The Helsinki Commission called on the US and its partners to investigate the use of chemical weapons against protesters in Georgia. Reports indicate the use of bromobenzyl cyanide, which caused burns and long-term health problems.
Melia is currently serving an 8-month sentence for failing to appear before a controversial parliamentary commission, which, at the initiative of the ruling Georgian Dream party, was investigating alleged crimes of the previous government. His prison term was due to expire in January.
Georgia's ruling party is tightening its grip, which analysts estimate is leading the country towards a one-party dictatorship. Almost all opposition leaders are imprisoned, and the economy is shifting towards Russia and China.
Georgian citizens residing abroad will no longer be able to participate in elections, according to new amendments to the Electoral Code. The ruling party "Georgian Dream" believes this will increase the stability of elections and reduce the influence of external forces.
German Ambassador Peter Fischer appeared at an anti-government rally in Tbilisi, expressing solidarity with the demonstrators. This caused outrage from the ruling Georgian Dream party, which accused Fischer of "mocking" Georgian society.
The decision to return Mikheil Saakashvili to prison from the clinic is intended to influence the US, which has imposed sanctions against billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili. The head of Saakashvili's party considers this a desperate attempt by Ivanishvili to attract the attention of the West.
The opposition in Georgia emphasized that "repression" cannot hinder the "consistent struggle of the Georgian people," who wish to "live in a just, safe, and free country" and "will not allow violations of the constitution. "
Transparency International Georgia states that "Georgian Dream" presents internal disputes as a fight against corruption. The organization claims that elite corruption remains a large-scale problem in the country.
The ruling party "Georgian Dream" has filed a lawsuit with the Constitutional Court, demanding that three main opposition associations be declared unconstitutional. These are the "United National Movement", the "Coalition for Change" ("Akhali"), and "Strong Georgia - Lelo".
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has detained 60 participants of protests in Tbilisi over the past three days. The reason for the detentions was the blocking of roads and wearing masks during demonstrations.
Two journalists, Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli, imprisoned in Belarus and Georgia, have been awarded the 2025 Sakharov Prize. They were recognized for their freedom of thought and for speaking out against injustice while imprisoned on fabricated charges.
A Russian company delivered the first batch of oil to a newly built refinery in Kulevi, Georgia. The tanker "Kayseri" delivered 105,340 tons of Siberian Light oil from Novorossiysk.
The Georgian Interior Ministry has warned protesters of increased liability for violations at protests starting today. Legislative amendments provide for administrative arrest for up to 15 days for blocking a road or appearing at a rally in a mask.
The Parliament of Georgia has adopted amendments that strengthen responsibility for violations at protests. Now, appearing in a mask or blocking a road carries a penalty of up to 15 days of arrest, and disobeying the police – up to 60 days.
The Parliament of Georgia is considering amendments that prohibit those convicted of economic and property crimes from leaving the country until full compensation is paid. The mechanism will become automatic and indefinite, allowing border crossing only with the consent of the victim or compensation for damages.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Marta Kos made a joint statement regarding local elections in Georgia. They noted a "prolonged period of suppression of dissent" and low voter turnout.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has opened criminal cases under several articles of the Criminal Code after the events near the presidential palace in Tbilisi. As a result of the protests, 14 police officers were injured, one of them in serious condition.
A large protest action organized by opera singer Paata Burchuladze is taking place in Tbilisi during the municipal elections. Protesters are opposing the legitimacy of the Georgian Dream party's government, and they have been joined by eight opposition parties that are boycotting the elections.
81 international observers will work in the local elections in Georgia on October 4, which is significantly less than 1024 in 2021. The OSCE and reputable local NGOs refused to observe due to late invitation and legislative restrictions.
Mikheil Saakashvili stated that the core of a new revolution in Georgia will be "Generation Z," not political parties. The ex-president also accused two opposition parties of loyalty to billionaire Ivanishvili and attempts to discredit the protests.
Tbilisi City Hall denied the organizers of the October 4 protest rally permission to install four stages, allowing only one. The organizers expect tens of thousands of participants, despite the authorities' warnings of legal measures in case of violations.
Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream, did not congratulate the pro-European party Action and Solidarity on its victory in the Moldovan elections. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that his political force would congratulate its Moldovan counterparts only after Moldova withdraws from the CIS.
The United Kingdom has expanded sanctions against Russia, adding two oil tankers and Georgian politicians to the list. These measures are aimed at limiting the financing of the war in Ukraine and countering pro-Russian disinformation.
The Georgian State Security Service stated that SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) officers handed explosives to a Mercedes truck driver for import into Georgia. The driver claims he was allegedly transporting the explosives to Russia, but the Georgian special service does not believe him.
In Tbilisi, several thousand people marched to the parliament, commemorating the 17th anniversary of the Russian-Georgian war. Participants carried national flags and stickers with red poppies, chanting patriotic slogans.
The number of representatives of Georgia's ruling party "Georgian Dream" and related individuals who have fallen under Western sanctions has exceeded 230. Restrictions were imposed by the USA, Great Britain, the Baltic states, the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, and Ukraine.
The European Parliament stated that Georgia will not be able to join the EU until the government changes its authoritarian course. The path to membership is suspended until fair elections are held.
Eight opposition parties in Georgia refused to participate in the municipal elections scheduled for October. The parties believe that their participation would only create an "illusion of legitimacy for the government" for "Georgian Dream."
The Tbilisi court handed down sentences to Nika Melia, leader of the "Coalition for Change," and Givi Targamadze, former MP. They were convicted for refusing to testify before the parliamentary commission on Mikheil Saakashvili's activities.
The Parliament of Georgia is adopting amendments to the law on defamation, which strengthen the rules and shift the burden of proof to the defendant. Critics fear restrictions on freedom of speech, while the authorities declare a fight against unfounded insults.
