AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Society: Georgia’s Interior Ministry says it detained 59 foreign nationals in special migration raids, moving them to a temporary accommodation center as deportation procedures begin; the sweep follows recent migration-law amendments and comes after 160 operations and about 1,000 deportations since the changes took effect. Protest & Urban Nature: In Tbilisi, opponents of the Krtsanisi forest park construction staged an action demanding a halt to the planned “Arab town,” arguing the development would damage the city’s “lungs.” Public Safety & Local Life (Batumi): Authorities say the death of activist Keso Dekanosidze, whose body was found in the sea, has been established as suicide after investigation and CCTV review. Culture & Events: Tbilisi will host the Red Bull Soapbox Race on Sept 13, with staged traffic restrictions around Europe Square and nearby streets from Sept 11–14. Arts & Food Trend: Georgian cuisine is gaining traction in the US, with more Georgian restaurants opening in major cities like New York and Los Angeles.

Immigration & Society: Georgia’s Interior Ministry says Migration Department officers detained 59 foreign nationals during special immigration control operations, transferring them to a temporary accommodation center as deportation procedures begin; the crackdown follows migration law amendments, with 160 operations and about 1,000 deportations reported since they took effect. Culture & Public Life: Tbilisi will host the Red Bull Soapbox Race on Sept. 13, with staged traffic restrictions from Sept. 11–14 around Europe Square, Metekhi Bridge, and nearby streets. Festivals & Rights: A political scientist says Zion Fest 2026’s reported ban on Russians didn’t fit Georgian legislation, after ticket rules reportedly excluded Russian citizens and later removed the line. Pro-European Protests: Pro-European demonstrators in Tbilisi and Batumi marked a 653rd consecutive day, calling for political prisoners’ release and an end to repressive laws. Arts & Heritage: Turkmen musicians are set to perform at the Tsinandali Classical Music Festival in a Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra, highlighting regional cultural dialogue.

Georgian Protests: Pro-European demonstrators in Tbilisi and Batumi kept marching for a 653rd straight day, with opposition UNM leader Georgy Baramidze detained amid calls to free political prisoners and repeal “repressive laws.” Democracy & Speech: Activist Tornike Razmadze says Georgia’s Interior Ministry sued him over a profanity-filled Facebook comment aimed at Russian propagandists, tied to remarks about Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. Church & War Narratives: The Georgian Orthodox Patriarchate criticized Russia-linked use of canonised monk Gabriel Urgebadze’s name for a unit fighting in Ukraine, after Russian media reported “humanitarian” visits. Culture & Film: The London Georgian Film Festival returns for its 10th edition, “Beyond the Village,” spotlighting Georgian cinema’s village stories amid today’s political turbulence. City Life: Tbilisi announced staged traffic restrictions around Europe Square (Sept 11–14) for the Red Bull Soapbox Race. Demographics: Georgia recorded more deaths than births in Jan–Jun 2026, with Tbilisi leading newborn numbers. Food Trend: Georgian cuisine is reportedly booming in the US, with new restaurants and a growing “khachapuri/khinkali” spotlight.

Georgian Cinema Spotlight: Mamuka Bliadze, director of the Georgian National Film Center, talks about clearing stalled projects and expanding public support, including 11 films funded via calls in 2025 and new coproduction plans. Film Festival Watch: The London Georgian Film Festival returns for its 10th edition, “Beyond the Village,” exploring how Georgian filmmakers use villages as cultural memory and a lens on today’s social and political tensions. Documentary Scene: The Ji.hlava New Visions Forum selected 28 European and international documentary projects, with themes of contested histories and political memory reaching as far as Tbilisi. City Life & Mobility: Tbilisi City Hall says traffic will be restricted in stages on Europe Square and nearby streets from Sept 11–14 due to the Red Bull Soapbox Race. Arts & Heritage: At Tsinandali, Mahler’s “Resurrection” was performed in the amphitheater setting by the Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra with Georgian opera forces. Church Statement: The Georgian Orthodox Church condemned a Russian military unit’s use of Venerable Gabriel Urgebadze’s name, calling it unacceptable without consultation. Regional Tourism Links: CAREC’s tourism working group met in Tashkent to push cross-border routes, including upgrades to the “Visit Silk Road” portal and shared standards. Online Speech Under Pressure: Georgian authorities opened an administrative case against activist Tornike Razmadze over an obscene social-media comment, while he insists it targeted Kremlin propagandists.

