On November 21, the Social Justice Center issued a statement on the protracted trial in the Tbilisi City Court of the cases of Saba Meparishvili and Omar Okribelashvili, who have been detained since May 14 and face 3-6 years in prison for damaging a GEL 400 (USD 146) iron barrier erected near the Parliament building during protests against the Foreign Agents Law in the spring 2024. The SJC believes that these cases demonstrate “the political instrumentalization of the judiciary” and “unjust exemplary punishment of political activists.”
Meparishvili and Okribelashvili are charged with violating Article 187, Part Two, Subsection “c” of the Criminal Code, relating to damage/destruction of an object committed as a group which was added to the Code last year, after the first initiation of the Foreign Agents’ law in the Parliament, and has been used against political activists “in an extremely problematic manner,” according to the SJC. “The expediency and justification of the [legal] amendments are neither stated in the explanatory note of the draft law nor made public,” the organization notes. A similar case was brought against Giorgi Shanidze, who was sentenced to 4 years in prison and was only spared by a Presidential pardon.
“With regard to the use of imprisonment as the most severe deterrent measure, numerous decisions of the European Court of Human Rights confirm that it should not be based on abstract objectives that jeopardize the administration of justice, but on concrete factual grounds. In this case, the defendants will not be able to influence the potential evidence that may exist in the case, and no other circumstance for the use of imprisonment is established. In the absence of such information, the use of imprisonment is unjustified and disproportionate to the gravity of the act allegedly committed,” explains the watchdog.
The organization stresses that the two defendants’ cases have been heard in court with two-month intervals between sessions, the last of which was held on September 23. The last two sessions were postponed due to the health problems of the judge, Natia Gudadze. The maximum two-month period prescribed by law for the review of pre-trial detention ends on November 23, and as the SJC believes, “the postponement of the court hearings serves to artificially delay the process, with the aim of making sure that the hearings will not end until there is a possibility of a presidential pardon” (the current president’s term ends in December 2024).
The watchdog stresses that these cases show “unfair criminal justice policies” and “disproportionately harsh sentences” on the one hand, and shed light on the politicization of the prosecutor general and the court on the other. “The regime is trying to maintain its legitimacy and solve the political crisis in society by using disproportionate and unfair criminal legislation,” the SJC said.
The organization also notes that “it is crucial that the Tbilisi City Court issues a final decision against Omar Okribelashvili and Saba Meparishvili in the optimal time, based only on credible and objective evidence.”
During the court session on November 22, Judge Natia Gudadze remanded the defendants in custody.
The Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) conducts its activities in line with sustainable development principles when it comes to ecological aspects, Alakbar Azizli, ASCO’s Director of Sustainability and Emissions Management, told Report.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev addressed a letter to the participants of the 12th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), Report informs via AZERTAC.
On October 26, Georgia held elections to elect the 150-member Parliament. These were the first elections held with a fully proportional system in Georgia, with parties having to cross a 5% threshold for seating MPs. For the first time, electronic devices were used in most polling stations for voter identification, counting, establishing, and transmitting preliminary results. The Central Election Commission said the ruling party, the Georgian Dream, had won with 53.93% of the votes. Opposition and local observers speak of “large-scale” vote rigging that affected the outcome. President Salome Zurabishvili rejected the election results and demanded an immediate investigation into election fraud. Opposition protests calling for new elections, while Georgia’s western partners have not congratulated the ruling party on their victory.
The OSCE/ODIHR released its first preliminary assessment, saying the elections “unfolded amid entrenched polarization in an environment marred by concerns over recently adopted legislation, its impact on fundamental freedoms and civil society.”
Click for more background
According to the Central Election Commission, the official results are: (41)Georgian Dream (current ruling party) – 53.93%; (4) Coalition for Change – (Ahali+Girchi – More Freedom+Droa) 11.03%, (5) Unity – to Save Georgia – 10.17%5 (United National Movement + Strategy Agmashenebeli); (9) Strong Georgia (Lelo for Georgia + For People + Citizens + Freedom Square) – 8.81%; and (25) For Georgia (led by ex GD Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia) – 7.78%.
The local observer organizations speak of “large-scale” rigging and demand the annulment of the official results. According to them, the alleged rigging scheme included, among others, confiscating voters’ ID cards before the election, artificial obstacles for independent election observers, as well as multiple instances of fraudulent voting and multiple votes cast by individuals working with Georgian Dream observers and party-affiliated election officials.
The opposition denies the legitimacy of the elections, announcing non-stop protests to demand new elections. Opposition leaders announced a plan consisting of 1) Informing all Georgian citizens about the fraud, deception, and machinations used by Georgian Dream to steal elections. 2) Ensuring that international partners don’t recognize the rigged elections. 3) Continuing democratic resistance, civic activism, and street protests.
Georgia’s internationalpartners, including the U.S. and the European Union, have called for an independent international investigation into the election violations and said these elections move Georgia away from EU and NATO.
