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Former governing party demands to chair inquest board
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-31T18:11:05+04:00	October 31st, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: investigation of Saakashvili government's crimes|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The current parliamentary minority, which is made up of a party that governed Georgia for the last eight years, demand to have the position as chair of parliament's temporary investigative commission. The minority introduced a draft law in […]
Caucasus Online's former owner tells of surveillance
By Londa Beria| 2012-10-31T18:06:54+04:00	October 31st, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: rules for secret surveillance|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The former owner of a telecommunication company claims that the company was under serious pressure, because he refused to install listening devices. Caucasus Online is one of the biggest telecommunication companies in Georgia. Its former owner, […]
Do we have an opposition in today's parliament?
By Zaza Shatirishvili| 2012-10-31T17:23:42+04:00	October 31st, 2012|Categories: Opinion|Tags: Zaza Shatirishvili|
If we look at the current parliament through the eyes of an outside observer, then the question in the headline will become completely rhetorical. An outside observer will say that in the current parliament, there is Georgian Dream as majority, and the minority is […]
TV Sakartvelo becomes TV Tabula
Media, News
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-31T17:18:18+04:00	October 31st, 2012|Categories: Media, News|Tags: Tabula TV, Tamar Chergoleishvili, TV Sakartvelo|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian TV viewers will get a new channel in the near future, to be produced by the owners of the magazine Tabula. The new channel will be focused on news and will probably go on air in January 2013. The editor of the new channel will be Tabula […]
More than 700 prisoners to be released by late November
By Mari Nikuradze| 2012-10-31T15:24:31+04:00	October 31st, 2012|Categories: News|
Tbilisi, DF Watch – Georgia's new prison minister says the law about amnesty may come into force before November 23, and may apply to more than 700 prisoners, but he avoided specifying exactly how many prisoners may be released. Sozar Subari, Georgia's […]
Refugees claim empty buildings after election
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-30T15:00:05+04:00	October 30th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: eviction of IDPs|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Refugees in Georgia started to settle in abandoned buildings in the capital ever since the first results of parliamentary election became known. They hope the new government will grant them living quarters, which they claim they deserve. Among […]
Two thousand Georgians caught up in disaster
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-31T14:35:17+04:00	October 30th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: hurricane Sandy|
TBILISI, DFWatch — There are more than 2 000 Georgian citizens living in the disaster zone created by a massive storm in the US, according to the Georgian consulate in New York City. The massive storm called Sandy slammed into the eastern United States Monday night […]
Juvenile prisoners in Georgia are suffering, says group
News, Prisoner abuse
By Londa Beria| 2012-10-30T02:00:42+04:00	October 30th, 2012|Categories: News, Prisoner abuse|Tags: mistreatment of prisoners|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Psychologists say juvenile prisoners are serving time under very bad conditions in Georgia. Georgian Centre for Psychosocial and Medical Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (GCRT) found out that juvenile prisoners were tortured last year. Head […]
National Movement party loses six MPs
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-30T01:48:46+04:00	October 30th, 2012|Categories: News, Politics|Tags: national movement party after 2012 election|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Another National Movement MP has left the parliamentary minority to become independent members of parliament. A group of six independent MPs plan to set up a parliamentary faction. Six is the minimum number required to establish such a unit. […]
First day at work for Ivanishvili team
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-29T16:29:51+04:00	October 29th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: new government 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia's new government on Monday started working. Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili Monday arrived at the government building in Tbilisi for the government's first normal work day. The government session started 15:00. Ivanishvili held separate […]
Georgia moves parliament back to the capital
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-29T16:17:58+04:00	October 29th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: new parliament building|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The government in Georgia says it will move parliament back to the capital Tbilisi. October 21, parliamentarians met for their first regular session in Kutaisi, after President Mikheil Saakashvili as recently as 2011 decided to build an […]
Adjara gets a new leader
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-29T01:09:40+04:00	October 29th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: Adjara|
The new leader of the Adjara region in southwestern Georgia is Archil Khabadze, former Adjara regional director of Cartu Bank, which is affiliated with the new prime minister. Three candidates were considered for the post: Jemal Putkaradze, member of the Supreme […]
300 ill prisoners will be released soon
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-29T01:13:19+04:00	October 29th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: prisoner health care|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Up to 300 prisoners will be released before serving their term, Georgia's new Prison Minister orders. Sozar Subari, former Public Defender who recently was appointed as Prison Minister, on Sunday visited prison hospital No 18. After seeing […]
Adjaran Council meets for the first time after the election
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-28T20:40:10+04:00	October 28th, 2012|Categories: News, Politics|Tags: Adjara|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara on Sunday held its first session, with all 21 members attending. As a result of the parliamentary election on October 1, the Georgian Dream coalition received 57.6 percent of votes in Adjara, […]
