11:40 – Court of Appeals Upholds Orders Allowing Inspections of CSOs
The Tbilisi Court of Appeals upheld orders allowing the Anti-Corruption Bureau to request extensive data from civil society organizations, including sensitive information about their beneficiaries. Despite the ruling rejecting their appeals, the targeted CSOs vow not to hand over the requested information.
The organizations targeted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau include ISFED, a leading election monitor; the Social Justice Center and the Media Development Foundation; and five other groups.
Sunday June 29
21:15 “Unity is our plan”, Zurabishvili tells gathered protesters
“The regime is not winning, and this is apparent by you still standing here. Our response to their actions can only be one – unity. There is no other answer,” Salome Zurabishvili told hundreds of protesters on Rustaveli Avenue. She said the regime is “collapsing” as evidenced by internal struggles and corruption trials, arguing “it is clear to us that this is the last stage of a classical dictatorial regime.” Zurabishvili has led the coordinating effort of the opposition, which has been under strain of late due to disagreement on whether to contest or boycott the local elections. Khazaradze’s Lelo and Gakharia’s For Georgia were leaning towards participation, although after the recent arrests of the opposition leaders, including Khazaradze, the opposition’s plans again seem uncertain.
18:41 Citizens gather for a protest rally – 214th day running
“Stand up, Georgia!” – On day 214 of non-stop #GeorgiaProtests, crowds gather to mark their resistance to the respressive policies of the Georgian Dream.
19:00 Gakharia is staying out of the country – Party colleague
Giorgi Gakharia, chairman of the For Georgia party, is staying out of the country – so far. “A decision on when Giorgi Gakharia will be returning to Georgia is, of course, not taken yet, due to many factors,” Zaza Tavadze told TV Pirveli. Gakharia, the former GD Prime Minister, is one of the rare opposition politicians who agreed to be interviewed by the Tsulukiani Commission. On the second summons, he reported being outside Georgia, but expressed his readiness to speak via video link. He later posted on social media, attending the SPD congress in Berlin. Five opposition leaders were sentenced to prison terms for refusing to attend the Tsulukiani commission, and three more persons are in custody, pending trial.
17:18 – Khoshtaria ready to stop hunger strike if opposition agrees on boycott
Elene Khostaria told the news agency IPN that she’d end the hunger strike if the opposition agrees to boycott the municipal elections, slated for October 2025. Khoshtaria, who chose this radical form of protest on Friday, told the journalist, “If we agree in principle on non-cooperation, non-accommodation, non-recognition [of the Georgian Dream government], then, of course, with all my energy I will join the battle, which I believe in.”
Letters from prisoners hit the market stalls
Activists and family members of Georgians detained during the protests distributed special newsletters at Lilo Mall, the largest marketplace in Tbilisi. The newsletters explain the circumstances of detention and also contain letters from prisoners. Photo: Nino Saghiridze/Civil.ge
Saturday, June 28
11:15 – Gedevan Popkhadze Joins Elene Khoshtaria in Hunger Strike
Coalition for Change member Gedevan Popkhadze, a former Georgian Dream MP (2012–2019), has joined Elene Khoshtaria in a hunger strike. “Either death or victory — this is our attitude towards the regime,” Popkhadze told reporters on Rustaveli Avenue.
Friday, June 27
21:00 – Elene Khoshtaria Goes On Hunger Strike as “New Form of Struggle”
Elene Khoshtaria, leader of the opposition Droa party, announces a “firm decision” to go on a hunger strike as a “new form” of battle. Calling it a “victory-oriented battle”, she vows to stay on Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue. Read More Here.
20:15 – Day 212: Rustaveli Ave. Blocked to Traffic
For the 212th day in a row, pro-EU demonstrators gathered on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, blocking traffic near the parliament.
18:30 – Court of Appeals Upholds Pre-Trial Detention of Activist Nino Datashvili
The Court of Appeals has upheld Tbilisi City Court’s decision to impose pre-trial detention on activist and teacher Nino Datashvili. She was arrested on June 20, nine days after the Interior Ministry launched a criminal investigation accusing her of assaulting the court’s bailiff. If convicted, Datashvili faces four to seven years in prison. Read more about the case here.
17:00 – Supporters of the Detained Protesters Rally Near Georgian Public Broadcaster
Family members and supporters of individuals detained during pro-EU protests rallied outside the new headquarter of the Georgian Public Broadcaster, demanding live coverage of the detainees’ court hearings. Protesters held a banner that read, “People deserve an independent public broadcaster.” Since the beginning of the pro-EU demonstrations, the GPB has become the focal point of nightly rallies. Each evening, demonstrators march from the broadcaster’s former building to Rustaveli Avenue, denouncing its alleged pro-government bias and demanding impartial reporting.
