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.
Opposition politician Nika Gvaramia was detained in Georgia after voluntarily arriving at a penitentiary institution. The decision to arrest him was made due to his refusal to pay bail.
The President of Georgia stated that the West's attempts to change the government could lead to destabilization, which Russia will take advantage of. The pressure began after Tbilisi refused to enter the war and impose sanctions.
The founder of "Georgian Dream" Bidzina Ivanishvili rejected a meeting with US Ambassador Robin Danigan, who was supposed to convey an appeal from the Trump administration. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio asked for this meeting.
The Portuguese government is urged not to allow the "Georgian Dream" party to participate in the OSCE PA session due to the oppression of democracy. Prime Minister Kobakhidze called the appeal a "Soviet approach".
The Tbilisi court changed the measure of restraint for Okruashvili due to his refusal to pay bail. He is accused of failing to appear at the parliamentary commission's questioning, which provides for punishment.
The Georgian opposition proposes holding a plebiscite on early parliamentary elections simultaneously with local elections in October. This should become an instrument for defusing political confrontation.
The commission is studying possible crimes of the "United National Movement" during their time in power. After completing its work, the commission will prepare a report.
