AGP Executive Report

EU Tensions: The European Parliament condemned Georgian Dream’s effort to ban opposition parties and urged sanctions on senior officials. Speaker Shalva Papuashvili and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze dismissed the resolution, while Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili said some EU countries back Georgia’s bid to chair the OSCE in 2027. Protests and Prison Allegations: Demonstrators in Tbilisi protested police violence, and prosecutors opened a probe into alleged abuse of activist Sergi Kancheli. Allegations of violence against prisoners also continue to draw attention. Transport and Trade: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze says Georgia plans $7 billion in transport infrastructure investment by 2032, as the country seeks to strengthen its role on the Middle Corridor. Adjara and Batumi: Adjara officials discussed regional cooperation with Turkey’s Rize Province, while Batumi’s mayor inspected ongoing square rehabilitation projects. The city’s Alternative Wave film-industry program also showcased eight projects at the Batumi International Arthouse Film Festival.

Transport Investment: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze says Georgia plans to invest $7 billion in transport infrastructure by 2032, including rail upgrades to strengthen the country’s role as a Middle Corridor transit hub. EU Tensions: After the European Parliament condemned Georgian Dream’s bid to ban opposition parties and urged sanctions on leaders, Kobakhidze likened the assembly to the Soviet Supreme Council. The resolution passed 445-37, with 97 abstentions. Protests and Rights: Tbilisi demonstrators continued daily rallies calling for the release of political prisoners and investigations into alleged police violence; prosecutors have opened a probe into alleged abuse of activist Sergi Kancheli. Adjara-Türkiye Cooperation: Adjara and Artvin officials discussed trade, tourism and the Middle Corridor, with the planned Batumi-Sarpi highway expected to ease border travel and cargo movement. Tbilisi Traffic: Mayor Kakha Kaladze says yellow-box markings will be introduced at busy intersections to stop drivers blocking junctions.

EU Tensions: The European Parliament voted 445–37 to condemn Georgian Dream’s bid to ban opposition parties and urged targeted sanctions against four senior officials, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze. Georgian Dream MP Irakli Kadagishvili dismissed the resolution as politically motivated. Police Accountability: Prosecutors have opened an investigation into activist Sergi Kancheli’s allegations that police beat and sexually abused him. Prison Abuse Claims: Rustavi inmates say staff beat and threatened them after they protested in solidarity with Giorgi Davitadze, who alleges guards raped him. Penitentiary authorities deny violence. Batumi Residents: Locals report drones hovering close to apartment windows, prompting concerns about safety and whether to contact police. Tbilisi Traffic: Mayor Kaladze says yellow-box markings will be introduced at intersections to stop drivers blocking junctions. Abkhazia: Opposition leader Adgur Ardzinba has called for security and internal development, while saying Georgia and Abkhazia should consider possible economic ties.

EU–Georgia Tensions: The European Parliament is due to vote today on a resolution condemning Georgian Dream’s bid to ban opposition parties. The draft demands the lawsuit be withdrawn and calls for sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and other senior officials. Protests and Rights: Pro-European rallies in Tbilisi have continued for 679 days. A new study reports long-term health effects among protesters exposed to chemical irritants. Energy: Georgia plans to buy electricity from Azerbaijan directly, cutting out intermediaries in a move the prime minister says will save several million lari a year. Security: A Georgian citizen has been arrested over an alleged attempt to sell uranium for $700,000. Tbilisi: Work has begun on a leachate treatment system at the city’s solid-waste landfill, which the mayor says does not meet required standards.

EU–Georgia Tensions: A draft European Parliament resolution condemns efforts to ban opposition parties and calls for sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Speaker Shalva Papuashvili and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze. A vote is scheduled for October 8. Security: Georgia’s State Security Service arrested a citizen accused of planning to sell uranium-238 to a foreign national for $700,000; he faces up to 10 years in prison. Protests and Prison Abuse Claims: Demonstrators gathered in Tbilisi for the 679th consecutive evening, demanding political prisoners’ release and an end to alleged prison abuse. A new study of 524 people exposed to chemical irritants at 2024 protests found 34% reported symptoms lasting more than a year or still ongoing. Energy: Prime Minister Kobakhidze said a deal with Azerbaijan guarantees Georgia gas supplies at low prices for 20 years and enables direct electricity imports. Tbilisi Traffic: The city plans yellow-box markings at congested intersections to stop drivers blocking cross traffic.

