AGP Executive Report

Protests in Tbilisi: A Saturday march marked the 675th day of daily demonstrations, with protesters calling for change and demanding the release of political prisoners, bringing Georgian and EU flags to Rustaveli Avenue. By-elections in four municipalities: Polling closed in Vani, Tsalka, Dmanisi and Akhmeta for local council (Sakrebulo) seats, using both electronic and traditional voting; a CEC briefing is set for 9:00 PM. Prison protest turns tense in Rustavi: Supporters of convicted inmate Giorgi Davitadze clashed with penitentiary staff outside Penitentiary Facility No. 6, after Davitadze accused guards of rape; staff denied obstructing the rally. EU-facing pressure on civil society: German Ambassador Barbara Voss said all four German political foundations in Georgia were forced to suspend activities; Friedrich Naumann Foundation closed its Tbilisi office after a rejected grant application, prompting ALDE to call for targeted EU sanctions. Local culture and tourism: Tbilisi City Day, Tbilisoba-2026, runs Oct. 3–4 with food, music and events across central locations, including a ceremony for honorary citizens on Oct. 4. Sports in Batumi: Georgian skaters won two golds at the Trialeti Trophy in Batumi, including Nika Egadze in men’s singles and Davis/Smolkin in ice dance.

By-elections in Georgia: Polling stations have closed in Vani, Tsalka, Dmanisi and Akhmeta, where by-elections were held for four majoritarian seats in local Sakrebulo councils. EU and democracy pressure: The ALDE Party urged the EU to impose targeted sanctions over what it calls repression and the systematic undermining of democracy in Georgia, pointing to the Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s closure in Tbilisi after its grant was rejected. German foundations pause work: Germany’s ambassador Barbara Voss said all four German political foundations in Georgia have been forced to suspend activities, with two offices already closed. Prison protest in Rustavi: An altercation broke out outside Rustavi Penitentiary No. 6 during a protest by relatives of convict Giorgi Davitadze, after he accused guards of rape. Trialeti Trophy in Batumi: Georgian skaters won two golds at the ISU Challenger Series event—Diana Davis and Gleb Smolkin in ice dance, and Nika Egadze in men’s singles. Tbilisoba City Day: Tbilisi is holding its annual City Day festival on Oct. 3–4 with food, concerts and events, plus traffic restrictions in central areas.

Education & Culture Ties: Türkiye and Georgia signed an education cooperation deal in Tbilisi on Oct. 2, covering reciprocal school openings, Georgian–Turkish language teaching, and steps toward recognition of diplomas and documents. Local Life in Tbilisi: Tbilisoba returns Oct. 3–4 with food, music, and traditions across Orbeliani Square, Rike Park, Gudiashvili Square, Europe Square, Legvtakhevi and Metekhi Bridge, plus cooking masterclasses and an Oct. 4 honorary citizens ceremony. EU-Linked Foundations Under Pressure: Germany’s ambassador says four German political foundations in Georgia were forced to temporarily suspend activities, with Konrad Adenauer and Friedrich Naumann already closing Tbilisi offices amid grant restrictions. Local Elections: By-elections for local councils are underway in Vani, Tsalka, Dmanisi, and Akhmeta, with voting until 8:00 PM. Adjara Infrastructure: Adjara officials met with Georgia’s regional development and infrastructure minister to review roads, school and kindergarten rehabilitation, and Batumi urban projects. Transport for Travelers: ADY increased Baku–Tbilisi–Baku services and reduced ticket prices; passengers are reminded to buy travel insurance. Public Protest: Pro-European demonstrators continued in Tbilisi and Batumi, including calls tied to prisoners’ rights and the release of political detainees.

Foreign Funding Crackdown: Germany’s Konrad Adenauer Foundation and Friedrich Naumann Foundation have shut their Tbilisi offices after Georgian authorities rejected their grant applications under the new Law on Grants, with parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili saying foreign political foundations have “no political mission” in Georgia. Prison Abuse Allegations: The Public Defender says it found no evidence of physical mistreatment or sexual violence against convicted prisoner Giorgi Davitadze, while opposition figures argue the released footage raises more doubts and call for an independent probe. UK Sanctions: The UK imposed asset freezes and travel bans on South Ossetia’s de facto leaders Marat Kambolov and Alan Gagloev, plus several Georgia-linked figures, citing support for Russia and threats to Ukraine’s sovereignty. Diplomacy & Regional Links: Georgia’s parliament speaker says relations with the US are improving, while Turkey and Georgia signed an education cooperation deal and Armenia’s PM highlighted the TRIPP rail corridor as a potential Black Sea–Persian Gulf link involving Georgia. Local Life: Tbilisi says it has started fining protesters for singing “Ole, Ola,” and the city plans to add 111 new metro cars after a 34-year gap.