14:19 – Nika Melia Sentenced to Eight Months for Defying Tsulukiani Commission
Nika Melia, leader of the opposition Ahali party, has become the sixth person sentenced to months in prison for refusing to appear before the Tsulukiani Commission – the Georgian Dream parliament’s temporary body probing alleged crimes by former officials. Read more in the news.
12:07 – Givi Targamadze Sentenced to Seven Months in Prison for Defying Tsulukiani’s Commission
Ex-UNM lawmaker Givi Targamadze has become the fifth person sentenced to months in prison for refusing to appear before the Tsulukiani Commission – the Georgian Dream parliament’s temporary body officially tasked with probing alleged crimes by former officials. Targamadze joins opposition politicians, Zurab Japaridze, Mamuka Khazaradze, Badri Japaridze, and Giorgi Vashadze. Others, including Nika Melia, Nika Gvaramia, and Irakli Okruashvili, currently in pretrial detention, await similar verdicts. All have rejected the commission’s summonses, refusing to recognize the one-party parliament as legitimate. Everyone sentenced so far has also been barred from holding public office for two years.
Thursday, June 26
17:10 – GD Adopts Amendments on Defamation
The Georgian Dream parliament has adopted, without dissent and through an accelerated procedure, amendments on defamation. Critics say the changes will further suppress freedom of expression and the media in the country. Read our article on the changes.
14:00 – ECtHR Begins Substantive Review of Journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli’s Complaint
The European Court of Human Rights has begun reviewing the merits of the case of detained journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, the head of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), which represents her, said at the briefing. GYLA Chair Nona Kurdovanidze emphasized that the Court’s decision to move to this stage came “in a very short time,” two months after the case was brought into the court, and noted that the case may become an Impact Case — one that could significantly influence or change human rights law.
GYLA’s appeal to the ECtHR alleges violations of multiple provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights, including the rights to liberty, a fair trial, privacy, freedom of expression, an effective remedy, and prohibitions on the misuse of restrictions on rights. The journalist has been held in pre-trial detention for more than six months and faces four to seven years in prison on charges of assaulting a police officer for slapping Batumi’s police chief.
12:40 – U.S. Senators Condemn Anti-Corruption Bureau’s Inspection of Georgian CSOs
U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Roger Wicker have condemned the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s inspection requests targeting Georgian civil society groups. “The scope of the information requested from civil society is likely illegal, but also so vast that it will certainly lead to non-compliance,” the Senators say in a joint statement.
They add that “GD’s actions, understood to be directed by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, aim to paralyze the important work of groups,” including the eight targeted. “Simply put, democratic governments should not view organizations supporting independent media, combatting Kremlin propaganda, fighting corruption, or supporting women and youth to be threats,” the Senators say, voicing support for the bipartisan MEGOBARI Act, “as soon as the Senate calendar will allow.”
Wednesday, June 25
18:30 – Poet Zviad Ratiani Placed in Pretrial Detention Over Alleged Assault on Police
Tbilisi City Court sent the poet Zviad Ratiani in pretrial detention, who is accused of assaulting a police officer. Pro-government Rustavi 2 released footage from June 23 that allegedly shows Ratiani slapping an officer in the face. Three policemen are then seen dragging him towards a patrol vehicle. However, the video was released without audio, leaving the circumstances leading to the incident unclear. Read more here.
17:30 – UNM’s Khabeishvili Fined for Facebook Post
Tbilisi City Court Judge Manuchar Tsatsua has fined Levan Khabeishvili, a leader of the opposition United National Movement (UNM), 4,000 GEL [ 1,470 USD] for a Facebook post directed at Tea Tsulukiani, chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party’s parliamentary investigative commission probing alleged crimes committed by former UNM officials. In addition to the fine, the court also stripped Khabeishvili of the right to bear arms for three years. He is among dozens of opposition politicians, journalists, and activists who have recently been fined for allegedly insulting Georgian Dream MPs on social media.
17:00 – Tbilisi City Court Fines Opposition Leader Elene Khoshtaria 5,000 GEL
Tbilisi City Court Judge Zviad Tsekvava fined opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria 5,000 GEL [1838 USD] under administrative charges of petty hooliganism (Article 166) and disobedience of a lawful police order (Article 173). Prosecutors demanded detention. The decision was announced in her absence, as neither Khoshtaria nor her defense attended the hearing. The charges stem from a March 28 protest near Parliament, during which Khoshtaria was detained. According to Khoshtaria, she was subjected to degrading treatment while in custody, including being handcuffed and forcibly stripped naked by several female police officers.