Georgian Orthodox Church: The Georgian Orthodox Church condemned the use of Venerable Gabriel Urgebadze’s name by a Russian military unit fighting in Ukraine, calling it unacceptable and saying the initiative was made without consultation with Tbilisi. Freedom of Expression: Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) says administrative proceedings against activist Tornike Razmadze over a Facebook comment are a “precedent of censorship,” while the Interior Ministry’s Hate Speech unit says the case targets insults toward Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. Arts & Culture: “Mahler under the Caucasian Sky” brought Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection” to the Tsinandali Festival, performed by the Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra with the Tbilisi opera and ballet chorus. Local Education & Youth: A biotechnology camp in Svaneti trained 100 teenagers (15–17) in modern biotech and programming, with participants presenting prototypes and startup ideas. International Cultural Spotlight: Tbilisi’s abstract art platform “Tbilisi. Abstract. Berlin” launched a research programme during Berlin Art Week, featuring Georgian artists. Sports & Community: Batumi and Georgia’s wider cultural calendar also kept moving, while local youth leadership stories and new sports programs highlighted confidence-building beyond the classroom.

Armenian Education Watch: Armenia’s students posted weak results in the OECD PISA assessment, with the education minister blaming gaps in older standards and long-running shortages like school labs—while Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey rank higher in key subjects. Protest Culture in Georgia: Supporters of Eurointegration kept the pressure on in Tbilisi and other cities for the 651st day, demanding political prisoners’ release and fair elections, with flags and portraits of prominent figures in the crowd. Church & War Boundaries: The Georgian Orthodox Patriarchate condemned the use of canonized monk Gabriel Urgebadze’s name by a Russian-side unit fighting in Ukraine, calling it unacceptable. Tbilisoba Abroad: Minsk plans to bring back “Tbilisoba” in October after a seven-year break, reviving Georgian-themed music, food and cultural activities. Arts & International Scene: The third Sofia Art Fair will run Oct. 8–11 with 27 galleries and exhibitors from eight countries, including a Tbilisi-based participant.

Protests & Rights: Supporters of Georgia’s Eurointegration kept the pressure on in Tbilisi for a 651st consecutive day, demanding the release of political prisoners and an end to repressive mechanisms. Courts & Activism: The Tbilisi appellate court upheld the detention of animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili after a threats-related case tied to a restaurant conflict. Culture & Heritage: Roadworks on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi unearthed a 10th-century pottery cache, turning a disruptive upgrade into a rare medieval find. Education Watch: A new OECD PISA comparison flags Armenia’s low student performance, with Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey ranking higher—fueling debate across the region about school quality. Regional Dialogue: The EU/OSCE-facilitated IPRM meeting in Ergneti again raised illegal detentions and “borderization” concerns near the occupation line. Cross-border Mobility: Reports say Russian draft-dodgers are swelling numbers in Georgia amid mobilisation fears, with rising local tensions over housing and work access. Arts & Environment: The international MAMA “Mother Nature” exhibition opened in Madrid, featuring artists including Georgia-based participants and focusing on nature and environmental protection.

Human Rights Watch: Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty has intervened at the Strasbourg Court in Georgia’s Foreign Agents Registration Act case, arguing the law fits a wider pattern of restrictions aimed at intimidating critical civil society. Pro-European Protest Pulse: Supporters of Euro-integration marked the 650th day of demonstrations in Tbilisi, with similar actions continuing in Batumi and Kutaisi, again demanding political prisoners’ release and an end to repressive laws. Culture & Heritage: The Tbilisi Philharmonic rehabilitation tender was announced for the third time, with design and cost-estimate work now valued at GEL 6.5 million. Regional Faith Tourism: Azerbaijani religious figures from Türkiye, Georgia and Iraq visited Khankendi’s Victory Park and Victory Arch as part of Azerbaijan’s “Path of Victory” project. Georgia in the Spotlight Abroad: Former Georgian Prosecutor General Otar Romanov-Partskhaladze, now linked to Russia’s “Georgievsky” volunteer unit, defended his decision to support Russia in Ukraine and said Western sanctions are “like an order.” Travel Rules: Thailand is rolling back its 60-day visa-free scheme to 30-day visa-free stays from Sept. 15.