Prison Protests in Tbilisi: Protesters marked the 678th day of demonstrations, again demanding an end to alleged torture in prisons and support for inmate Giorgi Davitadze, whose family and activists say he was abused while the Penitentiary Service denies it. Honor for Tbilisi: Journalist and diplomat Nugzar B. Ruhadze was named an Honorary Citizen of Tbilisi during Tbilisoba celebrations. Batumi Sports Spotlight: The Trialeti Trophy in Batumi wrapped up with Georgian ice dance champions Diana Davis and Gleb Smolkin winning, while fans questioned some scoring decisions. Regional Green Cooperation: Kyrgyzstan and Georgia met in Tbilisi to discuss green finance, climate projects, and biodiversity protection. Construction Watch (Tbilisi): TBC Capital data cited by local media says construction permits in Tbilisi totaled 757,000 sq m in Jan–Aug, led by Didi Dighomi. Travel Update: Dubai flight routes to Europe are set to resume, while Tel Aviv services remain affected by recent security disruptions. Georgia in the Spotlight Abroad: A Kashmir-born filmmaker detained by ICE in the US two weeks ago still awaits a bail hearing.

Prison Accountability in Focus: Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili hit back at plea-bargain requests from October 4 convicts, saying they remain “prisoners of shamelessness” and urging acknowledgment of crimes. Human Rights Pressure: Giorgi Davitadze’s mother Irma demanded senior prison officials resign over alleged abuse at Rustavi No. 6, while family and supporters keep protesting outside the Special Penitentiary Service. Legal Crackdown: Former journalist Nodar Chachua was arrested in Tbilisi on drug charges, with prosecutors seeking detention; authorities say he faces up to 20 years or life. Political Tensions: A Georgian Constitutional Court bid to ban five opposition parties is now on the docket, with no decision yet on whether the case will be accepted. Diplomacy & Regional Links: Azerbaijan’s FM met Georgia’s ambassador-designate in Baku, stressing cooperation on energy, transport, and the Middle Corridor. Economy & Business: BSTDB signed a EUR 25 million facility with Basisbank to expand SME lending, while GM and Lynx Motors announced Cadillac’s official entry into Georgia. Culture & Tourism: “Starring Georgia” received 42.6 million lari ahead of Kanye West’s Tbilisi show, and Italian Cuisine Week drew more than 150 guests in Tbilisi.

EU-Georgia Tensions: Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze says the EU is complicit in last year’s coup attempt, arguing Brussels’ silence over violence and its election-rigging claims helped fuel unrest. Human Rights & Extraditions: The Social Justice Center says Georgia’s prisoner transfers to Russia violate international standards after reports that Dmitry Pushkarev, extradited from Georgia, was killed in Russia. Economy & Finance: Credo Bank and the Asian Development Bank signed a GEL 120 million loan to expand regional lending for micro, small and medium enterprises, including women-led businesses. Business/Legal Watch: A Georgian appeals court ruled an insurer’s late filing of a coverage statement doesn’t automatically block enforcement of a settlement, sending parts of the case back to lower court. Public Protest in Georgia: Pro-European demonstrators in Tbilisi and Batumi marked the 677th day of protests, calling for political prisoners’ release and an end to repressive policies. Sports (Georgia-Nations League): Northern Ireland held Georgia 0-0; Isaac Price missed a late penalty saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili, keeping NI top of Group B2. Local Life (Batumi/Georgia): A young teacher resigned and moved to Batumi, but a complaint was filed over TikTok livestreams.

