Day: June 27, 2025
Georgia refuses to back tribunal against Russia
On 24 June, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, comprising representatives from 46 member states, authorised the Secretary General to sign an agreement establishing a special tribunal on Russian aggression against Ukraine. Georgia did not support the tribunal’s creation. In addition to Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan abstained, while Hungary, Turkey, and Serbia voted against.
On 25 June, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset signed an agreement establishing a special tribunal for Russian aggression against Ukraine, and approved its statute.
The campaign to create a special tribunal to investigate crimes of aggression against Ukraine was launched by Ukrainian legal experts and government officials shortly after the full-scale war began. The idea was inspired by an article by renowned international lawyer and professor Philippe Sands titled “Putin’s Use of Force Is a Crime of Aggression.”
During a debate in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Honcharenko reacted to Georgia’s position on the tribunal:
“A truly historic moment — the establishment of a tribunal against Russian aggression.
But do you know what? Six member states didn’t sign the agreement. And one of them is Georgia. Georgia itself is a victim of Russian aggression. 20% of Georgian territory is occupied by Russia — nearly the same as in Ukraine.
Georgia became a victim of the Moscow regime before us, and yet now refuses to support a tribunal against Russian aggression. Can you imagine that?
So the question is: who does the Georgian government really work for? Who are their masters?”
Tina Bokuchava, chair of the United National Movement party, also commented on her meeting with the PACE President:
“During the meeting with the President, a shocking fact was raised — that a representative of Georgian Dream did not participate in the vote on establishing a special tribunal for Russian aggression against Ukraine. <…> This is yet more proof of Ivanishvili’s regime being in alliance with Putin.”
Georgian Dream’s response
When asked by Netgazeti why Georgia did not sign the agreement to create the tribunal, Georgian Dream’s First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Giorgi Volski replied:
“You are an occupied country, missile systems are aimed at you. That’s one important factor. Second — no one yet knows how things will develop, including with regard to Ukraine. And third — which everyone forgets — Georgia, along with a number of European countries, appealed to the Hague tribunal asking to accelerate this investigation. What more can a country do that lives under daily threat and continues to survive and develop at gunpoint?
Saboteurs are attacking the country through the media and hanging on every word of some fool like Honcharenko. You’re all Honcharenkos.
What tribunal are we talking about? What can Honcharenko or anyone else do? Ukraine is drowning in blood. Georgia knows its own path and policy. There is no pro-Russian policy in this country. Georgia has signed more than 600 principled resolutions and statements in support of Ukraine. And yet they’re all ungrateful people — Honcharenko included.”
Non-stop protests have been taking place across Georgia for 210 days since Georgian Dream announced it was halting the EU integration process. Since then, protesters have blocked Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue, where the parliament building is located, every day, while daily gatherings have also taken place in other major Georgian cities. Georgian Dream authorities, whose legitimacy is disputed after the contested October 26, 2024, parliamentary elections, have responded to the protests with force and repression.
The one-party parliament has introduced a series of repressive laws to crack down on dissent, independent media, and civil society. Dozens have been arrested and remain in jail on criminal charges, including protesters, opposition leaders, and journalist Mzia Amaglobeli. Key demands include the release of political prisoners, the resignation of the GD government, and the scheduling of new elections.
For earlier developments, refer to our previous:
Friday, May 27
18:30 – Court of Appeals Upholds Pre-Trial Detention of Activist Nino Datashvili
The Court of Appeals has upheld Tbilisi City Court’s decision to impose pre-trial detention on activist and teacher Nino Datashvili. She was arrested on June 20, nine days after the Interior Ministry launched a criminal investigation accusing her of assaulting the court’s bailiff. If convicted, Datashvili faces four to seven years in prison. Read more about the case here.
17:00 – Supporters of the Detained Protesters Rally Near Georgian Public Broadcaster
Family members and supporters of individuals detained during pro-EU protests rallied outside the new headquarter of the Georgian Public Broadcaster, demanding live coverage of the detainees’ court hearings. Protesters held a banner that read, “People deserve an independent public broadcaster.” Since the beginning of the pro-EU demonstrations, the GPB has become the focal point of nightly rallies. Each evening, demonstrators march from the broadcaster’s former building to Rustaveli Avenue, denouncing its alleged pro-government bias and demanding impartial reporting.
14:19 – Nika Melia Sentenced to Eight Months for Defying Tsulukiani Commission
Nika Melia, leader of the opposition Ahali party, has become the sixth person sentenced to months in prison for refusing to appear before the Tsulukiani Commission – the Georgian Dream parliament’s temporary body probing alleged crimes by former officials. Read more in the news.
