AGP Executive Report

Airport Expansion: Georgia launched the $150m expansion of Tbilisi’s Shota Rustaveli International Airport with TAV Georgia, aiming to double capacity from 5m to 10m passengers a year by 2028, including a bigger terminal, more boarding bridges, passport control points, and upgraded tech systems. EU–Georgia Tensions: EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said Brussels has “virtually no” contact with the Georgian government and wants to support the Georgian people, while PM Irakli Kobakhidze hit back, saying Kallas doesn’t recognize Georgia’s sovereignty over its full territory. Prisoner Pardon Push: Patriarchate officials say Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III has appealed to the President to pardon prisoners, with the Synod possibly weighing in later. Court & Rights: The Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner sought to intervene at the ECHR in the case challenging Georgia’s Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Opposition Sentencing: Opposition figure Aleko Elisashvili was sentenced to 13 years for attempted terrorism tied to a 2025 incident at the Tbilisi City Court chancellery, drawing claims of political motivation. Public Order: Police detained five minors in Tbilisi over alleged pharmacy and store thefts totaling over GEL 14,000, plus an allegation involving stolen mopeds. Regional Security: Tskhinvali says the espionage trial of Tamaz Gagloev in Tbilisi was postponed indefinitely. Online Debate: Social media users argued over a clash between tourists and procession participants in Tbilisi tied to the memory of Georgians who died in Ukraine.

Prison Healthcare: Russian citizen Anastasia Zinovkina, convicted over Tbilisi protest-linked drug charges, says medication access was cut after a regime tightening in a “closed type” prison; after she raised the issue with authorities, medication issuance resumed, but she reports worsening health and earlier gaps in care. October 4 Case: Beka Chulukhadze, detained in connection with alleged diversion preparations tied to the attempted storming of the presidential palace, denies guilt and rejects involvement in a weapons cache, as the broader October 4 prosecutions continue. Pro-European Protests: Supporters on Rustaveli Avenue kept up the 592nd straight day of demonstrations, calling for Eurointegration, the release of political prisoners, and free elections; police protected Russian tourists during the rally amid ongoing tensions. Juvenile Crime Crackdown: Tbilisi police detained five minors over a theft-and-robbery spree targeting pharmacies and grocery stores, with investigators citing prior convictions for some suspects and CCTV footage. International Spotlight: A separate report says a British war veteran in Georgia faced jail over painkiller import rules, highlighting how medical access and legal classifications can collide.

Pro-European Street Politics: Tbilisi protesters marked the 591st straight day of demonstrations with a march honoring Georgian fighters who died in Ukraine, as police protected Russian tourists after offensive gestures near parliament. Human Rights & Justice: The same protest cycle highlights Georgia’s growing “prisoners of conscience” count and renewed demands for political prisoners’ release, new elections, and repeal of anti-democratic laws. Public Health in Batumi: Georgia opened its first Human Milk Bank at the Iashvili Central Mother and Child Hospital, aiming to supply donor breast milk to high-risk and preterm newborns via a voucher system under medical supervision. Regional Security Echoes: A report from South Ossetia says another serviceman killed in the “special military operation” was buried in Tskhinval, adding to the officially recognized death toll. International Energy Watch: India’s Russian crude imports hit a record in June, rising 34% month-on-month, underscoring how sanctions pressure is reshaping regional fuel flows.

Protest Security in Tbilisi: Police stepped in to protect tourists from Russia after clashes with rally participants near the parliament during the 591st day of pro-European protests, as demonstrators again demanded political prisoners’ release. October 4 Case Update: Lawyer says Beka Chulukhadze, arrested over the 2025 “October 4” unrest, has pleaded not guilty; his trial is set for August 11. Domestic Violence Court Ruling: Tbilisi City Court upheld electronic monitoring for former police colonel Ioseb Sigua after allegations of threats and domestic violence; he has also faced a restraining order and limits on carrying weapons. High-Profile Murder Detention: Georgian Interior Ministry says Azerbaijani suspect Emin Aliyev was detained at Batumi airport over the June 27 killing of Fatima Karimova in Tbilisi. Local Governance: Tbilisi City Hall announced a new 2,600 sq.m recreational space in Samgori’s Orkhevi settlement, including children’s areas, lighting, irrigation, and greening. EU Outreach in Batumi: EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski said Europe Day events in Batumi are open to everyone and framed the EU’s role as continuing support toward Georgia’s EU membership.

