AGP Executive Report

Migration & Justice: Russian-born activist Denis Kulanin, pardoned by President Mikheil Kavelashvili, has been transferred to Georgia’s Migration Department, where he may face deportation to Russia. Public Safety & Death Investigation: Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava was found dead in his Tbilisi apartment; authorities say an investigation is underway under a suicide-related criminal code article. Pro-European Protests: Supporters of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic course rallied in Tbilisi for the 638th straight day, with pardoned protest figure Fridon Bubuteishvili included in the latest amnesty list. Culture & Film: FOMO Open-Air Cinema hosted the Tbilisi edition of shnit worldwide shortsfestival, bringing a rotating lineup of international short films across five nights. Music: “Night Serenades” wrapped its Batumi chapter with “Tango-Operazione,” featuring Georgian and international performers; final concerts are set for mid-September in Tbilisi. Arts Funding Dispute: A controversy over Uta Beria’s “Tear Gas” centers on whether state-funded production delivered the finished film for approval and public screening.

Back to School & Public Health: A new “Osterholm Update” episode tackles what parents should know for school-age health risks, from measles and flu timing to foodborne concerns. Protests & Political Prisoners: Supporters of Georgia’s Eurointegration kept marching in Tbilisi for the 638th straight day, as pardons reportedly include protest participant Fridon Bubuteishvili. Urban Culture & Heritage: Tbilisi’s modernist “Rike Tubes” arts complex demolition has sparked public outrage over the city’s skyline and the fate of a once-prominent cultural venue. Civic Safety: Georgia’s Public Defender warns asbestos may be found during Rustaveli Avenue rehabilitation, urging extra care as the school year starts nearby. Arts in Motion: Batumi’s “Night Serenades” wrapped with “Tango-Operazione,” and the festival’s final concerts are set for mid-September in Tbilisi. Hospitality Leadership: Deborah Sivertsen discusses people-first leadership as she continues her hotel career in Georgia. Film & Funding Dispute: A Georgian film, “Tear Gas,” faces an institutional fight over state funding delivery and approval for public screening.

Tbilisi Modernism Under Fire: Outcry is growing over the demolition of the Rike Tubes—Tbilisi’s Rike Park Music Theatre and Exhibition Hall—built in 2011–2012 and long seen as a symbol of the previous pro-European era, with work approved by the city and set to finish by Dec. 25. Civic Activism: A new citizens’ association, the “Anti-Annexation Platform,” was launched in Tbilisi, pledging peaceful legal action against Russia’s occupation and de facto annexation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali. Adjara Infrastructure for Kids: In Batumi’s region, the “City of Dreams” project is moving ahead, with a kindergarten foundation completed and plans for a new public school for 1,500 students. Black Sea Escape Stories: A report follows Russian deserters who crossed the Black Sea by kayak seeking asylum in Europe, highlighting the risks and desperation behind flight from the war. Protests Continue: Supporters of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic course kept demonstrating in Tbilisi for the 637th straight day, again demanding political prisoners’ release and fair elections. Cultural Life & Learning: Georgia’s education scene includes hybrid schooling for Tbilisi schools due to Rustaveli Avenue rehabilitation, plus new school-uniform sales plans.

Armenia Rights Watch: International democracy monitors in Armenia warn of political repression, politically motivated arrests, and pressure on the Armenian Apostolic Church, urging the EU to respond more forcefully. Church-State Tension: Armenia’s PM says a report is being prepared on a “systemic crisis” in the Armenian Apostolic Church and signals possible leadership changes, escalating fears of deeper state control. Armenian Church Pressure: The government’s move follows a standoff involving the Church’s head Karekin II and court-ordered reinstatement of a bishop. Georgia Border Politics: Opposition figures at the Upper Lars checkpoint accuse the ruling “Georgian Dream” of enabling a surge of Russian tourists and relocants; authorities cite official crossing numbers. Education Reform Results: Georgia’s 2026 unified national exams show fewer students enrolling overall, with state universities losing ground to private ones after funding and program changes. Orthodox Cultural Exchange: Georgian and Russian Orthodox communities launch an initiative to create and exchange hundreds of icons, framing it as spiritual kinship beyond politics. Hotel & Banking Deal: Armenia’s Ardshinbank owner signs to acquire Georgia’s TeraBank and the Biltmore Tbilisi hotel, pending Georgian National Bank approval. Local School Schedule: Two Tbilisi schools start the new year in hybrid format due to Rustaveli Avenue rehabilitation. Tourism Numbers: Geostat reports Georgia’s hotel sector grew in 2025, with most hotels in Adjara and Tbilisi and women forming the majority of hotel staff.

