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Georgian Dream: Turns from the West, Invests in the EU
A new report by Transparency International Georgia reveals that leading figures of the ruling Georgian Dream party, including senior officials and their families, are increasingly investing in European Union (EU) countries by acquiring real estate, registering businesses, and securing EU citizenship for family members. The report identifies 18 individuals linked to the ruling party with…
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Georgian Teen Jailed Over EU Protests as Prosecutor Vacations in Spain
A 19-year-old Georgian student, Saba Jikia, has been sentenced to four years and six months in prison for assaulting a police officer during protests in December 2024. The demonstrations were sparked by the ruling Georgian Dream party’s announcement that it was suspending efforts toward European Union integration. Jikia was convicted of kicking a Special Task…
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Georgia Demands Sensible Data from Civil Society Groups
The Anti-Corruption Bureau of Georgia has requested extensive documentation from seven civil society organisations, citing financial transparency and potential political activity. The latest court orders, directed at the Media Development Foundation (MDF) and the Social Justice Center (SJC), follow similar demands made to five other groups: the Civil Society Foundation, Safari, Transparency International — Georgia,…
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Georgia: New Foreign Agent Law Takes Effect
On May 31, Georgia’s new foreign agent law took effect. It mandates that individuals and organizations deemed to be acting in the interest of a “foreign principal” to register with the Anti-Corruption Bureau within ten days or face penalties including fines up to ₾10,000 (~$3,600), imprisonment for up to five years, or deportation in the…
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Georgian Opposition Figure Arrested as Government Pushes EU Narrative
On May 22, Georgian opposition leader Zurab Japaridze was arrested in a Tbilisi courtroom after refusing to pay ₾20,000 ($7,300) bail tied to his noncompliance with a parliamentary investigative commission. The commission, initiated by the ruling Georgian Dream party (conservative party), is examining alleged abuses during the 2003–2012 presidency of Mikheil Saakashvili and has the…
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Silk Roads: China’s Footprint in Georgia
On March 31, 2025, Georgia deepened its shift toward China by signing a financial cooperation deal, reflecting broader strategic realignment amid stalled EU integration and declining Western engagement. CREDIT: Kari Nousiainen.On March 31, 2025, the National Bank of Georgia signed a memorandum of understanding with the People’s Bank of China in Beijing, outlining cooperation in monetary policy, financial technology, payment systems, and securities market development. This development marks a new phase in bilateral cooperation between the two countries, and is part of Georgia’s broader strategic…
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Georgian Authorities Raid Protest-Linked NGOs and Activists
On April 29, Georgia’s Prosecutor General’s Office conducted coordinated home searches targeting civil society figures and organisations accused of financially supporting anti-government, pro-European Union protests. The searches, based on court-issued warrants, were carried out at the homes of prominent figures involved in civil society and activism, including journalist Nanuka Zhorzholiani and human rights defender Aleko…
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Georgia’s Protests: A Local’s Perspective on a Political Crisis
To better understand the developing crisis in Georgia, we spoke with a protester for firsthand, on-the-ground insight.Through the past 2 years, Tbilisi has been at the heart of lasting waves of protests, with thousands of Georgians taking to the streets in opposition to the government’s actions. While international observers debate the implications, the perspective of those on the ground provides crucial insight into the movement’s evolution. Nino*, a young protester in…
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Georgian New Laws Spark Human Rights Concerns
On February 2, the Georgian Dream government deployed police and special forces to prevent demonstrators from blocking the main highway during a pro-European rally near Tbilisi Mall. Over 50 protesters, including politicians Gigi Ugulava, Nika Melia, and activist Dima Bidzinashvili, were arrested. Reports of police violence, including physical assaults and mistreatment of detainees, prompted calls…
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Slovakia Accuses Georgian Legion of Fomenting Protests
Slovak authorities have accused the Georgian Legion of involvement in recent protests against Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government, which have been driven by concerns over democratic backsliding, corruption, media restrictions, and its pro-Russian policies, including the reduction of military aid to Ukraine. The Georgian Legion is a paramilitary unit formed in 2014 to support Ukraine…