AGP Executive Report

Pro-European Protest Culture: On the 675th day of daily demonstrations, marchers in Tbilisi rallied under the slogan “Georgia against Ivanishvili,” waving Georgian and EU flags and calling for political prisoners’ release—reportedly with many children joining alongside parents. Civil Society Under Pressure: The ALDE Party urged the EU to impose targeted sanctions over Georgia’s repression and democratic backsliding, spotlighting the closure of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s Tbilisi office after a rejected grant. Sports & National Pride: Georgian skaters shone at the Trialeti Trophy in Batumi—Diana Davis and Gleb Smolkin won ice dance gold, while Nika Egadze took men’s singles gold. Local Festival Life: Tbilisoba-2026 is set for Oct. 3–4 across central Tbilisi spots, with food, music, craft fairs, and a “Tbilisi Diversity” corner featuring the Azerbaijani community’s culture and cuisine. Regional Education Ties: Türkiye and Georgia signed an education cooperation deal in Tbilisi, aiming at reciprocal institution links, language teaching, and recognition of diplomas.

Tbilisoba Festival: Tbilisi’s Oct. 3–4 city celebration is set to fill Orbeliani Square, Rike Park, Gudiashvili Square, Europe Square, Legvtakhevi and Metekhi Bridge with Georgian food, traditions, masterclasses, exhibitions and tastings—plus an honorary citizens ceremony on Oct. 4. Education & Culture Ties: Türkiye and Georgia signed an education cooperation deal in Tbilisi, aiming to boost Turkish and Georgian language teaching, reciprocal institutions, and recognition of diplomas. Regional Infrastructure (Adjara): Adjara officials discussed major transport and urban projects in Batumi, including school and kindergarten rehabilitation, stressing coordination for timely delivery. Wine Culture: A guide to Georgian wine culture spotlights qvevri winemaking and indigenous grape varieties, explaining why the country’s amber-style wines stand apart. Foreign Foundations Exit: German political foundations Konrad Adenauer and Friedrich Naumann closed their Georgia offices after grant applications were rejected under the “Grants Law.” Protests in Tbilisi: Demonstrators marked the 674th night of pro-European protests, calling for prisoner rights and an end to repressive laws.

Cultural Diplomacy & Heritage: NEXT unveiled two heritage-inspired projects, Cinema City and NEU Tbilisi, at the Georgian Film studio with performances by Georgian actors and live music. Church & Identity: An international conference marked the 1700th anniversary of Christianity becoming Georgia’s state religion, with Georgian Patriarchate leaders and church delegations discussing protection of Christian heritage. Regional Security: Türkiye’s Yaşar Güler said Caucasus security is inseparable from Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Georgia, as defense chiefs met in Shusha to deepen trilateral cooperation. Local Life & Education: Tbilisi’s Kindergarten Management Agency says unsafe buildings halt classes immediately, while eight new kindergartens are under construction. Arts & Sports in Batumi: Figure skating in Batumi saw Niina Petrõkina lead the women’s short and Mihhail Selevko place second in the men’s short. Social Issues: A 13-year-old Azerbaijani girl gave birth to twins in Marneuli; Georgia’s Interior Ministry launched an investigation. Civic/Community: Lisi Lake hosted the 4th annual charity run supporting wounded military personnel, backed by Silknet and the Ministry of Defence.

Marneuli Under Investigation: Georgia’s Interior Ministry is probing a case involving a 13-year-old Azerbaijani girl who gave birth to twins in the country; one baby died and the other is in serious condition, with the case handled under Georgia’s criminal code on sexual intercourse with a minor. Defense Diplomacy in Shusha: Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Georgia held their 13th trilateral defense meeting in Shusha, stressing regional security cooperation and condolences for Turkish servicemen lost in a plane crash. Church-State Talk: Georgian Patriarchate officials say a Moscow visit is “not ruled out” but nothing specific has been proposed yet, as church-to-church relations continue amid tense regional politics. Tbilisi Kindergartens: The Tbilisi Kindergarten Management Agency says unsafe facilities have educational activities suspended immediately, while eight new kindergartens are under construction. Culture & Film: Azerbaijan’s Cinema Agency funded five international co-productions, with Georgia listed among priority partner countries. Batumi Film Festival: Batumi International Art-House Film Festival (BIAFF) wrapped up with awards including Best Director for Levan Koguashvili and a main prize for “Queen at Sea.” Local Lifestyle: A feature highlights Tbilisi’s sulfur baths in Abanotubani, including low-cost entry and traditional wash-and-massage rituals.

