AGP Executive Report

Court & Rights: Tbilisi City Court allowed Russian activist Denis Kulanin to leave Georgia for a third country within seven days, rejecting extradition to Russia after his pardon in August. Protests in Tbilisi: Thousands kept up daily demonstrations on Rustaveli Avenue, with a Saturday march branding the ruling “Georgian Dream” as the problem and demanding EU integration and political prisoners’ release. Animal Rights & Detention: Animal rights activists rallied in front of government buildings and at the Parliament, again calling for an end to alleged stray-dog “extermination” and for the release of Tamaz Elizbarashvili, who remains in custody amid threat-related charges. International Justice: The Hind Rajab Foundation filed a criminal complaint in Georgia against an Israeli contractor in Batumi, alleging war crimes and genocide tied to demolitions in Gaza. Foreign Policy Debate: A new opinion piece argues Georgian-Abkhaz dialogue is stuck in “inaction out of fear,” with mistrust growing as regional conflicts shift. Culture: Georgia opened an exhibition honoring artist Aleksi Vepkhvadze at the Palace of Arts. UN Maps: Georgia abstained as the UN backed a resolution encouraging more accurate world maps, with Equal Earth promoted to better reflect Africa’s true size.

UN Cartography Clash: The UN General Assembly backed a “Correct the Map” push for equal-area world maps, passing 164-1 with the U.S. the lone no vote; Georgia, among others, abstained, while the U.S. warned the effort is tied to a broader political agenda. Georgia Protests: In Tbilisi, demonstrators marked the 647th day of rallies against “Georgian Dream,” with Salome Zourabichvili joining the march and protesters renewing calls for political prisoners and a power shift. Regional Diplomacy: Cambodia’s ambassador held talks in Romania on expanding ties in trade, investment, industry, technology, energy, and education. Health & Medicine: Georgia is set to receive “Givinostat” for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy early next week, according to the health minister. Public Safety: A shooting outside a TGI Fridays in Southfield, Michigan, left one woman dead and two others injured; a suspect was arrested. Sports (Georgia link): Transfer rumors say Arsenal are close to signing 17-year-old Georgian midfielder Andria Bartishvili, with a medical reportedly completed.

UN Cartography Shake-Up: The UN General Assembly adopted Togo-backed “Correct the Map,” urging wider use of equal-area projections like Equal Earth to better reflect Africa’s true size; it passed 164-1 with the U.S. the only no vote and Georgia among six abstainers. Tbilisi Protest Spotlight: On the 647th day of continuous demonstrations, protesters in Tbilisi again accused “Georgian Dream” of serving Ivanishvili and demanded political prisoners’ release and power “to the people,” with Salome Zourabichvili joining the march. Security Drills in Batumi: Georgia’s State Security Service and the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency ran the “NEXUS Georgia 2026” CBRN field exercise in Batumi, testing responses to chemical and biological incidents and planning further training. Regional Tensions in Abkhazia: Abkhazia’s de facto security service detained a resident over remarks about genocide of Georgians and posted a video of an apology. Energy and Economy Signals: Russia’s security official Alexey Shevtsov said Moscow sees room to expand interregional economic cooperation with Georgia, including joint production chains.

UN Map Vote: The UN General Assembly backed a new world map that shows Africa in more accurate proportions, with 164 countries voting for, the US voting against, and Georgia among six abstainers—pushing governments and schools to use equal-area models like Equal Earth instead of the Mercator projection. Foreign Affairs: Georgia’s FM Maka Botchorishvili met Germany’s ambassador Barbara Foss, discussing bilateral ties, regional security, and cooperation with the EU. Local Development (Batumi): Batumi Mayor Giorgi Tsintsadze met the Caspian Energy Club to discuss infrastructure, urban mobility, and new business partnerships. Education Funding: Georgia allocated 5.25 million GEL from the state budget to Patriarchate-run educational institutions, covering 42 schools, gymnasiums, universities, and related foundations. Environment & Transport: Georgia’s environmental watchdog recorded 20,727 vehicle emissions violations across Tbilisi, Rustavi, Kutaisi, and Batumi since monitoring began in 2023. Public Order: Animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili was remanded in custody after charges over alleged threats, with prosecutors releasing footage tied to the case.

