Eye on Transcaucasia

Police Arrest Four More Over October 4 Events, Bringing Total to 22 Four more people have been arrested in connection with the October 4 election-day unrest in downtown Tbilisi, Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze announced at a late-night briefing on October 7. He said a total of 22 people have now been detained, while a search is underway for three others. The ministry arrested 13 people on October 6. Five organizers had been arrested earlier, in the early hours of October 5, and were placed in pretrial detention on October 7. “Employees of Georgia’s Interior Ministry continue investigative actions to identify and bring to justice other individuals involved in the crime,” Darakhvelidze said, adding that “complex investigative activities are ongoing in this criminal case.” He identified the newly arrested individuals by their initials — V.G., M.L., N.G., and K.E. Civil activists have already identified K.E. as Koba Epitashvili. The arrests follow the investigation launched by the police on October 4 on four different coup and violence-related criminal charges, including incitement to change Georgia’s constitutional order through violence or to overthrow the government; damage or destruction of property; seizure or blockage of a broadcasting or communications organization or a facility of strategic or special importance; and organization, management, or participation in group violence. The arrests step from the election-day tensions in downtown Tbilisi during a partially boycotted municipal vote, when a group of protesters attempted to occupy the presidential palace following calls from rally organizers. Police repelled and dispersed the crowd and vowed to identify and arrest additional participants. Georgian Dream officials described the events as a foreign-orchestrated coup attempt and pledged a harsh response. Also Read: * 05/10/2025 – SSSG Says Arms Cache Found, Links to October 4 Unrest, Ukraine * 05/10/2025 – Kobakhidze Doubles Down on the Narrative of Retribution

Police Arrest Four More Over October 4 Events, Bringing Total to 22 #Civil #Georgia

EU Parliament Backs Easier Suspension of Visa-Free Travel Amid Concerns Over Georgia The European Parliament has backed legislation making it easier for the EU to suspend visa-free travel for countries posing security risks or breaching human rights. While the reform applies to 61 countries whose citizens can currently travel visa-free to the Schengen area for short stays, the move has raised concerns that Georgia could be the first to face suspension amid what is widely seen as the ruling Georgian Dream government’s authoritarian drift. “The mechanism allows the European Commission to reintroduce visa requirements for a specific country when there are security concerns – first temporarily, pending an investigation and dialogue, and then permanently, if the issues persist,” the Parliament’s October 7 press release says. The new grounds for suspension include hybrid threats such as state-sponsored instrumentalization of migrants, investor citizenship schemes that raise security concerns, lack of alignment with EU visa policy, violations of the United Nations Charter, international human rights or humanitarian law, and failure to comply with international court rulings. “The additions align the grounds for suspension with the grounds for granting the visa waiver in the first place, and aim to create a deterrent effect,” the press release says, noting “Existing grounds, including security concerns and a lack of cooperation on readmissions, will be maintained.” “With a modernised suspension mechanism, the EU will be able to suspend visa-free travel in the case of serious human rights violations and can target suspensions at government officials or other groups,” said Rapporteur Matjaž Nemec. “This reformed mechanism reinforces our commitment to human rights and international law.” The legislation, approved by the European Parliament with 518 votes in favor and 96 against, still needs formal approval from the Council and will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the EU’s Official Journal. The temporary suspension can last between one and three years. The European Parliament’s approval and the measure’s advancement come as Georgia braces for the possible loss of the EU’s key benefit, which the country’s citizens have enjoyed since 2017. According to RFE/RL Europe editor Rikard Jozwiak, although the new mechanism covers all 61 visa-free countries, “European diplomats admit that the proposed updated rules, at least partly, target another country still enjoying EU visa liberalization: Georgia.” Relations between Tbilisi and Brussels have worsened since the 2024 elections and Georgian Dream’s suspension of EU integration process, which sparked protests and a government crackdown. In July, the European Commission warned Georgia to meet eight reform conditions by August, including repealing restrictive laws and aligning with the EU visa policy. Earlier, the EU suspended diplomatic passports for GD officials. Tbilisi has accused Brussels of using the visa-free regime as “blackmail.” In late August, it sent a letter to the European Commission that, according to RFE/RL sources, failed to address the EU’s concerns. RFE/RL reported that 19 EU member states may support at least a temporary suspension of Georgia’s visa-free status. Also Read: * 04/09/2025 – Poll: 51% Blame GD, Ivanishvili if EU Visa-Free Travel is Lost * 01/09/2025 – Georgians Brace for Loss as EU Visa-Free Deadline Passes * 22/07/2025 – Kobakhidze Downplays Concerns Over EU Visa-Free Suspension as Mere Fear of “Visa Lines” * 18/07/2025 – Kobakhidze Says ‘Global War Party’ Uses EU Visa Threat to Open Second Front in Georgia * 17/07/2025 – Kobakhidze Says Visa-Free Travel “Not Existential” as Brussels Warns of Suspension

EU Parliament Backs Easier Suspension of Visa-Free Travel Amid Concerns Over Georgia #Civil #Georgia

National Bank Says Georgia’s International Reserves Exceed $5.4 Billion by September The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) said the country’s international reserves increased by USD 224 million in September and exceeded USD 5.4 billion. According to the NBG, the last foreign exchange purchase was made in August for USD 199.6 million. Before that, the bank purchased USD 416.9 million in July, USD 266 million in June, USD 245.4 million in May, USD 266.4 million in April, and USD 101.7 million in March. In total, net purchases amounted to USD 1.5 billion between January and August 2025. No new foreign exchange purchases were made in September, according to the press release from the national bank. “As of September 2025, gold accounted for 16.2 percent (USD 877.8 million) of Georgia’s total international reserves,” the NBG said on October 7. “Due to changes in global gold prices, the value of the monetary gold has increased by USD 377.8 million since its purchase, which underscores the soundness of the National Bank’s reserve-diversification strategy.” The steady refilling of reserves follows the sale of more than USD 900 million in 2024, when the NBG made large sell-offs amid massive protests against the foreign agents law in the spring and again in the fall during the pre-election campaign. In October 2024 alone, when the general elections were held, the bank sold USD 591 million to prevent a currency devaluation, triggering a dramatic USD 630 million drop in reserves, the largest one-month decline in history. In a July report, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) praised what it described as Georgia’s “remarkable resilience” amid domestic and international uncertainty. The IMF, however, warned that “domestically heightened political uncertainty and potential sanctions could dampen FDI, tourism, and pressure the lari.” Also Read: * 25/09/2025 – National Bank Says International Reserves Up by $1.5 billion in 2025 * 18/07/2025 – NBG Denies Seeking SWIFT Alternative After Meeting With Chinese Payment System Head * 18/06/2025 – NBG Keeps Key Refinancing Rate Unchanged at 8% * 21/12/2024 – Businesses Back Georgian Protests as Crisis Disrupts Economy * 28/11/2024 – As Reserves Faded, National Bank Seeks to Refill Them from Market

National Bank Says Georgia’s International Reserves Exceed $5.4 Billion by September #Civil #Georgia

Court Sends Five Organizers of October 4 Rally to Pretrial Detention Tbilisi City Court Judge Lela Maridashvili has ordered pretrial detention for five organizers of the October 4 rally in Georgia’s capital, including opera singer Paata Burchuladze, opposition United National Movement (UNM) members Murtaz Zodelava and Irakli Nadiradze, Strategy Aghmashenebeli member Paata Manjgaladze, and former Georgian Armed Forces colonel Lasha Beridze. The five were arrested in the early hours of October 5 after part of an election-day rally they had organized, with the stated aim of “peacefully overthrowing” the ruling Georgian Dream government, attempted, at their call, to occupy the presidential palace. The attempt failed as riot police dispersed the crowd, leading to hours of tension around Tbilisi’s Liberty Square. Zodelava and Nadiradze were arrested near Parliament, while Burchuladze was taken into custody from the hospital where he was admitted after the dispersal. On October 6, the Prosecutor General’s Office charged them under several articles of the Criminal Code. Burchuladze, Zodelava, and Nadiradze were charged with “attempted seizure or blockade of strategic and particularly important facilities, committed by a group” (Article 222²), “organization and leadership of group violence” (Article 225¹), and “incitement to change the constitutional order of Georgia through violence” (Article 317). Beridze was charged under Articles 222² and 225¹, while Manjgaladze was charged under Article 225¹. All face up to nine years in prison. The decision to place them in pretrial detention was made on October 7. Late on October 6, the Interior Ministry announced the arrest of thirteen people for their involvement in the October 4 unrest at the presidential palace in Tbilisi. A ministry official said a search was underway for two other individuals as authorities continued to identify additional suspects. Also Read: * 05/10/2025 – SSSG Says Arms Cache Found, Links to October 4 Unrest, Ukraine * Live Updates: Local Elections and Protest

Court Sends Five Organizers of October 4 Rally to Pretrial Detention #Civil #Georgia

Aliyev congratulated Putin amid the crisis in relations between Moscow and Baku Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev called Vladimir Putin and congratulated him on his birthday amid worsening relations between Russia and Azerbaijan.