Sports & Culture in Georgia: Batumi’s BIAFF wrapped its 20th Art-House Film Festival, awarding Levan Koguashvili Best Director for “Guria” and honoring Georgian and international cinema at the Batumi Drama Theatre. Arts & Heritage: Telavi’s 2026 International Music Festival put Eliso Virsaladze and a “Music+” program spotlighting Georgian visual art, cinema, and theater at the center. Performing Arts: Nina Ananiashvili reconstructed Alexei Ratmansky’s “Leah,” bringing the ballet back to the State Ballet of Georgia with performances in late September. Community & Events: Tbilisoba 2026 is set for Oct 3–4 with concerts, food zones, family activities, and an expanded program across Rike Park, Orbeliani Square, Gudiashvili Square, and more. Film & Lifestyle: Ambassadori Island Batumi signed an agreement with UAE’s ONE Development for a $200m AI-integrated complex, with the partnership announced at LIVEX 2026. International Spotlight: The UK added four Georgian nationals to its Russia sanctions list over pro-Kremlin disinformation networks.

Protests & Rights: UNM leader Ana Tsitlidze says today’s rally should kick off large-scale, peaceful demonstrations nationwide, pressing for the release of Mikheil Saakashvili and all political prisoners. Sanctions & Disinformation: The UK imposed new sanctions on four Georgian citizens tied to pro-Kremlin disinformation, alongside broader measures targeting Russia’s war funding, torture of civilians, and “shadow fleet” shipping. Culture Calendar (Tbilisi): Tbilisoba 2026 returns Oct 3–4 with concerts, food, family activities, and open-air cinema across Rike Park, Orbeliani Square, Gudiashvili Square, Europe Square, Metekhi Bridge area and more. Culture Calendar (Diaspora): Georgia’s Tbilisoba festival also returns to Minsk after seven years, featuring Georgian music, dance, lectures, and a food fair. Arts & Heritage: Telavi’s 2026 music festival spotlights Eliso Virsaladze and a new “Music+” program linking music with visual art, cinema and theater; Nina Ananiashvili reconstructs the ballet “Leah” for the State Ballet of Georgia. Church & Diplomacy: Georgia summoned Iran’s ambassador over social media remarks about Queen Ketevan, while a Moscow Patriarchate delegation met Georgian Church leaders to discuss church life in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali. Travel & City Life: A travel journalist highlights Tbilisi as an affordable autumn city break, praising its historic streets, bathhouses and thermal culture. Budget Watch: Georgia’s 2027 consolidated budget is set at about GEL 37.5 billion, with higher healthcare and pension spending.

Pro-European protests in Tbilisi: Demonstrators marked day 672 outside the parliament, demanding repeal of “repressive laws,” free elections, and airtime for families of detained protesters, with EU/US/Ukraine flags and complaints about collapsing schools and unsafe childcare. Human rights & asylum: Belarusian activist Lev Mikheyeu, deported from Georgia to Armenia, says he will seek asylum in Armenia after years of rejected applications in Georgia; rights groups point to Georgia’s lack of granted asylum cases for Belarusians. Culture & media spotlight: Polish Foreign Affairs awarded Georgia’s Mzia Amaglobeli (Batumelebi, Netgazeti) the Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Prize for anti-corruption work and her politically motivated imprisonment. Heritage diplomacy: A Kurmukh Church dispute flared between the Georgian Orthodox Church and Azerbaijan over archaeological work and “coordination,” with both sides trading accusations over names and sovereignty. City life & development: Tbilisi announced “Welcome Tbilisi” (Oct 23–25) to connect tourism, investment, architecture, film, gastronomy and creative industries around the city’s future. Sports & society: Lanchkhuti women’s football team walked off after a rape-related controversy involving their opponent’s former owner, backing the alleged victim. International arts: Batumi’s Ambassadori Island signed a $200m UAE partnership deal with ONE Development at LIVEX 2026.

Human Rights Watch: The UN Human Rights Committee has asked Georgia to refrain from extraditing Mikhail Timofeyev, an associate of Sergei Furgal, to Russia while his complaint is reviewed. Women’s Football & Accountability: Lanchkhuti women’s team walked off after a banner protest against a club owner acquitted of rape, backing a victim and refusing to “act as though nothing had happened.” Activism Under Pressure: Talysh activist Hafiz Ismayilov was reportedly detained in Azerbaijan after criticizing arrests of Talysh activists and researchers. Sport & Culture Calendar: Figure skating’s Trialeti Trophy runs Sept. 30–Oct. 3, with Georgia’s Nika Egadze and Inga Gurgenidze among the names to watch. Occupied Regions: Putin congratulated Abkhazia’s de facto leader Badra Gunba on “Victory and Independence Day,” amid reminders of the 1993 displacement of ethnic Georgians. Arts & Film: Istanbul’s 4th International Digital Film Festival (Oct. 16–20) reveals finalists across fiction, documentary, animation and AI-assisted categories. Tbilisi Life: An elevator plunge in Sanzona left six people trapped; all were conscious, with the cause still unclear.

