Batumelebi&Netgazeti
@netgazeti.org
News and analysis on Georgia, the Caucasus region, and beyond | Based in Batumi and Tbilisi, Georgia.
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📌 https://batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/
📌 https://netgazeti.ge/
📌 https://www.youtube.com/@Batumelebi_ge
📌 https://www.tiktok.com/@batumelebi.netgazet
🟥 GD has passed another set of repressive legislative amendments at first reading.
🆘 It expand the definition of “grant”, placing almost any form of political expression under state control and criminalizing it if an individual receives funding from a "foreign power".
#RepressionInGeorgia
🆘 It expand the definition of “grant”, placing almost any form of political expression under state control and criminalizing it if an individual receives funding from a "foreign power".
#RepressionInGeorgia
Georgian Dream Passes Another Package of Repressive Amendments at First Reading - Batumelebi
Georgia • Repression In Georgia •
batumelebi.netgazeti.ge
February 3, 2026 at 3:54 PM
🟥 GD has passed another set of repressive legislative amendments at first reading.
🆘 It expand the definition of “grant”, placing almost any form of political expression under state control and criminalizing it if an individual receives funding from a "foreign power".
#RepressionInGeorgia
🆘 It expand the definition of “grant”, placing almost any form of political expression under state control and criminalizing it if an individual receives funding from a "foreign power".
#RepressionInGeorgia
🟥 The Georgian Dream party has introduced a sweeping new legislative package tightening restrictions on foreign funding, political activity, and public engagement for organizations and individuals in #Georgia.
#GeorgiaProtests #RepressionInGeorgia
#GeorgiaProtests #RepressionInGeorgia
Georgian Dream Unveils Sweeping Crackdown on Foreign Funding and Political Activity - Batumelebi
Georgian Dream • Repression In Georgia •
batumelebi.netgazeti.ge
January 29, 2026 at 11:29 AM
🟥 The Georgian Dream party has introduced a sweeping new legislative package tightening restrictions on foreign funding, political activity, and public engagement for organizations and individuals in #Georgia.
#GeorgiaProtests #RepressionInGeorgia
#GeorgiaProtests #RepressionInGeorgia
🟥 #UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Mary Lawlor calls on the Georgian Dream government to repeal repressive laws 👇
#Georgia #RepressionInGeorgia
#Georgia #RepressionInGeorgia
January 26, 2026 at 4:56 PM
🟥 #UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Mary Lawlor calls on the Georgian Dream government to repeal repressive laws 👇
#Georgia #RepressionInGeorgia
#Georgia #RepressionInGeorgia
🟥 On January 26 in #Tbilisi, an employee of the State Security Service’s Anti-Corruption Agency was found dead in their car with a gunshot wound. Prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation under Article 115 of the Criminal Code, covering incitement to suicide.
#Georgia
#Georgia
Anti-Corruption Agency Employee Found Dead in Car from Gunshot Wound - Batumelebi
State Security Service •
batumelebi.netgazeti.ge
January 26, 2026 at 11:27 AM
🟥 Former Georgian MP Givi Targamadze was released after seven months in prison for refusing to appear before the Tsulukiani Commission.
💢 batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/articles-in-...
#RepressionInGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests #georgia
💢 batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/articles-in-...
#RepressionInGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests #georgia
January 26, 2026 at 10:41 AM
🟥 Former Georgian MP Givi Targamadze was released after seven months in prison for refusing to appear before the Tsulukiani Commission.
💢 batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/articles-in-...
#RepressionInGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests #georgia
💢 batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/articles-in-...
#RepressionInGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests #georgia
⭕️The @echr.coe.int begun a substantive review of the application filed by the GYLA concerning the mass violations of ballot secrecy in #GEOElections2024, the organization announced.