12:07 – Givi Targamadze Sentenced to Seven Months in Prison for Defying Tsulukiani’s Commission
Ex-UNM lawmaker Givi Targamadze has become the fifth person sentenced to months in prison for refusing to appear before the Tsulukiani Commission – the Georgian Dream parliament’s temporary body officially tasked with probing alleged crimes by former officials. Targamadze joins opposition politicians, Zurab Japaridze, Mamuka Khazaradze, Badri Japaridze, and Giorgi Vashadze. Others, including Nika Melia, Nika Gvaramia, and Irakli Okruashvili, currently in pretrial detention, await similar verdicts. All have rejected the commission’s summonses, refusing to recognize the one-party parliament as legitimate. Everyone sentenced so far has also been barred from holding public office for two years.
Thursday, May 26
17:10 – GD Adopts Amendments on Defamation
The Georgian Dream parliament has adopted, without dissent and through an accelerated procedure, amendments on defamation. Critics say the changes will further suppress freedom of expression and the media in the country. Read our article on the changes.
14:00 – ECtHR Begins Substantive Review of Journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli’s Complaint
The European Court of Human Rights has begun reviewing the merits of the case of detained journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, the head of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), which represents her, said at the briefing. GYLA Chair Nona Kurdovanidze emphasized that the Court’s decision to move to this stage came “in a very short time,” two months after the case was brought into the court, and noted that the case may become an Impact Case — one that could significantly influence or change human rights law.
GYLA’s appeal to the ECtHR alleges violations of multiple provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights, including the rights to liberty, a fair trial, privacy, freedom of expression, an effective remedy, and prohibitions on the misuse of restrictions on rights. The journalist has been held in pre-trial detention for more than six months and faces four to seven years in prison on charges of assaulting a police officer for slapping Batumi’s police chief.
12:40 – U.S. Senators Condemn Anti-Corruption Bureau’s Inspection of Georgian CSOs
U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Roger Wicker have condemned the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s inspection requests targeting Georgian civil society groups. “The scope of the information requested from civil society is likely illegal, but also so vast that it will certainly lead to non-compliance,” the Senators say in a joint statement.
They add that “GD’s actions, understood to be directed by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, aim to paralyze the important work of groups,” including the eight targeted. “Simply put, democratic governments should not view organizations supporting independent media, combatting Kremlin propaganda, fighting corruption, or supporting women and youth to be threats,” the Senators say, voicing support for the bipartisan MEGOBARI Act, “as soon as the Senate calendar will allow.”
Wednesday, June 25
18:30 – Poet Zviad Ratiani Placed in Pretrial Detention Over Alleged Assault on Police
Tbilisi City Court sent the poet Zviad Ratiani in pretrial detention, who is accused of assaulting a police officer. Pro-government Rustavi 2 released footage from June 23 that allegedly shows Ratiani slapping an officer in the face. Three policemen are then seen dragging him towards a patrol vehicle. However, the video was released without audio, leaving the circumstances leading to the incident unclear. Read more here.
17:30 – UNM’s Khabeishvili Fined for Facebook Post
Tbilisi City Court Judge Manuchar Tsatsua has fined Levan Khabeishvili, a leader of the opposition United National Movement (UNM), 4,000 GEL [ 1,470 USD] for a Facebook post directed at Tea Tsulukiani, chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party’s parliamentary investigative commission probing alleged crimes committed by former UNM officials. In addition to the fine, the court also stripped Khabeishvili of the right to bear arms for three years. He is among dozens of opposition politicians, journalists, and activists who have recently been fined for allegedly insulting Georgian Dream MPs on social media.
17:00 – Tbilisi City Court Fines Opposition Leader Elene Khoshtaria 5,000 GEL
Tbilisi City Court Judge Zviad Tsekvava fined opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria 5,000 GEL [1838 USD] under administrative charges of petty hooliganism (Article 166) and disobedience of a lawful police order (Article 173). Prosecutors demanded detention. The decision was announced in her absence, as neither Khoshtaria nor her defense attended the hearing. The charges stem from a March 28 protest near Parliament, during which Khoshtaria was detained. According to Khoshtaria, she was subjected to degrading treatment while in custody, including being handcuffed and forcibly stripped naked by several female police officers.
