AGP Executive Report

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—amid wider concerns about forced returns. Prosecution Watch: Georgian authorities charged animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili with threats; prosecutors released footage and the case includes a hunger strike after arrest. International Law & Deportations: Amnesty International urged Georgia not to deport Kulanin to Russia, citing risks of imprisonment and ill-treatment. Protest Politics: Euro-integration supporters marked the 646th/647th day of daily protests in Tbilisi, demanding political prisoners’ release and an end to “Georgian Dream” rule. UN Diplomacy: Georgia abstained in a UN vote backing “Correct the Map,” promoting Equal Earth projections; the vote also sparked a Crimea-related dispute that Ukraine said violates UN Charter principles. Regional Business: A delegation from Kyrgyzstan’s International Business Council (MDS) met Georgian business bodies to discuss trade, investment, and public-private dialogue. Energy & Security Context: Coverage also linked Georgia’s region to broader security and energy pressures, including drone strikes near Sochi and shifting fuel flows in the South Caucasus.

Protest Politics in Tbilisi: Supporters of Euro-integration marched again on Rustaveli, on the 647th day of daily protests, accusing “Georgian Dream” of corruption and demanding political prisoners’ release and power transfer to the people, with Salome Zourabichvili joining the rally. Fuel Prices & Regional Pressure: Georgia’s political debate over fuel costs continues as social media reacts to Azerbaijan’s diesel shipments to Armenia, framed by some as a political gesture tied to peace talks and by others as a threat to regional influence. UN Cartography Fight: Georgia abstained from a UN General Assembly vote backing a new world map that would make Africa appear larger (Equal Earth) instead of Mercator; the US voted against, and Ukraine abstained over how occupied territories are shown. Justice & Security: Georgian police arrested an Interpol-listed foreign fraud suspect in Batumi, and Tbilisi police arrested a minor for gang robbery of a taxi driver while another minor was exposed. Culture & Diplomacy: The Opera Crown—Tbilisi International Voice Competition announced its 5th edition (Nov. 8–13, 2026) at the Opera House, spotlighting young singers.

Interpol & Extradition: Georgia’s Interior Ministry says patrol police in Batumi arrested a foreigner wanted on a Greek fraud Red Notice; extradition procedures are underway. UN World Map Fight: Georgia abstained as the UN General Assembly backed “Correct the Map,” promoting the Equal Earth projection to show Africa’s true size; the US voted against, calling it ideological. France Joins Map Shift: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot says France will stop using Mercator and switch to Eckert IV, changing how countries near the equator appear. Local Crime: Tbilisi police arrested a minor for gang robbery of a taxi driver and exposed another minor; the case is under Article 179. Adjara & Turkey Tensions: A new dispute flares over claims of Turkish pressure on Adjara’s status and alleged influence in Batumi’s business and labor. Environment Watch: Georgia’s emissions monitoring found 20,727 vehicle norm violations across Tbilisi, Rustavi, Kutaisi and Batumi since Sept. 2023. Culture: The Opera Crown Tbilisi International Voice Competition announced its 5th edition, Nov. 8–13, 2026.

UN Diplomacy: The UN General Assembly backed a resolution urging countries to use equal-area map projections that show Africa’s true size, with the U.S. the only vote against and Georgia among six abstainers—an unusually political fight over how geography is taught. Adjara-Turkey Tensions: Tbilisi accused Ankara of pressuring Georgia over Adjara, saying Turkish influence is growing in business, education and local labor, and calling the stance “unacceptable.” Pro-European Protest Pressure: Supporters of Euro-Atlantic integration kept up a 646th straight day of demonstrations in Tbilisi, demanding political prisoners be freed and elections held fairly. Court & Extradition: A Tbilisi court ordered the extradition of Russian national Mikhail Timofeev to Russia, despite asylum claims and human-rights concerns. Rights Case Watch: Animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili was arrested and charged over alleged threats of murder or harm to health, with court custody decisions following. Health Policy: Georgia’s health ministry says the Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug givinostat will arrive in Tbilisi early next week.