Prison Abuse Row in Rustavi: Giorgi Davitadze’s family protested outside Prison No. 6, demanding the director’s dismissal and full release of footage/audio after Davitadze alleged guards raped him; the Justice Minister says allegations haven’t been substantiated and an investigation is ongoing. Plea Deal Moves in “October 4” Case: Convicted protesters Murtaz Zodelava and Lasha Beridze admitted guilt and filed for plea agreements; other convicted defendants are also seeking deals, while the Prosecutor’s Office says its position will follow. Extradition Update: The UK granted Georgia’s request to extradite a convicted man wanted for the rape of a minor, after a Tbilisi court sentenced him to 20 years. Border Talks: PM Irakli Kobakhidze said Georgia will keep delimitation and demarcation work with Azerbaijan and Armenia in a friendly format, including the David Gareji issue. Regional Connectivity: Georgia and partners pushed digital trade and rail customs clearance to cut transit times on the TITR corridor. Business & Consumer News: Credo Bank and the ADB signed a GEL 120m deal to back regional MSMEs; GCCA reported 136 trader fines totaling GEL 303,463 over consumer-rights violations. Education & Culture: Georgia’s public school class of 2026 improved SAT results overall; FIRST Global robotics team from Tbilisi and Kutaisi will compete in South Korea.

Border Talks: PM Irakli Kobakhidze says Georgia will keep working on friendly border delimitation and demarcation with both Azerbaijan and Armenia, including the David Gareji-related issue, through negotiations. Prison Rights Row: Giorgi Davitadze’s family says he swallowed an unidentified object in protest after alleged pressure in Rustavi Penitentiary No. 6, while officials describe a demonstrative act on camera and offer a clinic transfer he refused. Violence in Georgia: A block party shooting in Vienna, Georgia left 2 dead and 35 injured; the GBI says shots were fired around 1:25 a.m. and the investigation is ongoing. Tbilisoba Honors: Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze named 32 people honorary citizens during Tbilisoba celebrations. EU/NGO Pressure: ALDE urges EU targeted sanctions over repression and democratic backsliding after German political foundations closed Tbilisi offices amid grant restrictions. TRIPP vs Middle Corridor: Kobakhidze says the TRIPP route is not a competitor but should complement Georgia’s Middle Corridor as freight volumes grow.

Protests in Tbilisi: Demonstrators marked the 676th straight day of rallies, demanding the release of political prisoners and challenging the course of the “Georgian Dream” authorities. Transport policy: PM Irakli Kobakhidze said the TRIPP route is meant to complement Georgia’s Middle Corridor, not compete with it, citing a sevenfold rise in freight turnover since 2020. Diplomacy row: Georgia summoned Iran’s ambassador over remarks about Queen Ketevan, with the foreign ministry saying the comments went beyond diplomatic norms. EU pressure on civil society: The UK sanctioned four Georgian nationals over pro-Kremlin activities, while ALDE urged the EU to impose targeted sanctions after Friedrich Naumann Foundation closed its Tbilisi office. Local politics: By-elections wrapped up in Vani, Tsalka, Dmanisi and Akhmeta, with majoritarian council seats decided. Sports (Batumi): Batumi hosted the Trialeti Trophy, where Georgian skaters won gold in ice dance and men’s singles.

Protests in Tbilisi: A Saturday march marked the 675th day of daily demonstrations, with protesters calling for change and demanding the release of political prisoners, bringing Georgian and EU flags to Rustaveli Avenue. By-elections in four municipalities: Polling closed in Vani, Tsalka, Dmanisi and Akhmeta for local council (Sakrebulo) seats, using both electronic and traditional voting; a CEC briefing is set for 9:00 PM. Prison protest turns tense in Rustavi: Supporters of convicted inmate Giorgi Davitadze clashed with penitentiary staff outside Penitentiary Facility No. 6, after Davitadze accused guards of rape; staff denied obstructing the rally. EU-facing pressure on civil society: German Ambassador Barbara Voss said all four German political foundations in Georgia were forced to suspend activities; Friedrich Naumann Foundation closed its Tbilisi office after a rejected grant application, prompting ALDE to call for targeted EU sanctions. Local culture and tourism: Tbilisi City Day, Tbilisoba-2026, runs Oct. 3–4 with food, music and events across central locations, including a ceremony for honorary citizens on Oct. 4. Sports in Batumi: Georgian skaters won two golds at the Trialeti Trophy in Batumi, including Nika Egadze in men’s singles and Davis/Smolkin in ice dance.