October 4 Security Crackdown: Georgia’s State Security Service says it detained a wanted suspect in the neutral zone on the Georgian-Armenian border, alleging he bought and stored firearms, ammunition and explosives for “subversive acts” tied to the Oct. 4, 2025 unrest and an attempted presidential palace storm. Opposition Court Case: The Tbilisi City Court sentenced Lelo-Strong Georgia leader Aleko Elisashvili to 13 years for attempted terrorism, a verdict opposition figures call politically motivated. Pro-EU Street Pressure: Pro-European protesters marked a 590th day on Rustaveli Avenue, demanding political prisoners’ release, free elections and repeal of “repressive laws.” Europe Day in Batumi: EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski told attendees the Europe Day event is open to everyone, while highlighting EU support and a monitoring mission across Georgia’s regions. Human Rights in Strasbourg: The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights intervened as a third party in GYLA’s FARA-related case at the European Court of Human Rights, arguing the law restricts civil society and media. Cross-border Crime Probe (Batumi/Tbilisi): Police detained Azerbaijani citizen Emin Aliyev at Batumi airport over the murder of Fatima Karimova in Tbilisi, with coordination involving Azerbaijani and Turkish counterparts. Black Sea Military Drills: Multinational exercise Breeze 2026 started in the western Black Sea, involving Georgia and NATO partners in crisis response and maritime emergency training.

Pro-European Protests in Tbilisi: Supporters of Georgia’s EU course kept marching on Rustaveli Avenue for a 590th straight day, demanding political prisoners’ release, free elections, and repeal of “repressive laws.” Terrorism Verdict Sparks Outcry: Opposition figure Aleko Elisashvili (Lelo–Strong Georgia) was sentenced to 13 years for attempted terrorism after an incident at Tbilisi City Court in November 2025; his coalition calls it politically motivated, while President Salome Zurabishvili and lawmakers demand accountability. Security Service Detentions: SSSG says it detained a wanted Georgian citizen in the Georgian-Armenian border “neutral zone,” alleging firearms and explosives were meant for sabotage tied to the October 4 unrest. EU Funding Push: Georgia’s energy officials move to get the Azerbaijan–Georgia–Black Sea “Green Corridor” listed as an EU Project of Mutual Interest, a step aimed at unlocking co-financing. Business & Travel: OneClick Airways launched regular Tbilisi–Tel Aviv flights, and BlackRock reduced its stake in TBC Bank Group to 6.11%. Civic Watchdog: ISFED reports 1,500+ fake Facebook accounts were used to boost Bidzina Ivanishvili ahead of Independence Day.

Opposition Court Ruling: Aleko Elisashvili of the Lelo–Strong Georgia coalition was found guilty of attempted terrorist activity and sentenced to 13 years by Tbilisi City Court, after court bailiffs intervened at the chancellery building and he was arrested on the spot. EU/OSCE Tensions: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze hit back at the OSCE PA’s “Hague Declaration,” saying it undermines trust and comparing the move to US Sen. Joe Wilson; he also brands the opposition’s protest strategy “treasonous,” arguing it’s meant to trigger “protests inside, sanctions outside.” Human Rights in Focus: TI Georgia will represent protest participant Tamar Peradze before the ECHR over her administrative detention; the group says her rights were violated after she was accused of obstructing traffic. Energy Diplomacy: Azerbaijan approved a Georgia deal on natural gas supply, and Ilham Aliyev also signed a 20-year electricity supply and transit agreement with Georgia, aimed at strengthening Tbilisi’s role as a regional energy hub. Local Governance: Adjara held a joint session on women and children’s rights, bringing together central, regional, and local bodies to review priorities and an action plan. Public Safety: Tbilisi police detained a suspect after a stabbing of a minor during a dispute, with charges under the criminal code carrying up to 13 years. Capital Markets: BlackRock reduced its stake in TBC Bank from 6.28% to 6.11%, while Georgia Capital approved early redemption of $50m sustainability-linked bonds and extended its $50m share buyback by another $10m.

Protest Politics in Tbilisi: Demonstrators marked the 589th straight day outside Parliament, demanding the repeal of “repressive laws,” the release of political prisoners, and a return to a Euro-Atlantic course, while relatives protested at the Public Broadcaster. OSCE Pressure on Georgia: The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly adopted the Hague Declaration, backing Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity but warning of democratic backsliding after the 2024 elections, including restrictions on independent media and moves to ban opposition parties. Civic Space Crackdown Claims: A new report says Georgia’s government has introduced measures that “devastate” independent civic groups, adding to the week’s broader rights-and-freedoms debate. Election Integrity Fight: ISFED alleges pro-government TV Imedi used 1,500+ fake Facebook accounts to boost support for Bidzina Ivanishvili, describing coordinated activity behind shifting reactions. Regional Connectivity Watch: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan doubled down on TRIPP, saying the project would expand Armenia-Iran trade and help build a Persian Gulf–Black Sea rail link, while Georgia remains central to the corridor conversation. Tbilisi Police Leadership: Irakli Dgebuadze was appointed head of the Main Detective Division of the Tbilisi Police Department.