Russian Deportation Case: Denis Kulanin, pardoned after protests, has left Georgia after a court upheld expulsion proceedings; the Ministry of Internal Affairs says he was given seven days to leave voluntarily and was barred from re-entry for five years. Court & Opposition Tensions: Three opposition figures linked to the Asaval-Dasavali interviewee Lazare Jorbenadze’s death were questioned again, with prosecutors saying witnesses couldn’t confirm a suicide narrative while defense teams demand questioning of top officials named in Garibashvili’s prison letter. Animal Rights Activist Detained: Tbilisi court ordered pre-trial detention for animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili over alleged threats, as his lawyers argue the footage released by prosecutors doesn’t show a weapon and witnesses don’t back the claim. Health Policy: Georgia’s Health Minister says Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug Givinostat will arrive in Tbilisi at the start of next week after a purchase deal with Italfarmaco. Local Governance: Tbilisi Mayor’s office announced street and utility rehabilitation steps, including work on Aleksandre Chavchavadze Street and preventive measures in the Vere River bed. Public Transport Upgrade: CRRC unveiled Tbilisi’s first four-car metro trainset for Line 1, with delivery planned for late 2026 and service next year. Culture & Diplomacy: Armenia’s Culture Days in Georgia are set for October 7–Nov 8, starting with a gala concert and an exhibition of Yervand Kochar. Media Freedom: Factor TV received a 2026 Free Media Award, while imprisoned Belarusian journalist Andrei Aliaksandrau was also named among laureates.

Prosecutor’s Office: Animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili was charged with making threats after a restaurant confrontation in Tbilisi, with prosecutors saying he threatened people and returned later; he remains in custody and has also launched a hunger strike. Justice & politics: Prosecutors say jailed ex-PM Irakli Garibashvili and other public figures will be questioned over remarks casting doubt on the official suicide ruling in the death of human rights defender Lazare Jorbenadze, amid claims of “unanswered questions” under the Kobakhidze–Mdinaradze period. Protests in Tbilisi: Eurointegration supporters kept up continuous street action, again demanding Denis Kulanin be allowed to travel to a third country and calling attention to the death of Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava. Regional diplomacy: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan announced the first Armenian export to Azerbaijan, while Czech President Petr Pavel praised Armenia’s efforts to reduce dependence on Russia and stressed transport links via Georgia. EU/Georgia context: Georgia dismissed the registration of a new political party over application “deficiencies,” as debate over political space and elections continues.

Human Rights Probe: Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office has summoned 11 people for questioning in the death investigation of human rights defender Lazare Jorbenadze, while officials insist his death was “unequivocally” suicide—after jailed ex-PM Irakli Garibashvili publicly challenged the “real cause.” Prison Politics: Garibashvili himself is being questioned in Rustavi over his prison letter, as pro-government outlets attack him and the case keeps widening. Abkhazia Tensions: Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava was buried in Tbilisi after his death in a rented apartment; meanwhile, National Movement figures and an Abkhazia Supreme Council deputy clashed over claims that fuel is entering occupied Abkhazia from Georgia-controlled territory. Cross-border Dissident Case: Armenia rejected Russia’s extradition request for opposition journalist Ilya Danilov, who returned to Tbilisi after being detained in Yerevan. Local Governance: Tbilisi Mayor updates on street and river-bed rehabilitation, including Aleksandre Chavchavadze Street and preventive measures in the Vere River bed. Party Registration: Georgia First’s application was dismissed by the Public Registry over documentation “deficiencies,” with the party vowing to challenge the decision.

Protest Politics in Tbilisi: Supporters of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic course kept up a 644th day of demonstrations, again demanding Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin be allowed to leave for a third country and reacting to the death of Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava. Human Rights & Deportation: Amnesty International urged Georgian authorities not to deport Kulanin to Russia, citing risks of imprisonment, torture, or other ill-treatment. Law Enforcement & Detentions: Prosecutors launched investigations into alleged police violence against animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili’s lawyer, while Elizbarashvili himself was detained after disobeying police orders. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Georgia-US military cooperation continued with a CBRN field exercise in Batumi, underscoring ongoing security ties. Infrastructure & Economy: Work on the Anaklia deep-sea port moves forward as Georgia shifts to a multi-investor model, aiming to strengthen the Middle Corridor without over-relying on a single external power. Government & Agriculture: Environment and Agriculture Minister Davit Songulashvili toured regional farms and the Swiss Agricultural School Caucasus, pushing vocational training and local production.