Pro-European street action in Tbilisi: Opposition activist Gela Khasaia was released from prison after a plea deal, as supporters marked another night of rallies near the Parliament calling for political prisoners’ release and an end to the pro-Russian course. Local politics & civic life: Tbilisi residents raised concerns about the planned Trump Tower project, while separate reports also covered protests and ongoing public pressure around governance and rights. Culture & heritage diplomacy: A new controversy erupted after Iran’s ambassador illuminated the facade of the Iranian Embassy in Tbilisi with an image of Queen Ketevan of Kakheti, reigniting debate over historical narratives tied to the Georgian Orthodox tradition. Arts & film: The Oscars’ Best International Feature Film category is nearing its submission deadline, with the race approaching a record 90 entries. Sports culture: Real American Freestyle announced RAF Abu Dhabi for Nov. 14, following its earlier international stop in Tbilisi.

Urban Development & Lifestyle: Ambassadori Island Batumi unveiled “City Mall Batumi,” a 170,000 m² retail and entertainment complex by IG Development Georgia, with 300+ brands, dining and services, opening planned for 2029. Public Space & Heritage: Workers renovating Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue uncovered a cache of pottery dating to the 10th–11th centuries, a reminder of the city’s long multicultural crossroads. Protest Culture & Civic Life: Euro-integration supporters marked the 670th day of protests in Tbilisi and Batumi, calling for political prisoners’ release, repeal of repressive laws, and a return to the Euro-Atlantic course. Regional Sports & Youth: Azerbaijan’s Mingachevir Regatta 2026 kicks off in Fuzuli on Sept. 29 with rowing demos, kids’ activities, and teams from across the region including Georgia. Social Issues: In Kvemo Kartli, a resident was detained over alleged forced marriage of an underage granddaughter, with the case tied to criminal charges for coercing marriage. Diplomacy & Culture: Georgian Foreign Affairs Minister Maka Botchorishvili joined a Toronto conference on returning Ukrainian children, detained civilians and POWs, also discussing Black Sea security and Georgia–Canada ties. Health & Community Services: A new branch of the Irma Khvichia Rehabilitation Center opened in Adjara’s Khulo, expanding local rehab care for children and adults.

Ancient Tbilisi Finds: Workers upgrading Rustaveli Avenue uncovered a cache of intricately decorated pottery dating back about 1,000 years, a reminder of the city’s layered, multicultural past. Cultural Diplomacy: Armenia’s parliamentary delegation will join a major Tbilisi conference on “Foundations of European Civilization” tied to the 1700th anniversary of Christianity in Georgia, spotlighting faith as part of national identity. Heritage Tensions: The Kurmukh Church restoration dispute keeps widening: Georgia’s Patriarchate raised concerns over works in Azerbaijan’s Qakh region, while Azerbaijan’s MFA rejected the remarks as implying territorial claims. Regional Mobility & Policy: Singapore published 2026 rules for its 96-hour visa-free transit, listing Georgia among eligible nationalities. Connectivity Investment: The AIIB and Georgia signed an EUR158.42m deal to improve climate-resilient road links in Kakheti, strengthening the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. Community & Education: Students and parents protested outside Tbilisi Public School No. 166, saying classes have been moved for years and demanding rehabilitation or a single alternative location. Human Rights: Georgia expelled Belarusian activist Lev Mikheev to Armenia after a long asylum bid, with rights groups alleging rushed procedures.

Kurmukh Church Restoration: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze says the Kurmukh temple restoration will be handled in the interests of Georgia and Azerbaijan, insisting relations are not tense—after the Georgian Patriarchate raised concerns about work proceeding without Georgian agreement and Azerbaijan warned the Patriarchate not to “repeat” the Armenian Church’s approach. Tbilisi City Life: Tbilisi adds 40 new cleaning machines to boost cleanliness, with the mayor stressing that equipment upgrades—not just manpower—are key as tourism and new districts grow. Cultural Heritage Abroad: Georgia’s government-in-exile Leuville Estate rehabilitation in France is completed after more than €6 million spent, with Georgian officials marking the end of a long restoration effort. Art & Film Spotlight: A new cultural piece revisits Sergei Parajanov’s Caucasus-spanning artistic identity, rooted in both Tbilisi and Armenian heritage. Sports & Culture: India ends the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand with Open silver and Women’s bronze, also retaining the Nona Gaprindashvili Trophy.

