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Security Staff Blocks Arrest of South Korean President
Early on January 3, South Korean investigators attempted to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol. Yoon is under investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) for insurrection after declaring martial law on December 3, which triggered a political crisis. The Presidential Security Service (PSS) blocked investigators, citing the presence of military secrets, and…
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Georgia: Reports of Systematic Abuse and Torture Against Protesters
Ongoing protests in Georgia over EU membership have led NGOs to allege torture from authorities. CREDIT: Tbel Abuseridze.Multiple human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA, leading Georgian human rights advocacy), have reported allegations of excessive force and ill-treatment of protesters by Georgian police and security forces between November 28 and December 20, 2024. The incidents occurred during protests in Tbilisi, sparked by the ruling…
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Abkhazian MP Opens Fire in Parliament, One Dead, Another Injured
On December 19, an Abkhazian MP opened fire during a parliamentary session, injuring two colleagues, one of whom later died, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). The incident occurred during a heated debate on cryptocurrency mining regulation. The altercation involved MPs Adgur Kharaziya, Kan Kvarchia, and Vakhtang Golandzia. Kharaziya, a proponent of stricter…
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Georgia: a Year of Crisis
We turn our attention back to Georgia in 2024. CREDIT: Tbel Abuseridze.Throughout 2024, Georgia experienced mounting political turmoil, characterized by violent protests, international criticism, contentious elections, and escalating accusations of pro-Russian policies against the ruling Georgian Dream party. Today, we revisit the political crisis that unfolded in Georgia over the past year. The Foreign Agents Law In early 2023, the Georgian Parliament introduced a draft law…
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Mikhaïl Kavelachvili: Former Footballer Becomes Georgia’s New President
Mikhaïl Kavelachvili, 53, a former international footballer, became Georgia’s new president following an indirect election on December 14, conducted by a 300-member electoral college dominated by the ruling Georgian Dream party. Kavelachvili, who played for Manchester City and several Swiss clubs, transitioned into politics after retiring from football. A member of parliament since 2016, he…
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EU: Sanctions Against Chinese Entities Over Support for Russia in Donbas
The European Union (EU) has announced expanded sanctions against seven Chinese entities and individuals accused of supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine. The measures, officially adopted by EU foreign ministers on Monday, include travel bans within the EU, asset freezes, and a prohibition on EU companies financing these entities. Among those sanctioned is businesswoman…
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UK and EU Respond to Georgia’s Protests
The United Kingdom has suspended program support and restricted defense cooperation with the Georgian government, citing concerns over a departure from European democratic norms. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the decision on December 9, adding that engagement with Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream government will also be limited. The move comes amid escalating protests in…
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Protest Erupt in Georgia Over EU Membership Delay
Mass protests erupted in Tbilisi after the Georgian government announced a delay in EU membership talks until 2028. Demonstrations began Thursday, intensifying Friday, as thousands gathered outside the Parliament building, waving EU and Georgian flags. Protesters accuse the ruling Georgian Dream party of democratic backsliding and pro-Russian policies. Clashes erupted as riot police used rubber…