US-Georgia Diplomacy: George Kent, former US ambassador to Estonia and a former State Department official with Georgia policy responsibilities, is welcomed as part of a wider US engagement push. Ukraine War Impact: A US think tank says Russian casualties in July and August exceeded 40,000, while Politico reports over 110,000 Russians left for Georgia amid mobilization fears. Asylum/Deportation Row: Amnesty International urges Georgia not to deport Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin, warning of a real risk of imprisonment and torture; separate reports say he’s been transferred to Georgia’s Migration Department pending expulsion. Tbilisi Protest & Police Scrutiny: Animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili has started a hunger strike after detention; prosecutors opened an investigation into alleged violence against his lawyer Ia Siranashvili by Interior Ministry employees. Local Governance: Tbilisi begins replacing cobblestones with asphalt on Aleksandre Chavchavadze Street, while Rustaveli Avenue works are said to be on track after archaeological finds. Regional Trade: The EU approved temporary zero-tariff trade liberalization for Armenia, deepening EU engagement as Russia retaliates. Infrastructure: A second dredging vessel has arrived at Anaklia Deep Sea Port as work accelerates.

Protest & Human Rights: Eurointegration supporters in Tbilisi kept up a 643rd day of demonstrations, again calling for pardoned Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin to be allowed to leave Georgia safely rather than be deported. Detention & Deportation Risk: Amnesty International urged Georgian authorities to respect non-refoulement and ensure Kulanin can seek international protection and leave voluntarily for a safe third country. Legal Pressure on Activists: Police detained prominent animal-rights defender Tamaz Elizbarashvili during a home search, citing administrative charges tied to alleged threats and firearms-related allegations. Cross-border Education Talks: Tbilisi proposed deeper cooperation with Turkmenistan, including a possible Georgian university branch in Turkmenistan and an education fair. Regional Diplomacy: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan said Yerevan is building interstate relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan alongside Georgia and Iran, framing it as a multipolar, sovereignty-focused approach. Public Safety: Rescuers found a woman’s body in the sea in Batumi; the Interior Ministry launched an investigation.

Regional Diplomacy: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan used the SCO+ summit in Bishkek to pitch a “balanced, multipolar” foreign policy, saying Yerevan is deepening ties with Iran and Georgia while pushing interstate links with Azerbaijan and Türkiye via TRIPP. Security Cooperation: In Tbilisi, Turkey’s Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi met Georgian officials and said both sides will intensify operational work against cross-border organized crime, citing hundreds of extraditions/deportations. Court Watch (Abkhaz Blogger Case): Tbilisi City Court ordered pre-trial detention for Saba Bochorishvili and Givi Gudadze over drug charges tied to the death of Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava; defense argues the case materials don’t prove their client supplied narcotics. Migration & Protests: A protest in Tbilisi demanded Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin be allowed to leave Georgia for a third country after a presidential pardon stalled deportation procedures. Domestic Policy: Georgia starts selling mandatory school uniforms on Sept. 1, with cashless rules and online-only purchases from Sept. 15. Border Pressure: Reports say over 113,000 Russians entered Georgia last week amid renewed mobilization fears.

Protest Politics in Tbilisi: Supporters of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic course kept up a 642nd day rally outside Parliament and Tbilisi City Hall, again calling for free elections, political prisoners’ release, and an end to “repressive mechanisms,” with Saba Jikia joining after his pardon. Migration & Human Rights: Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin remains in Georgia’s Migration Department after a pardon, with a lawyer saying he can’t leave for a third country on Sept. 1; activists plan a rally at the migrant detention center. Abkhazia Case Update: The mother of late Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava arrived in Tbilisi and is set to sign documents, as three people were detained over his death and pretrial detention was ordered for a Ukrainian citizen. Local Public Safety Tech: Moultrie Police discussed an AI tool (“CaseFinder”) meant to flag people needing behavioral health support, but reported delays in connecting it to the department’s records system. City Hall Oversight: Tbilisi City Hall faces a warning from the Public Defender over potential asbestos risks during Rustaveli Avenue rehabilitation.