Cultural Heritage in Focus: Georgia marks the 33rd anniversary of the fall of Sokhumi, with the U.S. and France issuing remembrance statements honoring those who defended Georgia and the displaced families still waiting to return. Regional Diplomacy & Identity: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze says Georgia-Azerbaijan ties are “friendly,” commenting on the Kurmukhi Church dispute and insisting there is “no tension” between the governments. Community & Memory: Azerbaijanis in Georgia hold Remembrance Day events in Marneuli, including “Those Who Live Forever,” with a minute of silence and speeches aimed at passing martyrs’ stories to younger generations. Activism Across Borders: Protests in Tbilisi, Ljubljana, and Tokyo call on Kazakhstan not to extradite Chechen activist Mansur Movlaev and Yulia Emelyanova to Russia, citing UN human rights interim measures. Sports & Culture: India ends the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand with silver in the Open and bronze in the Women’s, with a final-round 2-2 draw against Georgia securing the women’s podium spot.

Sokhumi Remembrance: The U.S. and France marked 33 years since the fall of Sokhumi, honoring those who defended Georgia and the displaced who still await the right to return. Cultural Heritage in Focus: A new Georgian-language edition of Jacques François Gamba’s early-1800s travel account brings a two-century-old French view of the Caucasus to local readers. Church & Diplomacy: PM Irakli Kobakhidze said Georgia-Azerbaijan issues, including the Kurmukhi Church dispute, are handled in a “friendly manner,” with “no tension.” Pro-European Marches: In Tbilisi, protesters held a “Saturday march” tied to 27 September, chanting “Abkhazia is Georgia” and calling for political prisoners’ release and opposition to extradition to Russia. Arts & Film: Batumi International Art-House Film Festival wraps with Georgian animation classics and the documentary “Becoming Led Zeppelin,” highlighting “Her Majesty, Georgian Cinema.” Public Health & Daily Life: Georgia’s Food Agency reported no violations in 129 food samples from Tbilisi kindergartens, with further checks continuing. International Autism Work: Qatar Foundation and partners launched a new phase of Autism Action initiatives at the UN General Assembly, expanding global advocacy and implementation efforts.

Protest Culture in Tbilisi: On the 668th day of daily pro-EU demonstrations, crowds marched from Avlabari to Rustaveli Avenue under the “Georgia Against Ivanishvili” banner, calling for political prisoners’ release and opposing the extradition of Mansur Movlaev to Russia. Batumi Film Scene: The 20th Batumi International Art-House Film Festival is set to wrap up with Georgian animation classics and Bernard MacMahon’s documentary “Becoming Led Zeppelin,” after nearly 100 films screened across multiple venues. Press Freedom Under Pressure: In Berlin, Georgian media advocate Nino Robakidze warned that journalists face physical, digital, psychological, and financial pressure, while cultural organizer Marika Lapauri-Burk said intimidation keeps people afraid to speak out. Belarusian Activist Case: Georgia’s Interior Ministry called reports about Belarusian activist Lev Mikheyev “distorted,” while separate reporting says he was expelled to Armenia and detained there as well. Church Tensions: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry protested the Georgian Patriarchate’s remarks over restoration work at Kurmukh (Kurmuk) Church, warning against “territorial claims.” Sports & Culture Crossover: Tbilisi hosted the World Para Judo Championships for athletes with visual impairments, with Kazakhstan winning medals on the opening day.

Church & Culture Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry warned the Georgian Patriarchate not to repeat the “known approaches” of the Armenian Church after remarks tied to the Kurmukh (Kurmukh/Kurmukhi) Church restoration in Gakh, calling the statements “incomprehensible” and alleging territorial claims. Democracy Under Pressure: President Salome Zurabishvili told France’s National Assembly that Georgia’s democratic institutions are being dismantled through pressure on civil society and independent bodies, warning that culture and public resistance are under strain. Press Freedom Spotlight: At a DW panel in Berlin, Georgian media advocate Nino Robakidze described threats and pressure on cultural and media professionals, from physical intimidation to legal and financial constraints. Activism & Deportations: Georgia deported Belarusian asylum-seeker Leu Mikheyeu to Armenia, where he was detained again; another Belarusian case also followed a similar pattern. Local Culture Event: “Khelvachauri Days” wrapped up with a grand cultural program at Gonio Prison, blending community awards with a nod to local history. Sports & Culture: Tbilisi hosted the World Para Judo Championships for athletes with visual impairments, with Kazakhstan winning medals on the opening day.