Health & Safety: Gwinnett County officials say a dead bat found inside a Snellville home tested positive for rabies, urging residents to avoid wild animals and seek medical care immediately after any bite or scratch. Human Rights & Justice: Georgia’s Tbilisi City Court ordered the extradition of Mikhail Timofeev to Russia, a case tied to the wider prosecution of Sergei Furgal; the decision can be appealed within seven days. Pro-European Protest Movement: Supporters marked the 646th straight day of continuous protests in Tbilisi, calling for a Euro-Atlantic course and the release of political prisoners. Immigration & Deportation: Russian activist Denis Kulanin, pardoned by Georgia’s president, was given seven days to leave and later departed for a third country after court and migration procedures. Health Policy: Georgia’s health ministry says the Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug givinostat will arrive in Tbilisi early next week, with preparations and a patient registry already in place. Culture & Heritage: Archaeologists working on Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue uncovered medieval ceramic artifacts and what may be a 10th–12th century pottery workshop. Regional Development: Batumi’s coast guard office is set to be built after a 6 million lari tender for a new facility.

Duchenne Drug Rollout: Georgia’s Health Ministry says givinostat for Duchenne muscular dystrophy is set to arrive in Tbilisi early next week, with doctors trained and a patient registry already in place. Court and Rights: Russian-born activist Denis Kulanin, pardoned by President Kavelashvili, will not be deported to Russia; Tbilisi City Court gives him seven days to leave Georgia and choose a destination. Justice Watch: Prosecutor’s Office released CCTV footage and charged animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili with making threats, after an armed return to a Tbilisi restaurant following a dispute. Political Accountability: Questioning in the death case of human rights defender Lazare Jorbenadze continues, with prosecutors citing public statements by jailed ex-PM Irakli Garibashvili and others. Public Safety: Two boats collided off Batumi, injuring five; an investigation into transport safety violations has been launched. Environment: Georgia recorded 20,727 vehicle emission standard violations across Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi and Rustavi since roadside monitoring began in 2023. Business and Tourism: PASHA Real Estate and Marriott signed plans for new Ritz-Carlton and Le Méridien properties, including a Le Méridien hotel in Tbilisi.

Prosecutor’s Office & Prison Questioning: Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office has summoned 11 people, including former PM Irakli Garibashvili, to be questioned in the investigation into human rights defender Lazare Jorbenadze’s death, with authorities saying they have “unequivocally confirmed” suicide while Garibashvili’s letters keep raising unanswered questions. Eurointegration Protests in Tbilisi: Supporters of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic course continued continuous protests in Tbilisi for a 645th day, with demonstrators also calling for Denis Kulanin to be allowed to travel to a third country and linking the issue to the death of Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava. Abkhaz Blogger Burial: Daur Buava was buried in Tbilisi after his death in a rented apartment, following years of online activism focused on Georgian-Abkhaz dialogue. Anaklia Deep-Sea Port: Georgia says Anaklia’s deep-sea port is entering an active phase, aiming for operational status by 2029. Labor Day & Public Services: With Labor Day on Monday, DC-style shelter and service guidance appeared in the week’s coverage, underscoring ongoing public-service planning. Business & Jobs: Georgia reported another record year for business investment and job growth, with $35.2B in project investments for the fiscal year ending June 30.

Prosecutor’s Office: Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office says the suicide of human rights defender Lazare Jorbenadze (April 4, 2026) is “unequivocally confirmed,” but still plans to question 11 people—including jailed former PM Irakli Garibashvili and opposition figures—after Garibashvili’s prison letters raised “unanswered questions.” Courtroom standoff: Journalist Nanuka Zhorzholiani says she won’t appear at the investigative agency and will testify in court instead, calling the summons intimidation. Political fallout: Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili labels jailed pro-European protesters “prisoners of shamelessness,” while Garibashvili’s remarks continue to spark controversy. Legal pressure over deportation: GYLA urges authorities to stop deporting Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin to Russia, warning of risks under the European Convention on Human Rights. Regional diplomacy: Foreign ministers from the Weimar Triangle (Germany, France, Poland) plan talks on Georgia’s situation. Economy & trade: Georgia’s customs took part in the NEXUS GEORGIA 2026 CBRN drill in Batumi with US partners. Business: Georgian bitcoin financier Giorgi Bachiashvili reportedly sold a Miami mansion for $51.5M, amid an ongoing legal saga.