Aliyev congratulated Putin amid the crisis in relations between Moscow and Baku #cknot #Azerbaijan

GD Says Expelling Ambassadors ‘Counterproductive’ as MFA Briefs Diplomats Georgian Dream said that expelling ambassadors from the country would be “counterproductive” despite “public demand,” while accusing them of meddling and acting under the influence of the “deep state” during an October 7 briefing held in parallel with a Foreign Ministry meeting with diplomats. “Expelling certain ambassadors would be counterproductive as long as their appointments are decided by the Euro-bureaucracy controlled by the ‘deep state,’” Georgian Dream parliamentary majority leader Irakli Kirtskhalia said in a statement, claiming that the expulsion of diplomats from Georgia is a “public demand.” “It is clear that the expulsion of an ambassador of a particular country would trigger a series of diplomatic moves that would negatively affect Georgia’s relations with those countries,” Kirtskhalia added, after saying that Georgia “has built and developed relations with these countries over many years” and “therefore, we will not allow the Euro-bureaucracy controlled by the ‘deep state’ to damage the results achieved at the level of intergovernmental and people-to-people relations because of the undiplomatic actions of certain ambassadors.” “We will remain in a one-sided friendship mode until Europe is freed from the influence of the ‘deep state,'” the statement added, “In parallel, we will do everything to prevent the influence of the ‘deep state’ from spreading to Georgia, as we already know well what consequences it brings for our country and our people.” The statement largely accused Western ambassadors of breaching diplomatic boundaries and interfering in Georgia’s internal affairs, saying such behavior has been evident “especially since the start of the war in Ukraine.” Kirtskhalia said such “undiplomatic and unfriendly behavior” is “categorically unacceptable” for the GD government. He added that the public is “completely justified in its outrage and is demanding decisive measures from Georgian Dream” against the diplomats, but said the government was maintaining a “policy of patience” by refraining from such steps. Kirtskhalia explained that the reason was that “these countries are controlled by the deep state” and that Georgian Dream views the tensions as temporary. He said the party would not allow the statements of “ambassadors or Euro-bureaucrats” to jeopardize Georgia’s partnerships with those nations. Kirtskhalia cited events over the past three years, including criticism from Western politicians and ambassadors, their public calls and statements, critical resolutions by the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and sanctions imposed on Georgia, which he said “clearly reflect the undiplomatic and unfriendly actions whose ultimate goal is crude interference in Georgia’s internal affairs and the subordination of the country to the ‘deep state.’” He further claimed that “such undiplomatic actions and political pressure against Georgian Dream and the Georgian government was also the case under the previous U.S. administration and its appointed ambassadors,” adding that the retirement of Ambassador Robin Dunnigan “after Donald Trump’s return to power” confirmed this. “Despite the actions of the previous administration and its ambassador, Georgia maintained a one-sided friendship with the United States,” Kirtskhalia said. While Kirtskhalia was reading the statement at Georgian Dream headquarters, a brief meeting was taking place at the Foreign Ministry between Deputy Foreign Minister Giorgi Zurabashvili and members of the Western diplomatic corps. EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski was among those present, and U.S. Acting Ambassador Alan Purcell was also reported to be there. Other representatives of diplomatic missions attended as well, though German Ambassador Peter Fischer and British Ambassador Gareth Ward, who were recently summoned by the Foreign Ministry, were not spotted. According to the Foreign Ministry, the meeting was held to brief diplomats on the October 4 local elections and the election-day developments. GD Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili, while not present at the meeting, said the meeting aimed to provide the diplomats with “complete information” about the October 4 elections as well as the unrest in Tbilisi. “They were given the same information that our public saw broadcast live, along with details about the ongoing investigations into the incidents of October 4,” Botchorishvili said. “The discussion also touched on the reactions we have heard from the international community and various actors, which in many cases inaccurately reflect the developments and create false perceptions about Georgia,” Botchorishvili said. “For us, it is important that assessments of the ongoing processes in Georgia, and the statements made, are objective and fair.” “When state institutions come under attack and we hear direct calls to overthrow the government through unconstitutional means […] and these actions are neither properly identified nor assessed as they should be, as we have witnessed, naturally, we may regard this as an indirect encouragement of the very developments unfolding in Georgia,” she further said. While Georgian Dream has recently escalated its attacks on Western diplomats, the ruling party is now, after the October 4 local elections, offering a reset in relations with Brussels and Washington. Claiming that the EU and European countries at large are under the “deep state” diktat, Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said in a TV interview yesterday, “The deep state has one simple model and approach – either you are an agent or you are an enemy. This approach must change. The only thing we ask is this: we cannot become agents, but don’t look at us as enemies, look at us as partners. If they look at us that way, then everything will change.” Also Read: * 05/10/2025 – EU’s Kallas, Kos Comment on Georgia’s Local Vote, Speak of ‘Extensive Crackdown on Dissent’ * 04/10/2025 – Georgian Ambassador Summoned to the U.S. State Department, PM Says “a Lie” * 02/10/2025 – Germany Summons Georgian Diplomat Over Attacks on Its Ambassador * 24/09/2025 – Missions of 26 European Countries, EU Condemn ‘Baseless, Damaging’ Accusations After GD’s Attacks * 16/05/2025 – GD Ideologue Suggests Slimming Foreign Embassies, Curbing Diplomats

GD Says Expelling Ambassadors ‘Counterproductive’ as MFA Briefs Diplomats #Civil #Georgia

Wider Europe Briefing: The Many Ways The EU Can Sanction Georgia In the Wider Europe newsletter this week, it's a Georgia double bill: Will the EU finally withdraw visa liberalization for Tbilisi, and can Brussels sanction Georgian TV stations?  

Wider Europe Briefing: The Many Ways The EU Can Sanction Georgia #RFE #Georgia

Kobakhidze Offers Reset With West, Threatens to End Rustaveli Protests In a wide-ranging interview with pro-government Rustavi 2 on October 6, Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused the European Union of supporting attempts to overthrow the GD government, while calling for a reset of relations with the bloc. He also pledged “methodic” steps to end the ongoing rallies on Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue, warning of “zero compassion” toward the demonstrators. Kobakhidze further confirmed that the ruling party will seek to ban opposition parties through the Constitutional Court. On EU, U.S. While accusing the European Union of backing protesters and “foreign agents,” Kobakhidze said that Georgian Dream seeks to rebuild ties with the West if Brussels and Washington, which he has often claimed are influenced by the “deep state,” stop viewing his party as an “enemy.” “The deep state has one simple model and approach – either you are an agent or you are an enemy. This approach must change,” he said. “The only thing we ask is this: we cannot become agents, but don’t look at us as enemies, look at us as partners. If they look at us that way, then everything will change.” Yet he claimed that what he calls the “European bureaucracy” continues to act against Georgia’s national interests. “The European bureaucracy’s so-called deep state is directly engaged in anti-state activities against our national interests,” he said. “The statement made by the EU spokesperson, who openly voiced support for an attempt to overthrow the government in Georgia, reflects this.” Despite what he called years of “outside-supported revolutionary attempts,” Kobakhidze said Georgian Dream is now ready to leave things in the past. He stressed that Georgian Dream acts pragmatically, not emotionally. “There is no resentment in politics,” he said. “Everyone has seen that over these 13 years we have acted without emotion — a principle personally set by Bidzina Ivanishvili. If we were driven by emotions, we would have long said we no longer want relations with the European Union. But we understand we are a European country, and it is necessary to maintain and reset relations with the EU. The same applies to the United States.” Regarding the relations with the U.S., Kobakhidze claimed that “the American bureaucracy viewed us as an enemy” under the Biden administration – an attitude he said has changed under the Trump administration, but still persists in Europe. “We are ready for a reset of relations [with the U.S.],” he said. “What matters is that someone shows us they no longer see us as enemies. That is our minimal request.” Kobakhidze also said Georgians “no longer follow blindly either the U.S. ambassador or the EU ambassador,” calling that “one of our main achievements.” During the same interview, he thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for ending what he described as “attacks from the U.S. on Georgia,” saying it proved “the new administration is waging a battle against the deep state.” Threatening Rustaveli protests, “zero compassion” Kobakhidze pledged to end the daily rallies near the parliament, where groups of protesters have gathered for more than 310 days nonstop. Echoing the Interior Ministry’s warnings to treat upcoming rallies as a “continuation” of the October 4 unrest, Kobakhidze vowed “methodic and systemic steps” and “zero compassion” towards what he said were 100 “foreign agents gathering at the rallies.” “Let them wait for our methodic and systemic steps. We will not let 100 or 150 people commit violence against 4 million people – of course, we will not allow that. When 100 shameful foreign agents come out and perpetrate violence against 4 million people, against their economy, against their national interests, of course, we will under no circumstances allow that. And again, zero compassion for these people. We will act in accordance with the law and the constitution. Everything will be protected,” Kobakhidze said. “I do not rule out that among those 150 people standing on Rustaveli [Avenue], 10–15 people may really be sincere fools. But our compassion toward them will be zero as well, because foolishness is also punishable when you oppose national interests. When you realize – you don’t have enough intelligence to grasp the elementary fact that you are also written into a scenario operating on foreign orders — that is also a kind of crime […] With our methodical approach, these people will receive an answer for that one-year, 100-person violence that they commit against four million people – against Georgia’s national interests and our economy,” he added. On Banning Opposition Kobakhidze also confirmed during the interview that the ruling party would appeal to the Constitutional Court to ban the opposition, saying their case is “supported by indisputable evidence.” He pledged to cleanse the political spectrum of the “foreign agents and residents.” “We have already started preparing for the 2028 parliamentary elections as of October 5 – we are preparing in every direction, and we hope that by the 2028 elections, our country will face them with a healthier political spectrum, not with the ugliness, including Lelo, Gakharia, United National Movement, Ahali – I won’t even mention the others,” Kobakhidze said, “But in a healthier form, with a new political spectrum.” He added, “Foreign agents should not remain in Georgian politics. None of the foreign agents should remain. For this, we will use all legal measures – including constitutional ones.” “Everyone knows very well who the ‘collective United National Movement’ is and who the agents in Georgian politics are – this includes four well-known parties [that passed the mandatory 5-percent threshold in the 2024 parliamentary election], and several smaller political groups that have their roots in the UNM or are currently aligned with its agenda,” he added. “All of this will be substantiated in our lawsuit against each party, and then we will await the decision of the Constitutional Court,” Kobakhidze further noted. “We believe our lawsuit will be supported by indisputable evidence.” Also Read: * 06/10/2025 – International Reactions to October 4 Elections * 05/10/2025 – EU’s Kallas, Kos Comment on Georgia’s Local Vote, Speak of ‘Extensive Crackdown on Dissent’ * 05/10/2025 – Kobakhidze Doubles Down on the Narrative of Retribution

Kobakhidze Offers Reset With West, Threatens to End Rustaveli Protests #Civil #Georgia

