Day: August 16, 2025

Turkiye’s economy has grown from $238 billion to an impressive $1.32 trillion, thanks to the strategic policies implemented by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government, according to Turkish Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat.

Police arrested two Georgian protesters, Tornike Toshkhua and Mindia Shervashidze, on group violence charges, with the two facing up to two years in jail as supporters allege provocation and unfair treatment.

According to the Interior Ministry’s August 16 statement, Toshkhua and Shervashidze used violence against “B.G.” during the August 1 rally at the parliament in Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue, the epicenter of ongoing non-stop protests, “on the basis of mutual dispute.” Activists and media later identified “B.G.” as Beka Gotsiridze.

The two were charged under Article 126-1¹(b) of the Criminal Code, which concerns group violence and is punishable by a fine, 180 to 240 hours of community service, or up to two years of imprisonment. The Interior Ministry stated that the investigation is ongoing to identify additional suspects.

The Ministry has attached a short footage from the incident showing a man in black approaching protesters during a rally, followed by what looks like a physical confrontation, with the man pushed out of the scene by several protesters.

The news sparked backlash from activists taking part in the ongoing pro-EU, anti-Georgian Dream protests, which began on November 28, 2024, and have continued for more than 260 days. Every evening since the start of the non-stop demonstrations, a group of protesters has blocked the area in front of the parliament for several hours.

Activist Beka Papashvili alleged that Gotsiridze had frequently insulted protesters on social media and, during the incident, attempted to pull out a knife, which he dropped as he fell. According to Papashvili, demonstrators then handed the knife over to the police.

Gela Khasaia of the Girchi – More Freedom party shared on social media a TikTok video reportedly recorded by Gotsiridze after the incident. In the footage, Gotsiridze recounts the episode, saying protesters recognized him and “came at [him],” but “could not do anything” to him and “could not beat [him].” He also recalls swearing at the demonstrators during the confrontation and, in the video, refers to them with offensive language while threatening to “soon push them out” of the protest site.

The arrests come amid concerns that police and courts have been strict towards activists while showing leniency toward individuals who used violence against protesters, opposition members, or critics of Georgian Dream, including organized thugs, the so-called titushki.

Also Read:

• 13/08/2025 – U.S. State Department Report Reviews Georgia’s Human Rights Challenges in 2024
• 08/12/2024  – Brutal Attack on Opposition Members and TV Pirveli Crew as Repression Intensifies
• 12/06/2024 – Amnesty International: Georgian Government Greenlights Violence Against Its Critics

Intel’s stock rose nearly 4% on renewed optimism that the US government may step in to support the chipmaker’s turnaround — potentially through a direct investment stake, Azernews reports, according to a Bloomberg report.

However, certain foods rapidly help stabilize blood glucose, curb blood sugar spikes, and bring levels down more quickly. Today, I’ll share 10 scientifically-backed foods proven to rapidly lower and stabilize your blood sugar levels.

With US President Donald Trump ramping up tariffs on foreign imports in his bid to reshape global trade, companies across the world are increasingly seeking to diversify their markets — moving away from the United States, which many now view as an unreliable trading partner, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

After the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace deal signed at the White House, experts see a “historic opening” for Türkiye-Armenia ties. Open borders, trade routes & new diplomacy could reshape the South Caucasus, reports “Daily Sabah”. #SouthCaucasus
👣🔁 #PressReview pic.twitter.com/H6wmvr5a1I

— Marc Adam (@MarcAdam63000) August 16, 2025