LIVE UPDATES (ALL TIMES ARE LOCAL)
For the chronology of events following the October 26 elections till November 13, see our Parliamentary Elections Blog.
Friday, November 22
15:00 – 20 CSOs Issue Statement, Calling on Oppossition Not to Attent Parliament Meeting
CSOs issued a statement saying that October 26 was rigged, as they were not held in a free and fair manner, and the secrecy of the vote was not ensured. Addressing the “disappointment of many in society” they claimed the citizens and CSOs have done a lot to limit the impact of the ruling party’s meddling and in documenting the extent of the falsification.
“Our shared aim is repeat, free and fair elections,” the authors state, while adding that citizens refusing to comply with the stolen vote is the key to success, while the international community would react in function to citizens’ resistance. “Nobody will fight instead of us,” the statement concludes, also urging the opposition parties not to participate in the work of the parliament convened by the Georgian Dream.
14:49 – March Against Fraudulent Elections Held in Zugdidi
Locals in Zugdidi, Western Georgia, held a protest march against the fraudulent elections in Georgia. The activists blocked the main street of the town and demanded that new elections be held. The locals were joined by members of opposition coalitions.
13:25 – Court Remanded Mate Devidze in Pretrial Detention
The Tbilisi City Court remanded 21-year-old Mate Devidze in pre-trial detention. Devidze was arrested on charges of attacking police on November 19 during a protest rally on Melikishvili Avenue and faces up to seven years in prison. The Prosecutor’s Office sought his remand in custody. The court rejected the lawyers’ request to release Devidze on bail.
02:00 – Students in TSU Targeted by University Guards and an Unknown Thug
Members of the student movement Dapioni, who have spent the night in the first building of Tbilisi State University in protest against the elections, were confronted by the security guards and an unknown thug during the night. According to the students, the clash broke out after the guards restricted their freedom of movement inside the building. Several students reportedly became unwell during the confrontation.
Thursday, November 21
20:00 – People’s March in Support of Mate Devidze
People who have been demonstrating for weeks against the fraudulent elections are now marching in support of 21-year-old student Mate Devidze, who was arrested on charges of assaulting police and faces 7 years in prison. Devidze was arrested during the violent dispersal of a 48-hour peaceful protest on November 19.
19:52 – OSCE/ODIHR Expresses Concern on Excessive Police Force During Protest Dispersal
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) expressed concern over recent cases of excessive use of force by the police in dispersing rallies and called on the authorities to “facilitate peaceful assemblies and engage in dialogue without violence.”
16:28 – Students Pitch Tents in Front of TSU, Demand Rector’s Resignation
Students have set up tents in front of the Tbilisi State University, demanding the resignation of its Rector, Jaba Samushia, for his role in the violent dispersal of a peaceful rally on November 19 through the misuse of university premises by police units. The students are joined by TSU professors and citizens who believe that the October 26 elections were rigged. They planned to spend the night in tents.
15:00 – Gakharia Urges Diplomatic Corps Not to Attend First Session of Parliament
The leader of the opposition party Gakharia for Georgia, Giorgi Gakharia, urged the accredited diplomatic corps in Georgia “not to give legitimacy to illegitimate Parliament by attending its first session.”
14:00 – Citizen Detained During Protest Questioned by SIS
Aleksandre Kavtaradze, a citizen who was arrested during protests on November 19 and released on November 21, was summoned for questioning by the Special Investigation Service. RFE/RL’s Georgian Service was told that the SIS opened an investigation under Article 33 of the Criminal Code, which deals with exceeding official powers through violence. Kavtaradze, who was detained on charges of petty hooliganism and disobeying a lawful police order, describes police violence against him during his detention.
12:50 – Constitutional Court of Georgia to Consolidate Complaints from President Zurabishvili and 30 Deputies
Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Georgia, Merab Turava, stated that the court plans to consolidate two complaints—the appeal filed by President Salome Zurabishvili and the appeal from 30 MPs—since their content is “almost the same.” He said that the President’s appeal had already been registered and that the registration of the other appeal was pending. Turava said that once the appeals are registered, both cases will go through the admissibility stage. He added that the issue of admissibility of the appeals will be discussed today, in the afternoon. The whole process of considering the appeals should take one month, he said.
Wednesday, November 20
21:32 – Activist Detained on Nov. 19 Sentenced 8 Days in Prison
According to the decision of the Tbilisi City Court Judge Koba Chagunava, activist Isako Devidze, who was detained on November 19 during the violent dispersal of a 48-hour peaceful rally, was sentenced to 8 days in prison.
21:24 – Activist Detained on Nov. 19 Fined GEL 2,700
According to media reports, activist Irakli Andguladze, who was detained on November 19 during the violent dispersal of a 48-hour peaceful rally, has been fined GEL 2,700 (USD 984) by Tbilisi City Court Judge Lela Tsagareishvili. The trial of two other detained activists is currently underway.
