The authorities of Azerbaijan have employed forceful measures against opponents of the hijab restrictions.

To enforce the hijab restrictions, the authorities of Azerbaijan have widely involved security forces who detain activists and protesters. Many social media users stated that preventive conversations would suffice instead of arrests for many of them. Azerbaijani opposition figures condemned the authorities for the arrests of activists.

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Georgia’s Foreign Trade Up 9.2% in January-September 2026

Georgia’s external merchandise trade, excluding non-declared trade, reached USD 20.535 billion in January-September 2026, up 9.2% year-on-year, according to preliminary data released by the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat) on October 19. Motor cars remained the country’s leading traded commodity, while Kyrgyzstan was its largest export market and Turkey its top import partner. Exports increased by 19.6% year-on-year to USD 6.153 billion, while imports rose by 5.3% to USD 14.382 billion. The trade deficit stood at USD 8.228 billion, equivalent to 40.1% of total external trade turnover. Kyrgyzstan remained Georgia’s largest export destination, with exports worth USD 650.2 million, followed by China at USD 583.1 million and Russia at USD 566.7 million. The ten largest export markets accounted for 67.8% of total exports. Motor cars remained the country’s largest export commodity, generating USD 1.529 billion, or 24.9% of total exports. Petroleum and petroleum oils ranked second at USD 811.8 million (13.2%), followed by precious metal ores and concentrates at USD 464 million (7.5%). Georgia has seen a sharp rise in motor car exports this year, amid a broader surge in exports to Iran. On the import side, Turkey remained Georgia’s largest partner, with imports totaling USD 2.187 billion. China followed at USD 1.746 billion and the United States at USD 1.716 billion. The ten largest import partners accounted for 69.2% of total imports. Motor cars also topped the list of imported commodities at USD 2.652 billion, accounting for 18.4% of total imports. Petroleum and petroleum oils ranked second at USD 1.407 billion (9.8%), while “medicaments put up in measured doses” ranked third at USD 526.8 million (3.7%). Also Read: * 16/10/2026 – Money Transfers to Georgia Down 10.1% in September Amid Drop in Russia Transactions * 07/10/2026 – Kobakhidze Lauds Growing Economic Ties With China, Talks About Exploring New Markets * 02/10/2026 – Georgia’s Annual Inflation at 5.6% in September 2026

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Journalist Vakho Sanaia Sentenced to 30 Days’ Detention in Proceedings Over Social Media Posts

Vakho Sanaia, the opposition-leaning Formula TV anchor and journalist, was sentenced to 30 days of administrative detention after the Interior Ministry filed another complaint against him over social media posts the Ministry deemed insulting to Georgian Dream figures. Tbilisi City Court Judge Tornike Kochkiani delivered the ruling on October 19, granting a request from the Interior Ministry, which accused Sanaia of insulting disputed Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili and Georgian Dream lawmaker Vladimer Bozhadze. Sanaia did not attend the hearing. Sanaia was charged under Article 17316 of Georgia’s Code of Administrative Offenses, which prohibits verbal abuse, insults, harassment, and other offensive conduct directed at public officials in connection with their official duties. The offense carries a fine of 2,500 to 6,000 GEL (USD 920 to USD 2,300) or administrative detention of five to 60 days. The ruling marks Sanaia’s second detention and third penalty for a similar offense. On July 22, he was sentenced to 14 days of administrative detention over a Facebook post concerning Papuashvili and Bozhadze. Earlier, on July 10, Kochkiani was fined GEL 6,000 (USD 2,30) in a separate but similar case brought by the Interior Ministry’s Division for Combating Hate Speech over Facebook posts concerning Papuashvili and Bozhadze. The October 19 ruling concerned several social media posts and a video. Shortly before his detention on July 22, Sanaia wrote on Facebook: “For 14 days, don’t call Shalva [Papuashvili] and Lado [Bozhadze] d***s. When I get out, I’ll take care of that matter myself,” adding laughing emojis. On August 5, minutes after his release, Sanaia again addressed the two politicians on Facebook. “When I wrote that people shouldn’t call Papuashvili and Bozhadze d****s, I was arrested,” he wrote. “Now, a question that has been bothering me for two weeks: If Shalva Papuashvili and Bozhadze themselves wrote, ‘Don’t call us d****s,’ would they also end up facing jail time? Shalva, Lado, go ahead, boys! I dare you!” The court also examined a video posted on September 24 in which Sanaia referred to Papuashvili using a vulgar Georgian wordplay. At the end of the video, Sanaia says, “So, Shalva,” before cutting to a scene from the Georgian television series My Wife’s Friends, in which a character delivers a profane insult. The penalties are part of the Georgian Dream government’s crackdown on public statements and social media posts that authorities and courts deem offensive. The crackdown has intensified since the Interior Ministry established its Division for Combating Hate Speech in June to monitor “hate speech” in public spaces, including on social media, and file complaints with courts, often without a request from the individual deemed to have been “insulted.” The unit has been involved in dozens of cases resulting in fines ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 GEL over social media posts and comments, as well as administrative detentions. Also Read: * 01/10/2026 – Formula TV Fined GEL 10,000 Over Alleged Violations of Content Regulation Laws * 09/07/2025 – Activist Jailed for Five Days Over “Insult” in Facebook Comment * 14/07/2026 – Court Fines Formula TV GEL 10,000 Over Report on Pro-Government Film Director Goga Khaindrava * 09/07/2025 – Activist Jailed for Five Days Over “Insult” in Facebook Comment

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Keinishvili Quits NBG Board Amid Prosecutors’ Probe, RFE/RL Investigation Into Business Dealings

Nana Keinishvili announced her departure from the board of the National Bank of Georgia (NBG) a week after prosecutors announced a probe into alleged illegal business activities, and RFE/RL’s Georgian service published a report suggesting she may have pressured a crypto company into giving up shares. Keinishvili, a former Georgian Dream lawmaker who was elected as a board member in September 2023, said in an October 17 Facebook post that she made the decision to save “state interests and the reputation of the National Bank” from harm. She also rejected the accusations of using her office “to pursue personal entrepreneurial interests, to gain illegal advantage for any company and to influence the activities of other persons.” The announcement came a week after the Prosecutor General’s Office said it was investigating Keinishvili based on the statements and audio recordings provided by executives of BitExchange LLC, a virtual asset service provider, with the case materials allegedly suggesting she was involved in entrepreneurial activities and directly controls a network of enterprises regulated by the National Bank. According to the agency, the statements further showed that Keinishvili “also attempted to acquire shares in an enterprise regulated by the National Bank and thereby expand her own business activities.” On the same day that prosecutors announced the probe, RFE/RL’s Georgian Service said the announcement followed the outlet’s two-month investigation into allegations that Keinishvili had sought shares in BitExchange, an NBG-regulated crypto company. Citing documents obtained during its investigation, RFE/RL alleged that the authorities and the NBG had been aware of Keinishvili’s possible violations “for at least several months.” RFE/RL also said it had approached NBG and the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) on October 6, three days before the prosecutors’ announcement, but hadn’t received any response. RFE/RL’s Report Soon after the announcement, the outlet published a full investigative report. The report cited the company’s founder, Davit Orjonikidze, and its director, Nino Kopilashvili, who recounted that Keinishvili had approached them in the summer of 2024, asking for a share in the company “for a nominal price” and offering them protection in exchange. Orjonikidze said that after the initial interaction with Keinishvili, he contacted an employee of the SSSG’s Anti-Corruption Agency, who provided him with a recording device. Orjonikidze and Kopilashvili say they then visited Keinishvili at her home in July 2024. The meeting was allegedly also attended by Natia Loladze, Keinishvili’s daughter and current President of the Georgian Red Cross Society, and Keinishvili’s son-in-law, Aleksandre Toria, according to the report. Keinishvili also headed the Georgian Red Cross Society in 2001-2012. According to an RFE/RL report, during the meeting, Keinishvili offered the founders of BitExchange “to continue the crypto ATM business together, register a stake in her son-in-law’s name, and expand the business at the expense of competitors.” Orjonikidze and Kopilashvili said they handed the recordings to the SSSG, but the agency did not launch an investigation. The two said they left the country in the summer of 2025 because they “saw a physical threat” to themselves if they remained in Georgia. Instead, according to the report, SSSG investigators arrived at the company’s office in December 2025 and requested documents based on a court order. Soon after, in February 2026, the NBG began a months-long inspection into the company’s activities. The inspection ended with a GEL 572 million (around USD 220 mln) fine in September, around two months after BitXchange’s founders reportedly sent a lengthy letter to the NBG detailing the situation involving Keinishvili. The report, citing NBG’s inspection files, says that the vast majority of the fine was imposed “because the customer identification system on the machines was not activated.” According to the founders, the fine was disproportionate to the company’s audit-assessed value of GEL 4.5 million (around USD 1.7 million). NBG Says Keinishvili Acted Alone On October 10, a day after the investigative report was published, the NBG said the board decided to suspend Keinishvili from its activities “until the investigation is completed and the objective truth is established.” It also said Keinishvili acted alone as a non-executive board member and had no access to the inspection of the company that resulted in a fine. According to the bank, the inspection took place in February 2026, rejecting claims that the fine is connected to the company providing information to NBG as “baseless” and misleading. NBG said the company was fined for breaching the rules of prevention of money laundering and terrorism financing, as well as other violations. Also Read: * 30/10/2025 – TI-Georgia: Elite Corruption ‘Remains Widespread’ Despite GD’s Crackdown on Ex-Officials * 19/09/2023 – National Bank Makes U-Turn, Shields Sanctioned Partskaladze

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Human rights defenders called on the authorities of Azerbaijan to lift restrictions on hijabs.