#ProtestsInGeorgia
#ProtestsInGeorgia
ECHR Takes Up GYLA Case Over Alleged Mass Violations of Ballot Secrecy in 2024 Elections - Batumelebi
ECHR • Elections 2024 • GYLA •
batumelebi.netgazeti.ge
January 23, 2026 at 4:03 PM
⭕️The @echr.coe.int begun a substantive review of the application filed by the GYLA concerning the mass violations of ballot secrecy in #GEOElections2024, the organization announced.
#ProtestsInGeorgia
#ProtestsInGeorgia
🗣️“32,542 GEL, which we were warned about, covered the four-month salaries of 12 staff members,” Radio Marneuli’s founding CEO, Kamila Mamedova.
Since April 1, 2025, broadcasters are prohibited from receiving direct or indirect funding from foreign entities.
▶️ batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/articles-in-...
Since April 1, 2025, broadcasters are prohibited from receiving direct or indirect funding from foreign entities.
▶️ batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/articles-in-...
January 23, 2026 at 12:30 PM
🗣️“32,542 GEL, which we were warned about, covered the four-month salaries of 12 staff members,” Radio Marneuli’s founding CEO, Kamila Mamedova.
Since April 1, 2025, broadcasters are prohibited from receiving direct or indirect funding from foreign entities.
▶️ batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/articles-in-...
Since April 1, 2025, broadcasters are prohibited from receiving direct or indirect funding from foreign entities.
▶️ batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/articles-in-...
🟥 Opposition leader Giorgi Vashadze has left Rustavi No. 12 prison after serving a seven-month sentence. Vashadze was detained in June 2025 for failing to appear before the so-called Tsulukiani Investigative Commission.
#RepressionsInGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests
#RepressionsInGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests
Opposition Leader Giorgi Vashadze Leaves Prison After Serving Seven-Month Sentence - Batumelebi
Repression In Georgia • Strategy Aghmashenebeli •
batumelebi.netgazeti.ge
January 23, 2026 at 8:49 AM
🟥 Opposition leader Giorgi Vashadze has left Rustavi No. 12 prison after serving a seven-month sentence. Vashadze was detained in June 2025 for failing to appear before the so-called Tsulukiani Investigative Commission.
#RepressionsInGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests
#RepressionsInGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests
🟥 Another precedent has been set at the Tbilisi City Court, where two civil activists were ordered to four days of detention each for protesting on the sidewalk.
#GeorgiaProtests
#RepressionsInGeorgia
#Georgia #Protest
#GeorgiaProtests
#RepressionsInGeorgia
#Georgia #Protest
Two Activists Ordered to Detention for Sidewalk Protest as Court Applies New Restrictive Law - Batumelebi
Georgia Protests • Repression In Georgia •
batumelebi.netgazeti.ge
January 23, 2026 at 8:24 AM
🟥 Another precedent has been set at the Tbilisi City Court, where two civil activists were ordered to four days of detention each for protesting on the sidewalk.
#GeorgiaProtests
#RepressionsInGeorgia
#Georgia #Protest
#GeorgiaProtests
#RepressionsInGeorgia
#Georgia #Protest
🔴 A first precedent has been set regarding sidewalk protest cases. Citizen Rezi Dumbadze was declared to have committed an administrative offense solely for standing on the sidewalk during a protest.
▶️https://batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/articles-in-english/602621/
#GeorgiaProtests
#RepressionsInGeorgia
▶️https://batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/articles-in-english/602621/
#GeorgiaProtests
#RepressionsInGeorgia
January 22, 2026 at 5:51 PM
🔴 A first precedent has been set regarding sidewalk protest cases. Citizen Rezi Dumbadze was declared to have committed an administrative offense solely for standing on the sidewalk during a protest.
▶️https://batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/articles-in-english/602621/
#GeorgiaProtests
#RepressionsInGeorgia
▶️https://batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/articles-in-english/602621/
#GeorgiaProtests
#RepressionsInGeorgia
🟥 Zurab Girchi Japaridze, one of Georgia’s opposition leaders, recently released from prison and still facing the risk of re-arrest, speaks for you about his prison experience, Georgia, and efforts to unite the opposition.