Human Rights & Civil Society: The Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner has submitted a third-party intervention in Georgia’s FARA-style case at the Strasbourg court, urging the “Georgian Dream” government to protect a free and safe working environment for civil society and warning the law restricts media and NGOs. Education & Language Policy: Georgia’s Ministry of Education introduced changes to the National Curriculum, while the opposition says Russian schools are expanding without proper accreditation; separately, Azerbaijan says it is preparing proposals to improve Azerbaijani-language education in Georgia, including textbook translation and system differences. Local Education Infrastructure: Batumi is upgrading schools and kindergartens via municipal projects, including rehabilitation of Public Schools No. 4 and 5 and work on Kindergarten No. 18. Culture & Community: Batumi hosted the Georgian International Maritime Forum 2026, with officials highlighting the city’s growing role in international events. Sports & Pop Culture: Ballon d’Or 2026 nominees were announced in London, with Georgian star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia among the men’s shortlist.

Human Rights Watch: GYLA reports the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights has filed a third-party intervention at the Strasbourg Court in the “FARA” case, arguing Georgia’s foreign agents law restricts civil society and undermines media and rights work. Protest Culture: Demonstrators in Tbilisi and Batumi marked 649 days of pro-European protests, again demanding the release of prisoners of conscience, including student leader Zviad Tsetskhladze. Education in Batumi: Ajara’s government toured Batumi’s school and kindergarten upgrades, including rehab at Public Schools No. 4 and 5 and ongoing work at Kindergarten No. 18. War and Identity: Georgian MP Tengiz Sharmanashvili condemned former prosecutor Otar Romanov-Partskhaladze after reports he formed the “Georgievsky” unit to fight on Russia’s side in Ukraine. Local Arts & Learning: Swiss theatre artist Daniele Finzi Pasca’s “Icaro” brought a long-running experimental performance to Cairo, highlighting Georgia’s presence on the show’s international tour.

Pro-European Protests: Demonstrators in Tbilisi and Batumi marked 649 straight days, again demanding the release of political prisoners of conscience. Animal Rights & Detention: The same protest wave also spotlighted animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili, with supporters calling for his release after his arrest and hunger strike. International Volunteer Unit: Former Georgian Prosecutor General Otar Romanov-Partskhaladze announced the “Georgiyevsky” volunteer unit in Russia to fight in Ukraine, framing it around Georgian-Russian historical symbolism. UN Map Debate: Georgia abstained as the UN backed a shift toward equal-area world maps under the “Correct the Map” resolution, aimed at showing Africa’s true relative size more accurately. Regional Medical Cooperation: A new initiative in Tbilisi is planned under a regional medical congress focused on gynecologic oncology, cervical cancer prevention, and HPV-related women’s health. Arts & Culture: Swiss theatre artist Daniele Finzi Pasca’s “Icaro” continued its international run, reaching Cairo for CIFET’s experimental theatre competition.

UN Map Vote: The UN General Assembly adopted the “Correct the Map” resolution backing Equal Earth-style projections that show Africa’s true relative size; the US voted no, while Georgia abstained alongside several others. Tbilisi–Abkhazia Dialogue: A new opinion piece argues Georgian-Abkhaz peace policy is stuck in mistrust and drift, calling for clearer steps like recognizing Abkhaz as indigenous and addressing the “Law on Occupied Territories.” Protests in Tbilisi: For the 648th straight day, demonstrators on Rustaveli Avenue renewed calls for Eurointegration and prisoner releases, with animal-rights activists also demanding an end to stray dog “extermination” and the release of Tamaz Elizbarashvili. Culture in Tbilisi: The State Silk Museum opens Eva Seiler’s SPINSTERHOOD (Sept 10–Oct 8), linking mulberry trees, silkworms, labor, and technology through sculptures and spatial installations. Court & Rights: Tbilisi City Court allowed Russian activist Denis Kulanin to leave Georgia for a third country within seven days, rejecting extradition to Russia. International Culture: Azerbaijan’s religious figures from Türkiye, Georgia, and Iraq visited Baku’s Alley of Honor and Alley of Martyrs, marking shared historical memory.