The international human rights organization called on the authorities of Azerbaijan to lift restrictions on wearing hijabs in schools and to release those detained for peaceful protests against these restrictions. Denying female students access to classes due to religious clothing violates the rights to education, freedom of religion, and self-expression, human rights defenders stated.

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Ramiz Mehdiyev has been excluded from the "Yeni Azerbaijan" party.

At the meeting of the board of the "Yeni Azerbaijan" party, a decision was made to exclude the former head of the presidential administration, Ramiz Mehdiyev, who is accused of attempting a coup.

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A participant in the protests against the restriction of hijab wearing in Azerbaijan has been arrested.

The court placed the activist of the National Front Party, Matanat Turan, who is a believer and wears a hijab, under house arrest, but the prosecutor's office appealed this decision and succeeded in placing Turan in a detention center. The persecution of Turan is politically motivated, the party believes.

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Ivanishvili Present as Georgian Dream Meets to Discuss ‘Domestic, Foreign Policy Issues’

Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire founder and honorary chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, made a rare public appearance on October 17, chairing meetings of the party’s political council and parliamentary majority, with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze saying the gatherings focused on domestic and foreign policy issues but providing few details on the discussions. Ivanishvili, who has been under U.S. sanctions since 2024, has made few public appearances in recent years. His appearance at Saturday’s meetings comes amid a series of crises and controversies facing the ruling party, including resignations, prosecutions, and arrests involving former senior officials such as his erstwhile aide and former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, as well as the Constitutional Court’s upcoming consideration of a lawsuit seeking to ban several opposition parties. “A meeting of the party’s political council, as well as the parliamentary majority, was held,” Kobakhidze said following the several-hour-long meetings on Saturday. “Both meetings were attended and chaired by the party’s honorary chairman, Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili. The purpose of these meetings was to discuss current issues. In both formats, current domestic and foreign policy issues were discussed.” Kobakhidze said it was “very important” for members of both bodies to “hear directly from Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili, the party’s Honorary Chairman, his views and his position on specific issues.” He added that both meetings were held “in a discussion format” and were “very interesting,” without elaborating on the issues raised or Ivanishvili’s positions. He also announced changes to the party’s political council, saying the party had decided to add Irakli Kirtskhalia, the parliamentary majority leader, and Zurab Pataradze, head of the government of Adjara’s Autonomous Republic, to the body. Georgian Dream party released a statement shortly after Kobakhidze’s media comment, saying that during the council meeting Ivanishvili thanked the team for “their active work” and “summarized the corruption challenges the team had faced in the past and noted that thanks to the effective work of the Prime Minister, the government team, and the security system, these challenges have been fully and effectively overcome.” “The session also paid attention to specific initiatives and reforms recently announced by the government,” the statement added. Also Read: * 01/10/2026 – Bera Ivanishvili Announces Legal Action Over ‘Defamatory’ Accusations of Protecting Scam Call Centers * 26/08/2026 – Ivanishvili-Linked Companies Change Registration As Expert Suggests ‘Flight From Offshore’ * 20/09/2025 – Ivanishvili, Kobakhidze Host UAE Leader in Tbilisi

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Shares of UK-Sanctioned Imedi TV Owner Redistributed Among Four Shareholders

The shares of Georgian Media Production Group, the company that owns the British-sanctioned, pro-government TV Imedi, have been redistributed among four people, who now hold equal 25% stakes in the company, according to documents filed with Georgia’s National Agency of Public Registry on October 16. Before the changes, Prime Media Global, owned by businessman Ilia Mikelaishvili, held a 50% stake in Georgian Media Production Group. Imedi General Director Mariam Lomidze, presenter Irakli Chikhladze, programming head Maia Chigoshvili, financial director Vasil Kalandarishvili, and news service head Natia Songhulashvili each held 10%. Following the redistribution, Prime Media Global, Kalandarishvili, and Songhulashvili no longer hold shares in the company. Lomidze, Chikhladze, and Chigoshvili have each increased their stakes from 10% to 25%, while Magda Anikashvili, a host and member of Imedi’s supervisory board, has become a new shareholder with a 25% stake. According to the registry documents cited by Mediachecker, a platform run by the Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics, Kalandarishvili and Songhulashvili each sold their 10% stake to Anikashvili for GEL 100 (USD 38). Anikashvili also acquired a 5% stake from Prime Media Global for GEL 50 (USD 19). Prime Media Global sold its remaining 45% stake in three equal portions to Lomidze, Chikhladze, and Chigoshvili, each of whom paid GEL 150 for an additional 15% stake. The transactions left the company with four equal shareholders. The ownership change follows a similar development at another UK-sanctioned pro-government broadcaster, POSTV, where Georgian Dream lawmaker Viktor Japaridze recently sold his 52% stake for GEL 1,000 (USD 385). The changes at Imedi TV also come amid heightened scrutiny of the broadcaster following the United Kingdom’s decision on February 24 to sanction it along with POSTV, over their alleged involvement in Russian disinformation. In the weeks preceding the sanctions, Imedi TV owner Irakli Rukhadze gave up his shares. Under the UK sanctions regime, the two broadcasters are subject to asset freezes, trust services sanctions, and director disqualification measures. According to the UK Financial Sanctions General Guidance, entities subject to asset freezes are restricted from accessing “funds and economic resources.” In June, The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) cut ties with Imedi TV, while Swiss food and beverage company Nestlé launched an internal investigation after its products were advertised on the channel. Following the sanctions, in the second quarter of 2026, Rustavi 2, another pro-government channel, overtook Imedi as the leader in commercial advertising revenues for the first time since at least 2001, ending the latter’s years-long dominance. Georgian Dream officials have dismissed the British sanctions as politically motivated and pledged to take “full responsibility” for defending the broadcasters and summoned the UK Ambassador Gareth Ward at the Georgian Foreign Ministry. Also Read: * 06/03/2026 – Slamming UK Sanctions, ComCom Warns Stricter Content Regulation of Georgian Broadcasters

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Kobakhidze Meets Iranian President in Yerevan as Tehran Calls for ‘Practical Cooperation’

Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on October 16 on the sidelines of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention on Biodiversity in Yerevan, where the two discussed bilateral relations and the situation in the Middle East, with Pezeshkian calling for “practical cooperation” in economic and tourism spheres while criticizing U.S. sanctions against Iran. “We discussed current bilateral relations between Georgia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as the situation in the Middle East,” Kobakhidze wrote on X following the meeting. “I reiterated that Georgia firmly supports diplomatic efforts toward the peaceful resolution of conflicts in the region,” he added. The Georgian Dream government’s press service separately reported that the two sides “touched upon the existing relations” between the two countries, adding that “positive cooperation in the field of tourism was highlighted.” Iran’s President’s office provided a more detailed account of the meeting, with its press release saying that Pezeshkian “emphasized the need to translate growing economic, cultural and tourism ties between the two countries into practical cooperation.” “The Iranian president said Tehran and Tbilisi needed transparent frameworks and a timetable for implementing joint initiatives, adding that the two sides should work to expand bilateral engagement in concrete ways,” the statement said. The press release further said that the meeting addressed US sanctions against Iran, with Pezeshkian describing the measures “as contrary to humanitarian principles” and criticizing “recent attacks on Iran as unjustifiable and inhumane.” It added that “he emphasized that Iran was not seeking nuclear weapons, rejecting false propaganda against the country. The president also said Iran had always been ready for dialogue but would not submit to pressure.” The press release cited Kobakhidze as saying that “Georgia maintained clear positions toward neighboring countries and opposed any foreign intervention in their domestic affairs.” Referring to the countries’ “geographical and cultural ties,” Kobakhidze said “friendship and cooperation should guide bilateral relations,” according to Tehran’s press release, adding that he expressed hope that “coordination between the two countries’ foreign ministries and diplomatic services would help identify common ground in economic cooperation and tourism.” The exchanges come amid broader scrutiny of Tbilisi’s relations with Tehran and follow a series of controversies involving the Iranian ambassador in Georgia, Ali Moujani. In March, Moujani warned — a day after the phone call between GD Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio — that countries allowing their territory to be used by outside “adventurists” could eventually “pay the price within their own borders.” In September, Georgia joined the extended U.S. sanctions on Iranian airlines, following which the Iranian Embassy posted Iranian Ambassador Seyed Ali Moujani’s reaction on Facebook, accompanied by a map of the wider Black Sea region that depicted only the western half of Georgia. On September 30, Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Moujani over remarks he had posted on social media concerning Georgian history, including Queen Ketevan, a canonized Georgian monarch known to have been tortured to death by Persian authorities in the 17th century after refusing to convert to Islam. The ministry said the ambassador’s statements went beyond the scope of diplomatic activity and called on him to refrain from interpreting Georgia’s history. The October 16 meeting drew criticism from U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson, a vocal critic of the Georgian Dream government. “Once again, the America-hating Georgian Dream regime meets with terrorist state Iran. This unholy alliance is an insult to President Trump and the tremendous people of Georgia who want freedom and prosperity, not a death cult in their backyards,” Wilson wrote on X. During his visit to Yerevan, Kobakhidze also addressed the Leaders’ Summit on Biodiversity and met with Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of UNESCO. Also Read: * 03/07/2026 – Kavelashvili Arrives in Tehran for Khamenei’s Funeral * 10/03/2026 – Irakli Kobakhidze Congratulates Mojtaba Khamenei on ‘Election’ as Iran’s Supreme Leader * 02/03/2026 – Tbilisi Offers Condolences to Both Iran and Israel, Expresses Solidarity with Gulf Countries