19:10 – Students and Professors Protest TSU’s Involvement in Nov. 19 Rally Dispersal
Professors, academia representatives gathered at Tbilisi State University to condemn the violent dispersal of a peaceful rally on November 19 through the misuse of university premises by police units – while the doors of the university were closed to protesting students. In a public statement – signed by 450 people – they condemned the TSU’s involvement in this process, held the Rector of the university and the academic council responsible for it, and stressed that any decision by any academic administration to undermine students’ rights and freedom of expression will be met with protests by all people working in academic sphere. The gathered professors and students demand the resignation of the TSU’s Rector Jaba Samushia.
Academics’ protest in front of TSU. Photo by Nini Gabritchidze/Civil.ge
18:00 – SIS Launched Investigation Into Obstruction of Journalistic Activities
The Special Investigation Service started an investigation under the first and second clauses of Article 154 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, “Unlawful interference with the professional activities of a journalist”, into the illegal obstruction of the journalistic activities of employees of various TV companies during the rally on Chavchavadze and Melikishvili Avenues.
17:35 – UNM’s Davit Kirtadze Fined 500 GEL for Ink Splashing on CEC Chair
Davit Kirtadze, UNM’s representative in CEC, was fined 500 GEL ($182) for splashing black ink on the chairman of the CEC, Giorgi Kalandarishvili during the announcement of the final summary protocol. The judge considered the case on an expedited basis.
According to Article 10 of Election Code of Georgia, “a person who has been discharged from his/her post at the election commission of Georgia by the election commission or court due to the violation of the electoral legislation of Georgia, – within 4 years from the date he/she was discharged from post.” Therefore, Davit Kirtadze is ineligible to be appointed as a member of the CEC for the next four years.
16:25- Constitutional Court Published President’s Appeal
The Constitutional Court published on its website the President’s appeal regarding alleged violations of the constitutional principles of vote secrecy and universal suffrage during the 26 October parliamentary elections. However, it is not yet known whether the appeal is admissible or not. 30 MPs also filed a lawsuit to the Constitutional Court yesterday, but their complaint has not yet been published.
15:10 – RSF Calls on MIA to Stop Violence against Media
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the violence against Mtavari TV and Publika.ge journalists and the obstruction of filming by OC Media. RSF urges MIA to take immediate steps to stop the violence against the media.
15:05- CEC has Issued Temporary Credentials to Newly Elected Georgian MPs
The CEC has issued temporary credentials for the elected members of the Parliament of Georgia within two days of the announcement of the final results, in accordance with the requirements of the Georgian organic law “The Election Code of Georgia.”
08:00 – Protests Temporarily Stopped, Opposition to Announce Further Plans
After three consecutive days and nights of protests near Tbilisi State University, citizens protesting the October 26 elections decided to temporarily suspend their protests. One of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, the main organizer of the protests, Zurab Japaridze, announced to the protesters, “There is something else to come up with and not the same thing we have been doing here.” He said that the government had changed its strategy and was no longer preventing protesters from blocking the avenue, which he said was “pointless” and that the opposition will announce a new form of protest today.
06:00 – Protesters Face Police, Decide to Temporarily Disperse
After staying up all night near the TSU, the protesters faced the police, joined by groups of riot police who had tried to encircle them, but instead only pushed them further to Melikishvili Avenue, several hundred meters from the TSU. The organizers decided to self- disperse and regroup, saying that they would announce plans for further forms of protest today.
Tuesday, November 19
20:15 – Citizens Back to Initial Protest Site Near University
The citizens have returned to the original protest site near Tbilisi State University, at the beginning of Chavchavadze Avenue, as the police did not retreat in the face of the large number of demonstrators. The surrounding area remains closed to traffic.
19:00 – Opposition Attempts to Reclaim Tbilisi State University Area
The leaders of the opposition are leading the citizens to the beginning of Chavchavadze Avenue, the area of Tbilisi State University (TSU), from where the people were dispersed this morning. “We are reclaiming, the people are reclaiming the place where we were yesterday,” said Giorgi Vashadze, the leader of the Strategy Aghmashenebeli. That area is about 200 meters from where the citizens are now.
19:00 – Citizens Gathering on Melikishvili Avenue, Opposition to Announce Plans
More people are gathering on Melikishvili Avenue in central Tbilisi, where protesters have remained all day after being dispersed by police near Tbilisi State University earlier this morning. Opposition leaders are expected to announce their next steps. Police have blocked off the street.
18:45 – 30 MPs Appeal to Constitutional Court
Thirty members of the outgoing parliament have appealed to the Constitutional Court to declare the final election results unconstitutional. According to Tamar Kordzaia, one of the leaders of Unity-UNM, the court has 30 days to consider the case, which means that potential new MPs cannot be added to the list of MPs “while the constitutionality of all 150 elected MPs is being disputed”. “Therefore, the parliamentary session announced by Irakli Kobakhidze for the 25th or 26th will be unconstitutional” – said Kordzaia.
