Georgia Grapples with Judicial Controversy, Election Law Changes, and Strained Foreign Relations
Today, Georgia's domestic political and judicial landscape was dominated by several significant developments. The Kutaisi Appellate Court upheld the 2-year sentence of Mzia Amaghlobeli, drawing sharp criticism from various quarters. President Salome Zourabichvili characterized the decision as a "tragedy for the country," while Amaghlobeli's legal team and the International Press Institute voiced concerns about the fairness of the trial, demanding her acquittal rather than a pardon. Amaghlobeli herself stated she was not afraid of imprisonment but rather "what awaits outside."
Simultaneously, discussions commenced in Parliament on a controversial new draft of the "Election Code." Key provisions in this draft propose restricting the voting rights of Georgian citizens residing abroad, potentially limiting their participation to those who can physically return to Georgia for elections. This move has been met with strong opposition from civil society organizations such as the Young Lawyers' Association (GYLA) and "Fair Elections," who argue it undermines the principle of universal suffrage and serves narrow party interests. Prominent figures in the Georgian diaspora also expressed their dismay.
Adding to the day's significant events, the Georgian government conveyed its dissatisfaction with the current state of relations with the United States. During a meeting with a visiting US State Department official, Levan Zhorzholiani, head of the government administration, expressed a desire for a "fresh start" in the strategic partnership. This diplomatic overture occurred amidst escalating warnings from European Union officials, including Petras Auštrevičius, who suggested a review of Georgia's visa-liberalization status. The European Commission's Marta Kosi, meanwhile, reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting Georgian civil society, hinting at a shift in funding focus towards non-state actors.
On the economic front, several new regulations and market trends were reported. Batumi saw a notable increase in apartment prices, rising by $151 per square meter in the third quarter. New "smart routing" systems are planned for banking payments, enabling transactions with all bank cards. Authorities are also considering increasing fines for traffic violations and for the use of dust-generating materials in Tbilisi, aiming to address environmental and safety concerns. The Health Ministry announced a significant reduction in the price of certain psychotropic medications, which were previously sold at mark-ups as high as 810%.
Finally, the sports world featured prominently with updates across various disciplines. Georgia is set to join the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (FIFA TDS), establishing a football academy in Kutaisi. The national football team engaged in a World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria, while the Georgian Women's Rugby National Team prepares for its inaugural official match. The men's rugby team, the "Borjgalosnebi," also faces a critical match against Japan that will impact their seeding for the 2027 World Cup. This comes as World Rugby approves a new tournament structure, which will see Georgia (a Tier 2 nation) primarily facing Tier 1 teams only during World Cup events. Additionally, the expanded roster for the national basketball team was announced ahead of its upcoming qualifiers.