AGP Executive Report

Protests in Tbilisi: Supporters of European integration kept up daily street action for a 564th straight day, with marches outside parliament calling for political prisoners’ release and an end to violence and impunity; animal rights activists also joined, protesting what they say is inhumane treatment of stray dogs. Police violence claims: Georgia’s Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) says disturbing footage aired this week points to systemic police torture and degrading treatment, alleging officers recorded brutality and shared it internally. Drug crackdown: Georgia’s Interior Ministry reports arrests of four people in Tbilisi over alleged large-scale drug trafficking and cultivation, with seizures including mephedrone, methadone, alpha-PVP, ketamine and cannabis plants. International pressure on Georgia: Deutsche Welle reports the U.S. deported migrants including Georgians to the Central African Republic under a controversial deal for third-country nationals. Cybercrime hit with Georgia link: A major operation dismantled AudiA6, a crypto-laundering service; authorities say coordinated actions in Georgia led to arrests, domain takedowns and seized/frozen crypto. Sports spotlight: Georgian-born UFC star Ilia Topuria headlines UFC Freedom 250 at the White House against Justin Gaethje. Abkhazia water woes: Residents in the Abkhaz village of Naush say they’ve lacked centralized water for nearly eight years.

Police & Protest: Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA) says disturbing TV footage shows “group torture” and degrading treatment by police, calling it part of systemic violence under an authoritarian regime, as Tbilisi protesters again marched under “Together against violence and impunity.” Drug Crackdown in Tbilisi: Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs arrested four people in Tbilisi over illegal drug purchase, possession, distribution and cultivation, seizing mephedrone, methadone, alpha-PVP, cannabis plants and ketamine. Abkhazia Water Crisis: Villagers in Naush (Gulrypsh district) say they’ve had no centralized water for nearly eight years and blame authorities for repeated inaction. Cross-border Justice: France sentenced six Georgians to up to seven years for stealing rare Russian books from libraries, with some tried in absentia. Cybercrime Hit Linked to Georgia: A US-led operation dismantled AudiA6, alleging $389m in crypto laundering; two suspects were arrested in Batumi. Regional Watch: India remains Russia’s No. 2 buyer of fossil fuels, with May imports rising 21% as refiners boost purchases.

Protest in Tbilisi: Thousands marched for the 563rd day, demanding an end to police violence and “impunity,” after footage they say shows detainee abuse. EU oversight on assembly rights: The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers urged Georgia to review laws after concerns that enforcement is chilling peaceful protest and leading to disproportionate arrests and convictions. Operation Pushkin: A French court sentenced six Georgians (up to seven years) over a rare-book theft ring targeting Russian classics from European libraries, using fake replacements. Crypto crackdown with Georgia links: U.S. and Europol actions dismantled the “AudiA6” laundering service tied to alleged $389m flows; two suspects linked to Batumi were arrested. Regional energy move: Control of the Baku–Supsa pipeline’s operational functions is returning to Azerbaijan and Georgia, as Europe seeks non-Russian supply routes. Azerbaijan culture: Shamakhi hosted the opening of its 2nd International Barbecue Festival, featuring Georgian chef Guram Bagdoshvili among international guests.

Rare-Book Heist Fallout: Six Georgians were sentenced in France up to seven years for stealing rare Russian classics, including Pushkin, from French libraries, with prosecutors describing a “massive, organised operation.” EU Rights Watch: The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers urged Georgia to review laws affecting freedom of assembly after concerns about chilling effects and disproportionate arrests/detention. Immigration Pressure: A U.S. deportation flight landed in the Central African Republic carrying people from Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey and Georgia under “third-country” removals, despite warnings not to travel there. Cross-Border Crime Crackdown: Georgia-based suspects tied to the AudiA6 crypto laundering service were arrested in a multinational operation targeting a pipeline allegedly moving $389m in illicit funds. Regional Connectivity: Georgia’s PM met Kyrgyzstan’s president in Bishkek, highlighting transport links via the Middle Corridor and discussing possible direct flights. Business & Growth: Tbilisi Outlet Village is progressing as Georgia’s first designer outlet project, with phase one completed and phase two due by 2028. Protests in Tbilisi: Supporters of European integration continued demonstrations outside parliament, again demanding the release of political prisoners.