18:00 – Opposition Parties Plan Next Rally Today
Giorgi Vashadze, one of the leaders of Unity-UNM, announced a rally on Melikishvili Avenue at 19:00 today to present the next steps of the plan. “We need maximum concentration of people at 19:00” – says Elene Khoshtaria, one of the leaders of Coalition for Change.
16:30 – May Student Movement Demands Resignation of TSU Rector
The May Student Movement has called for the resignation of the rector of Tbilisi State University (TSU), Jaba Samushia, and his administration. The movement argues that Samushia, in his capacity as rector, promotes the interests of the ruling party and argues that the current administration does not represent the values or interests of the university. According to the movement, “the university administration and the rectorate no longer embody the TSU, as the retrograde bureaucracy does not represent our position”. Therefore, the movement calls on students, professors, as well as administrative staff to reject and oppose the police violence in the university and in the country.
14:10 – MIA Says Sixteen People Arrested at Rally
The Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed to Civil.ge that it arrested 16 people at the rally for violating Articles 166 and 173 of the Administrative code, of which 3 people were released on parole.
14:00 – Salome Zurabishvili Appeals to Constitutional Court
President Salome Zurabishvili, has appealed to Constitutional Court, highlighting violations of the constitutional principles of secrecy of the vote and universal suffrage. President is demanding that the final results be declared as unconstitutional. Her legal counsel, Eka Beselia, filed the lawsuit in Batumi, and the court now has 30 days to review the case.
10:50 – Mtavari TV Cameraman Released
Sergi Baramidze, a cameraman for Mtavari TV was released after being arrested by police while carrying out his journalistic duties. He was reportedly beaten and physically abused during the protest crackdown.
8:20 – Tbilisi Protests: Protesters and Cameraman Detained
Protests in Tbilisi have escalated, with reports of unlawful detentions, injuries, and obstruction of journalists. According to the Coalition for Change, police detained its several members, including Manuchar Chachanidze and Saba Tskhvitaridze, during the crackdown on Melikishvili Avenue. Another member of the Coalition, Rezi Dumbadze, was also arrested, while Nika Kvitatiani, one of the members, suffered injuries, reportedly due to pepper spray, and was hospitalized.
Simultaneously, journalists faced violence and interference, with media organizations reporting physical assaults and detentions. According to The Media Ombudsman, “special forces prevented OC Media journalist Mariam Nikuradze from her journalistic activities; Law enforcement officers did not allow Netgazeti correspondent Givi Avaliani to film; Mtavari Arkhi cameraman Sergi Baramidze was arrested while performing journalistic activities; Law defenders physically assaulted Publika journalist Mindia Gabadze.”
The Media Ombudsman called for an immediate investigation into these incidents, urging authorities to stop violence against both protesters and journalists. Rights groups, including GYLA, demand the Ministry of Internal Affairs ensure the protection of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. Non-governmental organizations received information about 12 detainees.
10:20 – GYLA Urges Ministry to Protect Peaceful Protesters’ Rights
The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) has called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to uphold the rights of demonstrators to peaceful assembly and expression. The call comes in response to recent incidents near Tbilisi State University, where police reportedly dispersed peaceful demonstrators and removed their tents in the early hours of the morning. The demonstrators, protesting for two consecutive days, were forced to move to Melikishvili Avenue. Stressing that minor disruptions to public life, such as traffic delays, cannot justify violating the right of assembly, GYLA urged the authorities to show tolerance towards peaceful assemblies. They called on the Ministry to stop using police force to dissolve protests, to ensure freedom of assembly, and to refrain from unlawful arrests. Currently, protesters remain on Melikishvili Avenue, while law enforcement is heavily deployed on Chavchavadze Avenue.
8:15 – Police Started Detaining Protesters
The police began arresting the peaceful protesters on Melikishvili Avenue, whom they had earlier dispersed from Chavchavadze Avenue. The police are chasing the demonstrators down the street, with riot police in front of them and the so-called criminal police close behind. Around ten people were reported to have been arrested and beaten. Mtavari TV reported that its cameraman, Sergi Baramidze, was physically assaulted, pushed into a police car, and detained.
4:30 – Police Started Forcibly Disperse Protesters on Chavchavadze Avenue
Police, including what apparently are the criminal police department officers, have started to forcibly disperse the peaceful protesters who had spent the second night on Chavchavadze Avenue in the early hours of the morning. Police dismantled the tents, and many police officers remained in the area. The protesters, pushed to nearby Melikishvili Avenue, say they will continue and are calling on citizens to take to the streets. MIA’s Special Tasks Department Head, notorious Zviad Kharazishvili (a.k.a. “Khareba”) was reportedly managing the police operation and was spotted on Chavchavadze Ave.