OSCE Diplomacy: Christopher W. Smith officially took office as the new Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova and will also serve as OSCE mediator in the Transnistrian settlement process, aiming to keep dialogue moving in the 5+2 format. Abkhazia/Justice: In Tbilisi City Court, Ukrainian citizen Valeria Kirlyuk—detained over the death of Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava—was ordered into pretrial detention as prosecutors argue she could abscond or influence witnesses; her defense says no preventive measure is needed. Deportation Fight: Russian activist Denis Kulanin, pardoned by President Mikheil Kavelashvili, remains in Georgia’s Migration Department pending deportation, with lawyers saying he’s blocked from leaving even after presenting a ticket to a third country. Regional Security & Politics: Russia’s state media pushed back on Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze’s remarks about the Treaty of Georgievsk, framing Tbilisi as reassessing relations with Moscow. Economy: Geostat says Georgia’s real GDP grew 8% year-on-year in July 2026, with growth driven by manufacturing, ICT, finance, mining and transport. Middle Corridor Spotlight: Armenia’s territorial administration minister David Khudatyan will attend Batumi’s GIMF 2026, where the Middle Corridor project is set to be a key topic.

Pro-European Protests: Tbilisi demonstrators kept up the pressure for a 641st straight day outside parliament and the city council, demanding new parliamentary elections, the release of political prisoners, and action on emigration, with EU/Georgia flags and “Georgian Dream” criticism dominating the calm crowd. Russian Deportation Fight: Russian activist Denis Kulanin, pardoned by President Mikheil Kavelashvili, ended a dry hunger strike after his lawyer showed him his foreign passport details; he remains in a migration center while expulsion to a third country is processed, after earlier fears he could be sent to Russia. Migration Court Process: Rights Georgia and Kulanin’s defense say a court placed him in temporary accommodation for up to three months, rejecting submitted flight tickets and citing a risk he might abscond. Adjara Tourism: Batumi’s botanical garden reported a 10% visitor rise, with plans to upgrade infrastructure using QR codes and electronic services and to build new tourist routes. Local Governance Oversight: Tbilisi City Hall faces a warning from the Public Defender over potential asbestos risk during Rustaveli Avenue rehabilitation.

Russian Anti-War Activist Case: Denis Kulanin, pardoned by President Mikheil Kavelashvili after a protest conviction, remains in Georgia’s Migration Department as deportation to a third country is processed; after a dry hunger strike over fears and passport uncertainty, he has now ended the strike following his lawyer’s access to his passport. Protest Politics in Tbilisi: Eurointegration supporters marched in Tbilisi for the 640th consecutive day, with the day’s rally also tied to demands for political prisoners and renewed anger at authorities’ handling of detentions. Migration Pressure From Russia: Opposition figures warn that tens of thousands of Russians are rushing into Georgia via Lars amid mobilization rumors, arguing the government is not doing enough on migration controls and visa policy. Regional Security Claims: Ukraine says Russia’s leadership has ordered contingency planning for operations toward Kyiv and Chernihiv, while stressing no immediate strike force is currently seen. Local Governance & Tourism: Adjara officials reviewed Batumi Botanical Garden’s summer performance, citing a 10% visitor increase and plans to modernize services with digital tools and new tourist routes. Energy/Trade Signals: Azerbaijan’s SOCAR is expanding into Uzbekistan’s upstream sector as operator, underscoring the wider push for cross-regional energy and investment links.

Protest Politics in Tbilisi: After the release of nine political prisoners, supporters kept up the pressure with the 640th day march in heavy rain, again demanding “freedom for prisoners of conscience” and criticizing authorities over continued detentions. Migration & Security: Opposition figures warn that a reported surge of more than 113,000 Russians entering Georgia via Verkhny Lars amid mobilization fears could create “a whole range of threats,” while officials dispute claims of mass entry. Deportation Fight: Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin—pardoned by President Mikheil Kavelashvili—remains in a migration facility on a dry hunger strike, with a deportation hearing set and lawyers pushing for a third-country option. Cross-border Crime: An Azerbaijani citizen on an Interpol red notice was detained at Sarpi and extradition steps have begun; separately, an Armenian suspect in a Tbilisi killing of a Russian citizen was detained. Regional Energy & Business: SOCAR’s Uzbekistan expansion deepens Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan ties via a new upstream operator role under a major PSA, while Georgia also moves to boost Chinese tourism marketing through Trip.com/Ctrip.