Tbilisi Flood Fallout: Opposition Lelo accuses Mayor Kakha Kaladze’s administration of corruption and basic stormwater failures after heavy rain disrupted parts of the capital, reigniting scrutiny of past street reconstruction and drainage promises. Pro-European Protest Pressure: Supporters of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic course marked another long stretch of demonstrations, with a Tbilisi court hearing testimonies tied to the 2019 “Gavrilov’s Night” dispersal and protesters again demanding political prisoners’ release. Civic Space Under Strain: Human Rights Watch says new Georgian laws and politically driven investigations are dismantling independent civil society by tightening foreign funding controls, stigmatizing “foreign agent” labels, and threatening activists with fines and prison. Environment & Enforcement: Georgia’s environmental authorities reported 946 illegal forest-use cases in six months and 4,575 vehicle emissions violations across Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and Rustavi, including multiple Tbilisi sawmill and transport cases. Regional Connectivity Push: Analysts and officials highlight Georgia’s growing Central Asia links—especially Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan—tying them to the Trans-Caspian route and Anaklia deep-water port plans.

Pro-European protests in Tbilisi: Supporters marked another day at parliament, with a court hearing testimonies tied to the 2019 “Gavrilov’s Night” dispersal and protesters again demanding political prisoners’ release and free elections. Courts & political order: Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office pushed back on disinformation, saying Bachana Akhalaia was convicted for calls to overthrow state power and violently change the constitutional order—not for statements targeting Bidzina Ivanishvili specifically. OSCE pressure on civil freedoms: Georgia’s delegation boycotted a vote on the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s “Hague Declaration,” protesting what it called deliberate distortions, as the declaration still advanced. Tbilisi infrastructure after floods: Heavy rain flooded parts of Tbilisi airport and streets; the city announced a GEL 170,000 tender for drainage upgrades and the mayor pledged action on flood damage. Economy & markets: The National Bank reported international reserves rising to $7.12bn in June, while Barclays and Ashmore told an NBG conference that Georgian bond indices and capital-market liquidity are attracting foreign investors. Anaklia port shift: China has exited the Anaklia Deep Sea Port project, and Georgia now says it will develop and run the port itself under a “landlord” model. Public safety: Prosecutors charged an Azerbaijani man in absentia over the murder of Fatima Kerimova in Tbilisi, described as an “honour killing.” Tech youth: TBC backed Georgia’s junior informatics team heading to EJOI 2026 in Lithuania.

Protest Watch: Pro-European demonstrators kept up Tbilisi’s long-running street campaign for a 587th day, gathering at parliament despite heavy rain and again demanding political prisoners’ release and free elections. Airport Disruption: Heavy storms flooded part of Tbilisi International Airport and triggered a power outage; passengers were evacuated, some flights diverted, and operations later resumed. Anaklia Port Politics & Trade: Georgia is shifting Anaklia’s deep-sea port to a state-led “landlord” model after China’s exit, raising fresh questions about the Middle Corridor’s bottlenecks and future investment. Energy Diplomacy: Georgia’s economy minister backed the Caspian–Black Sea–Europe Green Energy Corridor at a Baku ministerial meeting, while the EU discussed how to support South Caucasus transport connectivity with Armenia and Azerbaijan, including demining. EU Relations Debate: Archil Gorduladze attacked Western criticism, arguing public trust in European institutions is falling and rejecting calls tied to “collective Nats” and Joe Wilson. Regional Security: A wider Middle East escalation around the Strait of Hormuz and U.S.-Iran strikes could further pressure regional trade routes that Georgia wants to strengthen.

Protest Politics: Tbilisi’s pro-European demonstrators marked day 587 outside parliament, again demanding the release of political prisoners, repeal of “repressive laws,” and free parliamentary elections, even as heavy rain thinned placards and crowds. EU Pressure: Protesters also sent an open letter to the EU and member states pledging to keep going until Georgia’s European course is restored and political prisoners are freed. Opposition Diplomacy: Giorgi Gakharia said he’s meeting OSCE Parliamentary Assembly officials and international partners in The Hague, accusing Georgian Dream of “hiding the truth” and warning of Russia-linked annexation moves in occupied Tskhinvali. Security & Governance: Georgia’s Interior Ministry plans to start checking vehicle noise levels with portable devices from September, with escalating fines and license point deductions. Public Works: The government approved plans for four regional non-hazardous waste disposal facilities plus transfer stations by Jan. 1, 2030. Regional Context: In occupied South Ossetia/Tskhinvali, local groups endorsed Marat Kambolov for a September 18 “presidential vote,” following the resignation of Alan Gagloev.