Court & Rights: Tbilisi City Court allowed Russian activist Denis Kulanin to leave Georgia for a third country within seven days and rejected extradition to Russia, after his pardon and a long legal fight. Protests & Civic Life: In Tbilisi, the 38th “Saturday march” under “Georgia against Ivanishvili” drew renewed calls for EU integration, new elections, and the release of detained protesters. Animal Rights & Activism: Animal rights supporters staged actions in front of government buildings and at Parliament, demanding the release of Tamaz Elizbarashvili and an end to what they call stray-dog “extermination.” Regional Dialogue: A Tbilisi opinion piece argues Georgian-Abkhaz dialogue is stuck in mistrust and drift, with peace policy lacking a clear framework. Culture & Community: Azerbaijan showcased its music, dance, and cuisine at a national minorities festival in Sokolov, with Georgian and other delegations also taking part. Global Cartography: Georgia abstained as the UN backed “Correct the Map,” pushing wider use of equal-area projections to show Africa’s true size more fairly.

UN Cartography Debate: Georgia abstained as 164 countries backed a UN resolution to “Correct the Map,” promoting the Equal Earth projection that shows Africa’s true size and makes Europe and North America look smaller; the U.S. voted against, calling it ideological. Cultural Calendar: Silknet presents the Tsinandali Festival for the eighth year at the Tsinandali Estate, with 23 classical concerts over 10 days and a special program tied to Georgia’s 1,700th anniversary of Christianity as the state religion. Regional Tensions: Georgia accused Turkey of pressuring it over Adjara, saying Ankara’s demands amount to unacceptable interference in internal affairs. Sports & Talent: Arsenal are reportedly close to signing 17-year-old Georgian midfielder Andria Bartishvili, with a contract expected soon and a move planned for next summer. Arts & Film Industry: The Venice Film Festival faced backlash over the Russian-linked project “DAU,” as Ukraine criticized the selection and the director defended his stance. Travel Lifestyle: Wingie reports autumn travel demand across MENA is shifting toward culture-led city breaks and shorter “micro-cations,” with Tbilisi among rising destinations.

UN Cartography Shake-Up: The UN General Assembly backed the “Correct the Map” push, voting 164–1 to promote the Equal Earth projection that shows Africa in more accurate proportions, while the US voted no and Georgia abstained; the change is already sparking debate over how maps shape education and perceptions. French Map Shift: France’s foreign ministry says it will drop the Mercator projection for a more proportionate alternative, echoing the same “correct the view” argument. Georgia Health News: The Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug givinostat is set to arrive in Tbilisi early next week, with officials saying preparations and training are already in place. Animal Rights Case: Tbilisi court ordered pre-trial custody for animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili after prosecutors charged him over alleged threats, following a hunger strike after detention. Culture & Community: Silknet’s Tsinandali Festival returns for its 8th year at the Tsinandali Estate with 23 classical concerts over 10 days, including a special program tied to Georgia’s Christianity anniversary.

Tsinandali Festival: Silknet-backed Tsinandali Festival opened at the Tsinandali Estate for the 8th straight year, with 23 classical concerts over 10 days and a special nod to Georgia’s 1,700th anniversary of Christianity as the state religion. UN Cartography Debate: The UN General Assembly voted 164–1 to promote the Equal Earth map projection, pushing back against the Mercator view that makes Africa look smaller; Georgia abstained. Adjara-Turkey Tensions: Georgia accused Turkey of pressuring it over Adjara, alleging growing Turkish influence in the region’s business and institutions. Animal Rights Case: Tbilisi court remanded animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili in pre-trial detention over alleged threats, after he began a hunger strike. Duchenne Drug Update: Georgia’s health ministry says givinostat for Duchenne muscular dystrophy will arrive in Tbilisi early next week. Archaeology in Tbilisi: Excavations on Rustaveli Avenue uncovered medieval ceramic artifacts and what may be a 10th–12th century pottery workshop. Armenian Culture in Georgia: Armenia’s “Days of Armenian Culture” are set to begin Oct. 7 in Georgia, marking the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s independence. Sports & Culture Crossover: Arsenal are reportedly close to signing 17-year-old Georgian midfielder Andria Bartishvili, with a move planned for next summer.