Cold War Culture: A music professor’s new book recounts how a Soviet-era saxophonist used secret codes hidden in sheet music to meet Jewish “refuseniks,” surviving KGB interrogations and house arrest. Tourism & Economy: Geostat reports Georgia’s hotel sector grew in 2025, with 2,731 operating entities and a 4.5% rise in hotel numbers; women make up 54.5% of hotel staff. Energy Security: A new look at the “geography” of energy risk argues that beyond the Strait of Hormuz, pipelines, rail, power lines, and transit corridors linking the Caspian and South Caucasus to Europe are reshaping leverage. Education & Daily Life: Two Tbilisi schools will start the academic year in hybrid format on Sept. 15 due to Rustaveli Avenue rehabilitation, with some grades studying remotely. Cinema & Training: Berlin hosts the 23rd Arthouse Cinema Training with a record 58 participants from 25 countries, including Georgia. Protests: Eurointegration supporters keep up a 636th day of demonstrations in Tbilisi, calling for political prisoners’ release and fair elections. Culture & Identity: A Turkology summer school in Türkiye brings together young researchers from 13 countries, focusing on Turkic languages, heritage, arts, and architecture.

Protests in Tbilisi: Supporters of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic course kept up a 636th straight day of demonstrations outside Parliament and Tbilisi City Hall, calling for political prisoners’ release, fair elections, and an end to “repressive mechanisms.” Education under strain: University teachers warned that government reforms are turning into a “national-scale disaster” for the education system. Russian pressure on Georgia-linked voices: A Moscow court ordered the arrest of Georgia-based blogger Nikolai Levshitz in absentia over alleged “fake news” about the Russian army, with potential prison terms if he returns. Armenia’s political reset: Nikol Pashinyan unveiled Armenia’s “Fourth Republic” and a 2026–2031 program built around “Real Armenia,” peace priorities, and reduced dependence on Russia—while facing criticism tied to the Apostolic Church. Cultural life in the region: Batumi’s “Night Serenades 2026” opened in Borjomi, and Georgia’s Kvareli Foundation for Contemporary Art is set to open a new space for contemporary work.

Georgian Culture & Lifestyle: Kvareli Foundation for Contemporary Art is set to open to the public on October 31, bringing a new home for Georgian contemporary work in Kakheti, with an opening group show focused on “origins and continuities” and a building designed to sit lightly in the Caucasus foothills. Heritage & City Life: Movement for Cultural Heritage issues an urgent appeal over Rustaveli Avenue works, as Tbilisi City Hall says the Heritage Agency was immediately notified of artifacts found during rehabilitation. Community & Rights: A Chechen trans man was found dead in Batumi in mid-August; Georgian authorities are investigating under suicide-related articles, while his brother says he was violently murdered due to his gender identity. Public Services: Tbilisi public schools are undergoing major rehabilitation works, and school uniforms are being rolled out for online purchase via a new platform. Regional Watch: Social media chatter around gasoline supplies from Georgia to Abkhazia points to the continued mutual dependence tied to the Inguri HPP. Arts & Events: “Night Serenades 2026” opens ceremonially in Borjomi, and Batumi’s Whisky Festival 2026 is also on the calendar.

Contemporary Art in Kakheti: The Kvareli Foundation for Contemporary Art will open to the public on October 31, launching with a group show on Georgian contemporary art’s “origins and continuities,” with exhibition and cultural spaces designed by Midamo. Education & Daily Life: Tbilisi public schools are undergoing major rehabilitation, including renovated yards, classrooms, and bathrooms ahead of the new school year. School Uniforms Online: From September 1, parents can buy uniforms via an online platform (formebi.emis.ge) with delivery handled by Georgian Post, alongside designated sales points. Public Safety: Police detained a man in Tbilisi accused of trafficking underage children—forcing them to beg for alms and taking the money. Human Rights & Movement: South Ossetia’s de facto authorities plan to ease crossing rules for Akhalgori Georgians, including longer crossing hours and simpler entry for close relatives. Culture & Society: Georgian civil society figures issued a joint statement warning about Russian propaganda and growing Russian influence, saying it threatens sovereignty and EU integration.

