High-Profile Searches, Mass Arrests, and Contentious Reforms Mark Day in Georgia
October 17, 2025
Today, October 17, 2025, saw significant political developments in Georgia, dominated by law enforcement actions targeting former high-ranking officials. Searches were conducted at the homes of former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, former State Security Service head Grigol Liluashvili, and former Chief Prosecutor Otar Partskhaladze, along with eight other associated individuals. The Prosecutor's Office announced the seizure of substantial amounts of money and electronic devices. Amidst these events, Garibashvili's father-in-law, Tamaz Tamazashvili, stated he was unable to contact him, though a personal guard asserted that the former PM was not arrested and remained in Tbilisi.
These actions are part of a broader crackdown following the October 4 protest, with the Ministry of Internal Affairs announcing an additional 16 arrests, bringing the total number of detainees to 62. The MIA also issued warnings regarding stricter enforcement of freedom of expression laws. President Salome Zurabishvili sharply criticized these developments, labeling the persecution of civil society as "self-destructive." Furthermore, a former high-ranking SSS official, Irakli Shaishmelashvili, faces charges for allegedly inciting the violent overthrow of the constitutional order.
Adding to the political friction, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's proposed education reforms, including a potential shift to 11-year schooling and altered university program durations (3-year bachelor's, 1-year master's), drew widespread condemnation. Experts, student groups, and President Zurabishvili voiced concerns, interpreting the reforms as an attempt to centralize political control over academic institutions and restrict access to foreign education. Opposition figures also speculated that the ruling Georgian Dream party intends to pursue the unconstitutional banning of several opposition parties, a move denounced by international political groups like the EPP.
In sports news, Georgian athletes continued to make headlines. UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili's successful title defense was a talking point, with discussions around his unique wrestling tactics, and his next bout against Petr Yan was confirmed for December 7. Tennis player Nikoloz Basilashvili advanced to the 1/8 finals of the Brussels Open, while Viktor Sanikidze was appointed head of FIBA's Champions League Competition Committee. On the football front, Inter Milan finalized the permanent transfer of Manuel Akanji for €15 million, and Napoli is set to acquire Rasmus Hojlund for €45 million. Domestically, Mohamed Cherif of Kutaisi Torpedo was named September's best player in the Crystalbet Erovnuli Liga, and the Georgian rugby franchise Black Lion competed against the Cheetahs in South Africa.