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OSCE Chairperson-In-Office Ignazio Cassis Visits Georgia

Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis visited Georgia on October 16 in his capacity as the chairperson-in-office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), holding talks with Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and visiting the occupation line near Tskhinvali/South Ossetia. Cassis, who arrived in Georgia from his visit in Armenia, said he stressed the importance of “upholding democratic principles and Georgia’s international commitments” during the meeting with Kobakhidze, while talks with Kobakhidze and Botchorishvili also reportedly focused on Swiss-Georgian ties, cooperation within the OSCE, and the OSCE’s and Switzerland’s role in conflict resolution in Georgia. The visit comes as Georgia seeks to secure the OSCE chairmanship for 2027, despite reported opposition from the EU countries. Ahead of the visit, Botchorishvili said on October 9 that Tbilisi was aware of “a number of” EU member states supporting Georgia’s candidacy, despite reports that the bloc was backing Cyprus. Botchorishvili said Georgia submitted its first-ever bid for the OSCE chairmanship in January. She campaigned for Georgia’s candidacy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September. Joint Press Briefing With Botchorishvili Following their October 16 meeting, Botchorishvili and Cassis held a joint press briefing, addressing regional security, Georgia’s occupied territories, the OSCE’s role in conflict resolution, and bilateral relations between Georgia and Switzerland. “The traditional visit of the OSCE chairperson to Georgia is a clear confirmation that support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remains an important issue on the OSCE’s agenda,” Botchorishvili said. She also highlighted Switzerland’s “intermediary” role in Georgian-Russian relations for many years, and the role of the Geneva International Discussions as “the only framework” for a dialogue about Russia’s occupation of Georgia’s two regions. “Georgia firmly continues its policy of peaceful conflict resolution, which, on the one hand, entails the de-occupation of territories occupied by Russia and, on the other, restoring trust and reconciliation among conflict-affected populations,” she said. “In the current circumstances, protecting Georgia’s sovereignty and making decisions based on our own national interests is the only way to preserve peace in our country.” * 12/03/2026 – OSCE Moscow Mechanism Report Notes ‘Marked Democratic Backsliding’, Issues Recommendations “It is precisely as a result of this policy that Georgia is managing to maintain stability and dynamic economic development today, and fulfilling an important role and function in the region,” she added. Botchorishvili also pointed to the economic dimension of the OSCE’s work, particularly connectivity, and said the two officials had discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation. She also addressed the functioning of OSCE institutions and what she described as attempts to instrumentalize the organization. * 16/10/2025 – Georgia Fines Finnish FM Valtonen for ‘Blocking Road’ as Foreign Ministry Sends Protest Note to OSCE “We also touched on the importance of the proper functioning of OSCE institutions and the challenges that often accompany attempts to instrumentalize the organization,” Botchorishvili said. “Georgia is a constructive and responsible OSCE participating state, committed to the organization’s principles and respectful of the organization and its institutions.” Botchorishvili concluded by reaffirming Georgia’s commitment to the OSCE’s founding principles and expressing readiness to contribute to their protection, saying “we fully recognize the challenges associated with multilateral diplomacy today and once again express our readiness to contribute, through relations based on mutual respect, to protecting the principles and norms that underpin the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.” Dialogue and trust are key to addressing the consequences of the 2008 conflict in Georgia through the #Geneva International Discussions, co-chaired by the #OSCE26CH. Substantive exchange with FM Maka Bochorishvili 🇬🇪 on this process, #Switzerland’s representation of Georgian… pic.twitter.com/WJTyKEXMkx— Ignazio Cassis (@ignaziocassis) October 16, 2026 For his part, Cassis highlighted the longstanding relationship between Switzerland and Georgia, and pointed to economic ties, saying Georgian exports to Switzerland had exceeded USD 100 million, while Swiss exports to Georgia have reached USD 190 million. “These are not huge figures, but we see enormous potential to build on existing ties and bring our countries even closer together,” Cassis said, according to the Georgian interpretation of his remarks. He also emphasized mutual trust, citing Switzerland’s role in representing Georgia’s interests in Russia since 2009. Addressing regional security, Cassis said the situation in the South Caucasus and the “broader challenges” facing the region had been central to the discussions. During the speech, he also stressed the importance of the OSCE as a platform for dialogue among countries with differing positions. Cassis also reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to peacebuilding, reconciliation and human rights, highlighting the OSCE’s contribution through the Geneva International Discussions. Meeting with Kobakhidze Cassis also met with GD Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, with Botchorishvili, Reconciliation Minister Tea Akhvlediani, and Government Administration Head Levan Zhorzholiani also present at the meeting. The discussions focused on “current issues of cooperation between Georgia and the OSCE, as well as opportunities for further deepening the partnership across various areas,” according to the government press release. The meeting also addressed “ongoing processes and security challenges in the region,” with Kobakhidze reaffirming the Georgian government’s “firm commitment” to the policy of peaceful conflict resolution, the government press release said. “Attention was additionally drawn to the importance of friendly relations with the Swiss Confederation and prospects for expanding political and economic cooperation.” Cassis, on his part, wrote on X that the parties discussed “bilateral relations, regional developments and the important role of the OSCE in fostering dialogue and stability,” with the Swiss foreign minister stressing “the importance of upholding democratic principles and Georgia’s international commitments.” Meeting with Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze in Tbilisi. We discussed bilateral relations, regional developments and the important role of the OSCE in fostering dialogue and stability. I also stressed the importance of upholding democratic principles and Georgia’s international… pic.twitter.com/xeJVmvka0i— Ignazio Cassis (@ignaziocassis) October 16, 2026 Visit at Occupation Line As part of his visit, Cassis also visited the occupation line with Tskhinvali/South Ossetia in the village of Odzisi with the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia. He thanked the mission “for its essential work in monitoring the situation on the ground and contributing to security and stability in the region.” In Odzisi, near the Administrative Boundary Line with @EUMMGeorgia . My thanks for its essential work in monitoring the situation on the ground and contributing to security and stability in the region. #OSCE26CH pic.twitter.com/Gak4XqhRgm— Ignazio Cassis (@ignaziocassis) October 16, 2026 Also Read: * 08/07/2026 – OSCE PA Adopts Hague Declaration, Resolutions Expressing Concerns About Developments in Georgia * 19/03/2026 – U.S. Helsinki Commission Members Call to Use Sanctions for Georgia’s Compliance With OSCE Report * 13/03/2026 – Tbilisi ‘Vigorously Rejects’ OSCE Findings as Member States Call to Fulfill Recommendations * 11/03/2026 – OSCE PA Delegation Concludes Visit to Georgia, Notes ‘Absence of Political Dialogue’

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Conference participants in Yerevan discussed the release and reintegration of prisoners.

Participants of the international conference in Yerevan called for the release of all Armenians held in Azerbaijan and for preparing assistance in advance for those who will return. Lawyers pointed to international courts as a tool for pressure, while a sociologist noted the lack of psychological support for former prisoners.

