Georgia
COMMENT: Billionaire Ivanishvili’s shadow rule pushes Georgia toward autocracy
Georgia, once celebrated as a post-Soviet democratic success story, has quietly slipped into authoritarianism under the stewardship of its elusive puppet master, Bidzina Ivanishvili, says a Central Asia-Caucasus Institute report.
‘Tinder Swindler’ Simon Leviev detained in Georgia on Interpol red notice
Shimon Yehuda Hayut gained worldwide notoriety thanks to the 2022 Netflix documentary 'The Tinder Swindler', which detailed how he allegedly posed as the son of billionaire diamond tycoon to scam women he met on Tinder.
Georgian opposition leader Helene Khoshtaria arrested for graffitiing on ruling party campaign banner
As local elections approach, Tbilisi mayor Kakha Kaladze’s campaign HQ has emerged as a new protest epicentre.
Local elections loom in Georgia
Georgia’s October 4 municipal elections are already mired in controversy amid a partial opposition boycott and mounting state repression, as major international observers refuse to participate.
Georgian Dream supporters attack anti-government protesters in Tbilisi weeks before local elections
Protesters targeted the campaign headquarters of Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze of Georgian Dream, who is seeking re-election in October.
Migrants in Moscow spooked by government order to download geolocation app by Sept 1
“Amina” surveillance will inform interior ministry of guest workers’ exact whereabouts.
Council of Europe expert body calls for repeal of Georgia’s ‘foreign agents’ law
Law requires organisations and media outlets receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as “agents of foreign influence”.
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Turkey breaks ground on its section of the TRIPP rail corridor
Turkish project would help make TRIPP the go-to route for Middle Corridor freight.
65 Ukrainian deportees held in inhumane conditions on Russia-Georgia border returned home
Ukrainian nationals stranded at the Russia-Georgia border after being deported from Russia have been flown home, ending a two-month long ordeal.
London-listed TBC Bank expands digital ecosystem with OLX Uzbekistan acquisition
OLX Uzbekistan is the sixth-most visited website in Uzbekistan with with 5.4mn monthly active users and 2.2mn active listings.
As a potato crisis sweeps CIS countries, Russia halts potato imports from Georgia
Russia ceased importing potatoes from Georgia in July, ending nine consecutive months of uninterrupted shipments.
Georgian exports hit record $3.8bn in January-July 2025
Exports in January-July 2025 totalled $3.8bn, but Georgia's trade deficit remained high at $6.5bn or 46% of foreign trade turnover.