Government considers planned new city Lazika
Economy, News
By Mari Nikuradze| 2012-10-31T14:05:59+04:00	October 28th, 2012|Categories: Economy, News|Tags: the construction of Lazika|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The new government has still not decided whether to implement Saakashvili's idea of building a completely new city Lazika in Georgia. The new government have different ideas about the plan to build a city with half a million people on the Black […]
New defense minister discovered major deficit
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-28T20:23:11+04:00	October 27th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: Georgia's defense spending|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia's new defense minister says he will take immediate measures to bring the ministry out of a crisis after he discovered that it has a USD 68 million deficit. Defense Minister Irakli Alasania Friday visited the ministry and said that his new […]
Calls to remove chair of public broadcaster
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-28T20:27:34+04:00	October 27th, 2012|Categories: Media, News|Tags: Georgian Public Broadcaster|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The audit agency in Georgia wants the chair of the Public Broadcaster to be changed, while groups demand reforms in GPB to return it to people and free broadcaster from government control. Online newspaper Ambebi.ge conducted a […]
Borjomi strike ended
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-27T17:39:39+04:00	October 27th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: Chiatura miners strike October 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Production has been restored at Georgia's famous mineral water plant Bojomi, after several day strike has finished. There are two plants in Borjomi, which is located in the southern Georgia's resort town with the same name. Employees of the company […]
Georgia continues to increase its foreign trade
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-26T16:38:37+04:00	October 26th, 2012|Categories: Economy, News|Tags: Georgia's foreign trade|
TBILISI, DFWatch — New nine month figures from 2012 show a 16 percent increase in foreign trade turnover compared to last year, equal to USD 7 595 million in total. The numbers do not include informal trade. According to Georgia's National Statistics Department […]
PIK's fate still uncertain
By Londa Beria| 2012-11-14T23:31:09+04:00	October 26th, 2012|Categories: Media, News|Tags: PIK crisis October 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — It is still unknown what will happen to a Russian language TV channel based in Georgia. PIK TV is one of the channels run by the Georgian Public Broadcaster. Since October 12, PIK has been had reduced programming, broadcasting old material […]
Case of Georgian PM's death to be reopened
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-26T15:38:55+04:00	October 26th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: Zurab Zhvania's death|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The day after a new government was approved by parliament in Georgia, it is already clear that the case of one of the most controversial deaths in the country's history will be reopened. The brother of the late Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania was recently […]
Trash fee will be reduced
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-26T01:38:51+04:00	October 26th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: garbage fee in Tbilisi|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Tbilisi City Council has solved the issue of trash collection fee, which is calculated based on how much electricity a household consumes. On Thursday, the council decided to reduce the trash tariff to half for five months from November till May. […]
Intelligence service to be split from interior ministry
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-26T01:32:04+04:00	October 26th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: intelligence service|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili says the intelligence service will be separated from the interior ministry and be set up as an independent state agency. "This service will have as function to find secret information, analyze, […]
Confusion over Georgia's state financial assets
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-26T15:09:51+04:00	October 26th, 2012|Categories: Economy, News|Tags: 2012 budget|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The outgoing and new government disagree over the size of the state coffers. Former government members claim that there is more than two billion lari, nearly USD 1.2 billion, in the state coffers. But new Finance Minister Nodar Khaduri says there […]
Georgian MP implicated in fomenting unrest in Russia
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-26T01:47:49+04:00	October 26th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: Givi Targamadze|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The new parliamentary majority plans to study the case of Givi Targamadze. He is a member of the National Movement party who according to Russian media has been helping the opposition in Russia to organize revolution. A few days ago, Russian media […]
New Georgian government approved
By Mari Nikuradze| 2012-10-25T23:55:49+04:00	October 25th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: new government 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia's eighth parliament has declared trust in the new government by 88 votes against 54. There are 150 seats in the parliament. Georgian Dream is in majority with 85 seats, the rest og seats belong to the National Movement, the former ruling […]
Update on the worker unrest in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — The famous Georgian mineral water plant Borjomi is still paralyzed by strike, as railway workers and dockers are also warning of protest action. Workers at Georgian Railway yesterday warned that they would stop the trains for a couple of hours, […]
Ruling expands the right to privacy
By Londa Beria| 2012-10-25T02:14:45+04:00	October 25th, 2012|Categories: NGO news|Tags: rules for secret surveillance|
TBILISI, DFWatch — A lawyers group's has won a lawsuit against the Georgian parliament. Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA) protested the law about operative investigations, which gave power to observe and participate in open and closed internet […]
New ombudsman may be chosen today