▶️ Watch the full interview: youtu.be/rU0Dldot-5s?...
#GeorgiaProtests
▶️ Watch the full interview: youtu.be/rU0Dldot-5s?...
#GeorgiaProtests
January 22, 2026 at 5:28 PM
🟥 Zurab Girchi Japaridze, one of Georgia’s opposition leaders, recently released from prison and still facing the risk of re-arrest, speaks for you about his prison experience, Georgia, and efforts to unite the opposition.
▶️ Watch the full interview: youtu.be/rU0Dldot-5s?...
#GeorgiaProtests
▶️ Watch the full interview: youtu.be/rU0Dldot-5s?...
#GeorgiaProtests
🔴"Supporting Georgia’s democratic institutions is the best way bolster the country’s sovereignty against Russian, Chinese, and Iranian nefarious influence, which the Georgian Dream-led government has welcomed," - @jesludwig.bsky.social.
📌 bushcenter.org/publications...
#GeorgiaProtests
#FreeMzia
📌 bushcenter.org/publications...
#GeorgiaProtests
#FreeMzia
January 21, 2026 at 4:41 PM
🔴"Supporting Georgia’s democratic institutions is the best way bolster the country’s sovereignty against Russian, Chinese, and Iranian nefarious influence, which the Georgian Dream-led government has welcomed," - @jesludwig.bsky.social.
📌 bushcenter.org/publications...
#GeorgiaProtests
#FreeMzia
📌 bushcenter.org/publications...
#GeorgiaProtests
#FreeMzia
🟥 @echr.coe.int Rules #Georgia Violated Rights of Protester Detained During 2023 ‘Russian Law’ Rallies
Giorgi Mekvabishvili was detained in 2023, when Georgian Dream first initiated the “Russian Law”. His rights were defended by GYLA.
#NoToRussianLaw #GeorgiaProtests
Giorgi Mekvabishvili was detained in 2023, when Georgian Dream first initiated the “Russian Law”. His rights were defended by GYLA.
#NoToRussianLaw #GeorgiaProtests
ECHR Rules Georgia Violated Rights of Protester Detained During 2023 ‘Russian Law’ Rallies - Batumelebi
ECHR • Georgia Protests • GYLA • Russian Law •
batumelebi.netgazeti.ge
January 20, 2026 at 4:43 PM
🟥 @echr.coe.int Rules #Georgia Violated Rights of Protester Detained During 2023 ‘Russian Law’ Rallies
Giorgi Mekvabishvili was detained in 2023, when Georgian Dream first initiated the “Russian Law”. His rights were defended by GYLA.
#NoToRussianLaw #GeorgiaProtests
Giorgi Mekvabishvili was detained in 2023, when Georgian Dream first initiated the “Russian Law”. His rights were defended by GYLA.
#NoToRussianLaw #GeorgiaProtests
🟥 “Mzia thanks everyone. She has no expectations and has no information whatsoever regarding a possible pardon… She said, “I’ll see you all in a year,” Malkhaz Amaglobeli, brother of Georgia’s unlawfully imprisoned journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, told journalists.
#FreeMzia
#RepressionInGeorgia
#FreeMzia
#RepressionInGeorgia
“She Has No Expectations” – Mzia Amaglobeli’s Brother Comments After Meeting Her in Prison - Batumelebi
Mzia Amaglobeli • Press Freedom • Repression In Georgia •
batumelebi.netgazeti.ge
January 20, 2026 at 9:45 AM
🟥 “Mzia thanks everyone. She has no expectations and has no information whatsoever regarding a possible pardon… She said, “I’ll see you all in a year,” Malkhaz Amaglobeli, brother of Georgia’s unlawfully imprisoned journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, told journalists.