Legal Clash in Parliament: Georgian Dream Speaker Shalva Papuashvili urged ex-PM Irakli Gharibashvili to answer charges through legal channels, warning that turning prison letters into politics only exposes weak legal ground. Human Rights Pressure: Eurointegration supporters in Tbilisi kept up their protest, calling for Russian Denis Kulanin to be allowed to leave for a third country and reacting to the death of Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava. Abkhazia Tragedy: Buava was buried in Tbilisi, with family and supporters framing his death as punishment for seeking reconciliation and for his pro-dialogue posts. Port Development: Georgia is moving Anaklia toward a multi-investor model, reducing reliance on a single external backer and reshaping the project’s geopolitical and Middle Corridor implications. Regional Security Drills: Georgia and the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency held CBRN field exercises in Batumi, underscoring cooperation on chemical and biological threat response. Agriculture Push: Minister Davit Songulashvili toured poultry, greenhouse, and food-processing sites, highlighting state support for local production and value-added Georgian goods. Energy Connectivity: Armenia says the Iran-Armenia-Georgia high-voltage network is targeted to go live in 2031–2033, aiming to multiply cross-border electricity flows.

Human Rights & Deportation: Amnesty International urged Georgia not to deport Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin, warning he faces a real risk of arbitrary prosecution and imprisonment in Russia. Rule of Law & Accountability: Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation into alleged violence against lawyer Ia Siranashvili by Ministry of Internal Affairs employees during the search of animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili. Detention & Protest Pressure: Elizbarashvili was arrested after police searches tied to alleged threats and firearms, and he has begun a hunger strike following the case. Politics & Prison Letters: Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili criticized Irakli Garibashvili’s latest prison letter as politicizing tragedy and said legal answers are needed for prosecutor-backed charges. Regional Economy Snapshot: Geostat reported average monthly nominal salaries rose 8.9% year-on-year in Q1 2026, with Tbilisi highest and Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti lowest. Public Safety Drills: Georgia and the US DTRA ran a CBRN field exercise in Batumi to test chemical and biological threat response across agencies. Travel Policy: Thailand will replace its 60-day visa exemption with 30-day and 15-day limits from 15 September, affecting Georgia-listed travelers. Aviation Links: airBaltic plans fewer direct Riga routes next summer, while keeping Tbilisi on the network.

Arthouse & Culture: CICAE’s 2026 Arthouse Cinema Training wrapped its biggest edition yet, bringing 58 participants from 25 countries and four continents together for a week of workshops on exhibition, inclusion, sustainability, and even AI. Protests & Rights: In Tbilisi, supporters of Eurointegration kept up a 643rd day of demonstrations, again pressing for Russian citizen Denis Kulanin to be allowed to leave Georgia for a safe third country after his pardon and fears of deportation. Politics & Power Struggles: Former PM Irakli Garibashvili, now in prison, renewed criticism of Georgian Dream leaders, saying Mamuka Mdinaradze’s exit can’t erase “irreparable damage” tied to PM Irakli Kobakhidze. Regional Diplomacy: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan used the SCO+ summit to argue for a multipolar, “balanced” foreign policy—citing deepening ties with Georgia and Iran while pushing interstate links with Azerbaijan and Turkey via TRIPP. Security Cooperation: Turkey’s interior minister visited Tbilisi to expand operational cooperation against cross-border organized crime. Business & Infrastructure: Dredging has begun for the Anaklia Deep Sea Port, aiming to boost Georgia’s Middle Corridor role.

School Uniform Rollout: Georgia starts selling mandatory school uniforms for first-graders on September 1, with purchases at 83 retail points and online via formebi.emis.ge; from September 15, online-only applies, and cash payments are barred. Border Pressure: More than 113,000 Russians crossed into Georgia via Verkhniy Lars amid renewed mobilization fears, despite official denials. Detention Dispute: In Tbilisi, supporters protested for Russian Denis Kulanin to be allowed to leave for a third country after a presidential pardon left him stuck in migration procedures. Labor Safety Push: Georgia’s labor ministry met business groups to tighten construction workplace safety rules and improve enforcement. New Rules From Sept. 1: Regulations begin on September 1, including stricter payment safeguards for people over 60 and higher fines for credit organizations. Primary Healthcare Reform: West Georgia expands primary healthcare services, adding more diagnostics and a new age-based funding model. Church Bioethics: Patriarch Shio III urged restraint in medical intervention at the end of life, calling for prayerful reverence around death. Regional Diplomacy: Georgia’s role in wider South Caucasus and Eurasian connectivity remains in focus as SCO-related meetings highlight trade and normalization efforts.