Police Arrest 13 People Over October 4 Events, Vowing to Detain More Thirteen people have been arrested for their involvement in the October 4 election-day unrest at the presidential palace in Tbilisi, the Georgian Interior Ministry announced late on October 6, adding that a search is underway for two other individuals as authorities continue to identify additional suspects. The arrests follow the investigation launched by the police on October 4 on four different coup and violence-related criminal charges, including incitement to change Georgia’s constitutional order through violence or to overthrow the government; damage or destruction of property; seizure or blockage of a broadcasting or communications organization or a facility of strategic or special importance; and organization, management, or participation in group violence. During the late-night interview with Rustavi 2 channel on October 6, Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze clarified that police were arresting today protesters “who stormed the presidential palace.” Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze also said during the October 6 briefing that police had arrested two more individuals, identified as R.Sh. and S.P., on October 4 for the illegal purchase and possession of firearms and ammunition. According to Darakhvelidze, R.Sh. was released after it was established that the ammunition found during the search belonged to a registered firearm for which he held a license. As for S.P., the deputy minister said police seized a firearm registered in his name and discovered, in his Batumi residence, a “specially arranged hiding place” containing a large cache of ammunition, magazines, gas masks, helmets, radio transceivers, and up to 150 SIM cards. S.P. was charged with the illegal purchase and possession of firearms and ammunition. The arrests come two days after tensions flared in downtown Tbilisi on the day of a partially boycotted municipal vote when, following calls from mass rally organizers, a group of protesters attempted to occupy the presidential palace. Police repelled and dispersed the crowd, later arresting five rally organizers and vowing to identify and apprehend others. Georgian Dream officials described the events as a foreign-orchestrated coup attempt and pledged a harsh response. Also Read: * 05/10/2025 – SSSG Says Arms Cache Found, Links to October 4 Unrest, Ukraine * 05/10/2025 – MIA to Treat Upcoming Gatherings as ‘Continuation’ of October 4 Attempt at Government * 05/10/2025 – Kobakhidze Doubles Down on the Narrative of Retribution

Police Arrest 13 People Over October 4 Events, Vowing to Detain More #Civil #Georgia

Anti-Corruption Bureau Targets Two Political Platforms Amid Wider Crackdown The Anti-Corruption Bureau, a state agency, has targeted two political platforms – Freedom Square and the Movement for Social Democracy – following earlier actions against civil society organizations, media outlets, and individual activists under various repressive laws. None of the newly targeted platforms is officially registered as a political party. Freedom Square members Simon Janashia and Giorgi Shaishmelashvili said that, although the Public Registry has twice rejected their platform’s registration as a political party and a third application is still pending, the Anti-Corruption Bureau has notified them that a court granted it access to their personal bank accounts and that it is also requesting information on their personal and the platform’s revenues. “Of course, I will appeal this request,” Janashia wrote on Facebook on October 6. “It is sheer cynicism that, on the one hand, they refuse to register us as a party, and on the other, treat us as one.” Similarly, the Movement for Social Democracy, a left-wing political platform established in February, said that a court had authorized the Anti-Corruption Bureau to obtain “full financial information” about the movement and twelve of its members, saying the measure “aims to establish control over the personal space of these people.” “With this move, the state is trying to extend a series of legislative restrictions meant for political parties onto the Movement, to bring us under the special regulations that apply to political entities with electoral goals,” the group wrote on Facebook on October 3, stressing that it is not a political party and calling it “absurd” to apply to it legislation designed for electoral subjects. The Movement further noted that the Anti-Corruption Bureau had presented “no evidence” to the court of the group’s involvement in any electoral process. “This represents yet another blatant attempt to hinder the Movement’s activities,” the group said. “The aim of this is to deter people from taking part in public politics, to suppress any form of citizen organization, and bring it under [state] control.” The Anti-Corruption Bureau appears to be citing the Law on Political Parties in its requests for financial information from the groups. Under the same law, weeks before the 2024 elections, the Bureau declared Transparency International–Georgia, a local corruption watchdog, a “political actor” before reversing the decision at the request of PM Irakli Kobakhidze. --- The latest move by the Bureau, led by Razhden Kuprashvili, who is widely considered a Georgian Dream loyalist, follows a broader pattern of escalating government oversight of civil society and activists critical of the government. In October, at least six media organizations received inspection notices under the controversially amended Law on Grants, which now requires government approval for foreign donors before disbursing grants to local organizations. Several activists also reported receiving inspections from the Bureau, presumably under the Law on Political Parties. In September, dozens of civil society organizations reported receiving requests under the Law on Grants. In August, seven CSOs said they were asked to register under the Georgian version of the Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), which they refused, arguing the law did not apply to them. In June, eight CSOs reported receiving court orders for inspections under the Law on Combating Corruption, the Law on Political Associations, and the Law on Grants. The Bureau demanded extensive information about their operations and sensitive beneficiary data. Authorities have also frozen bank accounts of seven CSOs in the so-called “face masks case,” accusing them of financing protests and protesters who allegedly committed “violent acts” against police during the 2024 pro-EU demonstrations. Also Read: * 01/09/2025 – Prosecutors Summon NGO Heads to Testify in ‘Sabotage’ Probe * 22/08/2025 – Inspected CSOs Say FARA Doesn’t Apply to Them as They Refuse to Register * 18/07/2025 – UN Committee Calls on Georgia to Suspend Court Order Seeking NGO Beneficiary Data * 09/03/2025 – “Freedom Square” Movement Becomes Political Party

Anti-Corruption Bureau Targets Two Political Platforms Amid Wider Crackdown #Civil #Georgia

Russia Feels its Worldview Vindicated by Tbilisi Events The local elections in Georgia on October 4, 2025, and the subsequent events triggered a flurry of commentary from Russian political and expert circles. Tensions flared in Tbilisi on the day of the partially boycotted October 4 local elections when, following calls from mass rally organizers, a group of protesters attempted to occupy the presidential palace. Police repelled and dispersed the crowd, later arresting five leaders and vowing to identify and apprehend others. Georgian Dream officials described the events as an attempt at a foreign-orchestrated coup and pledged to respond decisively. The reaction of Russian politicians and experts to the elections and subsequent protests in Tbilisi is shaped by the assertion of external interference, attempts at destabilization, and emphasis on the threat to regional security, while raising questions about the protection of state interests and the territorial integrity of Georgia. (ria.ru) Egged on by the coverage on state-sponsored media, Russian officials rejoiced in what they saw as the “failure of the Maidan scenario” – in other words, the Western-sponsored plan to drive the country in Russia’s “near abroad” away from Moscow. Veteran of Russo-Georgian relations Grigory Karasin, who currently chairs the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs, stressed that the events have proven the “political technologies” of the Maidan to be outdated. Karasin, who represented the Kremlin in a high-profile inter-state consultation initiated by the Georgian Dream administration to normalize relations with the Kremlin, noted with satisfaction that Georgia has “grown out of” and is responding calmly to such attempts from the West (lenta.ru). * 05/10/2025 – Kobakhidze: Fifth Attempt at Organizing “NatsMaidan” Viktor Vodolatsky, first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration, and Relations with Compatriots, said that the countries of the South Caucasus are the focus of European intelligence services seeking to undermine their statehood, and that the intervention of external forces poses a threat to the stability of the region (tass.ru). * 04/10/2025 – Ivanishvili: “The modern way of conquest is agentura“ Russian experts, who in the warped Russian media sphere serve to embellish and anticipate the Kremlin’s positions, also spoke at length. Alexei Martynov, director of the International Institute of Newest States, suggested that the protests are “the farewell chord” struck by the “Western curators,” in particular the former head of British intelligence MI6 Richard Moore. He noted that the events showed the continuity of the practice of interference in the internal affairs of post-Soviet countries. Martynov did not miss the opportunity to add that the new head of British intelligence, Blaze Metreveli, is “the granddaughter of a Ukrainian traitor and Georgian collaborators.” (ria.ru). * 25/09/2025  Georgian Foreign Ministry Summons British Ambassador Gareth Ward Propaganda outlets such as Baltnews focused on what they framed as the coordination of protesters’ actions with Western countries, including the Baltic states. They emphasized to their readers that accusations of election violations come from Western structures, not from observers within Georgia, without referring to (baltnews.com). More radical opinions have also trickled in. The ardent propagandist of the “Russian World,” Alexander Dugin, wrote on his Telegram channel: “Georgia is the only country in the South Caucasus where things have been getting better for us lately, not worse. And neither she nor we will be forgiven for this.” He called to make the “enemies’ life “much, much worse, and quickly,” before they exert revenge. , The Russian Media’s Running Commentary as it Unfolded on October 4–5, 2025 On October 4–5, 2025, events in Georgia became one of the main topics in the Russian state and pro-government media. On the morning of October 4, RIA Novosti reported that thousands of citizens had taken to the streets of Tbilisi and were heading to Rustaveli Avenue to participate in an opposition rally. The publication noted that the protests were taking place under the slogans of a “peaceful revolution” and “the return of democracy.” At the same time, the agency emphasized that the authorities were expecting provocations and possible violence, creating an expectation of instability among readers. That same evening, RIA Novosti reported that a group of protesters had broken into the courtyard of Mikheil Kavelashvili’s presidential residence and that special forces had used water cannons and tear gas. The wording about the “storming of the palace” and the “attack on the residence” heightened the emotional tone and emphasized the threat to public order. The next morning, RIA Novosti, citing the Georgian Ministry of Health, reported 27 casualties, including 21 police officers. This emphasis on the injured security forces is typical of rhetoric that portrays protesters as the source of violence. Later, RIA Novosti published a statement from the Georgian State Security Service that an arsenal of weapons, allegedly intended for sabotage, had been found during searches and that it could have been supplied by representatives of Ukrainian military units. Here, the propaganda element is clearly visible — the “Ukrainian trace” in the context of the unrest in the neighboring country. A similar tone was echoed by TASS. The agency quoted Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who called the events an attempt to stage a “Maidan” and overthrow the government, “coordinated from abroad.” The very use of the word “Maidan” in the Russian media traditionally has a negative connotation and appeals to the Ukrainian experience of 2014. In other publications, TASS (TASS) reported on the gradual displacement of demonstrators, the dismantling of barricades, and the return of special forces to their bases, emphasizing that “the situation is under control.” An expert at the agency, former official in the Shevardnadze administration, and former member of parliament Petre Mamradze, said in a comment to TASS that “the opposition has been dealt a blow in its attempt to overthrow the government.” Such vocabulary — “blow,” “overthrow,” “Maidan” — reinforces the perception of what is happening as part of a scenario of external destabilization. Other Russian media outlets followed the same line, following RIA and TASS. An article on Lenta.ru reported on clashes between protesters and police and an attempt to “storm the presidential palace.” The publication described the use of water cannons and gas grenades, as well as the detention of the most active participants. At the same time, Gazeta.Ru quoted Georgian authorities accusing the European Union of “interference in internal affairs,” thereby expanding the narrative of external involvement and support for the opposition from the West. Regnum and Vzglyad added details about the detentions—according to their information, former Prosecutor General Murtaz Zodela and singer Paata Burchuladze were arrested and charged with “calls for a violent change of power.” Both publications referred to a statement by the Georgian Interior Ministry, which claimed that the opposition’s actions were “coordinated” and aimed at “destabilizing the situation.” These formulations create an image of the protest not as internal discontent, but as a crisis controlled from outside. The Russian media paid particular attention to the version about the “British trace.” RIA Novosti quoted political scientist Martynov as saying that the protests in Georgia were “supervised by the British intelligence service MI6.” This statement is unsubstantiated, but typical of propaganda rhetoric, as it links internal unrest in neighboring countries with the activities of “external forces,” specifically the UK and Ukraine. Smotrim.ru reproduced statements by the Georgian prime minister, who claimed that the unrest was caused by “destructive forces acting under foreign influence.” Such quotes were presented without critical context, emphasizing the authorities’ determination to “maintain order.” Russian Senator Grigory Karasin, quoted by Lenta.ru, took a similar line, stating that “Maidan-type strategies have had their day.” This statement effectively summed up the ideological thrust of the entire coverage campaign. Most of the materials from central agencies and major portals did not report the protesters’ position, discuss the reasons for their discontent, or outline their demands. All the news followed the same logical line: the protest was a consequence of Western interference, and the authorities were the guarantors of stability. Even reports about casualties and the use of force were presented in a way that placed the responsibility solely on the participants in the rally. This approach created a coherent but one-sided picture. In it, the events in Georgia are interpreted as a repeat of the “Maidan scenario” inspired by external players. At the same time, the authorities and security forces are portrayed as defenders of order. The vocabulary used — “attempted coup,” “storming of the palace,” “sabotage,” “Ukrainian trace” — has a distinctly propagandistic tone, aimed at reinforcing the image of an unstable post-Soviet space, where Russia acts as an outside observer and guardian of “legality.” At the same time, even those publications that formally belong to the “general political” category (such as Gazeta.ru or Lenta.ru) repeated the key theses first voiced by RIA and TASS, without offering alternative interpretations. Taken together, this creates the impression of a unified media narrative reflecting the official Russian position: the protests in Georgia are not the result of an internal crisis, but part of a broader geopolitical struggle in which Moscow is on the side of “law and order” against “external provocateurs.”