Tuesday, June 24
17:00 – Citizen Fined Over Comment in Facebook Post
Tbilisi City Court fined citizen Diana Gogoladze 2,500 GEL (about USD 920) over a Facebook comment directed at a police officer, which the court deemed an “insult.” Dozens of citizens, including journalists, opposition politicians, activists, have been fined for “insulting” Georgian Dream MPs in social media.
15:00 – CSOs Issue Joint Statement on Arrests of Political Leaders
In a joint statement, up to 40 Georgian NGOs said the arrest of opposition leaders indicates that the ruling Georgian Dream party has chosen “the path of authoritarianism.” They claim that over 60 individuals are now “prisoners of conscience,” and that courts, the prosecutor’s office, and other state institutions have been turned into the GD’s “political tools.”
“Bidzina Ivanishvili has chosen to maintain power through dictatorship,” the organizations said, calling for a “firm and united response to repression” and urging citizens to continue resisting. “Georgia will not become Russia!” the statement reads.
13:57 – MEP Sánchez Amor Reacts to Arrest of Georgian Opposition Figures
12:13 – MEP Juknevičienė Urges EU Council “Adopt Sanctions Against the Regime”
11:14 – Estonian MP Mihkleson Reacts to Arrests of Opposition Leaders
01:08 – UK’s Minister for Europe Calls GD to “Free All Political Prisoners”
The sentencing of prominent opposition figures in Georgia for boycotting a parliamentary session is a blatant move to block election rivals. Georgian Dream must end its silencing of dissent and free all political prisoners.
Monday, June 23
22:25 -Rep. Joe Wilson Reacts to Arrests of Opposition Politicians
22:00 – Day 208: Rustaveli Ave. Blocked to Traffic, Poet Zviad Ratiani Arrested
For the 208th day in a row, pro-EU demonstrators gathered on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, blocking traffic near the parliament. Police arrested poet Zviad Ratiani during the protest. Videos from the scene show him being taken into a police car by several officers. When asked by protesters, one of the officers said Ratiani “approached a police officer and hit him without reason.”
18:00 – Three Opposition Politicians Sentenced to Months in Prison
Zurab Japaridze of Girchi–More Freedom, who had been in detention for a month, was sentenced to seven months in prison, while Lelo leaders Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, previously free on bail, were each sentenced to eight months – all three for defying the Georgian Dream parliamentary investigative commission probing alleged crimes by the former UNM government and other officials.
00:01 – Reports of Two Hospitalized as Car Runs Into Protesters
Two protesters were reportedly hospitalized after a car struck demonstrators late on June 22 in Tbilisi in what appeared to be a deliberate act by the driver during a crosswalk protest — a routine form of demonstration where participants repeatedly cross the street to disrupt traffic. Police were at the scene, though there are no reports about arrests yet.
Saturday, June 21
21:00 – Rustaveli Avenue Blocked on Day 206
Protesters again blocked Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue at the parliament as they gathered for a daily rally on Day 206 of non-stop Georgian protests.
16:00 – Nino Datashvili Remanded in Custody
On June 21, Tbilisi City Court Judge Eka Barbakadze sent activist and teacher Nino Datashvili to pretrial detention following charges filed by the Interior Ministry accusing her of assaulting a bailiff. Datashvili was arrested on June 20, nine days after the Interior Ministry launched a criminal probe on charges of assaulting a public servant, saying the activist “did not comply with the bailiff officers and physically assaulted one of them.” She faces four to seven years in prison if convicted. Read more here.
Friday, June 20
21:00 – Georgian protesters mark sixth anniversary of Gavrilov’s Night
Day 205 of the non-stop Georgian resistance coincided with the sixth anniversary of “Gavrilov’s Night,” when a violent dispersal of an anti-Russia rally on June 20, 2019, left many injured, including protesters and journalists.
To mark the date, Georgian protesters held various performances. They poured red paint into the Parliament fountain, turning the water the color of blood, wore red eye-patches in solidarity with those who lost an eye during the dispersal, while a group of activists showed up again in Guy Fawkes masks. They chanted “Revolution” and made a fire in the shape of the letter V, referencing a popular resistance-themed movie.
17:45 – Court Fines Anti-Occupation Activist Davit Katsarava
Tbilisi City Court fined Davit Katsarava, the leader of the anti-occupation movement Strength is in Unity, 4,000 GEL and imposed a three-year ban on carrying firearms for a Facebook post that “insulted” Tea Tsulukiani, Georgian Dream MP and chair of the investigative commission that probes alleged crimes of the UNM-era. In the March 28 post, Katsarava called Tsulukiani and the commission the “pro-Russian slaves” who are prosecuting those who defended Georgia during the August 2008 war, referring to the summoning of General Mamuka Kurashvili.