#FreeMzia
#RepressionInGeorgia
#FreeMzia
#RepressionInGeorgia
🟥 Kutaisi City Court has sentenced four miners to prison in a case the defendants describe as politically motivated.
📌 The arrests followed an extended period of protests, including a hunger strike and mass demonstrations by miners in Chiatura.
#Georgia
📌 The arrests followed an extended period of protests, including a hunger strike and mass demonstrations by miners in Chiatura.
#Georgia
Kutaisi Court Jails Four Miners as Defendants Denounce Case as Politically Motivated - Batumelebi
Georgia • Protests •
batumelebi.netgazeti.ge
January 20, 2026 at 9:25 AM
🟥 Kutaisi City Court has sentenced four miners to prison in a case the defendants describe as politically motivated.
📌 The arrests followed an extended period of protests, including a hunger strike and mass demonstrations by miners in Chiatura.
#Georgia
📌 The arrests followed an extended period of protests, including a hunger strike and mass demonstrations by miners in Chiatura.
#Georgia
🔴 After a late-night announcement of Epiphany pardons, Malkhaz Amaglobeli, brother of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, spent the night outside Prison. It remains unclear whether any prisoners of conscience were among those pardoned.
❌ Officials provided no clarification on release timing.
Photo: Mo Se
❌ Officials provided no clarification on release timing.
Photo: Mo Se
January 20, 2026 at 4:17 AM
🔴 After a late-night announcement of Epiphany pardons, Malkhaz Amaglobeli, brother of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, spent the night outside Prison. It remains unclear whether any prisoners of conscience were among those pardoned.
❌ Officials provided no clarification on release timing.
Photo: Mo Se
❌ Officials provided no clarification on release timing.
Photo: Mo Se
🟥GD–appointed President Mikheil Kavelashvili has pardoned 159 convicted prisoners. It remains unclear whether prisoners of conscience are among them.
Since the morning, journalists and family members of political prisoners have been waiting outside various penitentiary facilities.
#GeorgiaProtests
Since the morning, journalists and family members of political prisoners have been waiting outside various penitentiary facilities.
#GeorgiaProtests
January 19, 2026 at 6:57 PM
🟥GD–appointed President Mikheil Kavelashvili has pardoned 159 convicted prisoners. It remains unclear whether prisoners of conscience are among them.
Since the morning, journalists and family members of political prisoners have been waiting outside various penitentiary facilities.
#GeorgiaProtests
Since the morning, journalists and family members of political prisoners have been waiting outside various penitentiary facilities.
#GeorgiaProtests
🟥 Jan 19 - Journalists are outside Rustavi Women’s Penitentiary No. 5.
🟥 GD president Mikheil Kavelashvili is expected to announce pardons today. It’s unclear whether prisoners of conscience will be included. Journalists are waiting near several prisons.
#RepressionInGeorgia #Georgia
🟥 GD president Mikheil Kavelashvili is expected to announce pardons today. It’s unclear whether prisoners of conscience will be included. Journalists are waiting near several prisons.
#RepressionInGeorgia #Georgia
January 19, 2026 at 8:02 AM
🟥 Jan 19 - Journalists are outside Rustavi Women’s Penitentiary No. 5.
🟥 GD president Mikheil Kavelashvili is expected to announce pardons today. It’s unclear whether prisoners of conscience will be included. Journalists are waiting near several prisons.
#RepressionInGeorgia #Georgia
🟥 GD president Mikheil Kavelashvili is expected to announce pardons today. It’s unclear whether prisoners of conscience will be included. Journalists are waiting near several prisons.
#RepressionInGeorgia #Georgia
🟥 The trial and conviction of Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli violated her right to a fair trial and constituted an abuse of process, the Clooney Foundation for Justice asserted in a new TrialWatch Fairness Report released today.
#FreeMzia
▶️ batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/articles-in-...
#FreeMzia
▶️ batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/articles-in-...
January 16, 2026 at 11:13 AM
🟥 The trial and conviction of Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli violated her right to a fair trial and constituted an abuse of process, the Clooney Foundation for Justice asserted in a new TrialWatch Fairness Report released today.