Bail and UN pressure: Russian citizen Mikhail Timofeyev, held in extradition detention in Georgia, was released on GEL 50,000 bail after a UN Human Rights Committee interim order barred Georgia from extraditing or deporting him while the case is reviewed. He faces strict conditions including a travel ban, curfew, regular reporting, and surrender of his passport. Corruption case update: Former deputy head of Georgia’s State Security Service Levan Akhobadze was also released from custody on GEL 500,000 bail in a bribery-related case tied to alleged help in smuggling money from Russia. Diplomacy in Tbilisi: France, Germany and Poland’s ambassadors met in Tbilisi to mark the Weimar Triangle’s 35th anniversary and discuss future cooperation and joint action in Georgia. EU-aligned sanctions: The UK imposed sanctions on four Georgian nationals over alleged involvement in spreading Russian propaganda, including asset freezes and travel bans. Regional trade focus: The World Bank Group convened a Middle Corridor forum in Georgia to push logistics reforms and unlock the corridor’s economic potential. Local civic life: Georgia launched online burn permit applications via the Forestry Commission, and Tbilisi’s pro-European protests marked another night on Rustaveli Avenue.

UK Sanctions: The UK imposed asset freezes and travel bans on four Georgian nationals tied to meetings in Russia-occupied Donetsk, including Paata Abuladze (Tbilisi mayor Kakha Kaladze’s brother-in-law), Mamuka Pipia, Giorgi Iremadze and Nikoloz Mzhavanadze. South Ossetia Fallout: The same UK package also targets South Ossetia’s de facto leadership, including Marat Kambolov and Alan Gagloev. Public Order in Tbilisi: Georgia’s Interior Ministry said it will manage a UNM rally planned for today, warning participants not to obstruct preparations for Tbilisoba 2026 around Rike Park and the Rike Tubes area. Batumi Culture: Batumi International Art-House Film Festival (BIAFF) wrapped up with awards including Queen at Sea as the main winner, plus Best Director for Guria and acting prizes for Queen at Sea. Regional Trade: A World Bank forum in Tbilisi highlighted how to boost the Middle Corridor’s trade potential, stressing coordinated logistics across the route. Transport Links: Azerbaijan Railways will add four daily Baku–Tbilisi–Baku services from Nov. 1, raising seats and cutting minimum fares. Batumi Development: Ambassadori Island Batumi signed a $200 million partnership with UAE’s ONE Development for an AI-integrated complex.

Tbilisi Politics & Protests: Pro-European demonstrators marked the 672nd straight day of rallies on Rustaveli Avenue, again calling for political prisoners’ release and a return to Euro-Atlantic course, with families pressing the Public Broadcaster for airtime. Foreign Affairs: Georgia’s Foreign Ministry summoned Iran’s ambassador over remarks tied to Queen Ketevan, while separate reports say Tbilisi also warned accredited diplomats to respect their mandate. Public Order: A Russian citizen in Tbilisi was sentenced to 15 days after urinating from a balcony onto café visitors and will be deported. Vandalism Case: Georgian police detained an Armenian tourist over damage to a Heydar Aliyev bust in Tbilisi; the case is under investigation and restoration is underway. Urban Development: Tbilisi is set to receive 111 new metro cars after a 34-year gap, with Mayor Kakha Kaladze calling it a milestone. Business & Investment: Trump Tower Tbilisi held its international launch event, with the $2 billion, multi-tower project unveiled in the capital. Regional Connectivity: Azerbaijan says Middle Corridor trade could triple by 2030, citing port and rail links including Baku–Tbilisi–Kars.

Batumi Development Deal: Ambassadori Island Batumi signed a $200 million partnership agreement with UAE developer ONE Development during LIVEX 2026 in Abu Dhabi, aiming to build a high-end multi-functional complex on the island. Tbilisi Transport Upgrade: Tbilisi Metro will receive 111 new cars—first addition in 34 years—under a project supported by the Georgian government and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, with the first modern train expected to arrive by year-end. Foreign Policy Tensions: Georgia summoned Iran’s ambassador over social media remarks tied to Queen Ketevan, warning diplomats to stick to their mandate; the move follows renewed controversy around the queen’s historical legacy. Courtroom Politics: Former Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri testified in the Chorchana case against Giorgi Gakharia, saying his return to politics isn’t being considered and asking how he could have known about the checkpoint. Public Order Case: A Russian citizen in Tbilisi was sentenced to 15 days in detention and deportation after urinating from a balcony and shouting “Glory to Russia.” Budget Numbers: Georgia’s 2027 consolidated budget draft totals GEL 37.531 billion, with projected growth of 5.0% and inflation returning to the 3% target by year-end.