Russia Feels its Worldview Vindicated by Tbilisi Events #Civil #Georgia

EU Edges Closer To New Visa Suspension Rules Amid Concerns Over Georgia The European Union is set to approve new rules that would make it easier to suspend visa liberalization for third country nationals traveling into the bloc, a measure aimed in large part at Georgia amid signs Tbilisi is drifting away from democratic reforms and back toward Moscow.

EU Edges Closer To New Visa Suspension Rules Amid Concerns Over Georgia #RFE #Georgia

Georgian Dream Leaders Congratulate Czech Populist Andrej Babis on Election Win Georgian Dream leaders, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and President Mikheil Kavelashvili, have congratulated billionaire populist leader and former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš on his victory in the Czech parliamentary elections held on October 3-4. “Congratulations to Andrej Babis and the ANO movement on their victory in the Czech parliamentary elections,” Kobakhidze wrote on X. “Wishing him success in forming a strong and effective government that advances the progress and prosperity of the Czech people. Georgia looks forward to a renewed chapter of partnership and deeper ties between our nations.” Congratulations to @AndrejBabis and the ANO movement on their victory in the 🇨🇿 parliamentary elections. Wishing him success in forming a strong and effective government that advances the progress and prosperity of the Czech people. 🇬🇪 looks forward to a renewed chapter of…— Irakli Kobakhidze (@PM_Kobakhidze) October 6, 2025 GD-elected President Kavelashvili also praised Babis’ win. “I’d like to extend my sincere congratulations to Andrej Babis and the ANO movement on their resounding victory in the Czech parliamentary elections,” he wrote on X. “This achievement represents a significant step forward not only for Czechia but for Europe as a whole. He is a true patriot, and I wish for Czechia to become even stronger and more prosperous under his leadership, all to the benefit of the Czech people. Georgia is eager to strengthen and expand its bilateral ties with the Czech Republic.” I'd like to extend my sincere congratulations to @AndrejBabis and the ANO movement on their resounding victory in the 🇨🇿 parliamentary elections. This achievement represents a significant step forward not only for Czechia but for Europe as a whole. He is a true patriot, and I…— Mikheil Kavelashvili (@GeoPresident_) October 6, 2025 The ruling party’s congratulations to the Czech populist billionaire stand in contrast to its silence toward the victory of pro-European forces in Moldova, where President Maia Sandu’s Action and Solidarity Party won the September 28 parliamentary elections amid allegations of serious Russian interference. “As long as Moldova remains a member of the CIS, we will find it hard to congratulate,” Kobakhidze told reporters on September 29 when pressed to comment. “We will wait until Moldova exits the CIS, and afterward, we will revisit the issue of congratulations.” Czechia has recently sanctioned five additional Georgian officials, expanding measures it first introduced in January against three senior Interior Ministry officials for what it described as the “brutal repression of protests.” The Czech parliamentary elections coincided with Georgia’s October 4 local elections, which were held amid a partial opposition boycott, limited credible observation, protests, and repression. Localized unrest broke out in the evening in Tbilisi, when part of a large rally with the stated aim to “peacefully overthrow” the Georgian Dream government, attempted to storm the presidential palace but were dispersed by riot police. Georgian Dream has not received congratulations from the country’s traditional international partners for its official victory in the local elections, as the ruling party remains largely isolated from the Western political scene following the October 2024 parliamentary elections and a major foreign policy shift away from the European Union in November, which triggered large protests and a repressive crackdown. Also Read: * 06/10/2025 – International Reactions to October 4 Elections * 05/10/2025 – EU’s Kallas, Kos Comment on Georgia’s Local Vote, Speak of ‘Extensive Crackdown on Dissent’ * 13/07/2025 – GD Brushes Aside European Criticism, Saying EU, UK Are Ruled by ‘Deep State’

Georgian Dream Leaders Congratulate Czech Populist Andrej Babis on Election Win #Civil #Georgia

International Reactions to October 4 Elections Georgia held local elections on October 4, with the ruling Georgian Dream party securing a sweeping victory in both the proportional and mayoral races across all 64 municipalities, according to the official results from the Central Election Commission. The vote, which saw a lower turnout of about 41%, took place amid a repressive political and legal climate. Part of the mainstream opposition boycotted the elections, while credible observation was limited. The day also saw a large rally in Tbilisi that drew tens of thousands and later escalated when a group of protesters tried to storm the presidential palace at the organizers’ call. Riot police dispersed the crowd after clashes, and authorities later arrested the organizers on coup-related charges. Below are the initial international reactions to the October 4 vote, as Georgian Dream remains largely isolated from the country’s traditional partners/ EU’s Kaja Kallas, Marta Kos: “Months of raids on independent media, the passing of laws targeting civil society, the jailing of opponents and activists or amendments to the electoral code favouring the ruling party,  drastically reduced the possibility of having competitive elections. A large part of the opposition boycotted these elections, and the turnout was relatively low. In addition, the refusal by the Georgian authorities to invite international monitors in due time, in particular OSCE/ODIHR, undermined the transparency of the electoral process and prevented credible international monitoring. Domestic organisations also refrained from observing due to the repressive environment.  …We urge calm and restraint in the post-election period and call on the authorities to uphold citizens’ rights to freedom of assembly and expression. A constructive and inclusive dialogue involving all political actors and civil society is essential, and we call on every side to refrain from violence. Finally, the European Union firmly rejects and condemns the disinformation regarding the EU’s role in Georgia and denounces the personal attacks against the Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia.” Lithuanian Foreign Ministry: “Georgian Dream failed to ensure that yesterday’s local elections meet international standards & that they are recognized as free and fair. Lithuania strongly condemns provocations and violence used against Georgians demanding democracy, rule of law, and a European future of Georgia. We will continue supporting the Georgian struggle. Democracy will win against autocracy. Freedom will prevail against the repression. Norwegian Foreign Ministry: “A sad day for democracy in Georgia. OSCE/ODIHR unable to observe local elections, recommendations unaddressed. Regrettable use of violence. Repressive laws and jailing opposition leaders further undermine trust in Georgia’s elections. Maria Stenergard, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden: “Sweden reaffirms the right of all Georgians to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in light of the October 4 local elections. Together with Kaja Kallas and Marta Kos, we firmly reject and condemn the disinformation regarding the EU’s role in Georgia.” More to follow… Also Read: * 04/10/2025 – GD Leadership Celebrates Victory as Tensions Flare * 04/10/2025 – MIA Launches Criminal Probe into Election-Day Unrest * 04/10/2025 – Polls Open in Georgia’s Partially Boycotted Local Vote

International Reactions to October 4 Elections #Civil #Georgia

Georgian Leader Warns Pro-West Protesters Of Further Arrests As Tbilisi Remains Tense Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze threatened anti-government activists with further arrests as tensions remained high in the Caucasus nation following a weekend of mass protests in the country's capital, Tbilisi.