Tuesday, June 24
17:00 – Citizen Fined Over Comment in Facebook Post
Tbilisi City Court fined citizen Diana Gogoladze 2,500 GEL (about USD 920) over a Facebook comment directed at a police officer, which the court deemed an “insult.” Dozens of citizens, including journalists, opposition politicians, activists, have been fined for “insulting” Georgian Dream MPs in social media.
15:00 – CSOs Issue Joint Statement on Arrests of Political Leaders
In a joint statement, up to 40 Georgian NGOs said the arrest of opposition leaders indicates that the ruling Georgian Dream party has chosen “the path of authoritarianism.” They claim that over 60 individuals are now “prisoners of conscience,” and that courts, the prosecutor’s office, and other state institutions have been turned into the GD’s “political tools.”
“Bidzina Ivanishvili has chosen to maintain power through dictatorship,” the organizations said, calling for a “firm and united response to repression” and urging citizens to continue resisting. “Georgia will not become Russia!” the statement reads.
13:57 – MEP Sánchez Amor Reacts to Arrest of Georgian Opposition Figures
12:13 – MEP Juknevičienė Urges EU Council “Adopt Sanctions Against the Regime”
11:14 – Estonian MP Mihkleson Reacts to Arrests of Opposition Leaders
01:08 – UK’s Minister for Europe Calls GD to “Free All Political Prisoners”
The sentencing of prominent opposition figures in Georgia for boycotting a parliamentary session is a blatant move to block election rivals. Georgian Dream must end its silencing of dissent and free all political prisoners.
Monday, June 23
22:25 -Rep. Joe Wilson Reacts to Arrests of Opposition Politicians
22:00 – Day 208: Rustaveli Ave. Blocked to Traffic, Poet Zviad Ratiani Arrested
For the 208th day in a row, pro-EU demonstrators gathered on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, blocking traffic near the parliament. Police arrested poet Zviad Ratiani during the protest. Videos from the scene show him being taken into a police car by several officers. When asked by protesters, one of the officers said Ratiani “approached a police officer and hit him without reason.”
18:00 – Three Opposition Politicians Sentenced to Months in Prison
Zurab Japaridze of Girchi–More Freedom, who had been in detention for a month, was sentenced to seven months in prison, while Lelo leaders Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, previously free on bail, were each sentenced to eight months – all three for defying the Georgian Dream parliamentary investigative commission probing alleged crimes by the former UNM government and other officials.
00:01 – Reports of Two Hospitalized as Car Runs Into Protesters
Two protesters were reportedly hospitalized after a car struck demonstrators late on June 22 in Tbilisi in what appeared to be a deliberate act by the driver during a crosswalk protest — a routine form of demonstration where participants repeatedly cross the street to disrupt traffic. Police were at the scene, though there are no reports about arrests yet.
Saturday, June 21
21:00 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked on Day 206
Protesters again blocked Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue at the parliament as they gathered for a daily rally on Day 206 of non-stop Georgian protests.
16:00 – Nino Datashvili Remanded in Custody
On June 21, Tbilisi City Court Judge Eka Barbakadze sent activist and teacher Nino Datashvili to pretrial detention following charges filed by the Interior Ministry accusing her of assaulting a bailiff. Datashvili was arrested on June 20, nine days after the Interior Ministry launched a criminal probe on charges of assaulting a public servant, saying the activist “did not comply with the bailiff officers and physically assaulted one of them.” She faces four to seven years in prison if convicted. Read more here.
Friday, June 20
21:00 – Georgian protesters mark sixth anniversary of Gavrilov’s Night
Day 205 of the non-stop Georgian resistance coincided with the sixth anniversary of “Gavrilov’s Night,” when a violent dispersal of an anti-Russia rally on June 20, 2019, left many injured, including protesters and journalists.
To mark the date, Georgian protesters held various performances. They poured red paint into the Parliament fountain, turning the water the color of blood, wore red eye-patches in solidarity with those who lost an eye during the dispersal, while a group of activists showed up again in Guy Fawkes masks. They chanted “Revolution” and made a fire in the shape of the letter V, referencing a popular resistance-themed movie.