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Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – October 9-15, 2026

Below is the weekly digest of key developments and discourses in and around the occupied regions of Abkhazia and  Tskhinvali/South Ossetia, as well as those concerning Tbilisi–Moscow relations. --- Sokhumi * Occupied Abkhazia to Host Domino Championship in 2027 The decision to hold the next championship in occupied Abkhazia was unanimously taken by the General Assembly of the International Domino Federation. The de facto foreign ministry welcomed the decision, describing international sporting events as an important tool for humanitarian engagement, strengthening friendly ties between peoples, and promoting international cooperation. In its statement, the agency emphasized the importance of maintaining open and non-politicized international sports cooperation, expressing Abkhazia’s readiness to welcome participants from different countries to sporting events held in the region. The statement also accused Georgian authorities of repeatedly attempting to politicize the participation of Abkhaz athletes in international sporting events, arguing that such approaches contradict the spirit of international sports cooperation and the principles of humanitarian engagement. It stressed that sport should remain free from political considerations. Abkhazia became a member of the International Domino Federation in 2008, when it was headed by Venezuelan Lucas Guittard. The Federation is currently presided over by Manuel Oquendo, who also serves as president of the US National Domino Federation. Abkhazia previously hosted the championship in 2011. * Russian and Abkhaz Forces Hold Joint Military Exercises Joint operational and tactical military exercises involving Abkhaz armed formations and the Russian Armed Forces are being held in occupied Abkhazia from October 12 to 16. According to local media reports, the exercises began with troops being placed on the highest level of combat readiness. Particular attention was given to coordination between the Abkhaz and Russian forces and the use of new tactical approaches in modern combined-arms combat. De facto Abkhaz leader Badra Gunba attended the exercises and emphasized their importance in improving the armed forces’ combat readiness. He said the drills would strengthen Abkhazia’s “defense capabilities” and ensure its “security.” * Occupied Abkhazia Sees Growing Tensions Over Illegal Russian Tour Guides Tensions between licensed Abkhaz tour guides and Russian tour operators working without local permits are escalating in occupied Abkhazia, according to local media reports. The long-running dispute recently led to a confrontation between an Abkhaz guide and a Russian bus driver, with both summoned to the local police department to provide explanations. Abkhaz guides accuse Russian tour operators of conducting guided tours illegally, depriving local professionals of income and tax revenue. They also argue that visiting guides often lack knowledge of the region’s history and culture and make offensive remarks about the local population. The de facto Abkhaz parliament has tightened penalties for unauthorized tourism activities. According to new regulations, violations are punishable by fines of 18,000 rubles for a first offense and 36,000 rubles for repeat offenses. Tours conducted without the required permits may be stopped, with buses turned back to Russia. Since July 2026, the de facto interior ministry and ministry of tourism have been conducting joint inspections along major tourist routes. During one recent operation, inspectors reportedly identified more than 10 minibuses in which Russian citizens were conducting tours without the necessary permits. The de facto authorities have indicated that regular inspections will continue as tensions over competition in the tourism sector persist. * Sokhumi, Moscow Discuss Educational Cooperation and University Quotas De facto Abkhaz leader Badra Gunba met with Andrey Yemelyanov, deputy head of Russia’s Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo), to discuss educational cooperation, professional training, and humanitarian ties between Moscow and Sokhumi. Gunba thanked Rossotrudnichestvo for supporting the training of qualified specialists, including by providing Abkhaz students with quotas to study at Russian universities. He noted a growing interest among Abkhaz applicants in technical fields, particularly civil aviation and energy, alongside traditionally popular disciplines such as law, medicine, and economics. He also expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the educational opportunities offered to Abkhaz youth. Yemelyanov reaffirmed Rossotrudnichestvo’s commitment to continuing humanitarian cooperation and educational programs, including maintaining the current level of assistance. Meanwhile, an international inter-university education exhibition opened in Sokhumi, bringing together representatives of ten Russian universities. Organized by Rossotrudnichestvo’s office, the event provides detailed information on academic programs, admission requirements, and study opportunities at Russian universities. * Drones in Abkhazia New reports came on October 11 that drone debris was found in Abkhazia after they were reportedly intercepted following an attack on the Russian city of Sochi. Drones of unconfirmed origins were reported in Abkhazia in July and March this year.  Tskhinvali * Two Illegally Detained Georgian Citizens Released From Tskhinvali Custody Two Georgian citizens who were detained near the Tskhinvali occupation line on September 3 have been released and returned to the Tbilisi-controlled territory, the State Security Service of Georgia said on October 9.  * Putin Approves Signing of a Treaty Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved the signing of “On Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters,” with the occupied Tskhinvali region, according to local news agency Res. Putin instructed Russia’s Federal Customs Service to sign the agreement on behalf of the Russian Federation once the parties reach an understanding on its terms, authorizing the service to make non-fundamental changes to the draft agreement. * Tskhinvali’s De Facto PM Tapped Marat Kambolov, the newly “elected” de facto president of the Tskhinvali region, has nominated Soslan Margiev for the post of “prime minister,” local media outlet Res reported. Margiev, 44, reportedly was born in Tskhinvali and has worked in Russia’s judicial system for more than two decades, including 15 years as a judge. Under a May 9 “treaty” between Moscow and Tskhinvali, “citizens” of either side can hold “state and municipal positions” on the other. Kambolov, whose “election” came months after the treaty was signed, was himself a longtime official in Russia, with no prior connection to the occupied region. * Kambolov Appoints Heads of “Ministries,” “Agencies” in Tskhinvali Kambolov made a series of staff appointments as part of the formation of the region’s updated executive branch structure. According to Kambolov’s decrees, the heads of key “ministries” are now Radion Gabaraev (“Ministry of Internal Affairs”), Yuri Yarovitsky (“Ministry of Defense”), Vladimir Pukhaev (“Ministry of Civil Defense, Emergency Situations, and Disaster Relief”), and Akhsar Jioev (“Ministry of Foreign Affairs”). In addition, Igor Tasoev was appointed “Minister of Culture,” Inna Dzudtsova headed the “Ministry of Finance,” and Oleg Gagloev headed the “Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.” Erislav Zasseev was appointed “Minister of Agriculture and Food.” Alena Kochieva was appointed “Minister of Land and Property Relations.” The heads of several “state services” that were established under the committees were also appointed. Aslan Basiev was appointed head of the “State Customs Service,” Mairbeg Guchmazov was appointed head of the “State Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision,” Rita Dzutsati was appointed head of the “State Service for Registration, Cadaster, and Cartography,” and Marina Kochieva was appointed head of the “State Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Consumer Protection and Human Well-Being.” The appointments were made following the approval of the new structure of the executive branch and are part of the formation of the region’s new management team. * Tskhinvali’s “Ministry of Defense” Launches Combat Readiness Check The “Ministry of Defense” of the occupied Tskhinvali region has launched a comprehensive inspection of its units following the 2026 summer training period, the local news agency Res reported. During the inspection, military personnel will conduct test firings with their standard-issue weapons, carry out tactical and tactical-specialized training exercises, and undergo drill inspections and physical fitness tests. In addition, the commission will assess the units’ combat readiness, the quality of official documentation, and the condition of weapons, military equipment, and supplies. Upon completion of all stages of the inspection, a final assessment of the units’ operational and combat performance during the past training period will be compiled. * Volodin Thanks Tskhinvali ‘Lawmakers’ for Observing State Duma Elections Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the Russian State Duma, expressed his gratitude to the deputies of the “parliament” of the occupied Tskhinvali region for participating in the observation of the elections for Russian State Duma MPs. According to the local news agency Res, in a letter published on the region’s “parliament” website, Volodin stated that State Duma MPs appreciate the level of bilateral interparliamentary cooperation. According to him, this cooperation is based on the principles of mutual respect, the absence of double standards, and non-interference in internal affairs. The elections for deputies to the 9th State Duma of Russia took place from September 18 to 20, 2026. * “Prosecutor’s Office” in Tskhinvali Investigates Legality of Firearms Circulation The “prosecutor’s office” of the occupied Tskhinvali region has launched a large-scale investigation into the legality of firearms circulation. The local news agency Res reported that this work is being carried out on the instruction of the region’s leader, Marat Kambolov. The “prosecutor’s office” has been tasked with verifying the legality of the storage and issuance of firearms, determining the number of licenses issued for their acquisition, and compiling lists of individuals who have been awarded firearms. In addition, an inventory of registered firearms in Tskhinvali and the region’s districts will be conducted, and compliance with storage requirements will be verified. The inspection covers civilian, service, and military small arms, as well as bladed weapons. * “Foreign Ministry” in Tskhinvali Criticizes Statements by Leadership of Georgian Orthodox Church The “Foreign Ministry” of the occupied Tskhinvali region criticized statements made by representatives of the Georgian Orthodox Church at an international symposium marking the 1,700th anniversary of the adoption of Christianity in Georgia. The region’s “foreign ministry” stated that calls for “reunification” with Georgia are a continuation of previous political rhetoric, and rejected the use of the term “Tskhinvali region” in reference to “South Ossetia.” The statement also contains assertions that Georgia’s approaches do not correspond to historical facts and criticizes the failure to assess the actions of the Georgian authorities during the conflicts of past years. The region’s “foreign ministry” deemed statements about restoring unity and brotherhood to be unacceptable, as they did not address the claims raised nor the historical assessments of the statement’s authors. Moscow-Tbilisi * Russia Suspends Key Georgian Imports Russia suspended the import and sale of some alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks – including Nabeghlavi mineral water, Coca-Cola, and wine – from several key Georgian producers, reportedly citing “temporary sanitary measures” without indicating the period of suspension.  Zurab Margvelashvili, director of Tbilvino, one of the companies whose wine production was suspended, said the reason Moscow reportedly cited, failure of companies to comply with the safety and other requirements, is “made-up,” comparing the suspension to the 2006 embargo Russia imposed on Georgian products. In 2006, Russia similarly banned imports of Georgian wine and mineral water, a move seen at the time as part of Moscow’s strategy to pressure westward-looking Tbilisi. Russia has remained the main market for Georgian wine, while wine, spirits, and water have also been Georgia’s top export products to Russia. More facts and figures here.  * Galuzin Holds Preparatory Meeting for Geneva International Discussions Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin held an online meeting with the co-chairs of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) to prepare for the next round scheduled for November. According to a Russian Foreign Ministry press release, Galuzin again stressed the need to step up efforts to ensure “lasting security” for Sokhumi and Tskhinvali by securing Tbilisi’s commitment not to use force against the regions, as well as launching “border” delimitation and demarcation processes. * Fine for Insult A 42-year-old resident of Russia’s Kursk region was fined 10,000 rubles after posting an obscene comment insulting Georgians on social media. The comment reportedly appeared under a video showing an August incident in Georgia’s eastern Kakheti region, where a Russian-speaking woman was punched by a Georgian man amid a wider wedding controversy. * MediaWatch: Disputes with EU, Economic Issues with Russia Dominated Russian Media Coverage of Georgia Throughout the week, Russian media actively covered criticism by Georgian authorities and pro-government experts of the positions of the European Union and the European Parliament. Significant attention was paid to statements by representatives of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party, who claimed that the European Parliament had lost its former role and authority and was in a “civilizational abyss.” Separately, the Russian media quoted Georgian experts who accused European institutions of applying double standards toward Tbilisi. Another notable theme was criticism of European politicians by representatives of the Georgian authorities. In particular, Russian media widely circulated statements containing ironic comments directed at HR/VP Kaja Kallas, and assessments of her competence regarding Georgia. The reports were presented in the context of ongoing disagreements between Tbilisi and European institutions. Attention was also focused on Georgia’s economic relations with Russia. It was reported that the Georgian side intended to analyze the reasons behind Russia’s ban on imports of certain Georgian products. At the same time, Russian media continued to cover statements by Georgian politicians criticizing the EU for its allegedly selective approach to assessing the actions of law enforcement agencies during protests in European countries. Also Read: * 02/10/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – September 25-October 1, 2026 * 25/09/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – September 18-24, 2026 * 18/09/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – September 11-17, 2026 * 11/09/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – September 1-10, 2026