Georgian Leader Warns Pro-West Protesters Of Further Arrests As Tbilisi Remains Tense #RFE #Georgia

EU’s Kallas, Kos Comment on Georgia’s Local Vote, Speak of ‘Extensive Crackdown on Dissent’ EU’s HR/VP Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos have commented on Georgia’s October 4 local elections, which they said came “amid a period of extensive crackdown on dissent,” urging “calm and restraint” after the vote and calling for the release of those “arbitrarily detained.” “Months of raids on independent media, the passing of laws targeting civil society, the jailing of opponents and activists or amendments to the electoral code favouring the ruling party,  drastically reduced the possibility of having competitive elections. A large part of the opposition boycotted these elections, and the turnout was relatively low,” two Brussels officials said in an October 5 statement. They added: “The refusal by the Georgian authorities to invite international monitors in due time, in particular OSCE/ODIHR, undermined the transparency of the electoral process and prevented credible international monitoring. Domestic organisations also refrained from observing due to the repressive environment.” HR/VP Kallas and Commissioner Kos then called “for the release of all those arbitrarily detained”, saying “large numbers of people constantly protested the repressive policies ” of the ruling Georgian Dream party. “We urge calm and restraint in the post-election period and call on the authorities to uphold citizens’ rights to freedom of assembly and expression,” the statement reads. “A constructive and inclusive dialogue involving all political actors and civil society is essential, and we call on every side to refrain from violence.” EU officials also reiterated Brussels’ dismay over escalating Georgian Dream attacks on the EU and its ambassador, Paweł Herczyński, saying “European Union firmly rejects and condemns the disinformation regarding the EU’s role in Georgia and denounces the personal attacks against the Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia.” The statement follows a tense day of the election and protests on October 4. Preliminary official results gave Georgian Dream a sweeping victory in the municipal elections that were partially boycotted by the opposition, took place in a repressive political and legal environment, and had only limited independent observation. A mass rally took place in Tbilisi on the same day, which grew into unrest after one group of protesters tried to occupy the presidential palace following a call by rally organizers. Police dispersed the crowds, arresting rally organizers and vowing to arrest more. Also Read: * 05/10/2025 – Kobakhidze Doubles Down on the Narrative of Retribution * 24/09/2025  – Missions of 26 European Countries, EU Condemn ‘Baseless, Damaging’ Accusations After GD’s Attacks

EU’s Kallas, Kos Comment on Georgia’s Local Vote, Speak of ‘Extensive Crackdown on Dissent’ #Civil #Georgia

SSSG Says Arms Cache Found, Links to October 4 Unrest, Ukraine The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) announced on October 5 that it had traced “large quantities” of firearms, ammunition, and explosives with a detonator, alleging they were intended for “subversive acts” during the October 4 unrest in Tbilisi and linking them to a “military unit” in Ukraine. The agency said the arms were discovered in a “special hiding place” in a forest near Tbilisi, releasing footage of officers digging out large packages from the ground at night. Officials added that they will be launching a search for the suspect, a Georgian citizen identified by the initials B. Tch. Citing “numerous pieces of evidence,” the agency alleged that B. Tch. had purchased large quantities of firearms, ammunition, and explosives “on the instructions of a Georgian representative of a military unit active in Ukraine.” According to the SSSG, the materials were intended for “subversive acts parallel to the organized group violence and the attempted seizure of the presidential palace in Tbilisi on October 4.” The SSSG said it had “neutralized the circle of persons” who had “presumably” been planning to transport the arms and explosives to downtown Tbilisi. Officials added that a phone seized from B. Tch.’s home contained video recordings “in which “B. Tch. is showing” to an individual, so far unidentified by the investigation, the firearms and ammunition he had purchased, and “sort of reporting back” to him. The agency said it also identified and brought to the SSSG an individual who, at B. Tch.’s order, manufactured a remote control device for a detonator. The investigation is ongoing under Article 236-3 of the Criminal Code, which covers the illegal purchase or storage of firearms, ammunition, and explosives. The SSSG added that efforts are continuing to identify others involved in the case. The announcement comes a day after election-day tensions in downtown Tbilisi, when, following calls from mass rally organizers, a group of protesters attempted to occupy the presidential palace. Police repelled and dispersed the crowd, later arresting five rally organizers and vowing to identify and apprehend others. Georgian Dream officials described the events as a foreign-orchestrated coup attempt and pledged a harsh response. Georgian security services have referenced Ukraine in connection with the October 4 rally before, notably weeks earlier, when they arrested two Ukrainians, alleging they had brought powerful explosives into the country on instructions from Kyiv. Also Read: * 05/10/2025 – Police Arrest October 4 Rally Organizers After Election-Day Unrest * 18/09/2025 – Ukraine’s Embassy Denies Receiving Notice on Detained Citizens, SSSG Disputes

SSSG Says Arms Cache Found, Links to October 4 Unrest, Ukraine #Civil #Georgia

Experts at UN Side Event Warn of ‘Total Escalation’ in Russian Repression, Demand Urgent International Support #IRFS #Azerbaijan

MIA Warns Upcoming Rallies as ‘Continuation’ of October 4 “Coup”, Hints at More Arrests Georgia’s Interior Ministry hinted at more arrests in connection with the October 4 unrest in Tbilisi, warning to treat upcoming rallies as a “continuation” of “yesterday’s attempt” and fueling concerns that authorities may use the unrest as a pretext to target peaceful protests. The ministry stated on October 5 it would “take all relevant measures in the coming days to identify those who violated the law and to enforce the law against them,” hinting at further arrests after five organizers of the October 4 “peaceful revolution” rally were already detained overnight. Georgian Dream PM Irakli Kobakhidze said last night that he assumes more than 30 people could be arrested. “Furthermore, based on yesterday’s events, we have grounds to deem any assembly held today or in the coming days as a continuation of yesterday’s attempt. We will take appropriate measures to ensure public order and safety are not endangered,” the ministry added. “We call on everyone to take this circumstance into account and refrain from any actions that may become grounds for legal measures against them,” the ministry warned. The unrest unfolded in Tbilisi on October 4, when one group of protesters gathered at a rally calling for the “peaceful overthrow” of the GD government, held in parallel with local elections, headed to occupy the presidential palace following a call by rally organizers. A much larger group of protesters, however, stayed at Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue for a peaceful rally. Five organizers, including UNM member Murtaz Zodelava and opera singer Paata Burchuladze, were arrested after midnight on multiple criminal charges, including attempting to overthrow the constitutional order and leading and organizing group violence. The Interior Ministry’s warning about treating upcoming rallies as “continuation” comes as Georgia’s anti-government protests are set to continue. The demonstrations have mostly remained peaceful for nearly a year. Several opposition parties have, from the outset, been skeptical of the planned “peaceful revolution” and criticized the organizers of yesterday’s rally for what they considered to have harmed the broader peaceful protest movement. One of them, the Federalists party, has scheduled a rally today at 8 pm on Rustaveli Avenue, where protesters have blocked the traffic every night for more than 310 days. Tamar Chergoleishvili, leader of the Federalists, responded on Facebook to the Interior Ministry’s warnings about upcoming rallies, stressing that the protests “will not cease” and “will be peaceful.” “Tens of thousands of people stood stubbornly and peacefully on Rustaveli Avenue, while the adventurist loudmouths were calling on them to storm whatever buildings they could find,” Chergoleishvili wrote. “We will stand peacefully and will continue to undermine the regime, the legitimacy of which stands on chicken legs.” She added that the events of October 4 showed that the organizers of the unrest have “no support within the protest movement.” Also Read: * 05/10/2025 – Kobakhidze Doubles Down on the Narrative of Retribution * 04/10/2025 – MIA Launches Criminal Probe into Election-Day Unrest

MIA Warns Upcoming Rallies as ‘Continuation’ of October 4 “Coup”, Hints at More Arrests #Civil #Georgia

