AGP Executive Report

October 4 Case: Convicted protest defendants keep moving toward plea deals. Prosecutors say Murtaz Zodelava and Lasha Beridze have admitted guilt, expressed remorse, and filed formal requests; now another convicted defendant, Irakli Chkhvirkia, says he will approach the Prosecutor’s Office to seek a plea agreement too. Prison Abuse Row: Rustavi Prison No. 6 prisoner Giorgi Davitadze’s family staged a protest demanding the director’s dismissal and release of full footage/audio after Davitadze alleged guard rape and humiliation; Justice Minister Paata Salia says the allegations haven’t been substantiated and accountability will follow only if responsibility is established. EU Relations: Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze rejects ALDE’s push for EU sanctions, arguing Georgia wants “friendly, partnership-based” ties and that October 4 was “orchestrated from Europe.” Border Policy: PM Irakli Kobakhidze says Georgia will continue border delimitation and demarcation with Azerbaijan and Armenia in a “friendly format,” including work on the David Gareji issue. Regional Trade: A World Bank report says the Middle Corridor needs over $55bn by 2040, arguing infrastructure plus border and logistics reforms could sharply cut travel times and boost volumes.

Protest Pressure in Tbilisi: Demonstrators marked the 676th straight day of rallies, demanding the release of political prisoners and criticizing “Georgian Dream” as security forces keep up a hard line. EU Sanctions Push: ALDE renewed calls for targeted EU sanctions over repression and democratic backsliding, pointing to the closure of Friedrich Naumann and Konrad Adenauer offices in Georgia. Prison Rights Row: Kakha Kaladze dismissed a prisoner’s sexual assault allegation as “orchestrated,” while the penitentiary dispute continues to fuel opposition criticism. Foreign Policy Friction: Tbilisi summoned Iran’s ambassador over social media remarks about Queen Ketevan, escalating a cultural-historical dispute into a diplomatic one. Regional Connectivity Debate: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said Armenia’s TRIPP route would complement Georgia’s Middle Corridor, not compete with it, as freight demand rises. UK Sanctions: The UK added four Georgian nationals and two officials tied to occupied South Ossetia to its sanctions list. Sports Diplomacy: Georgia’s political spotlight also spilled into football as Northern Ireland prepared to host Georgia after a Nations League run.

Transport & Regional Strategy: PM Irakli Kobakhidze says Georgia sees TRIPP as a complement to the Middle Corridor, not a rival, citing a sevenfold cargo increase since 2020 and arguing for more freight capacity across routes. EU Pressure on Civil Society: ALDE urges the EU to impose targeted sanctions over Georgia’s repression and the closure of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s Tbilisi office, while Kakha Kaladze dismisses the EU move as “worthless.” Diplomatic Friction: Georgia summoned Iran’s ambassador over social media remarks about Queen Ketevan, with Tbilisi warning diplomats to avoid interpreting host-country history and domestic affairs. Sanctions Watch: The UK sanctioned four Georgian nationals over pro-Kremlin disinformation and support for Russia’s occupation, and also targeted Russia-installed officials in occupied South Ossetia. Elections: By-elections wrapped up in four municipalities (Vani, Tsalka, Dmanisi, Akhmeta) with majoritarian council seats decided after polling closed. Protest Politics: A Saturday march in Tbilisi marked the 675th day of daily protests against Ivanishvili, calling for policy change and release of political prisoners. Security & Justice: Russia says a prisoner extradited from Georgia killed a penitentiary officer during an attack on a train near Murtazovo station.

Protest Politics: On the 675th day of daily demonstrations, protesters marched on Rustaveli Avenue under the slogan “Georgia against Ivanishvili,” calling for policy change and the release of political prisoners, with EU flags and chants also aimed at Russia. Local Elections: By-elections closed in Vani, Tsalka, Dmanisi and Akhmeta for majoritarian Sakrebulo seats, using both electronic and traditional voting, with results briefing scheduled at the CEC. EU Pressure on Civil Society: German Ambassador Barbara Voss said all four German political foundations in Georgia have been forced to suspend activities, after grant rejections and office closures including Friedrich Naumann and Konrad Adenauer, raising new concerns about Georgia–EU ties. Sanctions Push: ALDE urged the EU to impose targeted sanctions on those responsible for repression and undermining democracy in Georgia, citing the Friedrich Naumann Foundation shutdown. Regional Security: Azerbaijan, Turkey and Uzbekistan held the “Power of Unity-2026” drills in Azerbaijan, rehearsing drone warfare, cyberattacks and maritime scenarios. Diplomacy & Education: Türkiye and Georgia signed an education cooperation deal on language teaching and diploma recognition.

