AGP Executive Report

Human Rights Watch: The UN Human Rights Council heard concerns that Georgia’s civic space is shrinking, with reports of arbitrary arrests and excessive force against protesters and journalists, urging prompt, independent investigations. Public Space & Youth: Batumi is dismantling illegal structures to make way for a new, fully adapted kindergarten for 300 children, including support for families displaced by the project. Cultural Diplomacy: Russia is reportedly trying to regain influence in Georgia through culture and language, using concerts and “common history” narratives while pushing Russian-language status. Regional Partnerships: Georgia and Uzbekistan signed a strategic partnership declaration, aiming to lift annual trade to $1 billion and expanding cooperation across transport, tourism, education, and culture. Women’s Safety: Azerbaijani woman Fatima Karimova was found dead in Tbilisi in an apparent “honour killing,” with investigations underway. Culture & Lifestyle: Petra Group is bringing the Maya Collection brand to Georgia via Petra Sea Resort and Petra Ski Resort, adding new dining and leisure experiences.

UN Human Rights Watch: The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights told the UN Human Rights Council that Georgia’s 2025 laws are shrinking civic space and urged prompt, independent investigations into alleged protest-era abuses, including arbitrary arrests and excessive force. Local City Life: Batumi is dismantling illegally placed structures to start a new, fully adapted kindergarten for 300 children, with families relocated or rehoused. Culture & Sound: Tbilisi opened Gabriadze Wonders Station, a new listening-focused venue inside the Gabriadze theater, launching with “Music in the Theater” and plans for concerts, talks, and archival broadcasts. Arts & Theater: The Tbilisi International Festival of Theater hosted “The Other Gaze,” a Greek performance where music becomes dramaturgy, building meaning through repetition, rhythm, and silence. Sports Diplomacy: A UN-hosted football tournament and World Cup watch parties highlighted how sports can build cooperation even when politics stays tense. Regional Spotlight: South Ossetian activist Tamara Mearakishvili appealed for safe return to Leningor and documents, calling for an internal probe into police inaction.

UN Human Rights Watch: A UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva heard the OHCHR report on Georgia, saying 2025 laws are shrinking civic space and undermining peaceful assembly, with reports of arbitrary arrests, ill-treatment, and excessive force against protesters and journalists. Civil Society Pressure: Human Rights Watch also urged Georgia to repeal repressive legislation, end politically motivated prosecutions, release unjustly imprisoned people, and ensure independent investigations into police violence. Protesters Freed: Two Georgian anti-government protesters were released after sentence reductions; one was fined immediately after leaving prison, while both insist their conviction remains. Cultural Diplomacy: Georgia’s Days of Culture began in Brazil, with a cooperation memorandum covering heritage, theatre, museums, art, literature, and film. Film Co-Production Push: Azerbaijan’s cinema agency opened a 2026 co-production support competition, listing Georgia among priority countries. Local Culture & Travel: Batumi travel guide highlights the boulevard, botanical garden, old town squares, and summer peak season. Black Sea Arts: Hammonds House Museum in the US opened a dual exhibition by Steve R. Allen exploring Afrofuturism, Black identity, spirituality, and ancestral imagination.

Cultural Diplomacy: Georgia’s Ministry of Culture has handed Brazil a Cultural Cooperation Memorandum, opening the door for joint work across heritage, theatre, museums, art, literature, film, and creative industries, with plans for concerts by “Rustavi” and “Georgian Sinfonietta.” Education Reform: Tbilisi says school textbooks will be fully overhauled and new mandatory uniforms will roll out gradually from grades 1–6 this year, with fresh books due by Sept. 15, 2028 and national-value visuals on covers. Regional Partnership: Georgia and Uzbekistan are set to deepen ties as President Mirziyoyev visits July 2–3, with a one-year roadmap covering trade, transport, logistics, hospitality, investment, and renewed cultural exchanges. Protest Culture & Civic Life: On Rustaveli Avenue, demonstrators marked 581 days of protests, calling for the release of political prisoners and highlighting cases including Nana Sander and Abo Naveriani. Sports Spotlight: Fernando Morientes will keynote SBC Summit Tbilisi (July 15–16), linking football leadership with technology and business. Local Industry & Jobs: InterpressNews reports a first press tour of Batumi Oil Terminal and Batumi Seaport, stressing employment and the “Middle Corridor” role.