Monday, November 18
23:00 – Protest on Chavchavadze Avenue Continues; Protesters Again Plan to Stay Overnight
The protests continue on Chavchavadze Avenue, near Tbilisi State University. The demonstrators stayed overnight and throughout the day and plan to stay overnight again. Citizens are self- organizing, bringing blankets, hot coffee, tea and snacks for the demonstrators, who are taking shifts to protest 24 hours a day. The Bakur Sulakauri publishing house announced that it would deliver books to the demonstrators staying at the venue.
20:00 – President Salome Zurabishvili Holds Briefing, Proposing New Elections
President Salome Zurabishvili held a briefing in which she proposed the following steps: 1. Investigate the October 26 elections, followed by new elections; 2. Retain the pre-October 26 political configuration (same government, parliament, president) during the transition period. She urged Georgian Dream to reconsider its stated goal of convening the parliament which nobody recognizes.
In addition, the President announced plans to file a lawsuit with the Constitutional Court regarding alleged violations of constitutional rights to ballot secrecy and universal suffrage.
15:30 – Formula TV Co-Founder Released After Arrest at Peaceful Protest
Giorgi Liponava, co-founder of the Formula TV channel, along with two other citizens, has been released after 48 hours in detention. The three were violently arrested during a peaceful protest on November 16, as the Central Election Commission (CEC) announced the summary protocol. Vano Gomurashvili, a member of the “Coalition for Change,” also got released, as he confirms on Facebook.
15:00 – Georgian Citizens Protest Alleged Election Fraud Abroad
Georgian emigrants have taken to the streets of London, Frankfurt, Paris and New York to protest alleged electoral fraud and express their dissatisfaction with unfair and undemocratic election results. These demonstrations were a show of solidarity with the protesters in Tbilisi. Their message was clear: unity and continued resistance is the only way forward. One protester remarked, “Bidzina Ivanishvili’s gang is taking Georgia to the side of Russia, where there is no real democracy,” highlighting concerns about the country’s trajectory under the current leadership.
14:45 – CEC Deputy Chairperson Urges Action from International Partners
Giorgi Sharabidze, Deputy Chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC), addressed the recent ‘discrediting campaign’ against the CEC administration and an incident that occurred during the November 16 session. He highlighted that the ‘intensified bullying’ on social media, rallies near the CEC Chairman’s residence, and attempts to invade personal space have crossed ethical boundaries and exceeded the norms of civil protest. Sharabidze expressed concern about the potential wider implications of these actions, warning that undermining the independence of election administrators could have a negative impact on electoral systems around the world. He called for support and solidarity from international partners, urging them to assess the situation openly and protect the democratic principles at stake.
02:21 – Opposition Leader Shares Five-Step Plan to Achieve New Elections
Mamuka Khazaradze, one of the leaders of the “Strong Georgia” coalition, shared his views on the next five steps that need to be taken to achieve new elections in Georgia:
Continued, permanent street protests of various kinds both in the capital and throughout Georgia;
Deligitimization of the Parliament by opposition politicians resigning their parliamentary mandates and revoking their proportional lists;
Creation of the “People’s Parliament” by the opposition MPs and the appointment of President Salome Zurabishvili as the Chairperson of the Parliament, thus creating a “national political center”;
Development of the action plan of the “People’s Parliament”;
Sending a delegation of the “People’s Parliament” to Western partners and strengthening their support.
Sunday, November 17
21:15 – Coalition for Change Announces Night Vigil, Chavchavadze Ave is Blocked for Traffic, as Rally Goes on in Front of Parliament Building
Coalition for Change leaders announced from near Tbilisi State University that they will stay in the area for the next 24 hours in protest, blocking one of the central arteries of the city – Chavchavadze Avenue and the area around the university. They said they intend to inform the citizens every hour about the upcoming plans. Citizens set up tents near Tbilisi State University.
At the same time, a rally was held in front of the Parliament building, where observers told the crowd of the fraud and violations they had witnessed during the elections.
18:00 – Students March towards the Parliament Building
The demonstrators, most of them students, who gathered near Tbilisi State University on central Chavchavadze Avenue, started marching towards the parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue to join the “Get Your Vote Back” protest rally at 19:00. The demonstrators say their votes were stolen in the 26 October elections. Meanwhile, the Coalition for Change is also gathering protesters near Vake Park, and Strong Georgia is gathering protesters on Marjanishvili Avenue and will join the Rustaveli Avenue protesters for the main rally.
15:03 – PM Kobakhidze Says New Parliament will Convene on November 25
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said the Parliament will convene “exactly on the 10th day after the publication of the official election results, on November 25.” He also said: “We assume that the so-far formal President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, will once again violate the Constitution of Georgia by not convening the first session of the Parliament.”
Saturday, November 16
23:30 – Georgian Patriarchate Issues Statement Congratulating GD on Victory
The Patriarchate of Georgia issued the statement of the Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church saying: “The Central Election Commission has completed the process of announcing the results of the elections, which once again confirmed the victory of Georgian Dream with a large majority of votes. We warmly congratulate them on this success.” The Patriarch further notes: “It is true that the opposition is protesting the election results and plans to continue protesting, but we hope that both the government and the opposition will be able to use the coming years as much as possible for the progress and prosperity of the country. Everything in this world is God’s will. The main thing is to create a synergy between us and the Lord.”
