Georgian Media Leaks Arrests, Priest Fired, EU Sanctions Warning

Georgian Media Appears to Announce Arrests Early

Pro-government TV channel POSTV in Georgia seemingly reported the arrests of anti-government figures before they occurred. The premature details were quickly removed, but the individuals were later arrested, raising suspicions about the TV station's prior awareness of the police targets.

On October 24, POSTV, known for its pro-government stance, posted a card on Facebook with information about the arrests. Sources confirmed the card's authenticity.

This happened amid a week of arrests of protesters on Tbilisi's Rustaveli Avenue, following stricter protest laws.

The card's headline claimed those arrested were blocking the road. It listed names including Tamta Gogoladze, Nato Slepakova, and Nika Kvitatiani.

The card gained attention because at least three listed individuals had not yet been arrested. While the post was soon deleted, copies circulated online.

Opposition figures joked about the situation, while critics accused pro-government media of receiving arrest plans from authorities.

Tengo Tevzadze from Ahali stated that POSTV knew in advance who would be arrested.

Eventually, all listed individuals were arrested, and the court sentenced them to jail.

It's unclear why POSTV published the information early. Critics believe this shows a lack of independent institutions and decisions being made by the ruling party.

Nika Parulava from Ahali noted that the card seemed to negatively portray party members' involvement in protests.

POSTV was founded in 2017, with its main shareholder being Viktor Japaridze, an MP from a Georgian Dream satellite party.

Church Dismisses Priest Critical of Government

The Georgian Orthodox Church dismissed Archimandrite Dorote Kurashvili, a priest known for criticizing the government, from his parish in Tbilisi. Kurashvili believes the dismissal was orchestrated by the ruling party and the Russian Church.

The Mtskheta–Tbilisi diocesan commission accused Kurashvili of slander and inappropriate behavior. Remarks criticizing Church representatives and mentioning government influence were cited as examples.

The commission requested and received approval from Patriarch Ilia II to remove Kurashvili.

Kurashvili had openly criticized the Georgian Dream party regarding violence against protesters, government-sponsored conspiracy theories, and Russia's impact on Georgians.

He often attended anti-government demonstrations and criticized certain Church leaders.

After being summoned, Kurashvili did not attend the session, stating it should be public. He stated he was being judged by the Russian Church and Bidzina Ivanishvili.

After his removal, Kurashvili announced he would continue to protest on Rustaveli Avenue.

Despite the removal, he retained his priesthood and was assigned to Tbilisi's Holy Trinity Cathedral. He believes Ilia II fought to retain his priesthood amid potential interference from the State Security Service.

EU Asks Georgia to Increase Efforts Against Sanctions Evasion

The EU has requested that the Georgian government take more action to prevent Russia from evading sanctions.

EU spokesperson Anita Hipper confirmed that a letter was sent to Georgia concerning sanctions circumvention. EU Special Representative David O’Sullivan authored the letter.

Hipper stated that the EU is awaiting a response and wants Georgia to ensure Russia does not evade sanctions. O’Sullivan thanked the government for its past efforts.

He requested that Georgia ban all re-exports of EU-made items identified as goods that Russia seeks for its war efforts. He mentioned that other regional countries had already addressed this issue.

Some Georgian officials claimed the letter was a success, countering claims that Georgia was enabling sanction evasions.

Parliamentary Speaker Shalva Papuashvili criticized Brussels, alleging a bipolar disorder and suggesting that the EU funds disinformation against Georgia.

Former Minister's Home Searched, Deputy Arrested

The home of former Infrastructure Minister Irakli Karseladze was searched and his former deputy, Koba Gabunia, was arrested amid a purge of current and former Georgian Dream officials.

Gabunia faces charges related to abuse of authority, concerning over $3.5 million in fraudulently acquired funds.

Ia Akhalaia from the Finance Ministry stated that Gabunia facilitated the approval of $4 million for kindergarten reconstruction advance payments.

Allegedly, Gabunia received financial benefit from awarding the contract to Lagi Capital LLC, which had previously misused advanced payments.

If convicted, Gabunia and executives could face up to 12 years in prison.

Gabunia and Karseladze resigned in April 2023.

The investigation is the most recent corruption probe against former Georgian Dream officials.

Activist Describes Prison Abuse in Georgia

Russian activist Anastasia Zinovkina, imprisoned in Georgia, described being mistreated and humiliated by Rustavi Prison No. 5 staff, left unattended for eight hours, unable to move.

Georgian activist Natia Gabrava posted the details on Facebook after speaking with Zinovkina.

Zinovkina, sentenced to prison on drug charges in September, claims the drugs were planted. She and her partner were active in anti-government protests.

Gabrava wrote that Zinovkina suffers from spinal problems and receives only painkillers. She has also been denied the proper bedding previously promised.

Zinovkina was left unattended for eight hours after she seized up.

Zinovkina is in solitary confinement. Guards stated they could not assist her.

A nurse threw a diaper at her. Prison staff wrote that Zinovkina refused to shower and skipped roll call.

Gabrava says prison staff is torturing her.

A doctor told Zinovkina she needed a neurologist.

Zinovkina is not the only protester to complain of mistreatment.

Nino Datashvili, a teacher, was sent to a psychiatric facility but had her detention replaced with bail after her spinal condition worsened.