OSCE Chairmanship Push: Georgia is seeking the OSCE chair for 2027, but the EU is blocking Tbilisi’s bid, backing Cyprus instead as the process stays stuck in consensus deadlock. Tbilisi Metro Upgrade: Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze says the metro will be renewed with 111 new railcars, the first major addition in decades. Public Order Incident: A reportedly Russian citizen was detained in Tbilisi after urinating from a balcony while shouting “Glory to Russia!” and facing administrative charges. Major Accident in Sanzona: An elevator fell in Tbilisi’s Sanzona district; six people were inside and were pulled out conscious, with the cause still unclear. Politics From Prison: Former PM Irakli Garibashvili published his eighth letter from prison, arguing Georgia’s situation has not improved since he left office. Protests in Tbilisi: Supporters of Euro-integration marked another night of demonstrations near parliament, calling for political prisoners’ release and free elections. Human Rights Move: The UN Human Rights Committee ordered Georgia to halt the extradition of Mikhail Timofeev to Russia while his complaint is reviewed. Culture in Batumi: The Batumi International Art-house Film Festival wrapped up with awards across feature and short competitions.

NATO Drills in Georgia: The multinational SHARP LYNX 2026 exercise has started at the Georgia-NATO Joint Training and Evaluation Center, with troops from Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Croatia aiming to boost interoperability and command skills. Diplomatic Row: Georgian lawmakers criticized Iran’s ambassador after he projected Queen Ketevan onto the Iranian Embassy facade, urging him to stick to diplomatic protocol and avoid historical claims. Tbilisi Metro Upgrade: Mayor Kakha Kaladze says 111 new metro cars are a “historic milestone,” unveiled at CRRC in China as Tbilisi looks to modernize its transit fleet. Opposition Update: Activist Gela Khasaia was released from prison after a plea deal, with supporters saying he will continue anti-government activism. Local Politics: The UNM says Georgia’s Interior Ministry denied permission for an Oct. 1 rally in Rike Park, though organizers plan to gather anyway. Batumi Development: Ambassadori Island Batumi announced City Mall Batumi, a 170,000 m² retail and lifestyle project with 300+ brands, slated to open in 2029. EU Liberal Pressure: ALDE responded to criticism from Georgian officials, reiterating calls for the release of political prisoners.

Trump Tower Tbilisi Backlash: Tbilisi residents are raising alarms over the planned Trump Tower project, calling it a “lung” loss for the city as details of the $2bn, 62-storey development keep circulating. Courtroom Politics: Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze hit back at former President Mikheil Saakashvili’s remarks in court, saying “betrayers” end up where the law takes them. Diplomacy: Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili met Canada’s FM Anita Anand, focusing on Black Sea security and deeper trade ties via the Middle Corridor. Prison Release: Girchi – More Freedom activist Gela Khasaia was released after serving a year under a plea deal. Adjara Health: A new rehabilitation center branch opened in Khulo, expanding services for children and adults. Protests in Tbilisi & Batumi: Pro-European demonstrators marked 670 days of rallies, again demanding political prisoners’ release and an end to the pro-Russian course. Regional Links: South Caucasus energy regulators met in Tbilisi to discuss integrating power systems and connecting to Türkiye’s grid. Sports—Nations League: Georgia and Ukraine played 0-0 in Tbilisi, with fans using the stands to send a political message.

Ukraine–Georgia Football: Ukraine and Georgia played out a 0-0 draw in Tbilisi in UEFA Nations League action, with Georgia pressing most of the game but unable to break through. Batumi Arts: The 20th Batumi International Arthouse Film Festival wrapped with Queen at Sea winning the Grand Prix, while Guria took major honors including Best Director and Best Actor. Tbilisi Court Update: The Tbilisi Court of Appeals upheld Megis Kardava’s nine-year prison sentence in the “Barrels Case.” Public Safety & Justice: The mother of murdered teacher Giga Avaliani, Eka Kupatadze, demanded accountability at Giorgi Malania’s hearing, while Girchi’s Gela Khasaia is set to leave prison after a plea deal. Protests in Tbilisi: Students and parents protested outside Public School No. 166, saying classes have been split across other schools for a third year due to stalled rehabilitation plans. City Hall Procurement: Tbilisi City Hall was authorized to make simplified purchases worth about GEL 3.1 million for Tbilisoba events on Oct. 3-4. Transport Planning: An international tender for a surface commuter rail feasibility study in Tbilisi and suburbs has reached the shortlist stage, with work expected to start by late December. Archaeology: Roadworks on Rustaveli Avenue uncovered a pottery cache dating back around 1,000 years. Regional Trade: Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye held a trilateral customs meeting in Goygol focused on Middle Corridor transit, electronic data exchange, and faster border procedures.