#FreeMzia
▶️ batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/articles-in-...
#FreeMzia
▶️ batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/articles-in-...
🟥 GYLA, which represents the interests of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli before the ECHR, has announced that the Court has registered a second application lodged on her behalf. This application concerns her administrative detention and the related proceedings.
#FreeMzia
#FreeMzia
ECHR Registers Second Application by Jailed Georgian Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli - Batumelebi
Mzia Amaglobeli • Press Freedom • Repression In Georgia •
batumelebi.netgazeti.ge
January 15, 2026 at 11:21 AM
🟥 GYLA, which represents the interests of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli before the ECHR, has announced that the Court has registered a second application lodged on her behalf. This application concerns her administrative detention and the related proceedings.
#FreeMzia
#FreeMzia
🚨One year since journalist Mzia Amaglobeli was jailed.
Today people marched in #Tbilisi demanding her freedom.
2025 Sakharov Prize laureate, Georgia’s first female journalist prisoner of conscience is sentenced to 2 years on trumped up charges. There are over 100 prisoners of conscience in #Georgia
Today people marched in #Tbilisi demanding her freedom.
2025 Sakharov Prize laureate, Georgia’s first female journalist prisoner of conscience is sentenced to 2 years on trumped up charges. There are over 100 prisoners of conscience in #Georgia
January 12, 2026 at 9:02 PM
⭕ The Prosecutor’s Office of #Georgia has reached a plea agreement with Irakli Garibashvili, under which the former prime minister has been sentenced to five years in prison.
As an additional penalty, he has been fined 1 million lari.
As an additional penalty, he has been fined 1 million lari.
January 12, 2026 at 12:51 PM
⭕ The Prosecutor’s Office of #Georgia has reached a plea agreement with Irakli Garibashvili, under which the former prime minister has been sentenced to five years in prison.
As an additional penalty, he has been fined 1 million lari.
As an additional penalty, he has been fined 1 million lari.
🚨As Jan 11–12 marks one year since the unlawful imprisonment of Georgian journalist and Sakharov Prize 2025 laureate Mzia Amaglobeli, her friends and colleagues have gathered outside the prison in solidarity, demanding her immediate and unconditional release.
#FreeMzia #FreePoliticalPrisoners
#FreeMzia #FreePoliticalPrisoners
January 11, 2026 at 5:22 PM
🚨As Jan 11–12 marks one year since the unlawful imprisonment of Georgian journalist and Sakharov Prize 2025 laureate Mzia Amaglobeli, her friends and colleagues have gathered outside the prison in solidarity, demanding her immediate and unconditional release.
#FreeMzia #FreePoliticalPrisoners
#FreeMzia #FreePoliticalPrisoners
🟥 Three former Georgian defense ministers are in jail: Irakli Okruashvili (2004–2006), Bacho Akhalaia (2009–2012), and Juansher Burchuladze (2021–2024)
⭕️ Irakli Garibashvili (2019–2021) is charged but out on bail; Davit Kezerashvili (2006–2008) was sentenced in absentia and remains wanted.
#Georgia
⭕️ Irakli Garibashvili (2019–2021) is charged but out on bail; Davit Kezerashvili (2006–2008) was sentenced in absentia and remains wanted.
#Georgia
December 26, 2025 at 6:03 PM
🟥 Three former Georgian defense ministers are in jail: Irakli Okruashvili (2004–2006), Bacho Akhalaia (2009–2012), and Juansher Burchuladze (2021–2024)
⭕️ Irakli Garibashvili (2019–2021) is charged but out on bail; Davit Kezerashvili (2006–2008) was sentenced in absentia and remains wanted.
#Georgia
⭕️ Irakli Garibashvili (2019–2021) is charged but out on bail; Davit Kezerashvili (2006–2008) was sentenced in absentia and remains wanted.
#Georgia