Education & Identity: Georgia’s Education Ministry says textbooks will be redesigned under the general reform, with new humanitarian and STEM books due by Sept. 15, 2028, and national-value visuals on covers; school uniforms will also roll out gradually from grades 1–6 this year. Civic Rights Watch: The UN Human Rights Council will hear an OHCHR report on Georgia on July 2, focusing on rights protection, assembly, and allegations of arbitrary detention and excessive force during demonstrations. Human Rights & Safety: Georgia’s Interior Ministry reports three arrests in Batumi over trafficking minors—children were allegedly forced to beg and sell flowers in tourist areas, with proceeds controlled by the suspects. Culture & Community: Batumi University opens a Peace Education Center, while Tbilisi’s TBC Open Air 2026 (July 4) adds an interactive TBC Mobile Bank “Treasure Marathon” with prizes and cashback. Design Spotlight: Tbilisi-based SHRE Studio’s “Moono” pendant sliding light wins Bronze at the A’ Design Awards. Digital Growth: Coob Ads becomes Google Ads’ official sales representative in Georgia (plus Moldova, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Uzbekistan), aiming to boost localized ad support.

Pro-European Protests in Tbilisi: Demonstrators kept up a 580th straight evening on Rustaveli Avenue, again calling for the release of political prisoners including Nana Sander and Zviad Tsetskhladze. Surrogacy Scandal: Georgia sentenced Kinderly Georgia founders to 10 years each for embezzling over GEL 2 million tied to surrogate and IVF contracts. Digital Business & Ads: Google named Coob Ads its official Google Ads sales representative across Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Uzbekistan, and Georgia starting July 1—pushing localized support for advertisers. Diplomacy & Culture Links: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze signed a Strategic Partnership agreement with Kazakhstan’s Tokayev, with memorandums covering culture, information, technology, and tourism. Human Rights Watch: At an OSCE meeting in Vienna, officials and civil society warned torture prevention is failing without safeguards, independent monitoring, and accountability. Culture & Heritage: A feature on Georgian wine culture highlights the qvevri tradition as an 8,000-year living practice.

Anti-Corruption Watch: The Council of Europe’s GRECO says top officials must lead by example to build a culture of integrity and zero tolerance for corruption, urging further progress by governments. Rights & Safety: At an OSCE meeting in Vienna, officials and civil society warned that torture prevention still falls short, calling for stronger safeguards in police custody, independent monitoring, and real accountability. Justice in Georgia: Tbilisi City Court approved a plea deal for activist Tamar Lortkipanidze, sentencing her to 1 year in prison plus 3 years conditional; she had attacked a patrol vehicle during a 2025 protest. Parliament Brawl Probe Demanded: The “Gakharia For Georgia” party appealed to the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate the June 26 parliamentary confrontation, alleging a pre-planned attack. Surrogacy Sentences: Kinderly Georgia founders Armen Melikyan and Ruslan Tymoshenko received 10-year prison terms each for large-scale embezzlement tied to surrogacy and IVF contracts. Culture & Heritage: Aimar Ventsel reflects on Batumi’s “paradoxes” amid Russian-speaking life and tourism, while a feature on Georgian wine spotlights 8,000-year qvevri traditions. Diplomacy: Germany’s outgoing ambassador Peter Fischer ends his tenure after months of sharp public clashes with Georgian Dream officials.

Georgia–Kazakhstan Strategic Partnership: In Astana, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and PM Irakli Kobakhidze signed a joint statement upgrading ties to a strategic partnership, with cooperation spanning trade, energy, the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan oil route, the Middle Corridor, ports (Batumi, Poti, Anaklia), digital government, AI, tourism, and education. Pro-European Protests in Tbilisi: Demonstrators outside Parliament for the 579th night demanded the release of Nana Sander and other political prisoners, waving EU/US/Ukraine flags. Parliament Brawl Probe Demanded: Gakharia party officials called for a criminal investigation into the June 26 parliamentary fight, saying law enforcement has stayed silent. Cultural Spotlight: Tbilisi Piano Fest wrapped with a closing concert in Orbeliani Square featuring Mozart and Grieg. Japanese Pop Culture Returns: “Matsuri” festival is set to bring anime, cosplay, K-pop and Japanese food to Tbilisi. Archaeology & Heritage: Armenia’s Amberd Fortress restoration turned up fragments of the medieval game “Tama” and a Queen Tamar coin tied to Georgia’s history.