13:40 – Activist Nino Datashvili Detained
Police detained activist Nino Datashvili on charges of allegedly assaulting a civil servant during a June 9 incident at Tbilisi City Court, where she was forcibly removed by bailiffs while attempting to attend a hearing for detained protesters. If convicted, she faces four to seven years in prison. Read more on the case here.
12:00 – Diplomat Says She Was Fired from MFA
Mariam Maisaia, one of the diplomat of Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, says she has been dismissed from her position. Maisaia considers the dismissal a punishment for publicly expressing her Georgian Dream critical stance. She had been serving at Georgia’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, Switzerland.
Thursday, June 19
23:54 – Sen. Risch: GD Government Takes Country Closer to “One-party Totalitarian State”
22:00 – Rustaveli Ave. Blocked to Traffic
For the 204th day in a row, pro-EU demonstrators gathered on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, blocking traffic near the parliament.
17:53 – Rep. Wilson: “Anti-American” GD leader Ivanishvili “Perverted” Anti-corruption bureau to Crack Down on Civil Society
15:00 – March in Solidarity with Media Amid Pending ComCom Review
Media representatives and other protesters march towards the Communication Commission (ComCom), the state media regulator, which is about to review the Georgian Dream complaint against critical broadcasters over using terms that challenge the GD government’s legitimacy. Read more about the complaint here.
11:30 – Elene Khoshtaria Fined Over Facebook Post
Elene Khoshtaria, leader of the Droa party, was fined 4,000 GEL by Tbilisi City Court judge Davit Tetradze for a Facebook post that the court deemed an “assault” on a Georgian Dream MP. The post concerned Mamuka Mdinaradze, the GD parliamentary majority leader. She was also stripped of her right to carry a firearm for three years. Khoshtaria, unfazed, says she has no intention of paying the fine.
Wednesday, June 18
21:00 – Rustaveli Ave. Blocked to Traffic
On the 203rd consecutive day of pro-EU protests, demonstrators gathered on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, blocking the road near the Parliament building.
Tuesday, June 17
21:00 – Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue Again Blocked to Traffic
Protesters again gathered at the parliament on Day 202 of non-stop protests for an evening rally, blocking Tbilisi’s main avenue to traffic.
16:00 – Formula TV Journalist Fined
Opposition-leaning Formula TV journalist Anamaria Gelitashvili has been fined 5,000 GEL for blocking the road on Rustaveli Avenue while allegedly performing her professional duties.
15:00 – IPI Calls on EU to Act Against GD’s Pressure on Independent Media
International Press Institute, along with several media organizations, has called on the EU to exert pressure on the Georgian Dream government “to end the suppression of independent journalism and to uphold democratic principles and media freedom.” The organization cited the recent adoption of repressive laws, including the FARA, the Law on Grants, and amendments to the Law on Broadcasting, arguing that “Independent media in Georgia may only have months left before they are forced to close, depriving the public of independent news.”
The group also assessed the recent complaints filed by authorities against opposition-leaning broadcasters Formula TV and TV Pirveli with the Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC), as an attempt “to impose strict censorship and silence independent media.”
“This dismantling of media freedom, democratic freedoms, and journalists’ rights in Georgia, amid rising authoritarianism and a shift in Georgia’s geopolitical direction, has wider implications for democracy in the region,” the statement read. “We call on the Georgian Dream ruling party to end its assault on the media, repeal repressive legislation, and immediately release Mzia Amaglobeli.”
14:05 – Two Opposition Figures Summoned Again by GD Commission
Mamuka Khazaradze, Lelo party leader, has been summoned once again by the GD parliamentary commission investigating alleged crimes committed under the previous UNM government. This time, Khazaradze is being called in for questioning over what the commission describes as the “actions detrimental to Georgia’s foreign policy objectives during 2012-2025.” Khazaradze and fellow Lelo leader Badri Japaridze were first summoned on March 25 in connection with alleged business racketeering. Neither appeared before the commission.
Giorgi Gakharia, former prime minister and current leader of the opposition For Georgia party, has also been summoned by the commission for a second time.
An Azerbaijani proverb says, “If you have a toothache, get it removed; if you have a problematic neighbor, move to another neighborhood.” Unfortunately, this proverb cannot be applied to a country with a problematic neighbor like Armenia. It would be a welcome opportunity to move away and leave those people to continue obsessing over their fabrications.