CEC Results: GD Claims Sweeping Victory in All Municipalities in Partially Boycotted Race According to preliminary official results from the Central Election Commission, with all 3,061 precincts counted nationwide, Georgian Dream has secured a sweeping victory in both proportional and mayoral races across all 64 municipalities in the October 4 local elections, which were held under a partial opposition boycott and with limited independent observation. Preliminary results show Georgian Dream winning municipalities with more than 70% of the vote, with its share exceeding 80% and 90% in many constituencies, while the GD’s mayoral candidates ran unchallenged in nearly half of the municipalities. Nationwide, support for the ruling party stood at 81.68%. Source: Preliminary results by the Central Election Commission Official turnout was recorded at 40.93%, lower than in the previous municipal elections. The capital saw the lowest participation, with only 31.08% of eligible voters casting their ballots in Tbilisi, where the official results declared Kakha Kaladze, the incumbent mayor, as a winner. The vote took place under a repressive political and legal environment, and with a parallel mass rally in downtown Tbilisi, drawing possibly the biggest since the initial weeks of November-December protests that erupted in response to Georgian Dream halting EU integration. Tensions escalated when a group of protesters attempted to occupy the presidential palace at the organizers’ call, leading to clashes, police dispersal, and the eventual arrest of organizers. Source: CEC Georgian Dream officials argued they had received more actual votes than in previous local elections and a tally close to last year’s disputed parliamentary polls. Number of actual votes received by Georgian Dream in local elections, according to the CEC Below are the official results of the proportional and mayoral races in all 64 municipalities: Tbilisi Proportional: GD – 70%, Lelo/Strong Georgia – 9.9%, Girchi – 7.7%, Conservatives for Georgia – 4.3%, Gakharia/For Georgia – 3.2% Mayoral: * (41) Georgian Dream – Kakha Kaladze – 71.6% * (9) Irakli Kupradze (Lelo Strong Georgia/Gakharia For Georgia) – 12.3% * (36) Iago Khvichia (Girchi) – 7.6% * (1) Teimuraz Bokelavadze (Homeland, Language, Faith) – 0.8% * (3) Zurab Makharadze (Conservatives for Georgia) – 4% * (7) Kakha Kukava (Free Georgia) – 1.5% * (8) Otar Chitanava (Alliance of Patriots) – 0.9% * (12) Giorgi Gachechiladze (Greens’ Party) – 0.8% * (11) Giorgi Liluashvili (Georgia) – 0.5% Source: Preliminary results by the Central Election Commission Sagarejo: Proportional: GD – 89%, opposition combined: 11% Mayoral: * (41) Vakhtangi Kakutashvili (Georgian Dream) – 100% Gurjaani: Proportional: GD – 90%, opposition combined: 10% Mayoral: * (41) Giorgi Machavariani (Georgian Dream) – 100% Signaghi Proportional: GD – 88%, opposition combined – 12% Mayoral: * (41) Malkhazi Begiashvili (Georgian Dream) – 92.3% * (9) Nodari Vardiashvili (Lelo-Strong Georgia) – 7.7% Dedoplistskaro: Proportional: GD – 87.7%, opposition combined – 12.3% Mayoral: * (41) Nikoloz Janiashvili (Georgian Dream) – 100% Lagodekhi: Proportional: GD – 89.2%, opposition combined – 10.8% Mayoral: * (41) Jondo Mdivnishvili (Georgian Dream) – 96.1% * (9) Vano Zurabashvili (Lelo-Strong Georgia) – 3.9% Kvareli: Proportional: GD – 86.9%, opposition combined – 13.1% Mayoral: * (41) Ilia Mzekalashvili (Georgian Dream) – 100% Telavi: Proportional: GD – 84.1%, opposition combined – 15.9% Mayoral: * (41) Vazha Maghradze (Georgian Dream) – 91.6% * (25) Zaza Japaridze (Gakharia For Georgia) – 8.4% Akhmeta: Proportional: GD – 83.7%, opposition combined – 16.3% Mayoral: * (41) Aleksi Pitskhalauri (Georgian Dream) – 90.9% * (25) Mate Tsveraidze (Gakharia For Georgia) – 9.1% Tianeti: Proportional: GD – 83.1%, opposition combined – 16.9% Mayoral: * (41) Levan Tsiklauri (Georgian Dream) – 100% Rustavi: Proportional: GD – 74%, opposition combined – 26% Mayoral: * (41) Nino Latsabidze (Georgian Dream) – 92% * (25) Tamar Kekenadze (Gakharia For Georgia) – 8% Gardabani: Proportional: GD – 94.7%, opposition combined – 5.3% Mayoral: * (41) Daviti Kargareteli (Georgian Dream) – 100% Marneuli: Proportional: GD – 90.3%, opposition combined – 9.7% Mayoral: * (41) Dauri Ismailovi (Georgian Dream) – 91.3% * (9) Asad Alievi (Lelo-Strong Georgia) – 7.1% * (5) Ali Badirovi (Our United Georgia) – 1.5% Bolnisi: Proportional: GD- 94%, opposition combined – 6% Mayoral: * (41) Zamuri Chitanava (Georgian Dream) – 96.7% * (9) Asaf Chiragovi (Lelo-Strong Georgia, withdrew for GD) – 3.3% Dmanisi: Proportional: GD – 92.7%, opposition combined – 13.3% Mayoral: * (41) Koba Muradashvili (Georgian Dream) – 100% Tsalka: Proportional: GD – 88.5%, opposition combined – 11.5% Mayoral: * (41) Ilia Sabadze (Georgian Dream) – 100% Tetritskaro: Proportional: GD – 87%, opposition combined – 13% Mayoral: * (41) Mikheil Aptsiauri (Georgian Dream) – 100% Mtskheta: Proportional: GD – 84%, opposition combined – 16% Mayoral: * (41) Gogi Abuashvili (Georgian Dream) – 90.2% * (25) Tamar Lomitashvili (Gakharia For Georgia) – 9.8% Dusheti: Proportional: GD – 81.2%, opposition combined – 8.8% Mayoral: * (41) Kakhaber Chitauri (Georgian Dream) – 89.3% * (25) Lasha Tskhadadze (Gakharia For Georgia) – 10.7% Kazbegi: Proportional: GD – 76.7%, opposition combined – 23.3% Mayoral: * (41) Koba Geladze (Georgian Dream) – 94% * (9) Saba Chkareuli (Lelo Strong Georgia) – 4% * (42) Marekh Chopikashvili (independent) – 2% Kaspi: Proportional: GD – 85.1%, opposition combined – 14.9% Mayoral: * (41) Vakhtang Maisuradze (Georgian Dream) – 92.4% * (25) Tatia Broladze (Gakharia For Georgia) – 7.6% Gori: Proportional: GD – 80.8%, opposition combined – 19.2% Mayoral: * (41) Konstantine Buzaladze (Georgian Dream) – 87.1% * (9) Nikoloz Doliashvili (Lelo-Strong Georgia) – 12.9% Kareli: Proportional: GD – 84.8%, opposition combined – 15.2% Mayoral: * (41) Zaza Guliashvili (Georgian Dream) – 92.3% * (7) Zviadi Mekvabidze (Free Georgia) – 7.8% Khashuri: Proportional: GD – 77%, opposition combined – 23% Mayoral: * (41) Paata Chaduneli (Georgian Dream) – 77.5% * (42) Valeri Gelashvili – independent – 22.5% Borjomi: Proportional: GD – 84.2%, opposition combined – 15.8% Mayoral: * (41) Mamuka Gelashvili (Georgian Dream) – 90.4% * (9) Izolda Lomidze (Gakharia For Georgia) – 9.6% Akhaltsikhe: Proportional: GD – 88.9%, opposition combined – 11.1% Mayoral: * (41) Varlam Tsiklauri (Georgian Dream) – 100% Adigeni: Proportional: GD – 90.6%, opposition combined – 9.4% Mayoral: * (41) Gocha Kimadze (Georgian Dream) – 100% Aspindza: Proportional: GD – 92%, opposition combined – 8% Mayoral: * (41) Rostom Magrakvelidze (Georgian Dream) – 100% Akhalkalaki: Proportional: GD – 97%, opposition combined – 3% Mayoral: * (41) Melkon Makarian (Georgian Dream) – 100% Ninotsminda: Proportional: GD – 98.3%, opposition combined – 1.7% Mayoral: * (41) Anivard Mosoian (Georgian Dream) – 100% Oni: Proportional: GD – 73.2%, opposition combined – 26.9% Mayoral: * (41) Davit Lobzhanidze (Georgian Dream) – 100% Ambrolauri: Proportional: GD – 81.7%, opposition combined – 18.3% Mayoral: * (41) Zaza Kevanishvili (Georgian Dream) – 100% Tsageri: Proportional: GD – 82.3%, opposition combined – 17.7% Mayoral: * (41) Chabuki Chabukiani (Georgian Dream) – 100% Lentekhi: Proportional: GD – 82.4%, opposition combined – 17.6% Mayoral: * (41) Giorgi Gazdeliani (Georgian Dream) – 100% Mestia: Proportional: GD – 85.4%, opposition combined – 14.6% Mayoral: * (41) Kapiton Zhorzholiani – (Georgian Dream) – 100% Kharagauli: Proportional: GD – 83.2%, opposition combined – 16.8% Mayoral: * (41) Koba Lursmanashvili – (Georgian Dream) – 84.4% * (9) Inga Maghradze – (Lelo-Strong Georgia) – 15.6% Terjola: Proportional: GD – 86.5%, opposition combined – 13.5% Mayoral: * (41) Georgian Dream – Manuchar Robakidze – 94.5% * (25) Suliko Zarnadze – (Gakharia For Georgia) – 5.5% Sachkhere: Proportional: GD – 93%, opposition combined – 7% Mayoral: * (41) Levani Ivanashvili – (Georgian Dream) – 100% Zestaponi: Proportional: GD – 83.7%, opposition combined – 16.3% Mayoral: * (41) Vakhtang Ghambashidze – (Georgian Dream) – 89.5% * (25) Kartlos Peranidze – (Gakharia For Georgia) – 6.8% * (11) Gigi Nebieridze – (Georgia) – 3.7% Baghdati: Proportional: GD – 85.9%, opposition combined – 14.1% Mayoral: * (41) Nodar Giorgidze – Georgian Dream – 100% Vani: Proportional: GD – 91%, opposition combined – 9% Mayoral: * (41) Aleksandre Gogorishvili – (Georgian Dream) – 100% Samtredia: Proportional: GD – 84.1%, opposition combined – 15.9% Mayoral: * (41) Davit Bakhtadze – (Georgian Dream) – 92,3% * (9) Badri Vashakidze – (Lelo-Strong Georgia) – 7.7% Khoni: Proportional: GD – 88.2%, opposition combined – 11.8% Mayoral: * (41) Lado Jurkhadze – (Georgian Dream) – 94.4% * (9) Gela Bobokhidze – (Lelo-Strong Georgia) – 5.6% Chiatura: Proportional: GD – 82.7%, opposition combined – 17.3% Mayoral: * (41) Givi Modebadze – (Georgian Dream) – 89.6% * (25) Zaza Chumburidze – (Gakharia For Georgia) – 10.4% Tkibuli: Proportional: GD – 86.8%, opposition combined – 13.2% Mayoral: * (41) Davit Kublashvili – (Georgian Dream) – 100% Tskaltubo: Proportional: GD – 87.3%, opposition combined – 12.7% Mayoral: * (41) Genadi Balanchivadze (Georgian Dream) – 92.3% * (25) Ketevan Bakaradze – (Gakharia For Georgia) – 7.7% Kutaisi: Proportional: GD – 77.4%, opposition combined – 22.6% Mayoral: * (41) Daviti Eremeishvili – (Georgian Dream) – 85.7% * (25) Paata Zakareishvili – (Gakharia For Georgia) – 8% * (11) Giorgi Amaghlobeli – (Georgia) – 6.3% Ozurgeti: Proportional: GD – 86.7%, opposition combined – 13.3% * (41) Paata Kunchulia – (Georgian Dream) – 90.7% * (25) Aleksandre Menabde – (Gakharia For Georgia) – 9.3% Lanchkhuti: Proportional: GD – 79.4%, opposition combined – 20.6% * (41) Aleksandre Sarishvili – (Georgian Dream) – 88.4% * (25) Davit Chkhaidze – (Gakharia For Georgia) – 11.6% Chokhatauri: Proportional: GD – 81.9%, opposition combined – 18.1% * (41) Mindia Zhgheria (Georgian Dream) – 90.7% * (9) Nugzari Chkhivadze – (Lelo-Strong Georgia) – 9.3% Abasha: Proportional: GD – 79.3%, opposition combined – 20.7% * (41) Giga Gabelaia – (Georgian Dream) – 100% Senaki: Proportional: GD – 80.6%, opposition combined – 19.4% * (41) Vakhtang Gadelia – (Georgian Dream) – 85.1% * (25) Joni Torchinava – (Gakharia For Georgia) – 12.1% * (7) Besiki Tsuleiskiri – (Free Georgia) – 2.7% Martvili: Proportional: GD – 80.6%, opposition combined – 19.4% * (41) Giorgi Nachkebia – (Georgian Dream) – 100% Khobi: Proportional: GD – 83.6%, opposition combined – 16.4% * (41) Davit Bukia – (Georgian Dream) – 88.1% * (9) Iuri Bukia – (Lelo-Strong Georgia) – 11.9% Zugdidi: Proportional: GD – 84.8%, opposition combined – 15.2% * (41) Dato Kodua – (Georgian Dream) – 88.8% * (9) Giorgi Todua – (Lelo-Strong Georgia) – 9.6% * (11) Ramaz Chachibaia – (Georgia) – 1.4% Tsalenjikha: Proportional: GD – 72%, opposition combined – 28% * (41) Guba Sajaia – (Georgian Dream) – 75% * (25) Khvicha Mebonia – (Gakharia For Georgia) – 25% Chkhorotsku: Proportional: GD – 79.6%, opposition combined – 20.4% * (41) Jumber Izoria (Georgian Dream) – 86.5% * (25) Malkhaz Gakharia – (Gakharia For Georgia) – 10.9% * (42) Odishar Lagvilava – (Independent) – 2.4% Poti: Proportional: GD – 86.4%, opposition combined – 13.6% * (41) Beka Vacharadze – (Georgian Dream) – 100% Batumi: Proportional: GD – 76.8%, opposition combined – 23.2% * (41) Giorgi Tsintsadze – (Georgian Dream) – 80.6% * (25) Gocha Gugunava – (Gakharia For Georgia) – 10.3% * (5) Zviad Kvirikadze – (Our United Georgia) – 4.2% * (42) Kakhaber Tsiskaridze – (Independent) – 2.4% * (1) Tamar Mikeladze – (Homeland, Language, Faith) – 2.3% Keda: Proportional: GD – 86.7%, opposition combined – 13.3% * (41) Mamuka Turmanidze – (Georgian Dream) – 91.1% * (9) Ramaz Davitadze – (Lelo-Strong Georgia) – 8.9% Kobuleti: Proportional: GD – 89.7%, opposition combined – 10.3% * (41) Irakli Tsetskhladze – (Georgian Dream) – 92.3% * (9) Paata Tsivadze – (Lelo-Strong Georgia) – 5.2% * (5) Telmani Meskhidze – (Our United Georgia) – 2.5% Shuakhevi: Proportional: GD – 84.6%, opposition combined – 15.4% * (41) Omar Takidze – (Georgian Dream) – 90.3% * (9) Natia Mgeladze – (Lelo-Strong Georgia) – 9.7% Khelvachauri: Proportional: GD – 83.5%, opposition combined – 16.5% * (41) Zaza Diasamidze – (Georgian Dream) – 88.3% * (9) Badri Mamuladze – (Lelo-Strong Georgia) – 11.7% Khulo: Proportional: GD – 83.6%, opposition combined – 16.4% * (41) Vakhtang Beridze – (Georgian Dream) – 86.5% * (25) Irakli Bolkvadze – (Gakharia For Georgia) – 10% * (14) Zia Saginadze – (People’s State) – 3.4% Also Read: * 04/10/2025 – MIA Launches Criminal Probe into Election-Day Unrest * 04/10/2025 – GD Leadership Celebrates Victory, as Tensions Flare * 04/10/2025 – Polls Open in Georgia’s Partially Boycotted Local Vote