14:05 – MIA Says it Opened Investigation Under Art. 118 of the Criminal Code in Relation to the Throwing of Paint at CEC Chairman
The MIA said it had opened an investigation under Article 118 of the Criminal Code, which refers to the intentional infliction of less serious damage to health, following a complaint from the Central Election Commission. The case relates to the fact that David Kirtadze of the United National Movement threw an unknown liquid at the chairman of the CEC, Giorgi Kalandarishvili, during the November 16 meeting of the CEC.
13:00 – Protest by CEC Building Continues
A protest by CEC continues, with protesters trying to close the Aghmashenebli Alley for traffic and police preventing them to do so. There are reports of police being especially rude, in particular toward women protesters. Protestants put up posters on the fence surrounding the building saying: “Rebel against the Russian regime!”, “No to “transparent” laws and paper! Take back the elections!” , “I saw rigging! Claim your vote!”
A film director and a co-founder of Formula TV Giorgi Liponava, has been reportedly detained, along with at least two more protesters.
12:28 – CEC Announces Final Summary Protocol of Elections
CEC announced final summary protocol results despite differences of opinion among the members of the Commission and appeals from the opposition members to not put the stamp on the results of the “rigged elections.” The first Session of Parliament is to take place in 10 days period after the announcement of the final summary protocol.
According to the final summary protocol out of 3 508 294 voters, 2 111 834 took part in the elections.
Five political alliances/parties passed the 5% threshold. The final official results of the elections are as follows:
Georgian Dream- 53.93% (1 120 053) – 89 seats in the Parliament
Coalition for Change – 11.03% (229 161) – 19 seats in the Parliament
Unity-UNM – 10.17% (211 216), 16 seats in the Parliament
Strong Georgia – 8.81% (182 922), 14 seats in the Parliament
Gakharia for Georgia – 7.78% (161 521), 12 seats in the Parliament
11:00 – CEC Opposition Member Forced to Leave Commission Meeting after a Verbal Altercation
An opposition member of the CEC was ejected from the Commission meeting as it prepares to announce the final summary protocol of the elections, after a verbal altercation broke out between opposition commission member Davit Kirtadze and chairman Giorgi Kalandarishvili. Kirtadze allegedly called him a “black spot” in Georgian history (in an apparent reference to the black spots on the other side of the ballot paper that violated the secrecy of the vote and became a symbol of the 26 October elections among protesters) and threw black paint at Chairman Kalandarishvili, after which he was ejected from the meeting room. According to opposition members, Kirtadze was allegedly beaten. Other opposition members were also escorted out of the meeting or chose to leave in protest.
10:45 – Citizens Gather in Protest by Central Election Commission Building as CEC Prepares to Publish Final Summary Protocol of the Elections
As Central Election Commission is preparing to publish the final summary protocol today, in parallel to its members’ session, citizens are gathering outside the CEC building to protest the stolen elections, as they say. The decision to publish the protocol became known a day earlier.
Friday, November 15
22:40 – Students Protests Ongoing in Tbilisi
Students in Tbilisi are protesting outside Tbilisi State University against what they say are rigged elections. Part of the central Chavchavadze Avenue is closed to traffic. Police have been mobilized at the protest site. Part of students have marched to Ilia State University. The organizers of the march said that tomorrow at 11:00 students will gather for a rally in front of the Central Election Commission, which plans to announce the final summary protocol of the disputed elections. Meanwhile, students at Batumi State University are protesting as well, spending the second night in a row in the University building.
19:30 – President Meets with Local Election Observation Missions
President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili held a public meeting with the representatives of monitoring organizations My Vote coalition, GYLA and ISFED. The observers discussed what they saw at the polling stations, noting that the election administration and investigative bodies have not inquired into they violation cases that they have detected.
18:25 – Protest March Takes Place on the Republic Square
A protest march organised by the public group “Daitove” started at 17:00 local time from Republic Square in Tbilisi. Participants in the rally are protesting against what they say are rigged elections.
17:35 – Smartmatic Confirms Supplying CEC with Markers
The Central Election Commission published the letter from Smartmatic in which the company proves that the supply of markers used during the elections was sent by them in accordance with the contract and in compliance with the technical requirements. The CEC notes that the documentation related to the purchase of markers is available in the public system and addresses the politicians who claim that the CEC changed the markers, “which is a complete lie and aims to mislead the public”.
