Former PM Garibashvili Sentenced Amidst Protests for Jailed Journalist
Today, January 12, 2026, was marked by significant legal and political developments in Georgia, dominated by the sentencing of former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. Following a plea bargain, Garibashvili was sentenced to five years in prison and fined 1 million GEL for failing to declare income from the wine industry. His advocate confirmed that 6.5 million USD was seized from his home during the investigation. Garibashvili reportedly admitted guilt during the court proceedings and has been transferred to Rustavi Penitentiary Facility No. 12. This event sparked widespread commentary from political figures, with some viewing it as an internal power struggle and others, like President Salome Zurabishvili, suggesting that 'terror has reached the ruling elite.'
Meanwhile, the one-year anniversary of journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli's arrest saw renewed calls for her release and protests across Tbilisi. Supporters marched from Marjanishvili Square to the Parliament building, advocating for what they describe as a politically motivated imprisonment and emphasizing concerns over press freedom in Georgia. International bodies, including the International Press Institute and the EU Council (via the German Ambassador), have also voiced concerns and urged her release. Contradictorily, Irakli Dgebuadze, a former Batumi police chief previously linked to Amaghlobeli's case, was appointed to a high-ranking position within the Ministry of Internal Affairs' organized crime department, a move that drew further criticism.
Economically, the country saw updates on various fronts. The official exchange rate for the US Dollar was set at 2.6967 GEL. Wizz Air announced the cancellation of flights from Kutaisi to Vienna, though new direct flights from Kutaisi to Bratislava have commenced. Discussions continue regarding high food prices, with the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) reportedly investigating markups by distributors and markets. Positively, the accumulated pension fund disbursed 124 million GEL to 26,820 individuals in 2025, with total assets exceeding 8.2 billion GEL. Infrastructure projects are also moving forward, with plans for two new metro stations in Tbilisi (Gldani and Varketili extensions) and the new Kvesheti-Kobi road to Gudauri anticipated to open in summer 2026. However, concerns were raised that Georgia's decision to 'block' the Anaklia Port project has cost it the status of a global player in the region.
In international relations, the escalating instability in Iran remains a key topic. A new Iranian ambassador was appointed to Georgia amidst significant internal protests in Iran, where reports indicate a death toll of over 466. The White House reiterated that while it prefers diplomacy, it is not afraid to use military force in Iran. The European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, banned Iranian diplomats from entering the European Parliament. Discussions about the Russia-Ukraine war continue, with Bloomberg reporting a 30% increase in Ukrainian civilian casualties in 2025 compared to 2024. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky instructed his delegation to finalize a security guarantees document with the US. Georgian officials also weighed in, with Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili criticizing the EU's foreign policy as 'unprofessional.'
Finally, Georgian athletes continue to make their mark internationally. Merab Dvalishvili and Ilia Topuria were listed among the top 10 highest-earning UFC fighters of 2025. In chess, Nino Batsiashvili became the European Champion in rapid chess, securing a gold medal in Monaco. The Georgian national rugby team, the Borjghalosnebi, announced Pierre-Henri Broncan as their new head coach, with Marco Bortolami as his assistant. These achievements underscore Georgia's growing presence in global sports.