By-elections in Georgia: Polling stations have closed in Vani, Tsalka, Dmanisi and Akhmeta, where by-elections were held for four majoritarian seats in local Sakrebulo councils. EU and democracy pressure: The ALDE Party urged the EU to impose targeted sanctions over what it calls repression and the systematic undermining of democracy in Georgia, pointing to the Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s closure in Tbilisi after its grant was rejected. German foundations pause work: Germany’s ambassador Barbara Voss said all four German political foundations in Georgia have been forced to suspend activities, with two offices already closed. Prison protest in Rustavi: An altercation broke out outside Rustavi Penitentiary No. 6 during a protest by relatives of convict Giorgi Davitadze, after he accused guards of rape. Trialeti Trophy in Batumi: Georgian skaters won two golds at the ISU Challenger Series event—Diana Davis and Gleb Smolkin in ice dance, and Nika Egadze in men’s singles. Tbilisoba City Day: Tbilisi is holding its annual City Day festival on Oct. 3–4 with food, concerts and events, plus traffic restrictions in central areas.

Education & Culture Ties: Türkiye and Georgia signed an education cooperation deal in Tbilisi on Oct. 2, covering reciprocal school openings, Georgian–Turkish language teaching, and steps toward recognition of diplomas and documents. Local Life in Tbilisi: Tbilisoba returns Oct. 3–4 with food, music, and traditions across Orbeliani Square, Rike Park, Gudiashvili Square, Europe Square, Legvtakhevi and Metekhi Bridge, plus cooking masterclasses and an Oct. 4 honorary citizens ceremony. EU-Linked Foundations Under Pressure: Germany’s ambassador says four German political foundations in Georgia were forced to temporarily suspend activities, with Konrad Adenauer and Friedrich Naumann already closing Tbilisi offices amid grant restrictions. Local Elections: By-elections for local councils are underway in Vani, Tsalka, Dmanisi, and Akhmeta, with voting until 8:00 PM. Adjara Infrastructure: Adjara officials met with Georgia’s regional development and infrastructure minister to review roads, school and kindergarten rehabilitation, and Batumi urban projects. Transport for Travelers: ADY increased Baku–Tbilisi–Baku services and reduced ticket prices; passengers are reminded to buy travel insurance. Public Protest: Pro-European demonstrators continued in Tbilisi and Batumi, including calls tied to prisoners’ rights and the release of political detainees.

Foreign Funding Crackdown: Germany’s Konrad Adenauer Foundation and Friedrich Naumann Foundation have shut their Tbilisi offices after Georgian authorities rejected their grant applications under the new Law on Grants, with parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili saying foreign political foundations have “no political mission” in Georgia. Prison Abuse Allegations: The Public Defender says it found no evidence of physical mistreatment or sexual violence against convicted prisoner Giorgi Davitadze, while opposition figures argue the released footage raises more doubts and call for an independent probe. UK Sanctions: The UK imposed asset freezes and travel bans on South Ossetia’s de facto leaders Marat Kambolov and Alan Gagloev, plus several Georgia-linked figures, citing support for Russia and threats to Ukraine’s sovereignty. Diplomacy & Regional Links: Georgia’s parliament speaker says relations with the US are improving, while Turkey and Georgia signed an education cooperation deal and Armenia’s PM highlighted the TRIPP rail corridor as a potential Black Sea–Persian Gulf link involving Georgia. Local Life: Tbilisi says it has started fining protesters for singing “Ole, Ola,” and the city plans to add 111 new metro cars after a 34-year gap.

Bail and UN pressure: Russian citizen Mikhail Timofeyev, held in extradition detention in Georgia, was released on GEL 50,000 bail after a UN Human Rights Committee interim order barred Georgia from extraditing or deporting him while the case is reviewed. He faces strict conditions including a travel ban, curfew, regular reporting, and surrender of his passport. Corruption case update: Former deputy head of Georgia’s State Security Service Levan Akhobadze was also released from custody on GEL 500,000 bail in a bribery-related case tied to alleged help in smuggling money from Russia. Diplomacy in Tbilisi: France, Germany and Poland’s ambassadors met in Tbilisi to mark the Weimar Triangle’s 35th anniversary and discuss future cooperation and joint action in Georgia. EU-aligned sanctions: The UK imposed sanctions on four Georgian nationals over alleged involvement in spreading Russian propaganda, including asset freezes and travel bans. Regional trade focus: The World Bank Group convened a Middle Corridor forum in Georgia to push logistics reforms and unlock the corridor’s economic potential. Local civic life: Georgia launched online burn permit applications via the Forestry Commission, and Tbilisi’s pro-European protests marked another night on Rustaveli Avenue.