Former PM Admits Illegal Income, Protests Lead to Arrests, and International Forum Highlights Georgia's Role
October 22, 2025
Today, October 22, 2025, Georgia's domestic political landscape was significantly shaped by a series of high-profile legal developments. Former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili was interrogated by the State Security Service's (SSS) Anti-Corruption Agency, where he reportedly admitted to receiving illegal income over several years. This admission was a central point of the day's news, with his lawyer indicating that Mr. Garibashvili would soon issue a public statement. Simultaneously, law enforcement agencies announced the arrest of Koba Khundadze, a figure associated with former SSS head Grigol Liluashvili, on charges of money laundering. During the search of his home, authorities seized a substantial sum of $1.319 million, allegedly acquired through illicit real estate investments. In a separate case, Zurab Kakabadze, the former president of the Georgian Handball Federation, was detained for misappropriating 464,496 GEL from the federation, with prosecutors claiming he gambled away $350,000 in casinos.
The country also experienced continued civic unrest, with protests on Rustaveli Avenue leading to multiple arrests. Police apprehended at least 12 individuals for alleged violations such as blocking roads and wearing masks during demonstrations. Among those cited were Giorgi Vachadze (76) and Aza Chilachava (71), who received verbal warnings from the court for their participation. In a notable international recognition amidst these domestic challenges, Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli was awarded the prestigious Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought by the European Parliament, sharing the honor with Belarusian journalist Andrei Pochobut. This award underscores ongoing concerns regarding press freedom and civil liberties in Georgia.
On the economic and international front, Tbilisi successfully hosted the fifth anniversary Silk Road Forum, a significant platform for regional cooperation. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani officials highlighted the forum's growing importance for stability and economic development in the South Caucasus. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced plans to invest $3 billion in Middle Corridor countries by 2028, signaling strong international interest in Georgia's transit potential. Meanwhile, Russia appointed a new special representative for border issues, including those concerning Georgia's occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Georgian athletes brought home several accolades, with Achiko Bolkvadze securing a bronze medal and Temur Orjonikidze winning a silver medal at the U23 World Wrestling Championship. In MMA, UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili was praised by his former opponent, Umar Nurmagomedov, as a formidable fighter ahead of his upcoming match. Bidzina Gavashelishvili also achieved a decisive victory in Brave CF. On the football pitch, Dinamo Tbilisi's youth team secured a 4-3 victory in a Champions League qualifying match against AEK Larnaca. European football also saw Georgian talent shine, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia performing well in the Champions League, despite Napoli's significant 6-2 loss to PSV. Other European giants like Barcelona prepared for El Clásico, while Bayern Munich considered extending veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's contract.