15:00- Tbilisi Court of Appeal to Consider the Lawsuit of Unity-UNM, Strong Georgia and GYLA Without an Oral Hearing
Today at 16:00 Tbilisi time, the Tbilisi Court of Appeal will consider the lawsuit filed by ‘Unity-UNM,’ ‘Strong Georgia,’ and the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), for the annulment of the election results, without any oral hearing and without any testimony from the initiators of the case. GYLA has argued that the parties involved should be allowed to present their opinions directly in court and that the public should be given the opportunity to observe the proceedings. The organization emphasizes that the case is of significant public interest, as it pertains to citizens’ right to vote. Although the Court of Appeals has the right to hold the hearing without an oral presentation, the plaintiffs believe that such a decision is alarming. Tamar Kordzaia, one of the leaders of ‘Unity-UNM,’ has expressed similar concerns, stating that all state institutions are under government control, adding, “There is no court anymore.”
12:25 – Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University Students Protest Rigged Election
Since November 14 students of Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University continue to protest the rigged elections, demanding annulment of the results and organizing new parliamentary elections. The students spent the night in the university to defend their ‘European choice’. They accuse the lecturers and the university administration of being involved in the rigging of the elections. They also say that the protest can go to the extreme if the demands are not met. A large protest is planned in Batumi today at 18:00. They are also calling on students from other universities to protest and defend their votes.
Students from Ilia State University also joined the student protests against the rigged elections from Tbilisi, Georgia. Their message is clear “We must protect our votes”. One lecturer halted the academic process to left the students march, emphasizing the importance of standing up for values and integrity. “We, the people who have concrete values, must continue the fight,” the lecturer stated. A larger protest march will start in Tbilisi at 17:00 local time.
12:00 – Mamuka Khazaradze Says “Traces of the Crime are Being Covered up” in Connection with Elections
One of the leaders of Strong Georgia, Mamuka Khazaradze stated the Prosecutor’s Office’s seizure of voter verification devices and election documentation raises reasonable suspicion that “the traces of the crime are being covered up.” As Khazaradze wrote on Facebook, these devices and documentation contain unmistakable information that confirms “systemic crimes related to unprecedented election fraud.” The CEC has appealed to Prosecutor’s Office to launch an investigation into the alleged falsification of the elections, and the Prosecutor’s Office is questioning political leaders. This, according to Khazaradze, was in fact done so that the Prosecutor’s Office could confiscate all the equipment and election documents, which it did by sealing them in a special warehouse.
Thursday, November 14
17:00 – Coalition for Change Presentation of Evidence of Election Fraud Scheme
On November 14 the opposition Coalition for Change, made up of the Ahali, Girchi-More Freedom and Droa parties, which garnered the most votes among other opposition coalitions, presented a document detailing evidence of electoral fraud. The Coalition also brought hundreds of filed complaints describing the violations, which were displayed at the venue.
Zurab Japaridze, one of the leaders of the coalition, presented the extensive document at a special press-conference, which was attended by journalists from all Georgian media, including the pro-government media outlets. The document draws conclusions about fraud scheme based on specific cases.
15:15 – Gakharia Stresses Importance of Not Recognizing Elections As Legitimate by Int’l Partners
Giorgi Gakharia, leader of the opposition party ‘For Georgia’, stressed the importance of international partners not recognizing the legitimacy of the parliamentary elections and called for the release of the voters’ list, which had been seized by the prosecutor’s office as part of an investigation. He added that the CEC no longer had access to the data. He also addressed the GD’s lack of attention to the occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which could seriously undermine Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In particular, he highlighted Russia’s recent demands during the November 7 Geneva talks on “border” delimitation and a non-use of force agreement.
15:00 – Tamar Kordzaia of Unity-UNM: All Branches of Government “Actively Cleaning Up” Rigged Elections
Tamar Kordzaia, one the leaders of ‘Unity-UNM’ said that all branches of the government, including CEC and the Prosecutors Office, are actively ‘cleaning up’ the rigged elections. She said a day earlier the Unity-UNM filed a petition with the court to suspend the court’s consideration of the case until the Prosecutor’s Office completes its investigation, which was denied. She said: “We see that the Prosecutor’s Office has intervened and suspended access to documents for any agency, so this is simply the rule of the “Georgian Dream”, the modern Communist Party…”
An experimental Generation of Artificial Intelligence project has been launched in 15 schools across Armenia. This three-year educational program, aimed at students in grades 10-12, started in September 2023. The initiative allows students to dive deep into mathematics, programming (Python), and the basics of artificial intelligence. Participants will also work on practical AI projects to gain essential skills for pursuing further education in the field.
Schools were selected for the program through a competitive process. According to the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports, the criteria included the quality of English language instruction, the presence of advanced mathematics clubs, qualified teaching staff, and adequate school infrastructure. The program is being carried out in partnership with the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST).
The program includes 420 high school students from the selected schools.
Elen Davtyan, an 11th-grade student at Yerevan High School No. 198, is among the participants. She shares that her interest in artificial intelligence began years ago, and she has read extensively about the field and its advancements. When she discovered the “Generation of AI” program, she transferred from her previous school to join.
For the past year, Elen and her classmates have been studying the Python programming language. This academic year, they also began learning a new subject: “Artificial Intelligence.”