Euro-Atlantic Protest in Tbilisi: Supporters of Georgia’s EU path kept up a 642nd day rally outside parliament, with Saba Jikia joining after his pardon. Abkhaz Blogger Case: Daur Buava’s mother arrived in Tbilisi and is set to sign documents as investigators detain multiple people over his death; Buava’s ex-wife also rejected an overdose account. Deportation Fight: Pardoned Russian activist Denis Kulanin remains in Georgia’s migration center and cannot leave voluntarily until a court rules on his deportation. Local Tech & Policing: Moultrie Police Chief Chad Castleberry discussed Flock cameras, arguing the system can’t track people and is audited with short data retention. Education Reform: Georgia will give 1,795 applicants a one-time second chance to enroll after failing to secure a place in the first round. Regional Governance Shake-up: Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili says a planned State Minister for Regional Policy post will not be created after Mamuka Mdinaradze quit politics. Energy Talks: Armenia’s PM says the country is considering importing electricity from Georgia and others. Economy & Agriculture: Georgia’s cotton awards were announced, while July GDP growth hit 8% in recent reporting.

Court Case in Tbilisi: The trial of Giorgi Malania, son of former Interior deputy minister Merab Malania, is underway in the Giga Avaliani case, with prosecutors presenting witnesses on charges tied to severe bodily harm. Abkhaz Blogger Probe: Police detained two people in Tbilisi over drugs investigators say were linked to the death of Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava, as prosecutors continue building a case around “leaving in danger.” Public Safety: A Tbilisi–Moscow passenger bus crash in Russia’s Stavropol region killed six and injured dozens, prompting Georgian consular assistance. Economy Watch: Geostat says Georgia’s real GDP grew 8% year-on-year in July 2026, with growth driven by several sectors including manufacturing and transport. Education & Skills: The Education Ministry says 1,795 exam applicants who met the threshold will get a chance at secondary enrollment, while a new dual master’s in AI for Business is set to start this fall. Regional Links: Georgia’s Kulevi oil refinery has stopped processing Russian crude and switched to supplies from Kazakhstan and Libya. Local Life: In Batumi, protesters demanded deportation of a restaurant owner accused of animal cruelty, as authorities opened an investigation.

Energy Sanctions Shift: Georgia’s Kulevi oil refinery has stopped processing Russian crude and is switching to supplies from Kazakhstan and Libya, with the change tied to EU sanctions that could bite if Russian oil processing continues. Protest Pressure in Tbilisi: After 641 straight days outside parliament and Tbilisi City Hall, demonstrators again demanded political prisoners’ release and renewed Eurointegration, with emigration also a central theme. Justice and Detention Update: Russian citizen Denis Kulanin, held in Tbilisi after being pardoned, ended a dry hunger strike once his lawyer showed him his foreign passport details, easing fears of deportation to Russia. Education Access: Georgia’s Education Minister says 1,795 applicants who cleared the Unified National Exams minimum threshold will get a one-time “secondary admission” chance, as thousands of university and vocational spots remain vacant. Public Safety & Health: A workshop in Douglas (Sept. 3) targets food and beverage entrepreneurs with licensing, branding, sourcing, co-packers, and distribution guidance.

Surrogacy Abuse Exposé: A Georgian surrogacy agency, Kinderly, is accused of abandoning dozens of surrogate mothers in rundown hotels after recruiting women via social media, as Europe’s surrogacy boom faces renewed scrutiny over trafficking risks. Protests in Tbilisi: On day 640 of daily demonstrations, protesters again demanded political prisoners’ release and added emigration to the agenda, following President pardons for nine detainees. Border Pressure: Over 113,000 Russians reportedly entered Georgia via Verkhny Lars in a week amid draft rumors, with Armenia also preparing for possible draft evaders. Deportation Case: Denis Kulanin, pardoned by Georgia’s president, is scheduled for a deportation hearing after declaring a hunger strike over his passport. Arsenal Signs Georgian Talent: Arsenal reportedly agreed a €4.5m deal for Georgian teen Andria Bartishvili, with a medical in London and a five-year contract planned. Local Crime & Safety: Police detained an Armenian citizen in Tbilisi over the murder of a Russian after a supermarket conflict; a two-year-old died after falling from an eighth-floor window in Batumi.