Georgia’s spring parliamentary session opened amid tight security as protests erupted outside. Demonstrators demanded the release of detained journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, while opposition parties boycotted the session, rejecting the legitimacy of the October elections. Inside, President Kavelashvili
The first session of Georgia’s 11th parliament, formed after disputed elections on October 26, began on February 4 amid protests and heightened security. Civil society groups and journalists gathered outside to call for the release of Mzia Amaghlobeli, who has been on a hunger strike for 24 days since her arrest on January 12.
Authorities activated parliament’s yellow security level, citing security concerns. But critics see it as a sign of growing political instability rather than a protective measure.
Kavelashvili’s Speech: Defiance and Criticism
Addressing lawmakers, President Mikheil Kavelashvili defended the elections and said that “forces inside and outside the country” must accept the people’s choice. He accused Georgia’s Western allies of applying “double standards” and undermining European values, reinforcing the ruling party’s increasingly defiant stance against the EU.
Kavelashvili also warned of ongoing threats to Georgia’s stability, saying the country has been “walking on a knife edge” since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022. He claimed that “anti-Georgian forces” were working to destabilize the country, a narrative often used by the government to justify its cautious foreign policy.
Opposition Boycott and New Laws
The opposition is absent from parliament, continuing its boycott in protest against what they call fraudulent elections. Their refusal to participate leaves GD lawmakers largely unchallenged as they try to pass new legislation.
A day before the session, ruling party leader Mamuka Mdinaradze announced plans to extend administrative detention from 15 to 60 days and introduce criminal penalties of up to three years for "public calls to violence.
Georgia’s State Security Service has dismissed a U.S. Embassy warning about a bomb threat at Tbilisi malls as false, criticizing the embassy for issuing the alert without coordination and urging more responsible diplomatic communication.
The US Embassy in Georgia has cautioned American citizens about potential security threats at several major shopping malls in Tbilisi, though Georgian officials have refuted the claims as unfounded.
The US House has passed the MEGOBARI Act, a bipartisan bill promoting democracy in Georgia and proposing sanctions on officials. As it heads to the Senate, Tbilisi pushes back, warning it could strain US-Georgia ties amid calls to reset relations.
The U.S. House will debate the MEGOBARI Act, a bipartisan bill proposing sanctions on Georgian officials and offering aid if Tbilisi shifts from anti-Western policies, following Georgia’s adoption of a controversial foreign agents law.
Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili expressed hope that Armenia and Azerbaijan will sign a peace agreement in the near future, contributing to the positive development dynamics of the South Caucasus region.
A helicopter crash in Sri Lanka has resulted in six fatalities, according to military sources cited by AFP on Friday.
President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reached a trade agreement that lowers U.S. tariffs on British autos, steel, and aluminum, while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff on other goods and boosting American exports of beef and ethanol.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
Italians gather to honour all who resisted fascism — including the forgotten Azerbaijani soldiers of Monte di Nese, each year. Their names may be lost, but their struggle for freedom is etched into the memory of this land.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
Armenia has officially approved joining the Ashgabat Agreement, aiming to enhance its regional transit role and secure broader access to international markets through a key transport and transit corridor spanning Central and South Asia.
Turkmenistan will host the next session of the High-Level Working Group on the Caspian Sea, following constructive discussions in Moscow among the five littoral states on maritime cooperation and legal frameworks.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, in a message to participants of the 28th Eurasian Economic Summit, praised the strong Azerbaijani–Turkish partnership and reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to promoting peace, tolerance, and interfaith harmony.
Kazakhstan’s Senate has approved a key agreement with the UAE to develop a 1 GW wind power station in the Zhambyl region, with plans to enhance renewable energy production and storage capacity. The project will create thousands of jobs and attract significant investments.
The US Embassy in Georgia has cautioned American citizens about potential security threats at several major shopping malls in Tbilisi, though Georgian officials have refuted the claims as unfounded.
A helicopter crash in Sri Lanka has resulted in six fatalities, according to military sources cited by AFP on Friday.
President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reached a trade agreement that lowers U.S. tariffs on British autos, steel, and aluminum, while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff on other goods and boosting American exports of beef and ethanol.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
Italians gather to honour all who resisted fascism — including the forgotten Azerbaijani soldiers of Monte di Nese, each year. Their names may be lost, but their struggle for freedom is etched into the memory of this land.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment