“Sources tell me all three senators were misled by lobby groups claiming that the MEGOBARI Act sanctions the entire nation. This is incorrect,” Raufoglu wrote on social media.Earlier, Raufoglu reported that the senators’ stance was delaying the act’s passage in the Senate.Introduced by Republican Congressman Joe Wilson, the MEGOBARI Act aims to strengthen U.S.-Georgia relations while also sanctioning individuals involved in actions that undermine Georgian democracy. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives on May 5, 2025, with bipartisan support.

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“The United Kingdom firmly supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia,” the Embassy’s statement reads. “Unfortunately, Georgian Dream has withdrawn from Euro-Atlantic cooperation, but the threat from Russia remains, including in cyberspace.”The statement comes amid renewed international attention to Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics, including cyberattacks, disinformation, and intelligence operations targeting democratic institutions and allies across Europe.The UK’s criticism of the Georgian government aligns with broader Western concerns about Georgia’s political direction, particularly after the passage of the controversial “foreign influence” law and increasing signs of democratic backsliding. Georgian Dream has faced mounting domestic and international scrutiny for what critics call a shift away from Western integration and democratic norms.While expressing concern over Georgia’s current political course, the UK reiterated its long-standing support for the country’s independence and its right to choose its own alliances, values that remain under threat from Russian interference.The statement underscores the UK's continued partnership with the Georgian people and signals growing unease in Western capitals about Tbilisi’s political alignment in the face of Russia’s persistent destabilizing activities.

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Jozwiak shared the update on X (formerly Twitter), noting that while the Commission can issue such a warning, the final decision rests with EU member states, who must vote on the matter by qualified majority.“The EU Commission is preparing a letter to Georgia threatening with visa liberalization suspension. Ultimately, it’s 🇪🇺 member states that decide on this via a qualified majority,” he wrote.The development follows growing EU concern over Georgia’s recent political trajectory, including the adoption of the controversial "foreign influence" law and strained relations with Brussels.More details on the content and timing of the letter are expected in the coming days.

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Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili announced the decision at Tbilisi City Court earlier today.Okruashvili did not attend the hearing. According to a letter from the Penitentiary Service, the defendant had no desire to participate in the proceedings.

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“Earlier, on June 13, 2025, the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement in response to the escalating situation in the Middle East.We are deeply concerned about the growing tension in the Middle East, which poses a serious threat to regional security. We underscore the importance of diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and the restoration of stability.On June 26, 2025, the Iranian Embassy sent an official note to the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the opening of a book of condolences at the Embassy. A corresponding entry was made in the book of condolences opened in Tbilisi regarding the deaths of Iranian citizens,” the statement reads.

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Lashkhi replaces Givi Mikanadze, who was appointed Minister of Education and Science.Lashkhi was nominated for the position of head of the committee by the Georgian Dream faction. The Parliament will approve Mariam Lashkhi in her new position at today's plenary session.

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Kobakhidze emphasized Mikanadze’s extensive experience in education and science, as well as his strong academic background, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the ministry effectively.The Prime Minister also thanked outgoing Minister Aleksandre Tsuladze, who officially resigned earlier the same day, for his contributions to the sector.

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The ruling comes under Article 349 of the Criminal Code, which penalizes non-cooperation with a parliamentary commission. The charge can lead to a fine, imprisonment of up to one year, or restriction of official or professional activity for up to three years.Gvaramia had been summoned to testify before the commission but did not appear. Although he was granted bail of 30,000 GEL, he failed to pay within the legal time frame, resulting in the bail being replaced with pre-trial detention and now a formal prison sentence. He was absent from the courtroom during the verdict and did not deliver a final statement.Gvaramia is the latest in a series of opposition politicians punished for refusing to appear before what is widely referred to as the Tsulukiani Commission. Others recently sentenced include:Mamuka Khazaradze (Strong Georgia) – 8 monthsBadri Japaridze (Strong Georgia) – 8 monthsNika Melia (Coalition for Change) – 8 monthsGiorgi Vashadze (Strategy Builder) – 7 monthsZurab Japaridze (Coalition for Change) – 7 monthsGivi Targamadze – 7 monthsIrakli Okruashvili (former Defense Minister) – arrested May 14; sentence pending These developments mark an escalation in legal action against key opposition leaders and have sparked renewed concerns over the political climate in Georgia.

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The verdict was announced just a short while ago. Givi Targamadze did not attend the court session.Givi Targamadze was summoned to appear before Parliament’s temporary investigative commission on April 3 but failed to show up.He was charged under Article 349 of the Criminal Code, which covers “failure to comply with the request of the Temporary Investigative Commission of the Georgian Parliament.”The Tbilisi City Court imposed a GEL 10,000 bail as a preventive measure in the case concerning Targamadze’s failure to appear before the investigative commission, which he paid within the legally stipulated timeframe.

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In a statement published on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Norway expressed serious concern over the political climate in Georgia, urging the authorities to respect fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.“Norway calls for the release of those unjustly detained and for an end to the repression of civil society, free media, and freedom of speech in Georgia,” the ministry stated. The recent arrests of several opposition leaders in Georgia represent an unprecedented attack on Georgia's democracy.Norway calls for the release of those unjustly imprisoned, and an end to repressive actions against civil society, free media, and freedom of speech in Georgia. — Norway MFA (@NorwayMFA) June 25, 2025 The criticism comes amid a wave of arrests of opposition leaders who failed to appear before the so-called “Tsulukiani Commission”, a parliamentary body set up to investigate alleged foreign influence and “anti-state activities.”A total of seven prominent political figures have been detained in recent weeks, including current and former leaders of major opposition parties: Giorgi Vashadze (Strategy Agmashenebeli) – arrested June 24, sentenced to 7 months Mamuka Khazaradze (Strong Georgia) – arrested June 23, sentenced to 8 months Badri Japaridze (Strong Georgia) – arrested June 23, sentenced to 8 months Nika Gvaramia (Coalition for Change) – arrested June 13, sentence not disclosed Nika Melia (Coalition for Change) – arrested May 29, sentence not disclosed Zurab Japaridze (Coalition for Change) – arrested May 22, sentence not disclosed Irakli Okruashvili (former Minister of Defense) – arrested May 14, sentence not disclosed

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