Local Elections: Polling stations have closed in four Georgian municipalities—Vani, Tsalka, Dmanisi, and Akhmeta—where by-elections were held for municipal (Sakrebulo) seats under the majoritarian system; 2,225 eligible voters were registered, with electronic voting used at several sites and a CEC briefing scheduled for 9:00 PM. EU & Civil Society: German political foundations are escalating pressure on Brussels’ agenda after Germany’s ambassador said all four German foundations in Georgia were forced to suspend activities, following the closure of the Konrad Adenauer and Friedrich Naumann offices; ALDE is urging the EU to impose targeted sanctions over repression and the systematic undermining of democracy. Germany-Georgia Security Dialogue: Ambassador Barbara Voss reiterated that Georgia and Germany share concerns about Russian destabilization and disinformation, promising continued cooperation with Georgian Defence Forces. Regional Diplomacy: Türkiye and Georgia signed an education cooperation deal covering language teaching and recognition of diplomas. Culture & City Life: Tbilisoba returns Oct. 3-4 with food, traditions, and events across central Tbilisi locations.

German Foundations Under Pressure: Germany’s ambassador says four German political foundations in Georgia have been forced to temporarily suspend activities, with Konrad Adenauer and Friedrich Naumann already closing Tbilisi offices after grant applications were rejected under Georgia’s new funding rules. Local Elections: By-elections for local councils are underway in Vani, Tsalka, Dmanisi, and Akhmeta, using a majoritarian system with electronic voting at select stations. Pro-European Protests & Prison Rights: Demonstrators in Tbilisi and Batumi continued rallies tied to Saakashvili’s detention anniversary, while activists protested over alleged prison abuse claims. Regional Security Talks: Türkiye’s defense minister said Caucasus security is inseparable from Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, highlighting trilateral cooperation as peace efforts move forward. Adjara Infrastructure: Adjara officials met the regional development and infrastructure minister to coordinate highways, school and municipal projects, and Batumi-related works. Armenia-EAEU Trade Barriers: Pashinyan told the EAEU council that administrative barriers still block Armenian exports and transit, calling for dialogue to unblock the common market. Transport & Connectivity: The week also featured renewed focus on the Middle Corridor and Trans-Caspian freight growth, with Georgia positioned as a key transit hub.

Prison Accountability: Lelo–Strong Georgia’s Irakli Kupradze demanded an independent probe after inmate Giorgi Davitadze alleged guards raped him in Rustavi Prison No. 6; the Special Penitentiary Service released footage and denies any sexual violence, but Kupradze said the video raises “many more” doubts and called for suspensions and international monitoring. Foreign Funding Crackdown: Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said foreign political foundations shouldn’t pursue political missions in Georgia as Germany’s Konrad Adenauer and Friedrich Naumann foundations closed Tbilisi offices after grant applications were rejected under the new Law on Grants. Regional Security Diplomacy: Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Georgia held their 13th trilateral defense meeting in Shusha, with Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler praising deepening cooperation and regional normalization. Energy/Trade Connectivity: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan pushed EAEU dialogue to unblock exports and transit, pitching TRIPP as a rail link tying Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and the Black Sea to the Persian Gulf. Domestic Economy: Georgia’s diesel prices jumped 54% year-on-year in September while inflation stayed at 5.6%, and the agriculture ministry reported $28.1m in peach and nectarine exports (1 May–13 Sept). Judicial Outreach: Georgia’s Supreme Court chair Nino Kadagidze visited Azerbaijan’s Khankendi and Khojaly, highlighting legal cooperation and judicial infrastructure.

Weimar Triangle Diplomacy: France, Germany and Poland’s ambassadors met in Tbilisi to mark the Weimar Triangle’s 35th anniversary and discuss deeper cooperation amid regional challenges. Civil Society Under Pressure: The Konrad Adenauer Foundation says Georgia’s new grant rules and rejected funding applications forced it to close its Tbilisi office, while insisting it may return if political conditions change. Corruption Case Update: Former deputy head of Georgia’s State Security Service Levan Akhobadze was released from custody on 500,000 GEL bail, with a travel ban, after being detained over alleged bribe-linked money smuggling. Pro-European Protests: Supporters of Mikheil Saakashvili and broader Euro-Atlantic demands continued in Tbilisi and Batumi for a 673rd day, calling for political prisoners’ release and free elections. UK Sanctions on Georgian Figures: The UK imposed asset freezes and travel bans on four Georgian nationals tied to pro-Russian propaganda, plus additional names linked to occupied regions. Middle Corridor Momentum: A World Bank Group forum in Georgia’s region highlighted the “Middle Corridor: Next Stage” and a push to unlock trade growth through logistics and policy reforms. Regional Air Travel Fallout: Iran urged Iraq to lift US-sanctions-linked flight curbs after Tehran’s aviation restrictions continued to disrupt routes across the region.