Japanese Pop Culture: “Matsuri” returns to Tbilisi, bringing anime, manga, cosplay, Japanese fashion, K-pop and esports—plus calligraphy, origami and a Japanese food zone. Music & Outdoors: Tbilisi Open Air 2026 opens July 4 for its 15th anniversary, with Slowdive, Hooverphonic and Molchat Doma, a football screening zone, Georgian wine festival and “Freedom Village” activities. Civic Life: Tbilisi City Court fined civil activist Tamar Giorgadze 3,000 GEL over a Facebook post cursing Bidzina Ivanishvili, after the Interior Ministry’s hate-speech unit referred the case. Peace Education: Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University opened a Center for Peace Education to teach conflict history and peace-building, aiming to strengthen ties with people in occupied territories. Urban Renewal: Tbilisi began rehabilitation of Lotkin Square (Khudadov Street N102), adding greenery, a football field, kids’ attractions, paths and lighting. Sports Culture: Georgia’s international audience gets a spotlight as Wimbledon 2026 and the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final (AUS vs WI) dominate weekend viewing.

Peace Education in Batumi: Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University opened a Center for Peace Education, with Georgia’s education minister and Adjara officials backing a new “Youth Platform for Peace Building” program aimed at teaching conflict history and peace processes, including ties with people in occupied territories. Pro-European Protests in Tbilisi: Demonstrators continued daily rallies outside the Georgian Parliament for the 578th day, including a separate action outside Gldani Prison calling for the release of Nana Sander, convicted in the October 4 presidential palace case. Occupied Regions Watch: Georgian civil society issued an open letter warning of Russia’s “gradual annexation” of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, urging international partners to closely monitor sovereignty and security risks. Adjara Maternal Health: Adjara launched a “High-risk Women’s Milk Bank Program,” with a first facility planned at Yashvili’s Batumi Maternity and Children Central Hospital, alongside newborn screening efforts. Local Accountability in Sukhumi: Residents in Sukhumi condemned graffiti vandalism on the embankment and urged authorities to install CCTV and impose harsher penalties. Cultural Dance Spotlight: The 12th Bollywood and Multicultural Dance Festival drew 300+ dancers worldwide, blending Bollywood, Indian classical, Georgian, and Greek styles for performances in Athens.

Pro-European Protests: Activists gathered outside Gldani Prison and on Rustaveli Avenue for the 578th straight day, demanding the release of Nana Sander and other political prisoners, with rallies also held in support of convicted protesters. Human Rights & Prisoner Cases: Nana Sander’s supporters say she was mistreated in prison, while Chechen authorities reportedly did not respond to an appeal from Aliya Yangulbaeva to help free her mother, Zarema Musayeva. Democracy Watch: The Council of Europe’s PACE adopted a resolution warning Georgia lacks conditions for genuinely democratic elections and urged action as pressure on civil society and media continues. Regional Security: Georgian civil society warned UN, EU, OSCE and NATO about Russia’s “gradual annexation” of occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, citing new allied-cooperation steps. Adjara Health: Adjara launched a High-Risk Women’s Milk Bank Program, with Batumi’s maternity hospital set to operate the first such bank in Georgia. Culture & Lifestyle: A new exhibition by Lia Bagrationi opens at Art Foundation Anagi, spotlighting “The Earth is Female.” Sports (World Stage): At Lord’s, India Women’s must-win clash with Australia Women in the T20 World Cup turned into a tense semifinal race.

Independence Day Culture: A “Spin Control” Fourth of July Trivia Quiz is back with a bigger 50-question edition for the 50-state theme, mixing fireworks traditions and colonial history. Protest & Rights: In Tbilisi, families of people arrested during the 2024 protests urged Georgians to join a march demanding the release of “prisoners of conscience,” with activists also calling for action against torture. Civic Dialogue on Occupied Regions: Georgian civil society sent international partners a detailed message condemning Russia’s “de facto annexation” of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali and warning about sovereignty and security risks. Maritime Pride in Batumi: Georgia marked International Day of Sailors with ceremonies at Batumi, including awards for Georgian sailors and honors for maritime academy students. EU-UN Support for Georgian SMEs: The EU and UNDP highlighted results from the Inclusive Access to Markets project, with women-led SMEs gaining export readiness and new jobs. Armenian Culture Days in Georgia: Armenia plans Culture Days in Tbilisi in late July, including a concert by the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra. Sports (World Cup): India vs Australia Women’s T20 World Cup clash at Lord’s is framed as a must-win semi-final decider for India.