Human Rights & Civic Space: More than 100 Georgian civil society figures, including artists and academics, signed a statement accusing Georgian Dream-linked groups of promoting Russian propaganda, intensifying pro-Russian narratives, and using “Russophobia” to frame opposition to the occupation and growing Russian influence as hatred. Occupied Regions: UN Security Council members condemned Russia’s continued occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, citing restrictions on movement, detentions, discrimination, limits on Georgian-language education, and damage to cultural heritage. Education & Everyday Life: Tbilisi public schools are undergoing major rehabilitation, with renovations planned for yards, classrooms, and bathrooms ahead of the new school year. Justice & Child Protection: Police detained a man in Tbilisi accused of trafficking underage children—forcing them to beg for alms through psychological and physical violence while he kept the money. Culture & Community: A “Night Serenades” concert opened in Batumi, drawing continuous applause. Sports & Youth Culture: Georgia was knocked out in U20 wrestling at the World Championships, while local athletes still earned notable results.

Pro-European Protest Wave: Protesters in Tbilisi and Batumi marked the 634th day of demonstrations, calling for a return to Eurointegration, new parliamentary elections, and the release of political prisoners. Classical Music in Batumi: The “Night Serenades 2026” Liana Issakadze festival has moved to Batumi, opening with a packed concert at the Drama Theatre featuring Beatrice Venezi and Yuki Serino, with Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saëns, and Mendelssohn on the program. Cultural Heritage & Scholarship: A Tbilisi event marked the 100th anniversary of the First Turkology Congress held in Baku in 1926, focusing on language, history, and Turkic cultural ties. Georgia in Global Education: Harvard’s Georgian Studies Program has closed after Georgia’s Education Ministry declined to extend funding, raising questions about political will and academic independence. Environment & Knowledge: Experts argue that traditional ecological knowledge should be merged with modern science to tackle sustainability challenges. Sports Spotlight: Batumi’s cultural calendar also gets a boost from international sport coverage, including Georgia-linked wrestling results at the U20 Worlds and a Batumi-hosted festival note.

Immigration & Rights: A US federal judge in Manhattan struck down the Trump administration’s blanket suspension of immigrant visas for 75 countries, including Georgia, saying it was “patently unlawful” and exceeded the State Department’s authority; the ruling reverses visa denials tied only to nationality. Culture & Music: The Liana Isakadze International Festival “Night Serenades 2026” has moved to Batumi, with three classical concerts (Aug 21, 23, 25) marking the violinist’s 80th anniversary. Academic Life: Harvard’s Georgian Studies Program has closed after Georgia’s education ministry declined to extend funding, citing a lack of an agreed future plan. Heritage & Scholarship: Tbilisi hosted “100 Years of the First Turkology Congress: From History to the Future,” marking the 1926 Baku congress and its impact on Turkic language and cultural research. Sports (Regional): Georgia’s swimmers earned Swim Safe certification at the European Aquatics conference, joining 14 other federations recognized for drowning-prevention efforts.

Classical Music in Batumi: “Night Serenades 2026” has moved from Borjomi to Batumi, with three concerts on Aug. 21, 23 and 25 at the Batumi Drama Theatre, marking the 80th anniversary of violinist Liana Isakadze and featuring Georgian Virtuosi plus international guests. Academic Culture Abroad: Harvard’s Georgian Studies Program has closed after Georgia’s Education Ministry declined to extend funding, citing the lack of an “agreed program” for the next phase. Heritage & Scholarship in Tbilisi: A Tbilisi event marked the 100th anniversary of the First Turkology Congress (Baku, 1926), focusing on Turkic language, literature, history and cultural cooperation. Sports & Identity: European Aquatics’ “Swim Safe” conference certified 15 federations including Georgia, while the U20 wrestling scene saw mixed results for Georgian opponents. Culture, Borders, and Life Stories: A Batumi-to-Georgia cultural thread also appears in coverage of Roman Dolidze’s roots, and in a human-interest report on an Iranian dissident’s religious journey toward Judaism.