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October 4 Unrest Defendant Kirvalidze Detained on New Contempt of Court Charges

Giorgi Kirvalidze, an athlete charged in the October 4, 2025 election-day unrest case, was detained on new criminal charges of contempt of court on October 16, as he was leaving a detention facility after serving a seven-day administrative sentence for swearing at Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili. He faces up to two years in prison if convicted. Video footage of Kirvalidze’s detention shows police officers reading out the detention report and placing handcuffs on him. The officers cite Part 2 of Article 366 of the Criminal Code, which concerns insulting a judge and carries a penalty of a fine, corrective labor for one to two years, or imprisonment for up to two years. Kirvalidze was among more than 60 defendants tried in connection with the October 4, 2025 unrest, and one of 34 who reached plea agreements with the prosecution. In September, however, the Tbilisi Court of Appeals annulled his plea agreement, ruling that he had not genuinely acknowledged his guilt. His case was returned to the first-instance court for renewed consideration, with the final sentence still pending. Kirvalidze was subsequently sentenced to seven days of administrative detention on October 9 over his conduct during a June 24 hearing in the October 4 unrest case. During that hearing, he reportedly rejected a plea deal and swore at Ivanishvili, but only after he had pleaded guilty and the judge had already issued the relevant ruling, leaving the plea agreement in force. Audio footage of the October 9 administrative hearing, released by TV Pirveli, captures Kirvalidze swearing at Ivanishvili and calling Judge Tornike Kochkiani “Bidzina’s slave” and a “coward.” His latest detention appears to stem from this behavior. Separately, several October 4 defendants, including Kakhaber Kvachantiradze, Giorgi Talakhadze, Davit Giunashvili, and Iuri Lomidze, left prison today after serving reduced prison terms through plea deals, consisting of one year in prison and a three-year suspended sentence. Also Read: * 29/09/2026 – Girchi – More Freedom Member Gela Khasaia Leaves Jail Year After Imprisonment * 24/06/2026 – Four More Given Multi-Year Jail Sentences, Twelve Get Reduced Terms, One Fined in October 4 Trials * 20/10/2025 – October 4 Continues to Haunt Georgia as Questions Persist

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The authorities of Azerbaijan are trying to oppose the hijab and the national scarf.

Protests in Azerbaijan against restrictions on religious clothing have effectively ceased amid detentions and pressure from the police, with reports of the 30-day arrest of Ilkin Guseynov, the founder of an online platform for educating children who are not allowed in schools due to wearing hijabs. At the same time, the authorities artificially oppose the hijab and the national scarf.

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Money Transfers to Georgia Down 10.1% in September Amid Drop in Russia Transactions

Money transfers to Georgia from abroad fell by 10.1% year-on-year to USD 285.7 million in September 2026, marking the biggest annual decline recorded so far this year, according to the latest data published by the National Bank of Georgia (NBG). Transfers from Russia saw the sharpest annual drop, while the European Union and the United States remained the largest sources of transfers, together accounting for 72.3% of total inflows, or USD 206.7 million. Transfers from EU member countries alone amounted to USD 143.37 million, down 0.63% year-on-year and accounting for 50.1% of total inflows. The United States was the largest individual source of transfers, sending USD 63.39 million, or 22.1% of the total. Italy followed with USD 53.97 million (18.8%), Germany with USD 30.64 million (10.7%), Greece with USD 27.57 million (9.6%), and Israel with USD 26.3 million (9.2%). Transfers from Turkey totaled USD 11.34 million, accounting for 3.9% of the total, while those from Russia fell to USD 7.86 million, or 2.7% of all inflows. Although Russian transfers increased from USD 5.07 million in August, they fell 80.1% year-on-year, marking the steepest annual decline among the countries listed in the NBG data. Russian transfers amounted to USD 42.02 million in July and USD 51.42 million in June. The sharp decline follows the suspension of transfers to Georgia through Russia’s Zolotaya Korona money transfer system in July, which followed the EU’s latest sanctions package against Moscow. Among the reporting countries, the largest year-on-year increase was recorded in transfers from Lebanon at USD 1.22 million, an 80.5% increase. Transfers from Saudi Arabia increased 31.7% to USD 1.93 million, while those from Jordan rose 21.5% to USD 1.13 million. Transfers from Kyrgyzstan recorded the second-largest decline after Russia, falling by 72% year-on-year to USD 2.41 million. Inflows from Kazakhstan dropped by 33.9% to USD 5.01 million, while those from Poland fell by 33.2% to USD 2.01 million. Transfers from Azerbaijan and Ireland also declined by 15.7% to USD 2.86 million and 14.3% to USD 5.28 million, respectively. Meanwhile, transfers from Georgia to other countries totaled USD 36.9 million in September, down 3.5% from USD 38.2 million in the same month last year. Personal remittances to Georgia accounted for 11.2% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to the World Bank’s 2025 data. Also Read: * 15/09/2026 – EU, U.S. Remain Top Sources of Money Transfers in August as Russia Drops to 11th Place * 17/08/2026 – EU, US Remain Largest Sources of Money Transfers to Georgia in July * 15/07/2026 – Money Transfers to Georgia Rise 10.4% in June as EU, U.S. Remain Top Sources * 01/12/2025 – Georgian Citizens No Longer Eligible for Simplified Employment in Poland

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EU Delegation Pledges Assistance for ‘People of Georgia’, Says No EU Funding Goes to Authorities