“Python was completely new and exciting for me. I especially came to love it because of our teacher. AI, however, feels more challenging. Applying this knowledge takes greater effort and energy,” she says.
Despite the difficulties, Elen is determined to excel in artificial intelligence and make her dream a reality:
“My dream is to master the skills needed to make diseases like cancer and periodic disease curable with the help of artificial intelligence. I am confident that AI will contribute to Armenia’s progress and global recognition. I’ll do everything I can to help bring that day closer.”
Computer vision specialist Alla Barseghyan teaches at schools in Yerevan and Razdan. She notes that students show great enthusiasm for studying AI and the Python programming language:
“Teenagers view this knowledge as an opportunity to pursue further education in information technology or artificial intelligence. Students with strong math skills, in particular, are eager to deepen their understanding in these areas and gain foundational knowledge while still in school.”
As an instructor, Barseghyan aims to provide her students with as much knowledge as possible, equipping them to solve basic problems now, which will make their university studies easier in the future.
“Artificial intelligence is now applied everywhere. In this technological era, it is crucial to introduce children to AI and its applications from an early age, preparing them to become the creators of future AI models and systems,” the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports stated in response to our written inquiry about the project’s goals.
The program is expected to equip graduates with foundational knowledge and the motivation to pursue further education in this field.
Experts also highlight the significance of launching such an experimental program.
“Armenia already offers undergraduate programs specializing in AI. This project is an attempt to introduce the subject at the high school level, encouraging students to consider careers related to artificial intelligence. It’s an important experiment, and significant effort is needed to achieve maximum results and increase the flow of graduates into AI-related professions,” says Grant Khachatryan, head of the Machine Learning Research Group at YSU and director of the YerevaNN Lab.
The introduction of innovative solutions as part of this program is expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness of Armenia’s education system. It is also anticipated to increase the number of students enrolling in university programs focused on AI and related fields.
“The geopolitical situation and Armenia’s limited natural resources demand the adoption of innovation. AI could become the technological tool that unlocks new opportunities for the country’s development. Armenia has the potential to position itself as an innovation hub in AI,” the Ministry of Education stated.
Grant Khachatryan, an expert in the field, offers a more cautious view on this vision:
“If by innovation hub we mean creating something similar to Silicon Valley, that’s likely unrealistic, primarily because of our small population. However, improving the quality and quantity of specialists in this field could play a significant role in generating value on a global scale.”
He is confident that if Armenia can produce a few hundred highly qualified specialists, it will become more attractive to major international companies in terms of investment and collaboration with Armenian talent:
“This would represent a global-level achievement and a significant value. It would also strengthen Armenian companies. Currently, we are integrating AI developed by others into our businesses, but with a larger pool of skilled local specialists, we could develop our own advanced technological products. That would benefit both individual companies and the nation as a whole.”
Representatives from the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST), a partner in the project, point to Armenia’s long-standing professional potential in this area. They believe that “Armenia has the capability to secure a leading and influential position in global innovation.”
At the same time, they acknowledge the current shortage of specialists, which is a critical barrier to Armenia’s competitiveness in the global market.
Teaching AI to young people will contribute to the development of various sectors, says educator Alla Barseghyan:
“It’s crucial to harness these opportunities, particularly in the defense sector. This could be beneficial and might even start during mandatory military service, where conscripts could apply their AI knowledge and skills.”
She also highlights the program’s potential impact on the economy:
“The world is increasingly moving toward digitalization and solving business challenges using AI technologies. If we can cultivate a large pool of specialists capable of addressing business needs through AI, they will not only drive individual business growth but also improve the overall economic health of the country.”
Another important aspect of the program’s influence lies in enhancing the quality of education.
“Through the ‘Generation of Artificial Intelligence’ project, we can build a more advanced society by encouraging creative thinking. By integrating high-quality, innovative education into schools, we enable people to grow into thinkers and creators rather than simply executors.”
The Ministry of Education notes that international experience is being continuously studied throughout the program’s implementation “to maintain its competitiveness and alignment with global trends.”
Both organizations driving the program aim to position Armenia as a leader in advanced AI education on the international stage. For example, FAST promoted this vision during UNESCO’s “Digital Learning Week” conference held just before the start of the academic year.
According to the McKinsey Global Institute, by 2030, approximately 70 percent of organizations will be utilizing AI technologies, enabling significant economic advancements.
The 2023 World Economic Forum (WEF) report predicts a 40 percent increase in demand for AI specialists over the next five years, which will play a key role in transforming industries.
If these predictions hold true, meeting the growing demand for AI professionals will be a major challenge, says Grant Khachatryan, director of the YerevaNN Lab. However, he remains confident that the coming years will be decisive—not just for Armenia, but for any nation:
“The global need for AI specialists will only continue to expand. It’s vital to train a large number of highly qualified professionals to position Armenia effectively and ensure its active role in the sector’s development. The country that trains the most specialists will claim the largest ‘share’ of the market.”