UK Sanctions on Georgian Figures: The UK imposed sanctions on four Georgian nationals—Mamuka Pipia, Giorgi Iremadze, Nikoloz Mzhavanadze, and Paata Abuladze—over a 2025 visit to the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic and alleged pro-Kremlin disinformation tied to Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian territory. Media Oversight: Georgia’s Communications Commission fined TV Formula 10,000 GEL for violating broadcasting rules on impartiality and presenting news through “personal views,” marking another sanction for the channel. South Ossetia Rights Case: Tamara Mearakishvili, expelled from South Ossetia on espionage charges, says she fears being left without housing in Georgia and reports pressure on her family. Protests and Policing: Georgia’s Interior Ministry warned about a UNM rally plan, urging participants to avoid the Rike Tubes area during Tbilisoba preparations. Middle Corridor Push: Tbilisi hosted a World Bank forum on the “Middle Corridor: Next Stage,” focusing on trade logistics reforms and making the route more efficient by 2040. Transport Update: Azerbaijan Railways will add four daily Baku–Tbilisi–Baku services from Nov. 1, boosting seats by nearly 50% and cutting standard fares.

Middle Corridor Trade: Azerbaijan’s economy minister says Middle Corridor trade could triple by 2030 and transit times could be cut in half, pointing to Port of Alat, Baku–Tbilisi–Kars rail, and expanded terminals as the backbone of the plan. Energy Diplomacy: Georgia’s Economy Ministry met Azerbaijan’s deputy energy minister to deepen bilateral energy cooperation, with talks framed around regional formats. Urban Development: Tbilisi is set to receive 111 new metro cars after a 34-year gap, with Mayor Kakha Kaladze calling it a historic milestone. Foreign Policy & Protests: Pro-European protesters in Tbilisi and beyond kept up a 672-day streak, demanding free elections and repeal of “repressive laws,” while authorities continue to clash with opposition-led rallies. Legal/Justice: A Georgian court upheld a 15-year prison sentence for journalist Iryna Levchenko in a Russia-controlled case. Security Incident: Police detained an Armenian citizen after he allegedly vandalized a Heydar Aliyev bust in Tbilisi, with the case heading to court. Regional Mobility: Georgia and Azerbaijan expanded judicial cooperation via Supreme Courts MoUs, reinforcing cross-border legal coordination.

Diplomatic Spat: Georgia summoned Iran’s ambassador Seyed Ali Moujani after his social media remarks about Queen Ketevan, with Tbilisi warning diplomats to stick to protocol and not comment on Georgia’s history. Court Watch: Tbilisi’s appellate court upheld the 8.5-year drug-trafficking sentences for Russian citizens Artem Gribuly and Anastasia Zinovkina. High-Profile Trial: Former Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri testified in the Chorchana case against ex-PM Giorgi Gakharia, where prosecutors allege an extra checkpoint enabled illegal activity and military movement near the occupation line. Local Governance: Tbilisi Metro will receive 111 new cars after a 34-year gap, with the first modern train expected by year-end. International Forum: The first “Welcome Tbilisi” forum is set for Oct. 23–25, aiming to market the city’s tourism, investment, culture, and creative industries to global partners. Regional Ties: Azerbaijan and Georgia signed a memorandum expanding judicial cooperation between their supreme courts. Public Order: A Russian citizen was sentenced to 15 days and expelled for urinating from a balcony in Tbilisi.

Tbilisi Metro Upgrade: Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze says the city’s metro will be renewed with 111 new railcars, with the last major additions coming 34 years ago. OSCE Chair Bid vs EU Pushback: Georgia is stepping up its bid to become OSCE chair in 2027, but EU countries are backing Cyprus and blocking alternatives, leaving the OSCE deadlocked. Ukraine Return Efforts: Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili urged continued international action to bring back Ukrainian children, detained civilians, and POWs held by Russia, linking it to Georgia’s own experience of displacement and occupation. Pro-European Protest Update: On Rustaveli Avenue, demonstrators marked another night of pro-European actions and welcomed the release of activist Gela Khasaya after a year in detention. Gharibashvili on Governance: Former PM Irakli Gharibashvili questioned whether Georgia’s domestic and foreign policy has improved since he left office in 2024, arguing his government delivered recovery and growth. International Legal Pressure: The UN Human Rights Committee ordered Georgia to halt the extradition of Mikhail Timofeev to Russia while his complaint is reviewed.