CEC Results: GD Claims Sweeping Victory in All Municipalities in Partially Boycotted Race #Civil #Georgia

Sokhumi Detains Georgian National in Gali on ‘Espionage’ Charges Abkhazia’s de facto security service has arrested a Georgian national, Shalva Khizanishvili, on suspicion of spying for Tbilisi, according to media reports. Local news agency Apsnypress and RFE/RL’s Russian-language service Ekho Kavkaza reported that Khizanishvili was detained on October 1 in the village of Shashikvara, in Abkhazia’s Gali district. The de facto authorities claimed that during the arrest, they found “three rifles, ammunition, cash, Georgian bank cards,” as well as a “package containing an explosive device” at his residence. According to the same sources, the de facto security service claimed that Khizanishvili “confirmed his contacts with the Georgian intelligence services” and had filmed “one of the Russian FSB border posts in Abkhazia, for which he received financial compensation.” The reports also said that he was later given “an explosive device in a hidden location, which was subsequently discovered on his property.” A criminal case has been opened against him for “illegal acquisition and possession of weapons” and “espionage.” Georgia’s State Security Service told Ekho Kavkaza that it had activated the hotline mechanism and was using all available channels while clarifying the details of the incident. Also Read: * 29/07/2025 – Abkhazia Detains Georgian Wanted by Russia * 10/06/2025 – TASS: Russian Detained in Sokhumi Over ‘Espionage’ for Ukraine, Possible Terrorist Plot

Sokhumi Detains Georgian National in Gali on ‘Espionage’ Charges #Civil #Georgia

Kobakhidze Doubles Down on the Narrative of Retribution Following the local elections and the night of localized unrest instigated by some protest leaders, PM Irakli Kobakhidze doubled down on the narrative of retribution against protesters and their political opponents. Speaking at a special press conference, Kobakhdize proclaimed that “all who came at 16:00 at the Liberty Square, all of them went to the event of the coup, and only after seeing that the attempt failed, they shamefully distanced themselves from Burchuladze, Zodelava, and others.” * 16/09/25 – Georgia Anticipates October 4 Rally Amid Rising Tensions, Discontent Predictably, he tied yesterday’s events to the habitual narrative promoted by the Georgian Dream, which considers all previous protest movements as attempted coups by the United National Movement (UNM) and its affiliated parties. “In the past four years, we saw already the fifth attempt at organizing “NatsMaidan” ‘[linking the pejorative term Natsis for UNM and Maidan, for Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity],” Kobakhidze argued and continued that “we have a specific responsibility towards one million one hundred thousand voters [who voted for GD according to CEC data] to rid our country of the disease named the collective National Movement.” The statement dovetails with the intended move to ban UNM and affiliated movements through the Constitutional Court, based on the Tsulukiani Commission report. The October 4 unrest is likely to fold neatly into the news cycle and create a launching pad for this event. Going further, Kobakhidze specified that “Under collective National Movement, I mean the relevant political parties, all foreign agents that are giving our state no respite, the extremist groups that work under instructions of the foreign special services and with their financing, among others, one of the universities captired by Saakashvili family and the organizations “Fari”, “Ertoba” and other extremist groups.” The GD-affiliated TV channels have been preparing the ground for targeting the universities and coordination movements linked with the peaceful protests, accusing them of “money laundering” and acting on behalf of the “foreign intelligence services […] to violently change the government.” Kobakhidze also slammed the two larger opposition parties that took part in the elections – Lelo and Gakharia’s For Georgia, saying the “plan prepared by the Deep State to substitute the UNM with Lelo and Gakharia has failed” and those parties are “good for being scrapped” after the election defeat.

Kobakhidze Doubles Down on the Narrative of Retribution #Civil #Georgia

Georgian Riot Police Break Up Tbilisi Demonstration, Detain Protest Organizers Georgian police used pepper spray and water cannons in clashes with protesters who attempted to storm the presidential palace in Tbilisi and detained at least five leaders of the October 4 opposition protest.

Georgian Riot Police Break Up Tbilisi Demonstration, Detain Protest Organizers #RFE #Georgia

Police Arrest October 4 Rally Organizers After Election-Day Unrest Police have arrested five persons, including opposition figures and opera singer Paata Burchuladze, after the October 4 election day rally that they organized in Tbilisi escalated into unrest. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the detainees include Burchuladze, a singer and activist who was the main organizer of the October 4 rally, as well as opposition United National Movement party members Irakli Nadiradze and Murtaz Zodelava, Strategy Agmashenebeli party member Paata Manjgaladze, and retired colonel Lasha Beridze. All of them were members of a group organizing the election-day rally with the stated aim of “peacefully overthrowing” the Georgian Dream government. They were detained on charges of calling for the violent overthrow of state authorities and attempting to change the constitutional order through violence, as well as organizing, leading, and participating in group violence. If convicted, they face up to nine years in prison. “During the rally at Liberty Square, the organizers made calls of a violent nature. Similar calls had also been voiced prior to October 4,” GD Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze said at a briefing early on October 5. Zodelava and Nadiradze were detained in the early hours of October 5 at the parliament after the rally, while Burchuladze was taken in handcuffs from the Tbilisi hospital where he had been treated following the unrest. The arrests come after police earlier in the day launched an investigation into several criminal charges, including incitement to overthrow the government, and after Georgian Dream leaders warned of a strict response. Tensions flared on the day of the partially boycotted municipal vote after Paata Burchuladze and other organizers addressed a parallel mass rally, dubbed a “national assembly”, declaring that power had reverted “to the Georgian people.” Following the announcement, Murtaz Zodelava urged a special group of “male force” to “take over the keys of the Presidential Palace as the first step.” His calls were followed by unrest, where some protesters attempted to storm the palace, while riot police confronted them with pepper spray, tear gas, and water cannons. Clashes around the presidential palace and nearby Orbeliani Square continued late into the night, while larger crowds of protesters maintained a peaceful rally on Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue, some three hundred meters from the epicenter of tensions. According to the Health Ministry, six protesters and 21 police officers were hospitalized, including one officer in serious condition. Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze of the ruling Georgian Dream party described the events at the presidential palace as a “direct coup attempt,” vowing to hold those responsible accountable, while GD Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said “every person who was involved in this violent act will be held accountable.” More to follow… Also Read: * Live Updates: Local Elections and Protest * 04/10/2025 – GD Leadership Celebrates Victory as Tensions Flare