EU-Georgia Visa Tensions: Brussels’ June 11 visa dialogue ended “rather fruitless,” with the EU warning Georgia could lose visa-free travel unless Tbilisi makes meaningful progress—while Georgia’s MFA says the EU’s assessment is unfair and points to rights protections and ongoing protests. Rights Under Pressure: Georgian police opened an administrative case against pro-opposition musician Maia Darsmelidze for “hate speech” monitoring, as Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili attacks the “For Georgia” faction and links their moves to fugitive Giorgi Gakharia. Immigration Fallout: A US deportation flight sent migrants—including people from Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey and Georgia—to the conflict-hit Central African Republic, where the State Department warns Americans “do not travel,” raising fears for those with legal protections. Regional Connectivity: PM Irakli Kobakhidze met Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, focusing on expanding the “Middle Corridor” and linking Central Asia to the Black Sea. Economy & Society: World Bank kept Armenia’s growth forecast at 5.3% (2026) and 5.1% (2027), while Georgia’s leasing market hit 29,370 active borrowers and theater performances fell 9.8% in 2025. Tech & Crime: Europol and US authorities dismantled the AudiA6 crypto laundering service tied to ransomware, and Georgia’s National Bank suspended a local crypto trader, Sheri.

Middle Corridor Talks: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze met Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in Bishkek, putting the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan rail and direct air links on the fast track to boost transit through Georgia’s Black Sea ports. Cybercrime Crackdown: Europol says the AudiA6 crypto laundering network used by ransomware gangs was dismantled, with arrests in Georgia and seizures tied to a reported €336m-plus pipeline. Court Case in Georgia: Tbilisi City Court continues the October 4 Orbeliani Palace case; one defendant, Zakhro Albutashvili, is moving toward a plea deal while others resist. Visa Rules Update: Hungary’s embassy clarified that the “guest worker” residence permit category for Georgians (and some others) has been abolished, with applications rejected under the new rules. Georgia–China Politics: PM Kobakhidze says the new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China is already delivering “tangible benefits,” citing a surge in agreements and high-level visits. Regional Security Watch: A weekly military brief flags ongoing risks across the South Caucasus.

EU-Georgia Visa Talks: A working “in-depth dialogue” in Brussels ended after more than two hours, with Georgian officials saying they were “positive” and that the next steps will depend on the outcome of the visa suspension process for diplomatic, service and official passports. Pro-European Protests: In Tbilisi, demonstrators kept up their push for new elections and the release of political prisoners for the 561st night, again calling for the release of Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov and for independent media. Sanctions Debate in Europe: MEP Marketa Gregorova said the European Parliament’s report on Georgia is “very critical” and could help stop EU funding, while warning that targeted sanctions may be needed. Crypto Crime Crackdown: International investigators dismantled the AudiA6 crypto laundering service, alleging it handled about €336m/$389m; two alleged operators were arrested in Batumi, Georgia, and face extradition to the U.S. Economy Watch: The IMF said Georgia’s growth outlook is revised up to 6.5% for 2026, praising NBG governance reforms and noting inflation should return toward target as buffers remain strong.

Courtroom Politics: Tbilisi City Court is holding a closed hearing in the “sabotage” case against eight politicians, including Mikheil Saakashvili and Nika Melia, with prosecutors examining alleged damage during protests and items seized in party searches. Opposition Leadership: Journalist Nanuka Zhorzholiani says Saakashvili offered her the UNM chair role, which she refused, adding she may reorganize the party “from scratch.” EU Visa Talks: Georgia and the EU are set to hold a visa dialogue meeting in Brussels today, amid discussion of a possible suspension of visa liberalization. Protest Pressure: On the 560th day of demonstrations on Rustaveli Avenue, protesters again demanded political prisoners’ release and new elections; the court released 14 defendants tied to the October 4 presidential palace storming after guilty pleas. Travel Advisory: The UK Foreign Office warns that Georgia has a very strict anti-drugs policy, including codeine-containing non-prescription medicines being illegal, urging travelers to carry prescriptions and original packaging. Regional Economy: Azerbaijan’s deputy energy minister says Azerbaijani firms can now compete globally, pointing to SOCAR’s expansion across the region including Georgia and Türkiye. ADB Cooperation: The Asian Development Bank is considering a regional “Center of Excellence” capacity-building initiative that would include Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia.