Georgian Studies at Harvard: Tbilisi says it couldn’t agree with Harvard on a new program plan and funding framework, so the Kartvelian Studies Program at the Davis Center has been suspended. Pro-European Street Pressure: Supporters of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic course kept up daily protests in Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi, calling for political prisoners’ release and an end to cooperation with Russia. EU Enlargement Debate: A new push for EU accession is underway, but the EU’s “homework” on decision-making and funding rules remains unclear—raising questions for Georgia’s path. Information Warfare Watch: A report argues Georgia’s propaganda outlet Imedi helped spread a Kremlin-friendly claim about donated generators, showing how narratives can flip direction and travel through Russian channels. Arts & Film: Sarajevo Film Festival awards included Georgian director Ana Urushadze’s win for “Supporting Role” and Sandra Wollner’s “Everytime” taking top narrative feature honors. Culture & Heritage: Movement for Cultural Heritage issued an urgent appeal over Rustaveli Avenue works, while Tbilisi heritage officials say they were notified of artifacts found during rehabilitation.

Heritage & Community: Bainbridge honored Old Post Office owner John Noel with the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s Excellence in Rehabilitation award, after a roughly 18-month renovation turned the 1914 landmark into an event space and speakeasy-style bar. Healthcare Access: A new EULAR-backed study flags big gaps across Europe in rheumatology care, from specialist availability to treatment and non-drug support. Sports Spotlight: Amy Hunt returned to the Diamond League in Lausanne after her European Championships run, finishing second in the 200m. Education & Family Life: Georgia announced school-uniform sales points across Tbilisi and regions, with an online ordering platform planned next week and sales starting Sept. 1 for first-graders. Culture & Film: CineLink Industry Days at the Sarajevo Film Festival handed top prizes to “Wolf Days” and “Mamayi,” with awards supporting bold stories on women’s health and politics. Local Culture: Batumi hosted the Black Sea Honey Festival 2026, promoting Georgian honey and local beekeeping traditions.

UN Security Council Statement: European UN Security Council members marked the 18th anniversary of the 2008 Russo-Georgian war with a joint condemnation of Russia’s aggression and illegal occupation, reiterating Georgia’s sovereignty and calling for withdrawal from Abkhazia and Tskhinvali. Pro-European Protests: Supporters of Georgia’s Eurointegration kept up a peaceful protest in Tbilisi for a 631st consecutive day, again demanding political prisoners’ release and free elections. Civil Society vs. Propaganda: Georgian civil society representatives issued a joint statement saying a coordinated campaign tied to Georgian Dream is spreading Russian-aligned narratives and distorting responsibility for the 2008 war. School Uniform Rollout: Georgia published addresses for school uniform sales points in Tbilisi and regions, with daily hours and an online ordering platform planned next week ahead of mandatory uniforms for first-graders from September 1. Rustaveli Avenue Finds: Rehabilitation works on Rustaveli Avenue near Liberty Square uncovered brick structures and ceramic vessels, with heritage authorities notified and advising next steps. Cultural Life in Batumi: Batumi hosted the Black Sea Honey Festival 2026, promoting beekeeping traditions and local honey producers. Book Vandalism Case: A bookstore chain said copies of Lasha Bugadze’s dystopian novel “The Observer” were vandalized with repeated obscene drawings, sparking debate about political targeting and respect for literature.

Heritage Watch: Georgia’s “Movement for Cultural Heritage” says Rustaveli Avenue works in Tbilisi uncovered 19th-century brick drainage and possible 10th–11th century ceramics, but questions remain over archaeological supervision and transparency. School Life: Georgia’s new mandatory primary school uniform goes on sale Sept. 1, with retail points across the country and an online ordering platform, plus free uniforms for socially vulnerable families. Arts & Community: ABAC’s First Tuesday Concert Series kicks off Sept. 1 with a free music faculty performance, with the season running through 2027. Culture Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s Suvar Lezgi Folk Song and Dance Ensemble joins the 22nd Caucasus Dance and Music Festival in Yalova, bringing together performers from across the region. Human Rights Online: “Caucasus Without a Mother” reports its Instagram page was restored after a targeted block, saying it temporarily used a backup account while the issue was resolved. Regional Politics: Reports from occupied Tskhinvali say “crossing points” schedules will expand, with changes tied to requests from residents. Sports & Youth: In Georgia’s wider region, school sports and leadership programs keep rolling—like a new South GeorgiaLEADS cohort starting Aug. 20 and local cross-country season openers.