Categories
Moscow Calling – June 27
Zakharova accuses Kyiv of deliberate attack on journalists
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova commented on the incident in which a Ukrainian drone attack injured Chinese Phoenix TV journalist Lu Yuguang in Russia’s Kursk region. “By firing targeted shots at unarmed military correspondents, journalists, cameramen, and photographers, and hunting them down, Ukrainian Nazis are trying to hide the truth about their serious crimes under international humanitarian law, including the targeted killing of civilians, which includes media workers,” Zakharova said. She stressed that those responsible will be identified and will receive the punishment they deserve. The journalist, who has worked in Russia for about 20 years, has received medical assistance and his life is not in danger. Zakharova accused the Ukrainian authorities of deliberately attacking media representatives and urged the international community to condemn such actions by Kyiv (TASS).
Russian soldier reports brutal treatment in Ukrainian captivity
Russian servicemen recently released from Ukrainian captivity reported brutal treatment by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, one of the returning soldiers said in an interview with RT. “I wanted our guys to be pulled out of there as soon as possible because they are being tortured and beaten. The most important thing is for the guys to hold on, believe, and not lose hope. Everything has its time. Russia will not forget,” he said. Notably, no evidence of abuse of Russian military personnel has been presented, while there is plenty of evidence that Ukrainian prisoners are being brutally abused in Russian captivity. There are also numerous videos circulating on the Internet showing Russian soldiers themselves abusing their “offending” subordinates or fellow soldiers (RT, TASS).
Savchuk: China is moving away from the U.S. and the Middle East toward energy cooperation with Russia and Iran
After a temporary lull in the Middle East conflict, Western analysts, including The Wall Street Journal, are predicting increased energy cooperation between China and Russia amid the threat of supply disruptions from the Persian Gulf, writes Sergey Savchuk, a columnist for RIA Novosti, in his article. According to him, China is increasing its imports of natural gas, especially LNG, where Russia’s share is growing and supplies from the U.S. are declining. He notes that amid instability, Beijing is seeking to reduce its dependence on risky partners and is stepping up the Power of Siberia 2 project. The author also states that at the same time, the Russia-China-Iran alliance is strengthening, including in the military and cyber spheres. According to Savchuk, energy security and strategic planning are becoming a priority for China amid the risk of a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which could hit not only Iran but also the global oil market (ria.ru).
Alexander Nosovich: NATO summit signals the end of the unipolar world
The NATO summit ended without scandal, but it was a disaster for the alliance’s image, writes Russian political analyst Alexander Nosovich in his article for RIA Novosti. According to him, the participants’ main goal was to prevent Donald Trump from issuing a demarche. In this sense, they succeeded, but only at the cost of making a humiliating concession to the American leader. The NATO secretary general called Trump “daddy,” and the final declaration turned out to be empty, with any mention of Ukraine reduced to formalities, Nosovich said. According to him, Zelenskyy was allowed to meet with Trump after “educational work,” but he received neither promises of arms supplies nor concrete support. The author claims that European leaders began talking about “peace through strength,” including against their own allies. “However, the context of official statements from Washington in recent days suggests that Trump intends to apply ‘peace through strength’ to all parties to the conflict, including Ukraine and… Europeans,” Nosovich writes. In his opinion, the summit demonstrated NATO’s degradation to the role of a dependent vassal mechanism of the U.S. and the end of the era of unipolar domination (ria.ru).
Detained Karapetyan accuses Armenian government of geopolitical game against Russia
Russian businessman Samvel Karapetyan, who was detained in Yerevan, said that in an attempt to annoy Russia, the Armenian government has turned the country into a center of geopolitical confrontation. According to Gazeta.ru, in a letter from the detention center distributed by his lawyers, Karapetyan criticized the political short-sightedness of the Armenian leadership and its attempts to get rid of Russia, while at the same time turning to the EU and considering turning the country into a vassal state. “Surrounded by hostile states and demonstrating exceptional political short-sightedness, they rushed to get rid of Russia,” Karapetyan wrote. According to him, the Armenian authorities are trying to convince Moscow of their loyalty, but in fact are turning the country into an instrument of foreign sovereignty. He promised to restore Armenian independence and return the country’s reputation as an ally of Russia. On June 18, a court in Yerevan sentenced the businessman to two months in jail for inciting the seizure of power. Karapetyan denies the charges, calling them groundless. The Kremlin has confirmed that it is in contact with Armenia regarding the case (Gazeta.ru).