EU Solidarity on Sokhumi Anniversary: The EU Delegation in Tbilisi marked the 33rd anniversary of the fall of Sokhumi, honoring victims and reiterating support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Protests in Tbilisi: On the same anniversary, a march titled “Abkhazia is Georgia, glory to the heroes” drew participants to Heroes Square, with calls for restoring territorial integrity and opposition to extraditing Mansur Movlaev to Russia. US-Georgia Talks: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze said he had a brief, positive conversation with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio about restoring the strategic partnership, noting Georgia has taken steps and is awaiting reciprocal moves. Politics Behind Bars: Opposition figure Elene Khoshtaria returned from the Vivamed clinic to Rustavi prison after the first stage of treatment, according to reports. Football Shock and Coaching Change: Georgia sacked Willy Sagnol after a 1-0 Nations League loss to Northern Ireland, with Ramaz Svanadze named as his replacement; Georgia now hosts Ukraine in the next Nations League match. Sports Spotlight: Georgia’s para-judo team won world championship gold in Tbilisi, while India defended the Nona Gaprindashvili Cup at the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.

US-Georgia ties: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said he spoke briefly with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the UN General Assembly, stressing Georgia wants to restore the strategic partnership and is waiting for reciprocal steps from Washington. Protests and politics: Kobakhidze called the radical opposition’s street protests “defunct,” saying only dozens attend daily. Sokhumi anniversary: On the 33rd anniversary of the fall of Sokhumi, EU and Western diplomatic missions backed Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while Georgian officials held memorials at Heroes’ Square. Abkhazia/territorial integrity messaging: Kobakhidze reiterated Tbilisi will pursue reunification peacefully through negotiations. Court and public order: A Tbilisi court sentenced TikToker Zurab Kenchiashvili to 20 days in jail for insulting citizens. Culture and heritage: Roadwork in Tbilisi uncovered a 1,000-year-old pottery cache beneath a main boulevard. Sports: Georgia sacked Willy Sagnol after a 1-0 Nations League loss to Northern Ireland; Ramaz Svanadze was promoted to replace him. International spotlight: Sri Lanka appointed honorary consuls in Tbilisi and Batumi to expand consular services and ties.

Territorial Integrity on Sokhumi Anniversary: On the 33rd anniversary of the fall of Sokhumi, Western diplomatic missions in Tbilisi—including the US, Germany, France and Sweden—reaffirmed solidarity with Georgia and support for its sovereignty within internationally recognized borders. PM Kobakhidze vs Opposition: Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said territorial integrity will be restored peacefully through negotiations, accusing the opposition of trying to derail the “peaceful scenario” with outside instructions. Pro-EU Marches in Tbilisi: Another “Saturday march” drew protesters chanting “Abkhazia is Georgia,” with calls for European integration and solidarity with Ukraine; organizers also raised concerns about extradition to Russia. Belarusian Activist Deported: Belarusian activist Lev Mikheev, detained in Georgia, was transferred to Armenia, where he was also detained; Georgia’s Interior Ministry says the process followed the law and denies rights violations. Speech/Insult Case: A Tbilisi court sentenced TikToker Zurab Kenchiashvili to 20 days in jail for insulting citizens, including a minor. Batumi Culture: The Batumi International Art-House Film Festival is nearing its conclusion, with Georgian animation classics and Bernard MacMahon’s documentary “Becoming Led Zeppelin” among the final screenings.

Football Shake-Up: Georgia sacked Willy Sagnol after a 1-0 Nations League loss to Northern Ireland and named Ramaz Svanadze as head coach through 2028; his first match is Monday vs Ukraine. Belarusian Deportation Dispute: Georgia’s Interior Ministry rejected claims that Belarusian activist Lev Mikheyev was forced to sign papers, saying an interpreter was used and he chose Armenia; Mikheyev says he was detained and later released in Armenia while asylum options are still unclear. Protests Under Fire: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze compared ongoing Tbilisi demonstrators to a cult, saying they gather daily without purpose. Diplomacy & Tensions: Salome Zurabishvili told France’s parliament Georgia is facing democratic dismantling; meanwhile, Azerbaijan protested the Georgian Patriarchate’s remarks over Kurmukh Church restoration in Gakh. Culture Spotlight: Batumi International Art-House Film Festival wraps up with Georgian animation classics and Bernard MacMahon’s documentary “Becoming Led Zeppelin.”