Reiterating the pledge to spend EUR 38 million on new projects in Georgia, the EU Delegation in Georgia said the bloc no longer provides funding to Georgian authorities but continues to aid the “people of Georgia.” The funding was first announced by the EU Ambassador to Georgia Pawel Herczynski during the Europe Day celebration in Georgia’s eastern Kakheti region on October 10. He said the funding would support projects focused on rural development, businesses, women’s empowerment, and environmental protection, hoping to sign the projects by the end of this year. Later, in an October 16 Facebook post, the delegation said that the projects would “continue to make a real difference in the lives of families and communities across Georgia.” The projects will focus on developing “economic opportunities in small cities and towns” and “skills for a changing labour market”; promoting “socio-economic development in rural areas, especially driven by women”; improving “access to markets and better food quality”; combating “violence towards women and girls”; supporting “safe and orderly migration”; strengthening “climate adaptation and disaster preparedness”; and continuing “support for communities in Abkhazia.” “Due to Georgia’s democratic backsliding, the EU no longer provides funding to Georgian authorities. But we continue to deliver assistance to the people of Georgia. We reaffirm that commitment,” the statement said The Embassy also highlighted the bloc’s long-standing support for Georgia, saying the EU had invested more than USD 2 billion in the country since 1992, including “transforming agriculture, supporting people in remote areas start their own businesses, improving air quality, and coordinating the upgrade of the East-West highway, among many other areas.” The announcement comes amid continued strain in EU-Georgian relations, with the EU “de facto” halting Georgia’s integration in 2024 amid democratic concerns and reducing contacts with the Georgian Dream government. The EU officials have repeatedly stated that Georgia remains a candidate country “in name only,” while recent EU reports also noted that the bloc “continued to halt financial assistance directly benefiting Georgian authorities.” The plans for new projects come as Georgian Dream has continued to restrict foreign funding directed towards civil society and media support, including through a series of laws and amendments. It also follows the recent announcements by two German political foundations, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, that they were exiting Georgia after Georgian authorities rejected their funding applications under stricter grant laws. Also Read: * 12/10/2026 – EU Ambassador Announces EUR 38 Mln in New Projects for Georgia  * 08/10/2026 – EU Parliament Adopts Resolution Against Georgian Dream’s Efforts to Ban Opposition Parties * 13/08/2026 – EU Report Notes ‘Significant Backsliding’ of Georgia’s Democracy, Reduced Ties With Tbilisi

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Armenia announced the possibility of a referendum on the exchange of territories with Azerbaijan.

No agreements on the exchange of enclaves and exclaves with Azerbaijan have been reached. The decision on the exchange should be put to a nationwide vote, said representatives of the Armenian authorities.

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Kipiani, ‘Katsro’: Figures Associated With Criminal Underworld Arrested on Group Violence Charges

Vakthang (Vato) Kipiani and Avtandil Bilanishvili, known as “Katsro,” two figures long associated with Georgia’s criminal underworld in media reports, have been arrested alongside another person, Shota Kipiani, on charges of group violence. Bilanishvili has also been repeatedly associated in the media with Bera, Bidzina Ivanishvili’s son, with the two rumored to have enjoyed a friendship. Georgia’s Prosecutor General’s Office said they physically assaulted a person, whose identity has not been disclosed, in a restaurant in Tbilisi on October 14. The three have been charged under Article 126, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph “b” of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which covers violence committed by a group and carries a prison sentence of up to two years. “An investigation conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs established that on October 14, 2026, at a restaurant in Tbilisi, Vakhtang Zhvania (a.k.a. Vato Kipiani), Avtandil Bilanishvili and Shota Kipiani physically assaulted the victim, who suffered physical pain,” the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia’s October 15 statement said. All three detainees are exercising their right to remain silent, their lawyer, Marika Pkhaladze, told Interpressnews on October 16. Pkhaladze said she would not comment on the case at this stage, given her clients’ position. Kipiani, 47, has been linked to Georgia’s criminal underworld in media reports for years. According to RFE/RL’s Georgian service, he reportedly has multiple prior criminal convictions and was last detained in Georgia in 2021 at Tbilisi International Airport after being expelled from Ukraine. In 2020, prosecutors also reportedly accused Kipiani of failed attempts at organizing the murder of the Peikrishvili brothers, described in media reports as criminal authority figures, from Ukraine. Bilanishvili is the son of Kako Bilanishvili, 75, who media reports also describe as a criminal authority. Bilanishvili first drew wider public attention in 2019, when the Interior Ministry questioned him in connection with the death of 19-year-old footballer Giorgi Shakarashvili. The ministry later said Bilanishvili did not appear in the video footage examined in the case, according to the RFE/RL. Bilanishvili has been previously reported in Georgian media as a friend of Bera Ivanishvili. Georgian opposition-leaning channels have previously circulated photos of them together on social media. Their relationship has not been independently established. Also Read: * 17/06/2026 – Police Arrest 21 in Crackdown on ‘Thieves’ World’ * 13/05/2026 – Police Arrest 44 in Crackdown on ‘Thieves’ World’ * 07/04/2026 – Police Arrest 44 in Crackdown on ‘Thieves’ World’

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MP Viktor Japaridze Sells Majority Stake in UK-Sanctioned POSTV

Viktor Japaridze, a Georgian businessman and lawmaker from Georgian Dream’s offshoot People’s Power party, has sold his 52% stake in pro-government channel POSTV, months after the channel was sanctioned by the United Kingdom over alleged involvement in “Russian disinformation.” According to the publicly available business registry documents, shares were purchased by Giorgi Shengelia, who had already been managing Japaridze’s shares in the past months. Shengelia also owns full shares in Supporters of POSTV LLC, a company registered on February 25, just a day after the UK sanctioned POSTV, raising suspicions at the time that the company emerged to help the channel navigate the sanctions. Media reported that Japaridze sold his shares for GEL 1,000 (USD 385). Following the sale, POSTV’s ownership is divided among three shareholders: Shengelia, who owns 52%; Shalva Ramishvili, a controversial media figure and the channel’s anchor, who owns 24%; and Temur Charelishvili, who owns 24%. Japaridze, the 59-year-old politician, had acquired his majority stake in POSTV in 2022, the same year he left the ruling Georgian Dream party to join People’s Power, a political group founded by former Georgian Dream lawmakers. He was among the People’s Power members elected to Parliament through Georgian Dream’s party list in the disputed 2024 parliamentary election and continues to serve as an MP. The United Kingdom sanctioned POSTV and Imedi TV, two major pro-government Georgian broadcasters, on February 24 as part of its broader sanctions against Russia, with the British government identifying both channels as entities “involved in Russian disinformation.” Weeks before the sanctions were announced, on February 6, businessman Irakli Rukhadze also said he was selling the shares of pro-government TV Imedi channel, for what was also reported to be a symbolic price of GEL 1,000 (USD 385). Also Read: * 06/08/2026 – ComCom Fines Pro-Government POSTV For Violating ‘Impartiality’ Principles * 06/03/2026 – Slamming UK Sanctions, ComCom Warns Stricter Content Regulation of Georgian Broadcasters * 25/02/2026 – Georgian Dream Backs UK-Sanctioned Channels Amid Uncertainty Over Impact * 17/02/2025 – People’s Power’s Viktor Japaridze Appointed Deputy Chair of GD’s Defense and Security Committee

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A participant in the protests against the hijab ban has been arrested in Azerbaijan.

A resident of the Absheron district, Fizuli Guseynov, has been sentenced to 30 days of arrest after a picket demanding the lifting of the ban on wearing hijabs in schools. Earlier, his son received the same punishment for protesting against the ban.

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Analysts in Baku and Yerevan assessed the idea of enclave exchanges.

The proposal by Nikol Pashinyan to exchange territories with Azerbaijan was perceived ambiguously by the political scientists from Armenia interviewed by "Caucasian Knot," pointing to legal complexities and security risks. Azerbaijani analysts considered the idea rational but opposed the retention of Artsvashen by Armenia.

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Two opposition members have been detained in Azerbaijan.

Law enforcement officers detained a member of the opposition party Azerbaijan Popular Front, Elmaddin Muradov, in Baku; he has been sentenced to administrative arrest. Matanat Turan was detained in the Absheron district.

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Pashinyan announced plans to sign a peace agreement with Azerbaijan in five years.

The task of the Armenian government is to complete the signing and ratification of a peace agreement with Azerbaijan by 2031, said Nikol Pashinyan.