17:45 – Court Fines Anti-Occupation Activist Davit Katsarava
Tbilisi City Court fined Davit Katsarava, the leader of the anti-occupation movement Strength is in Unity, 4,000 GEL and imposed a three-year ban on carrying firearms for a Facebook post that “insulted” Tea Tsulukiani, Georgian Dream MP and chair of the investigative commission that probes alleged crimes of the UNM-era. In the March 28 post, Katsarava called Tsulukiani and the commission the “pro-Russian slaves” who are prosecuting those who defended Georgia during the August 2008 war, referring to the summoning of General Mamuka Kurashvili.
13:40 – Activist Nino Datashvili Detained
Police detained activist Nino Datashvili on charges of allegedly assaulting a civil servant during a June 9 incident at Tbilisi City Court, where she was forcibly removed by bailiffs while attempting to attend a hearing for detained protesters. If convicted, she faces four to seven years in prison. Read more on the case here.
12:00 – Diplomat Says She Was Fired from MFA
Mariam Maisaia, one of the diplomat of Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, says she has been dismissed from her position. Maisaia considers the dismissal a punishment for publicly expressing her Georgian Dream critical stance. She had been serving at Georgia’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, Switzerland.
Thursday, June 19
23:54 – Sen. Risch: GD Government Takes Country Closer to “One-party Totalitarian State”
22:00 – Rustaveli Ave. Blocked to Traffic
For the 204th day in a row, pro-EU demonstrators gathered on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, blocking traffic near the parliament.
17:53 – Rep. Wilson: “Anti-American” GD leader Ivanishvili “Perverted” Anti-corruption bureau to Crack Down on Civil Society
15:00 – March in Solidarity with Media Amid Pending ComCom Review
Media representatives and other protesters march towards the Communication Commission (ComCom), the state media regulator, which is about to review the Georgian Dream complaint against critical broadcasters over using terms that challenge the GD government’s legitimacy. Read more about the complaint here.
11:30 – Elene Khoshtaria Fined Over Facebook Post
Elene Khoshtaria, leader of the Droa party, was fined 4,000 GEL by Tbilisi City Court judge Davit Tetradze for a Facebook post that the court deemed an “assault” on a Georgian Dream MP. The post concerned Mamuka Mdinaradze, the GD parliamentary majority leader. She was also stripped of her right to carry a firearm for three years. Khoshtaria, unfazed, says she has no intention of paying the fine.
Wednesday, June 18
21:00 – Rustaveli Ave. Blocked to Traffic
On the 203rd consecutive day of pro-EU protests, demonstrators gathered on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, blocking the road near the Parliament building.
Tuesday, June 17
21:00 – Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue Again Blocked to Traffic
Protesters again gathered at the parliament on Day 202 of non-stop protests for an evening rally, blocking Tbilisi’s main avenue to traffic.
16:00 – Formula TV Journalist Fined
Opposition-leaning Formula TV journalist Anamaria Gelitashvili has been fined 5,000 GEL for blocking the road on Rustaveli Avenue while allegedly performing her professional duties.
15:00 – IPI Calls on EU to Act Against GD’s Pressure on Independent Media
International Press Institute, along with several media organizations, has called on the EU to exert pressure on the Georgian Dream government “to end the suppression of independent journalism and to uphold democratic principles and media freedom.” The organization cited the recent adoption of repressive laws, including the FARA, the Law on Grants, and amendments to the Law on Broadcasting, arguing that “Independent media in Georgia may only have months left before they are forced to close, depriving the public of independent news.”
The group also assessed the recent complaints filed by authorities against opposition-leaning broadcasters Formula TV and TV Pirveli with the Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC), as an attempt “to impose strict censorship and silence independent media.”
“This dismantling of media freedom, democratic freedoms, and journalists’ rights in Georgia, amid rising authoritarianism and a shift in Georgia’s geopolitical direction, has wider implications for democracy in the region,” the statement read. “We call on the Georgian Dream ruling party to end its assault on the media, repeal repressive legislation, and immediately release Mzia Amaglobeli.”
14:05 – Two Opposition Figures Summoned Again by GD Commission
Mamuka Khazaradze, Lelo party leader, has been summoned once again by the GD parliamentary commission investigating alleged crimes committed under the previous UNM government. This time, Khazaradze is being called in for questioning over what the commission describes as the “actions detrimental to Georgia’s foreign policy objectives during 2012-2025.” Khazaradze and fellow Lelo leader Badri Japaridze were first summoned on March 25 in connection with alleged business racketeering. Neither appeared before the commission.
Giorgi Gakharia, former prime minister and current leader of the opposition For Georgia party, has also been summoned by the commission for a second time.