Protest Watch (Tbilisi): On the 577th day of daily demonstrations, families and supporters rallied outside Gldani Prison and marched toward the Georgian Parliament demanding the release of “prisoners of conscience,” including Droa Party leader Elene Khoshtaria, with calls for medical transfer and systemic treatment. Civil Society & Occupied Regions: Georgian civil society sent a message to the UN, EU, EUMM, OSCE and NATO condemning Russia’s “gradual annexation” of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, citing the May 9 “deepening allied cooperation” deal as a new legal basis for control. Maritime Culture (Batumi): International Day of Sailors wrapped up with a ceremony at Batumi’s maritime terminal, honoring Georgian sailors and students from the Batumi State Maritime Academy. Armenian Culture Days (Tbilisi): Armenia’s Education, Science, Culture and Sports ministry delegation will visit Tbilisi July 25–26 for Culture Days, including a concert by the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra. EU Support for SMEs: EU and UNDP-backed “Inclusive Access to Markets” highlights export growth for Georgian SMEs, including women-led firms, with new jobs and first-time EU market entries. Georgian Wine Spotlight (Kakheti): Vazisubani Estate is promoted as a MICHELIN-recognized destination blending history, indigenous grapes, and enotourism.

Occupied Regions & Security: Georgian civil society sent a letter to the UN, EU, EUMM, OSCE and NATO condemning Russia’s “gradual annexation” of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, citing the May 9 “Deepening Allied Cooperation” deal as a new step toward de facto control. Protest & Human Rights: In Tbilisi, protesters marked the International Day of Solidarity for Victims of Torture, demanding an end to torture and backing political prisoners, including Giorgi Chakhunashvili and Nana Sander. Arts & Culture: Art Foundation Anagi announced Lia Bagrationi’s major exhibition “The Earth is Female,” opening June 27, exploring identity, memory and gender through painting, sculpture and installation. Culture Diplomacy: Italy and France events under “Fare Cinema” screened “Marcello Mio” in Tbilisi, honoring Marcello Mastroianni with embassy-led programming. Lifestyle & Heritage: Vazisubani Estate in Kakheti is spotlighted as a MICHELIN-recognized enotourism destination, blending restored marani, vineyards and a boutique hotel.

Armenian Culture Days in Tbilisi: Armenia’s Ministry-led delegation will bring Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra performances and bilateral meetings to Georgia on July 25–26. Contemporary Art Spotlight: Art Foundation Anagi will open Lia Bagrationi’s major exhibition “The Earth is Female” on June 27, spanning all three floors and exploring identity, memory, gender roles, and nature. Italian Film Night in Georgia: The Italian Embassy’s “Fare Cinema” event screened “Marcello Mio” in Tbilisi, with ambassadors and the film’s focus on Marcello Mastroianni’s legacy. Regulator Watch: Georgia’s media regulator fined TV Pirveli GEL 2,500 over wording used in news coverage, including “prisoners of conscience,” as debate grows over regulator powers. EU Enlargement Talks: The European Commission is reportedly preparing “membership-lite” economic benefits for candidate countries like Georgia while full accession negotiations drag on. Tbilisi Culture & Heritage Planning: Parliament backed amendments to spatial planning rules affecting cultural heritage objects and protected zones in Tbilisi. Digital Public Services: Georgia’s Justice Minister highlighted justice houses and online services at the UN Public Services Forum in Tbilisi. Local Arts Loss: Georgian entrepreneur Temur Ugulava has died at 56; tributes note his role in bringing major hospitality brands to Georgia.

Media & Speech Controls: Georgia’s media regulator (ComCom) fined TV Pirveli GEL 2,500 for using terms like “prisoners of conscience” and other wording it said reflected “personal attitude,” with critics warning the regulator’s expanded powers are tightening newsroom language. EU vs Sovereignty: Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili hit back at European Parliament and PACE resolutions on Georgia, calling them a “blatant attack” that crosses “red lines,” including claims about the Georgian Orthodox Church and EU visa-free proposals. Culture & Heritage Planning: Parliament backed amendments to Tbilisi spatial planning rules affecting cultural heritage sites and protected zones, aiming to clarify permit and supervision timelines for work around monuments. Digital Lifestyle & Services: Justice Minister Paata Salia showcased Georgia’s justice houses and online services at a UN forum, highlighting wider access through MY.GOV.GE and “smart contracts.” Film Scene: DOCA Film Club’s “New Georgian Films 2026” program at Amirani Cinema spotlights contemporary Georgian documentary, hybrid, animation, and video art beyond premieres. Local Events: Tbilisi Outlet Village launches a Shopping Festival June 27–28 and July 4–5 with talks, designer pop-ups, live music, and kids’ activities.