Tbilisi Metro Upgrade: Mayor Kakha Kaladze says Tbilisi will get 111 new metro cars from CRRC—first major fleet renewal in 34 years—framed as a boost for the city’s transit and Georgian-Chinese ties. Iran-Georgia Diplomatic Row: Georgian lawmakers criticized Iran’s ambassador after he projected Queen Ketevan onto the Iranian Embassy facade and promised more historical research, with the parliament urging him to stick to diplomatic protocol. European Party Pressure: ALDE responded to Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili’s criticism of Lelo—Strong Georgia, reiterating it doesn’t run domestic campaigns while calling for the release of political prisoners. Tbilisi Local Politics: Lelo’s Irakli Kupradze attacked Mayor Kaladze’s “nine years” in office, alleging corruption and unfulfilled promises. Regional Security & Transit: Coverage highlights how South Caucasus transit routes are gaining strategic weight amid wider Middle East and aviation disruptions, with renewed focus on overland corridors and customs bottlenecks. Court/Justice: Georgia extradited an Uzbek-U.S. citizen suspect tied to fundraising for ISIS/al-Nusrah to New York, adding to the week’s counterterrorism headlines.

Pro-European Protests (670 days): Demonstrators gathered again in Tbilisi and Batumi on the 670th straight evening of rallies, calling for the release of political prisoners, repeal of “repressive laws,” and a return to the Euro-Atlantic course, with flags of Georgia and the EU on Rustaveli Avenue. Court & Justice: Georgia’s appellate court upheld the 9-year sentence of former police official Megis Kardava in the torture case. EU-Atlantic Messaging in Sports: Georgia and Ukraine played a 0-0 draw in Tbilisi in the UEFA Nations League, but fans made the political point—Ukrainian supporters raised a banner on Sukhumi, while Georgian chants targeted Russia’s president. Digital Governance Cooperation: South Korea plans to bring its public-service tech—including digital ID and electronic customs clearance—to Romania and Georgia, with an AI government policy forum scheduled in Tbilisi. Regional Transit & Economy: Uzbekistan is studying participation in the Zangezur (TRIPP) corridor rail plans, aiming to improve cost and reliability for exports. Aviation Sanctions Fallout: New US sanctions have sharply reduced Iranian flights; regional countries including Georgia have suspended or restricted Iranian airline services, while Iraqi Airways resumed Najaf–Iran routes after disruptions. Infrastructure Funding: The AIIB signed an agreement with Georgia for EUR158.42m to improve climate-resilient road links in Kakheti, boosting access to border, highways, and Black Sea ports.

Transport & Connectivity: Georgia signed an AIIB deal worth EUR 158.42m to upgrade 67.4 km of climate-resilient roads in Kakheti, strengthening the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor links to the East-West Highway and Black Sea ports. Energy Regulation: A Tbilisi forum on energy regulation brought Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia together to discuss integrating their power systems and connecting to Türkiye’s grid. Regional Diplomacy: Armenia’s and Azerbaijan’s foreign ministers agreed to keep direct dialogue in New York, focusing on peace progress plus trade and transport. Middle Corridor Customs: Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye held their 5th trilateral customs meeting in Goygol, aiming to cut transit delays, expand electronic data exchange, and streamline border procedures. Tbilisi Local Governance: The government authorized Tbilisi City Hall to use simplified procurement up to GEL 3.11m for Tbilisoba events. Courts & Accountability: Tbilisi’s Court of Appeals upheld Megis Kardava’s nine-year sentence in the “Barrels Case.” Human Rights: Georgia expelled Belarusian activist Lev Mikheev to Armenia after a failed asylum bid. Public Safety Case: Eka Kupatadze demanded accountability at the Malania hearing over the death of teacher Giga Avaliani. Politics & Security: A new Anti-Annexation Platform added members including security and defense figures, pledging legal and civic action to counter Russia’s occupation policies.

Protest & Territorial Integrity: On the 33rd anniversary of the fall of Sukhumi, a march in Tbilisi—“Abkhazia is Georgia, glory to the heroes”—drew supporters demanding restoration of Georgia’s territorial integrity and calling for political prisoners’ release, while also voicing opposition to extraditing Chechen activist Mansur Movlaev. EU Accession Process: The European Commission is preparing membership action roadmaps for the most advanced candidate countries, but Georgia (along with Turkey and Serbia) is not included for now amid concerns over democratic and judicial backsliding. US-Georgia Relations: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze says Tbilisi is seeking to restore its strategic partnership with the United States, citing positive brief talks with President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the UN General Assembly. Domestic Justice: Elene Khoshtaria, an opposition politician convicted over damage to a campaign poster, returned to Rustavi prison after completing the first stage of treatment at a clinic. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Georgia’s leaders continue to frame the South Caucasus as a peace-and-connectivity opportunity, while Azerbaijan and Georgia stress friendly, low-tension relations.