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Inmate Died at Kutaisi Prison After Reportedly Falling From Bunk Bed, Penitentiary Service Says

An inmate identified as G.G. died at Penitentiary Facility No. 2 in Kutaisi on October 9 after reportedly falling from the upper level of a bunk bed, the Special Penitentiary Service said on October 15, citing accounts from cellmates. The death comes amid growing scrutiny of Georgia’s penitentiary system over allegations of ill-treatment. The service said G.G. had been placed in Penitentiary Facility No. 2 on October 2, 2026, while facing charges under Article 276, Parts I-V, of the Criminal Code, which concerns “violation of traffic safety rules or rules for operating transport.” “At 14:35 on October 9, 2026, defendant G.G.’s cellmates informed facility staff that he had been lying on the second level of a bunk bed, fell from the bed and landed face down on the floor,” the agency said, adding that five other inmates were in the cell at the time. The service also said a social worker was standing in the corridor outside the cell and “was communicating with one of the convicts through the cell door’s window on a particular matter,” and that she also heard “the sound of the fall in the cell, which is clearly visible in her reaction captured on video by a surveillance camera installed in the facility’s corridor.” The muted video released by the service shows a woman standing outside the cell before prison staff enters it. The inmates subsequently leave the cell appearing distressed, while a prison officer is seen speaking inaudibly into a two-way radio. The agency said medical staff arrived “approximately one minute after” being notified and provided first aid. An ambulance was called at 14:36 and arrived at 14:50, but “despite the efforts of the medical personnel, the defendant could not be saved, and his death was pronounced at 15:15,” it said. “The Special Penitentiary Service immediately notified the Imereti Regional Prosecutor’s Office of the incident, after which an investigation was launched,” the statement said, adding that the Service is “actively cooperating” with the investigative authorities and has already provided them with all materials related to the case. The death of an inmate comes amid recent broader scrutiny of alleged ill-treatment and other incidents in Georgia’s penitentiary system. In a separate case, Iakob Guledani, an inmate at Rustavi’s Penitentiary Facility No. 17, was found dead. The Special Penitentiary Service said he had died by suicide after being found hanging in a cell toilet, while his family disputed the official account. In early October, another controversy emerged after Giorgi Davitadze, an inmate at Rustavi’s Penitentiary Facility No. 6, alleged that prison guards had sexually assaulted him in a de-escalation cell. Authorities “categorically” denied the allegations and released video footage in support of their account, which fueled more controversy from critics. The controversy widened amid allegations that other inmates had faced punishment, including physical violence, for expressing support for Davitadze. Also Read: * 20/05/2026 – Georgia Has Fourth-Highest Prison Population Rate in Council of Europe’s 2025 Report * 18/02/2026 – CoE Committee for Prevention of Torture Publishes Report on Georgia * 17/06/2025 – Abuse Allegations as Man Dies After Police Custody

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Backgrounder: Constitutional Court Starts Hearing Opposition Party Ban Case

Georgia’s Constitutional Court announced on October 13 that its seven-judge plenum accepted for consideration on the merits the ruling Georgian Dream party’s lawsuit seeking to ban five opposition parties, scheduling the first hearings in October. The Court started the review after GD resubmitted the claim several times, each time resetting the Court’s maximum nine-month review period as the party kept adding new opposition forces to the appeal. Two judges have prematurely quit the Court since the ruling party announced last year that it would seek to outlaw its opponents through the Court, and three new judges were appointed over the past year, fueling concerns that the ruling party is serious about its stated intentions to ban its opponents. GD first submitted the appeal last October, citing, among others, human rights records under UNM, the previous administration’s actions related to the 2008 August war, the opposition’s boycott of previous elections, as well as their alleged “support” of “foreign force” in undermining Georgian independence. The claim was based on the voluminous report of the GD’s parliamentary commission — the so-called “Tsulukiani Commission” — created to investigate alleged crimes under the UNM rule, but later expanded to include the period after 2012 as well. Who is targeted? The lawsuit in its current form targets five parties: United National Movement (UNM), Lelo/Strong Georgia, Ahali/Coalition for Change, Federalists, and For Georgia. In the first version of the lawsuit submitted in October 2025, Georgian Dream sought to outlaw the UNM, Lelo/Strong Georgia, and Ahali/Coalition for Georgia, three of the four major forces whose alliances crossed the 5% threshold in the disputed parliamentary vote of 2024. The lawsuit initially spared smaller opposition forces, including Droa, Girchi – More Freedom, Strategy Aghmashenebeli, European Georgia, Federalists, and Republicans, part of whom ran in electoral alliances with three major forces targeted in the first lawsuit. GD warned at the time, however, that those smaller groups could face similar action if they gained more influence. * Who’s Who in Georgian Party Politics? A Guide to the Party Landscape in 2026 It also spared For Georgia, a party founded by former Georgian Dream Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia. The party had also crossed the 5% threshold in 2024 and joined the opposition’s parliamentary boycott, but reversed the boycott a year later and took up MP mandates in October 2025. However, the lawsuit was later expanded in April 2026 to include the Federalist Party, led by Giga Bokeria and Tamar Chergoleishvili, and again in September to add For Georgia, despite it being the only opposition force still represented in the disputed parliament. Who is not targeted (yet)? The lawsuit in its current form still does not target some of the smaller opposition forces, including Girchi – More Freedom, Droa, Strategy Aghmashenebeli, European Georgia, or Freedom Square, which are also members of the opposition Alliance uniting nine parties. Despite Georgian Dream adopting amendments in October 2025 to extend the restrictions of banned opposition parties to individuals associated with them, GD has so far refrained from targeting individual members in its constitutional claim. The ruling party also said it would not target MP mandates of Gakharia’s For Georgia party in the current lawsuit. Who will be ruling on the case? Seven judges will be reviewing the case, amid widespread perceptions that the court is dominated by ruling party loyalists. Georgia’s Constitutional Court, when fully composed, consists of nine judges, each serving for a 10-year term. Three of them are appointed by the President, three are elected by Parliament by a majority of at least three-fifths of its full membership, and the remaining three are appointed by the Supreme Court. Following the latest submission in September, the case was assigned to the Court’s full plenum instead of a single three-judge panel, with the Court citing the need to clarify the Constitution regarding a “rare and/or particularly important legal issue.” The nine-member judicial body currently has seven active judges, who will be the ones ruling on the case, including: * Revaz Nadaraia, Constitutional Court Chairman, selected by the Supreme Court plenum in 2025. * Eva Gotsiridze, Judge, elected by the Georgian Dream-led parliament in 2017. * Giorgi Tevdorashvili, Judge, appointed by President Salome Zourabichvili in 2021 * Goga Kikilashvili, Judge, appointed by GD-elected President Mikheil Kavelashvili in 2026 * Sergo Metopishvili, Judge, selected by the Supreme Court plenum in 2026 * Giorgi Modebadze, Judge, appointed by GD-elected President Mikheil Kavelashvili in 2025 * Vasil Roinishvili, Judge, selected by the Supreme Court plenum in 2020 The number of active judges decreased after Judge Manana Kobakhidze resigned on October 13 following the rejection of her request to recuse herself from the party-banning lawsuit. Before that, in October 2025, another judge, Irine Imerlishvili, also prematurely resigned. Imerlishvili did not cite any specific reasons, but her resignation came amid GD’s announced plans to seek banning its opponents through the Court. Three judges have been appointed since Georgian Dream declared its plans to file the party-banning claim. One of them, Giorgi Modebadze, was appointed by Kavelashvili last October, and two more judges – Sergo Metopishvili and Goga Kikilashvili – filled two more vacant seats in September from presidential and Supreme Court quotas. Critics responded to the appointments with concerns that the judicial body, long accused of pro-government leanings, will now be fully dominated by Georgian Dream loyalists, with “no dissenting opinions” expected anymore. The two currently vacant seats are not expected to be filled in the near future, as both are positions filled by Parliament. The Georgian Dream-led majority currently has 89 members, one MP short of the minimum 90 votes required to elect a Constitutional Court judge. When to expect the ruling? According to the law, the Constitutional Court has a maximum of nine months from the submission of a lawsuit on the constitutionality of a political party to rule on the case. That period has been reset twice, as Georgian Dream withdrew and resubmitted the lawsuit, adding new parties in April and September. The ruling must therefore be delivered by June 2027 at the latest. The Court already scheduled the first hearings on October 21, 22, and 23. Who will (not) take part in hearings? The representatives of several parties targeted in the lawsuit publicly commented on their plans regarding whether to take part in the hearings. Lelo/Strong Georgia and Ahali/Coalition for Change announced they will take part in the hearings, while Federalists said they won’t be participating not to give the proceedings any “legal form.” UNM and Gakharia/For Georgia are yet to make their plans public. What’s the international reaction? Georgian Dream’s move to ban its opponents through a lawsuit has drawn sharp criticism from Western countries and institutions over the past year. On October 8, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the “immediate withdrawal” of the claim, saying the proceedings amount to “eliminating legitimate political opposition.” The move has also been widely condemned as an attack on political pluralism in other key resolutions and documents, including in the  Hague Declaration and accompanying resolutions adopted by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) in July, as well as a March report prepared within the OSCE Moscow Mechanism. Should the ruling party proceed with banning the opposition parties, it may also negatively affect Georgian Dream’s stated efforts to “reset” relations with the United States amid continued uncertainty in bilateral ties between erstwhile close partners. After its May visit in Tbilisi, the U.S. State Department delegation stressed the need for “a stable domestic political climate that facilitates opposition engagement,” among others, for a sustainable strategic partnership between the two countries. Also Read: * 08/10/2026 – EU Parliament Adopts Resolution Against Georgian Dream’s Efforts to Ban Opposition Parties * 20/07/2026 – Georgian Opposition Braces for New Jail Verdicts Amid Search for Broader Strategy