Traffic Enforcement: Georgia’s Interior Ministry will start using portable devices to measure vehicle noise in populated areas from Sept. 1, with fines rising from 100 GEL to 300 GEL and escalating license point losses for repeat violations. Waste Infrastructure: The government approved a plan for four regional non-hazardous waste disposal facilities plus transfer stations by Jan. 1, 2030, with the environment ministry overseeing and a state waste company delivering the projects. Diplomacy Leadership: Tamar Beruchashvili, a former foreign minister, was appointed Rector of the Diplomatic Academy. High-Profile Crime Case: Prosecutors charged Azerbaijani citizen Emin Aliyev with murder tied to intolerance toward gender equality after the killing of Fatima Karimova in Tbilisi; he’s sought for pre-trial detention. Regional Security: Abkhazia’s de facto authorities issued a drone threat alert, urging residents to avoid open areas and not try to shoot down drones. Transport/Trade: Azerbaijan Railways adds sleeper-type carriages on the Baku–Tbilisi–Baku route from July 10, boosting seats per trip by about 60%. Ports & Strategy: Georgia says China has withdrawn from the Anaklia Deep Sea Port project and will pursue a state-owned “landlord model” with multiple terminal operators.

Court & Politics: Former Georgian defense minister Bacho Akhalaya was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months over a courtroom statement calling for the overthrow of Bidzina Ivanishvili’s government, underscoring the state’s hard line on political speech. Transport & Trade: Georgia and Uzbekistan agreed to fully switch to electronic road transport permits and expand rail discounts, aiming to smooth freight through Georgian Black Sea ports. Anaklia Port: The government says the Anaklia deep-sea port will proceed under a “Landlord model,” with the state keeping ownership of core infrastructure; officials also warn Georgia must mobilize about $200m more to build berths. EU-style Regulation: Georgia postponed a ban on single-use plastic food containers and cups for public catering, pushing deadlines to 2027. Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s president Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Georgia to launch a strategic partnership focused on the Middle Corridor and connectivity. Regional Logistics: A Qatar Airways flight bound for Tbilisi made an unscheduled diversion to Baku due to weather. Tbilisi Sports: Traffic restrictions were announced for a World Cup fan zone in Tbilisi.

Courts & Rights: Tbilisi City Court fined at least two people for insulting Bera Ivanishvili on Facebook, as social-media cases accelerate since a new Interior Ministry unit began operating in June. Justice & Security: Former defense minister Bacho Akhalaia was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months for remarks in court calling for the violent overthrow of Georgia’s constitutional order. Anaklia Port Politics: Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili says Georgia will build the Anaklia Deep-Sea Port under a state-led “landlord model,” keeping the core infrastructure under Georgian ownership while bringing multiple international partners for terminal operations; the government also says China has exited the project. EU Pressure: ALDE urged EU leaders to impose targeted sanctions on the Ivanishvili regime and back the release of political prisoners, while warning against treating Georgian citizens as the same as the ruling network. Crime & Diplomacy: Turkey detained an Azerbaijani man suspected of killing his cousin in Tbilisi in an alleged “honour killing,” with extradition steps and legal cooperation underway. Regional Economy: Georgia expects Azerbaijani investment in Anaklia, while Uzbekistan is also exploring participation in the port and logistics corridor.

Protest Pressure in Tbilisi: On the 584th day of daily demonstrations, activists marched to parliament demanding the release of women political prisoners and urged the EU to keep Georgia on the Euro-integration track, citing rule of law and fair elections. EU Rights Watch: The same protest push ties into broader concerns about political prisoners and shrinking civic space, with demonstrators directly addressing EU leaders and member states. Energy and Regional Trade: Georgia’s oil sector continues shifting away from Russian inputs, with reports that the Kulevi refinery will stop using Russian oil this summer, while Uzbekistan explores deeper investment in Georgia’s deep-sea port plans to expand the Black Sea corridor. Local Economy Spotlight: A major Tbilisi housing promo—Archi Horizon’s “Big Discount Day”—sold 186 apartments in one day, underscoring continued demand for premium developments. International Context: Separately, Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan won re-election after June 7 polls, with observers linking the result to keeping regional negotiations alive, including the peace process involving Azerbaijan.