Protest Standoff in Tbilisi: On the 560th straight day, demonstrators on Rustaveli Avenue again demanded the release of political prisoners and new, transparent elections, as a court released 14 defendants in the October 4 presidential palace storming case on guilty pleas, while another part of the opposition movement continues to rally in solidarity with journalist Afgan Sadigov. Parliament & Environment: Georgia’s parliament adopted final amendments tightening rules on when woody plants can be cut in Tbilisi when a construction permit exists. Tech, Skills & EU Support: EU-backed programmes are pushing women into Georgia’s tech sector via mentorship and digital training, while local startups with EU/UNDP help expand—ranging from CHAMPY’s apple-chip growth to Kovzy’s restaurant e-commerce platform. Business & Investment: Georgia’s wild-harvest producer GeoFlower highlights export-ready, certified products, and a new Rotana-branded mountain resort concept was unveiled for Gudauri. Regional Diplomacy: Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye held a 10th trilateral foreign ministers’ meeting in Istanbul, focusing on energy, transport and the Middle Corridor. Central Bank Move: The National Bank of Georgia bought an extra $100m in gold bullion, lifting monetary gold to 15.5% of reserves. Public Order: Police reported arrests of 119 people in drug operations across Georgia, with large seizures including heroin and cocaine.

EU-Russia Crypto Clash: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a 21st sanctions package that could ban crypto-asset services tied to third countries helping Russia evade sanctions, while Russia responded the same day with proposed fees up to 3% on Western-linked stablecoins like USDT and USDC. Azerbaijan Abroad Crackdown: Human Rights Watch says Azerbaijan is prosecuting critics in exile, often via absentia trials based heavily on online speech, raising fears of extradition and detention during travel. Energy & Transit for Georgia: SOCAR signed a long-term deal to market Absheron offshore gas to Turkey and Europe via the Southern Gas Corridor starting in 2029, and Russia’s Inter RAO says cross-border electricity trade to include deliveries to Georgia will stay roughly flat in 2026. Rail Links: Extra carriages will be added to the Baku–Tbilisi–Baku train from June 11/12 as summer demand rises. Tech in Tbilisi: Studio Liberty is the main partner of Global Tech Weekend Tbilisi 2026 (June 19–21), pitching Georgia as a regional tech hub. Sport: England’s women beat Ukraine 3-0 but still miss automatic World Cup qualification and head to playoffs; Spain and France clinched direct spots. Culture/Local Life: Georgia’s PM Kobakhidze discussed EU integration on Rustavi-2, and Georgia also tightened residency rules for foreign students and spouses.

Armenia’s Election Fallout: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan secured a parliamentary majority after Armenia’s vote, with analysts framing it as a pivot away from Russia and toward regional peace and EU alignment. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign ministers from Georgia, Türkiye and Azerbaijan met in Istanbul and backed the Istanbul Declaration, with the trio also pushing expanded rail and energy links. Georgia’s Energy Security: Irakli Kobakhidze says Georgia extended its 20-year gas deal with Azerbaijan for another two decades, keeping annual deliveries at 500 million cubic meters under “social” pricing. Court Cases in Focus: Six Georgian nationals went on trial in Paris over theft of rare Russian books from French libraries, facing up to 10 years; separately, Azerbaijan confirmed the detention of journalist Afgan Sadigov after Georgia’s expulsion. Business & Finance: Geostat reports FDI reached $271.2m in Q1 2026 (+47.7%); EBRD approved a €10m loan to Aversi Pharma to modernize a Tbilisi warehouse. Sports (Georgia-linked): Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s Georgia missed World Cup qualification, while England and Ukraine’s qualifier ended with England heading to playoffs. Culture/Local Life: TBC Bank set the final 2025 dividend rate for June 22, and Georgia’s art and public life continue to draw attention, from major Black Sea resort plans to Tbilisi’s ongoing development projects.

Visa Rules for Georgia: The UK Foreign Office says Georgia has a strict anti-drugs policy, warning tourists that some common medicines (including codeine-containing products) can be illegal, and urging travelers to carry prescriptions and original packaging. Regional Diplomacy: Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia used their 10th trilateral foreign ministers’ meeting in Istanbul to pledge deeper cooperation on security, transport and energy, highlighting the Middle Corridor and Baku-Tbilisi-Kars rail. Black Sea Investment: Georgia’s Swissôtel Kobuleti Beach Resort project—$300 million on the Black Sea coast—moves into construction with pre-sales opening. Court Case in France: Seven Georgian nationals go on trial in Paris over theft of rare Russian literary classics from French libraries, with charges including conspiracy and possible prison terms up to 10 years. Armenia Watch: Georgia’s parliament speaker says Tbilisi hopes for peace and regional stability after Armenia’s election, stressing the Azerbaijan-Armenia track and border-opening dialogue. Consumer Protection: Georgia’s competition and consumer protection agency will take the ICPEN presidency from July 1, with a focus on building trust in the digital age.