Police Arrest October 4 Rally Organizers After Election-Day Unrest #Civil #Georgia

CEC’s Preliminary Results: Georgian Dream Leads with 80.7% Nationwide The Central Election Commission (CEC) released preliminary results of the October 4 municipal elections, according to which the Georgian Dream party leads with 80.7% of the vote nationwide, compared to a combined 19.3% received by opposition parties. Only two major opposition groups, Lelo and Gakharia – For Georgia, participated in the local elections. Others boycotted, including the parties whose leaders are currently in jail. The preliminary results are based on 2,279 (out of 3,061) precincts where the votes were counted electronically. A total of 12 parties, many unknown or tiny, registered to run in the 2025 municipal elections, down from 43 parties that participated in the 2021 local vote. The elections took place in a repressive legal and political environment. There was no independent foreign observation, as traditional national watchdogs and international missions were unable or unwilling to observe. In the nationwide proportional vote, the official preliminary results are as follows: the ruling Georgian Dream party leads with 80.78% of the vote, followed by Lelo/Strong Georgia with 6.78%, ex-PM Gakharia’s For Georgia with 3.87%, Iago Khvichia’s Girchi with 3.29%, and far-right Conservatives for Georgia with 2.77%. Source: CEC According to CEC’s 9.00 pm data, the Tbilisi mayoral vote was distributed as follows: * (41) Kakha Kaladze – Georgian Dream – 71.55% (210,280 votes) * (9) Irakli Kupradze – Lelo + For Georgia – 12.45% (36,612 votes) * (36) Iago Khvichia – Girchi – 7.52% (22,122 votes) * (3) Zurab Makharadze – Conservatives For Georgia – 4.12% (12,110 votes) Source: CEC Proportional vote results in Tbilisi: * (41) Georgian Dream – 207,985 votes (70.15%) * (9) Lelo-Strong Georgia – 29,807 votes (10.54%) * (36) Girchi – 22,230 votes (7.49%) * (3) Conservatives For Georgia – 12,811 (4.32%) * (25) Gakharia For Georgia – 9,483 votes (3.19%) * (8) Alliance of Patriots of Georgia – 3,151 votes (1.63%) * (1) Homeland, Language, Faith – 3020 votes (1%) * (7) Free Georgia – 2647 votes (0.89%) * (12) Greens’ Party – Giorgi Gachechiladze 1906 (0.64%) * (5) Our United Georgia – 1720 votes (0.58%) * (11) Georgia – 943 votes (0.31%) * (14) People’s Party – 761 votes (0.25%) Below are the preliminary results of Georgia’s four other self-governing cities: Rustavi: * (25) Gakharia For Georgia -Tamar Kekenadze – 2717 (8%) * (41) Georgian Dream – Nino Latsabidze – 30,962 (91.9%) Kutaisi: * (41) Georgian Dream – Daviti Eremeishvili – 85.62% * (25) Gakharia For Georgia – Paata Zakareishvili – 8% * (11) Georgia – Girogi Amaghlobeli – 6.3% Poti: * (41) Georgian Dream – Beka Vacharadze – 100% Batumi: * (41) Giorgi Tsintsadze – Georgian Dream – 80.55% * (25) Gocha Gugunava – Gakharia For Georgia – 10.4% * (5) Zviad Kvirikadze – Our United Georgia – 4.2% * (42) Kakhaber Tsiskaridze – Independent Candidate by “Initiative Group” – 2.4% * (1) Tamar Mikeladze – Homeland, Language, Faith – 2.3% Follow our liveblog for more updates.

CEC’s Preliminary Results: Georgian Dream Leads with 80.7% Nationwide #Civil #Georgia

MIA Launches Criminal Probe into Election-Day Unrest The Interior Ministry has launched an investigation into the election-day unrest under multiple criminal articles, including incitement to overthrow the government and participation in group violence, Deputy Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze said. According to Darakhvelidze, the probe has been opened under Articles 317 (incitement to change Georgia’s constitutional order through violence or to overthrow the government), Article 187 (damage or destruction of property), Article 222 (seizure or blockage of a broadcasting or communications organization or a facility of strategic or special importance), and Article 225 (organization, management, or participation in group violence) of the Criminal Code of Georgia. “Despite numerous calls from law enforcement officers and official statements by the ministry, protesters refused to comply with lawful orders,” Darakhvelidze said. “The rally went beyond the legal framework of assembly and manifestation. Organizers made violent statements, damaged barriers around the presidential residence on Atoneli Street, and attempted to storm the building.” The deputy minister from the ruling Georgian Dream party said 14 police officers were injured during the rally, one of whom remains in critical condition. To restore public order, police used the special means permitted by law, Darakhvelidze said, adding that investigative and procedural actions are underway to identify and detain “all individuals involved in illegal acts.” “We once again strictly urge all participants to obey police instructions and avoid artificially escalating the situation,” he warned. “Otherwise, law enforcement will use all measures provided by law.” Also Read: * Live Updates: Local Elections and Protest * 04/10/2025 – Police Cracks Down as Burchuladze Declares End of Government Legitimacy

MIA Launches Criminal Probe into Election-Day Unrest #Civil #Georgia

Polls Close in Municipal Vote with 40.93% Turnout 1,438,116 people – 40,93% of eligible voters – cast their ballots in Georgia’s partially-boycotted local elections of October 4 by the time polls closed across the country after 8 pm, according to the Central Election Commission (CEC). “Election Day generally proceeded in a calm and secure environment,” CEC spokesperson Natia Ioseliani said at a briefing at 9 pm before announcing the final turnout. “In a few isolated cases, incidents and technical issues were recorded; however, in all such instances, the electoral administration responded promptly and in accordance with the law.” Tensions have flared since 7 p.m. on Liberty Square and Atoneli Street, where participants of a rally – whose stated goal is to “peacefully overthrow” the Georgian Dream government – attempted to storm the presidential palace, prompting a dispersal by riot police. Ioseliani said that CEC has 24 complaints, most of which “concern violations of the rules for photo and video recording, the setup of polling stations, and the registration of voters outside polling stations, and other issues.” CEC said it expects to offer preliminary results based on electronic precincts in 1-2 hours after the polls close at 8 pm. The final results are expected later, after all ballots have been counted by hand. In the 2021 local polls, which carried an added meaning of a “referendum” on snap elections, the 20:00 nationwide turnout rate stood at 51.92%, while the final turnout in the 2017 local elections was 45.65% In the 2024 parliamentary elections, the 20:00 nationwide voter turnout stood at 58,94%. --- The local elections take place across Georgia amid a partial opposition boycott, scant credible observation, continued repression by Georgian Dream authorities, jailings of protesters and opposition members, and a crackdown on independent media and watchdogs. The vote comes approximately a year after the disputed parliamentary elections, and just 10 months into the non-stop protests that erupted in response to Georgian Dream’s announcement to halt EU integration. A parallel mass rally has been scheduled at 4 pm at the parliament in Tbilisi with the stated aim of “peacefully overthrowing” the Georgian Dream government. Follow our live blog for election-day updates. For more context, read our backgrounders: * Backgrounder: Georgia’s October 4 Half-Elections * Georgia Anticipates October 4 Rally Amid Rising Tensions, Discontent * Who Will (Not) Observe October 4 Local Elections * Repression in Numbers

Polls Close in Municipal Vote with 40.93% Turnout #Civil #Georgia

Georgian Police Fire Tear Gas To Repel Protesters From Presidential Palace Georgian riot police used tear gas, pepper spray, and water cannon to repel anti-government protesters from the country's presidential palace. The clashes erupted in Tbilisi on October 4 after a large demonstration on the day of local elections. Opposition leaders used the vote to try to reinvigorate protests against the ruling Georgian Dream party which it has accused of being pro-Russian and authoritarian.

Georgian Police Fire Tear Gas To Repel Protesters From Presidential Palace #RFE #Georgia

Georgian Police Deploy Pepper Spray And Water Cannons as Thousands Protest In Tbilisi Thousands take to the streets of Tbilisi, attempting to enter the presidential palace on the day of municipal elections, as Georgian police use pepper spray and water cannons to push protesters back.

Georgian Police Deploy Pepper Spray And Water Cannons as Thousands Protest In Tbilisi #RFE #Georgia

GD Leadership Celebrates Victory, as Tensions Flare Members and leaders of the ruling Georgian Dream party, including Honorary Chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili and incumbent Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, are celebrating at the party’s headquarters in Ortachala after the pro-government television channel Imedi released its commissioned exit poll results from the October 4 vote. According to the Imedi-commissioned GORBI exit poll, Georgian Dream (No. 41) led with 76.3 percent of the vote in Tbilisi, followed by Lelo – Strong Georgia (No. 9) with 7.1 percent, Girchi (No. 36) with 6.8 percent, Conservatives for Georgia with 3.3 percent, and other parties with 6.5 percent. “This is a truly impressive victory,” Ivanishvili said at the Georgian Dream headquarters on Gorgasali Street, thanking supporters. “This is the real result – this is what Georgia deserves, what our history deserves, what our genetics deserve.” Meanwhile, riot police dispersed protesters on Atoneli Avenue near the presidential palace, using water cannons and tear gas after demonstrators attempted to breach barricades. The dispersal followed hours of unrest sparked by an opposition rally earlier in the day on Liberty Square. Rally organizers at Liberty Square announced that they plan to head toward the Georgian Dream headquarters. More to follow…

GD Leadership Celebrates Victory, as Tensions Flare #Civil #Georgia