UK to Georgia and Armenia regarding Russia sanctions
The UK government has published special guidance for non-British businesses operating in Georgia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The document aims to help local entrepreneurs understand the UK’s sanctions against Russia and how violations could affect their business operations, including outside the UK.
The document, available on the UK government’s official website, outlines practical steps and provides concrete examples of what constitutes assistance in evading sanctions. It clearly states: anyone helping Russia circumvent sanctions will themselves be subject to sanctions.
The British Embassy in Georgia published a post on its Facebook page, stating: “The UK has published new sanctions guidance to support businesses in Georgia. The guidance aims sets out Georgian and UK laws relevant to sanctions and identifies practical steps for businesses to manage sanctions risks and promote compliance.”
Summary of the UK’s new guidance on sanctions compliance regarding Russia
The document outlines several tactics used by Russia to circumvent sanctions, including:
Indirect delivery routes
Falsification of end-user destinations
Professional evasion networks
According to the guidance, this may involve the following scenario:
A company operating in Georgia receives an order from a Russian importer for goods that fall under UK sanctions and therefore cannot be delivered directly from the UK.
The local company then orders the goods from a UK supplier without informing the supplier—or other relevant parties such as banks, insurers, or freight companies—that the final consumer is in Russia.
The UK supplier exports the goods to the local company, which subsequently re-exports them to Russia.
The guidance also outlines the risks that may affect local businesses.
While only UK nationals are legally required to comply with UK sanctions, non-UK nationals who help circumvent them face certain risks, including:
The UK may impose sanctions directly on you as an individual or on entities you own or control if you are involved in activities that support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Even if you are not a UK national, being sanctioned by the UK can have serious consequences for your business and financial operations. UK sanctions apply to UK citizens and entities worldwide.
Every UK bank—and many international banks—may freeze your assets and deny you any services.
If UK companies are part of your insurance or shipping/freight supply chain, they will also refuse to work with you if you or any related party or goods are under sanctions.
According to the guidance, as a result of the above, many UK companies will refuse to do business with such individuals or entities unless they can prove they have taken effective steps to prevent any goods or services from being forwarded to Russia or to Russia-linked parties.
Non-stop protests have been taking place across Georgia for 212 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.
17:18 – Khoshtaria ready to stop hunger strike if opposition agrees on boycott
Elene Khostaria told the news agency IPN that she’d end the hunger strike if the opposition agrees to boycott the municipal elections, slated for October 2026. Khoshtaria, who chose this radical form of protest on Friday, told the journalist, “If we agree in principle on non-cooperation, non-accommodation, non-recognition [of the Georgian Dream government], then, of course, with all my energy I will join the battle, which I believe in.”
Letters from prisoners hit the market stalls
Activists and family members of Georgians detained during the protests distributed special newsletters at Lilo Mall, the largest marketplace in Tbilisi. The newsletters explain the circumstances of detention and also contain letters from prisoners. Photo: Nino Saghiridze/Civil.ge
Saturday, May 28
11:15 – Gedevan Popkhadze Joins Elene Khoshtaria in Hunger Strike
Coalition for Change member Gedevan Popkhadze, a former Georgian Dream MP (2012–2019), has joined Elene Khoshtaria in a hunger strike. “Either death or victory — this is our attitude towards the regime,” Popkhadze told reporters on Rustaveli Avenue.
Friday, May 27
21:00 – Elene Khoshtaria Goes On Hunger Strike as “New Form of Struggle”
Elene Khoshtaria, leader of the opposition Droa party, announces a “firm decision” to go on a hunger strike as a “new form” of battle. Calling it a “victory-oriented battle”, she vows to stay on Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue. Read More Here.
20:15 – Day 212: Rustaveli Ave. Blocked to Traffic
For the 212th day in a row, pro-EU demonstrators gathered on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, blocking traffic near the parliament.
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.
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
It’s appalling to see #Georgia at full speed towards a one-party system. One by one opposition figures being jailed. The country has passed from being a frontrunner in 🇪🇺 integration to frontrunner in authoritarianism at light speed, betraying the aspirations of its society. https://t.co/R8mPSrW0xR
11:14 – Estonian MP Mihkleson Reacts to Arrests of Opposition Leaders
Is the free world really so weak that it is unable to do anything to support the Georgian people in their efforts to resist the establishment of a dictatorship in this small South Caucasian country? Authoritarian regimes and the ‘useful idiots’ who serve them will only gain more… https://t.co/13JBFDDFhw
— Marko Mihkelson 🇪🇪🇺🇦 (@markomihkelson) June 24, 2025
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.
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.
22:25 -Rep. Joe Wilson Reacts to Arrests of Opposition Politicians
The illegitimate Georgian Dream regime has wrongfully arrested opposition leaders Zurab Japaridze, Mamuka Khazaradze & Badri Japaridze, escalating their crackdown. Ivanishvili seeks to create a one-party state in service to Communist China. The Senate must pass #MEGOBARI!
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”
The Georgian Dream government’s passage of draconian laws and its weaponization of the justice system against its political opponents is outright unacceptable. The government is making a huge mistake taking the country further from a future its people want and closer to that of a…
— Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman (@SenateForeign) June 19, 2025
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
Anti-American Georgian Dream leader Ivanishvili has perverted the country’s anti-corruption bureau through his puppet Razhden Kupraahvili to crack down on pro-America free Georgians Nino Evgenidze, Eka Gigauri, Mariam Kapanadze, Keti Khutsishvili, and Baia Pataraia. He is pulling…
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.
The South Bronx is an area of the New York City borough of The Bronx. It strictly refers to the southwestern portion of the borough, and should not be confused with the southern Bronx.
On June 29, Azerbaijan State Examination Center held the second attempt of the first stage of the residency admission exam (assessment of knowledge in core subjects), Azernews reports.