Trilateral Diplomacy in Istanbul: Georgia, Azerbaijan and Türkiye met in Istanbul for their 10th foreign ministers’ round and signed the Istanbul Declaration, with Georgian officials stressing regional peace, peace talks between Baku and Yerevan, and the need to resolve key issues before any final Armenia-Azerbaijan deal. Middle Corridor Push: The same meeting focused on boosting the Middle Corridor and TRIPP, while Georgia highlighted how the modernized Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and its higher freight capacity can drive trade and economic progress. Armenia’s Election Fallout: Armenia’s June 7 vote kept Nikol Pashinyan in power, but coverage highlights deep division at home and renewed debate over Russia’s waning influence versus Armenia’s European direction. Heritage Under Threat: Archaeologists are working at Armenia’s Arakelots monastery complex, listed among Europe’s most endangered sites, as vegetation, decay, climate hazards and past damage threaten the medieval monument. Migration and Visas: Georgia’s Interior Ministry unveiled a new migration-control legislative package, while the EU prepares a face-to-face meeting with Tbilisi over suspended diplomatic visa rules. Energy Watch: GasBuddy data shows Georgia fuel prices easing in late May, with some counties reporting notably low diesel and regular gasoline.

Migration & Security: Georgia’s Interior Ministry is drafting major amendments to the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons, tightening rules for foreign students with language proof (NAEC exams/certificates), setting admission quotas, and requiring universities to log foreign-student data in a unified system. Visa Liberalization Row: Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili says a June 11 visa-liberalization meeting should be “technical,” rejecting political preconditions like joining EU sanctions on Russia and demands for opaque foreign funding. Regional Diplomacy: Georgia, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan will hold their 10th trilateral foreign ministers’ meeting in Istanbul on June 8, with a planned “Istanbul Declaration” and talks on connectivity, energy, transport corridors, and security. Armenia’s Election Fallout: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze congratulated Nikol Pashinyan after Armenia’s parliamentary vote; Pashinyan says Armenia will keep moving toward EU rapprochement while also participating in the EAEU and maintaining relations with Russia. Tech & Business: Global Tech Weekend Tbilisi returns June 19-21, aiming to draw 20,000+ international attendees for talks, workshops, and investment-focused events. Culture & Faith: Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III baptized up to 700 children in Tbilisi, continuing the mass-baptism tradition started by Ilia II.

Armenian Election Watch: Armenia held its June 7 parliamentary vote, with Reuters reporting PM Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract leading in pre-election polling; the result is seen as a referendum on peace with Azerbaijan, normalization with Turkey, and how much Russia’s influence can shape Yerevan’s future. Georgia–Armenia Ties: Pashinyan publicly praised Georgia as a “strategic partnership,” saying cooperation will deepen, while also stressing “peace with Azerbaijan” and expecting Turkey border links to reopen. Sanctions Enforcement in Georgia: Georgia’s Interior Ministry said it arrested an internationally wanted suspect at Tbilisi International Airport in an FBI-backed operation tied to alleged US sanctions evasion, with reports identifying her as Russian citizen Tatyana Kurashkevich. Regional Diplomacy: Georgia, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan will hold their 10th trilateral foreign ministers’ meeting in Istanbul on June 8, with transport, transit, energy security, and regional coordination on the agenda. Public Protest: Russian Language Day in central Tbilisi drew protests over concerns about Russian influence and language restrictions in occupied Georgian territories.

Armenian Elections & Regional Peace: After voting in Armenia’s closely watched parliamentary election, PM Nikol Pashinyan said he expects normalised ties with Turkey and renewed rail and road links, while stressing “peace with Azerbaijan” and deep relations with Georgia. He also pitched the TRIPP transit plan as a regional benefit for Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Iran. Pro-European Georgia Politics: Irakli Pavlenishvili of the United National Movement said the party will join the June 20 anti-occupation protest rally at Tbilisi’s Philharmonic Hall, calling it a response to the 2019 crackdown and growing Russification. Georgia-US Sanctions Case: A Russian national wanted by the FBI was detained at Tbilisi International Airport over alleged sanctions-evasion involving aircraft spare parts; Georgia ordered her held pending extradition steps. Regional Security: Ukraine launched a major drone attack on Russia’s St Petersburg area, with officials reporting fires and hundreds of drones intercepted, while Russia cited strikes also reaching Abkhazia. Labor Migration Watch: Hungary will stop issuing work visas to nationals of Georgia, Armenia and the Philippines from Friday, citing concerns about wage pressure and tighter guest-worker rules.