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Opposition Alliance Announces Rally on October 25 Amid Georgian Dream’s Bid to Ban Parties

Opposition Alliance, which unites nine Georgian opposition parties, announced an October 25 rally in Tbilisi titled “Georgia without Ivanishvili. Georgia deserves better,” protesting, among others, the ruling Georgian Dream party’s efforts to ban several opposition parties through the Constitutional Court. The Alliance invited supporters to gather at the Tbilisi State University campus at 7 pm on October 25, with the event meant to kick off a major protest campaign to culminate in a larger rally on November 28, which falls on the second anniversary of the non-stop anti-government protests sparked by Georgian Dream’s announcement on halting EU integration. The rally announcement came two days after the Constitutional Court said it was starting to review the ruling party’s lawsuit on its merits. Representatives of opposition parties targeted in the case reported receiving calls about first hearings being scheduled on October 21, 22, and 23. Speaking at a press briefing on October 15, Gvaramia said that the party-ban initiative was not about depriving opposition politicians of their positions, but “about depriving the country of democracy.” “It is about depriving our great ancestors and Georgia’s great history of their greatest aspiration: full membership in the European family,” he said. “[…] It is all about all the emptied regions and cities, about depriving Georgians of the opportunity to live in their ancestral homeland and forcing them to leave the country.” Gvaramia vowed to continue challenging the ruling party in court and through street protests. “We will be everywhere: in courtrooms, in Batumi, and, most importantly, on the streets of Tbilisi,” he said. “We will protest everything fearlessly and forcefully, with one central demand – Georgia without Ivanishvili.” Gigi Tsereteli, chairman of European Georgia, further said that the planned demonstration was not solely an initiative of the opposition alliance, but was intended to bring together political parties, civic groups, and individuals who view free elections as essential to Georgia’s democratic future. Speaking at the briefing, Tamar Chergoleishvili, leader of the Federalist Party, which was added to the party-ban lawsuit in April, said that the October 25 rally would mark the beginning of a broader protest campaign culminating in a major demonstration in Tbilisi on November 28. “With this desperate move, Ivanishvili is merely revealing that he does not trust the Georgian people or their choices,” Chergoleishvili said. “If these parties are bad, then, logically, the Georgian people should not be voting for the very parties he is seeking to ban.” She said that the proposed party bans would not change the opposition’s strategy. “Our plan is to expand peaceful and principled protests until we force Ivanishvili to make concessions,” she said. --- Georgian Dream initially filed the constitutional lawsuit in November 2025, seeking to outlaw the United National Movement (UNM), Lelo/Strong Georgia, and Ahali/Coalition for Change. The lawsuit was subsequently expanded in April 2026 to include the Federalists and again in September to add For Georgia, the only opposition party still represented in Parliament. Each expansion required Georgian Dream to resubmit the lawsuit, resetting the court’s nine-month deadline to issue a ruling. While the resubmissions initially fed perceptions that GD was deliberately dragging out the process, the premature resignation of Manana Kobakhidze, one of the Court’s judges, ahead of the start of proceedings sparked worries that the ruling party may be seriously considering using the Court to have its opponents declared unconstitutional. Also Read: * 08/10/2026 – EU Parliament Adopts Resolution Against Georgian Dream’s Efforts to Ban Opposition Parties * 23/07/2026 – ‘Sabotage’ Case Hearings Adjourned Until Fall Amid Verdict Concerns * 20/07/2026 – Georgian Opposition Braces for New Jail Verdicts Amid Search for Broader Strategy

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Supreme Court Judge Selection Process Restarts After Only Candidate Withdraws

Georgia’s High Council of Justice (HCOJ), a body supervising the Georgian judiciary, will restart the selection process for a Supreme Court judge after the sole candidate, Temur Gogokhia, withdrew on October 13, a day after advancing to the final stage. The council had selected Gogokhia for the final stage of the competition on October 12. He withdrew the following day without providing a public explanation. Supreme Court judges are nominated by the HCOJ and approved by the parliament. They are appointed to serve a lifetime term. Applications for the single Supreme Court vacancy will be accepted electronically from October 15 through November 5, 2026. The position became vacant after the death of Supreme Court Judge Giorgi Gogiashvili on July 8. Gogokhia has held various senior positions in Georgia’s judiciary. He was appointed a judge at Tbilisi City Court in July 2017 and became acting chair of its criminal cases panel that October. He was appointed chair in March 2020 and took over as chair of the court’s Criminal Cases Chamber in September 2021. He also served as a member of the High Council of Justice from 2021 to 2024. Previously, he served as a judge and court chair in Poti from 2008 to 2010, Batumi from 2010 to 2012, and Kutaisi from 2013 to 2017. Earlier in his career, he worked in various court administrative positions and as a prosecutor. His name has previously appeared in media and watchdog reports amid scrutiny of possible cases of nepotism and pro-government leanings in the judiciary. In 2023, he was among the HCOJ members who publicly spoke against the U.S. sanctions on key Georgian judges. Gogokhia’s withdrawal coincided with another development in Georgia’s judiciary. On October 13, Georgia’s Constitutional Court prematurely terminated the tenure of Judge Manana Kobakhidze after her request to recuse herself from a case brought by the ruling Georgian Dream party seeking to ban several opposition parties was rejected. Also Read: * 23/09/2026 – Two New Constitutional Court Judges Appointed As Critics Fear ‘No More Dissenting Opinions’ * 16/09/2026 – Disputed Parliament Elects Davit Mamiseishvili as Supreme Court Judge * 05/05/2026 – Georgia’s High Council of Justice Picks Six Supreme Court Nominees * 17/10/2025 – Judge Quits Constitutional Court Amid Looming Appeal to Ban Parties, Individuals from Politics * 17/09/2024 – Parliament Appoints Nikoloz Marsagishvili As New Supreme Court Judge

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Suspect in Alleged U.S. Asylum Fraud Scheme Extradited From Argentina to Georgia

Giorgi Khatiashvili, accused of involvement in a transnational organized crime scheme that allegedly fabricated asylum claims for Georgian citizens seeking to enter the United States, was extradited from Argentina to Georgia, the Prosecutor’s Office announced, describing the extradition as a “precedent” and the first such case involving a country outside Europe and the region. The case concerns a criminal group that allegedly fabricated persecution stories and supporting documents for Georgian citizens seeking asylum in the United States in exchange for payment. The investigation, conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy’s Regional Security Office (RSO), identified more than 1,000 people to whom the group allegedly offered its services between 2023 and 2026. The Prosecutor’s Office said it charged nine people in the case in previous months. According to the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia’s October 15 statement, amid the tightening of the immigration policy in the USA, Khatiashvili and other individuals “formed a criminal group to obtain material benefits, the purpose of which was to create false stories, so-called ‘cases’ and corresponding false evidence necessary for Georgian citizens seeking asylum in the United States.” Khatiashvili is accused of “facilitating the illegal stay of a Georgian citizen in a foreign country by a criminal group, facilitating and organizing the submission of false information for a Georgian citizen to obtain asylum in a foreign country, and producing and issuing a false official document.” “Members of the criminal group convinced Georgian citizens that with the help of documents they had prepared and stories they had created, they would be able to obtain asylum in the United States without any problems,” the Office said. According to the statement, the group fabricated accounts of persecution on various grounds, including “political views, sexual orientation, persecution by law enforcement officers, and other reasons,” and to substantiate these stories, created “fake documents.” The investigation identified “more than 1,000 individuals to whom members of the criminal group offered their services between 2023 and 2026 and received approximately 600 thousand GEL, 2,250,000 USD, and 12,500 EUR from them.” The statement also noted that “another person wanted in the case has been extradited from Germany as a result of effective international legal cooperation implemented by the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office.” “The Georgian side’s request was fully granted by the competent authorities of the Argentine Republic, which is a precedent, as it is the first extradition case to be carried out from countries outside Europe and the region,” the statement added, thanking Georgian relevant bodies for taking measures to carry out the extradition. The U.S.-Georgian joint efforts to uncover the scheme come amid wider reports of the two countries cooperating on security issues, including combating transnational crime, despite lingering uncertainty in bilateral relations after the U.S., under Joe Biden, suspended the strategic partnership with Tbilisi in late 2024. Also Read: * 03/06/2026 – Rubio Hopes for Change in ‘Trajectory’ of U.S. Relationship with Georgia and of Tbilisi’s ‘Behavior’ * 01/06/2026 – U.S. State Department Representatives Conclude Georgia Visit, Issue Statements * 19/03/2026 – Georgians Will Be Required Posting Up to $15,000 Bonds for U.S. Tourist, Business Visas * 15/01/2026 – Georgia Among 75 Countries to Face Suspension of U.S. Immigration Visa Issuance

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Reports about the hijab ban in medical institutions of Azerbaijan have been declared fake.

Azerbaijani authorities denied the information that the ban on wearing hijabs, introduced in schools, extends to medical institutions.

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