By Mari Nikuradze| 2012-10-25T02:06:23+04:00	October 25th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: Public Defender|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Thursday parliament will approve the new government presented by the Georgian Dream coalition. Parliament might also approve the new public defender, whose candidacy has been subject to discussion since the election result first became known. […]
Administrative detention to be ended
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-24T19:42:21+04:00	October 24th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: administrative imprisonment|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The new government in Georgia wants to do away with administrative detention. This is a form of incarceration left over from the Soviet Union which allows authorities to put away citizens as a preventive measure without going through normal court procedures, and has […]
Georgia may release ten thousand prisoners in mass amnesty
By Rusiko Machaidze| 2012-10-24T19:12:57+04:00	October 24th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: pardoning of prisoners|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia's new government plans to give thousands of prisoner amnesty, but has not yet specific what categories of prisoners will be released. The most recent figures, from July 1, 2012, show that there were 23 406 prisoners in Georgia at the […]
Ivanishvili can not say when pensions will be increased
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-24T19:16:53+04:00	October 24th, 2012|Categories: News, Politics|Tags: new government 2012|
The future Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili on Wednesday visited parliament to meet with the minority and answer their critical questions about the future plans and goals of the government and the government's plan. Most of the questions were about the time […]
Ivanishvili vows to leave in 2014
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-24T13:39:41+04:00	October 24th, 2012|Categories: News, Politics|Tags: Bidzina Ivanishvili's first press conference|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Bidzina Ivanishvivli, leader of the Georgian Dream coalition and future Prime Minister, says he will leave politics in a year and a half but continue to lead his coalition after that as a member of civil society. The coalition leader on Wednesday […]
New minister explained allegedly racist comments
By Londa Beria| 2012-10-24T02:10:58+04:00	October 24th, 2012|Categories: News, Politics|Tags: Davit Darakhvelidze|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are voicing their opposition to a candidate for refugee minister in the new government. Prime Minister candidate Bidzina Ivanishvili, who is leader of the election winner Georgian Dream, earlier […]
More workers join wave of strikes in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch — The results of the recent parliamentary election encouraged workers all over Georgia to protest against their harsh conditions and demand improvements. Next to join in are the workers at a plant in Borjomi processing the well-known mineral water […]
New government will reconsider Afghanistan mission
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-23T23:23:38+04:00	October 23rd, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: Georgia's Afghanistan contingent|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia may reconsider the size of its contingent in Afghanistan after 2014. Candidate for new foreign minister Maia Panjikidze does not exclude that the new government will make changes to Georgia's participation in the NATO-led ISAF operation […]
Russia debate in new Georgian parliament
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-23T19:01:01+04:00	October 23rd, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: Russian investments in Georgia|
TBILISI, DFWatch — There have been sharp exchanges between the majority and minority just three days after the new parliament started a new season. The candidate for foreign minister today visited the parliamentary committees on euro integration and foreign affairs. […]
EU continues negotiations with Georgia
In brief, News
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-23T14:25:13+04:00	October 23rd, 2012|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: free trade agreement with EU|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Negotiations are continuing Tuesday between Georgia and the EU about an association agreement. This is the eleventh session, and the talks are talking place at the government office. Currently Georgia is negotiating with the EU on three separate […]
Workers rebellion spreading across Georgia
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-23T00:56:32+04:00	October 23rd, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: Telasi workers protest, weak workers' protection|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The worker protests are continuing in Georgia after the election. After a week they can note a slight progress. It is more than five days since workers at the energy company Telasi went on strike asking to bring back about 125 employees who were […]
Saakashvili presents Ivanishvili's new government
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-23T00:32:37+04:00	October 23rd, 2012|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: new government 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili on Monday officially presented the new government list to parliament together with a new government program entitled 'For a Strong, Democratic and United Georgia'. In accordance with procedures, there will be […]
Saakashvili's people fleeing Georgia
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-23T01:11:16+04:00	October 22nd, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: Dimitry Shashkin|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Several powerful ministers in the Saakashvili government have not been seen in the country since the first results of the parliament election became known. Dimitry Sashkin, who lately served as defense minister, today posted an appeal on his […]
Saakashvili's power to block constitutional change reduced
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-22T03:46:16+04:00	October 22nd, 2012|Categories: News, Politics|Tags: parliament's first Kutaisi session|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Five members of parliament (MPs) who were elected as representing the National Movement party declined to join their party in the parliamentary minority on Sunday. This means that there will be less obstacles for the Bidzina Ivanishvili-led […]
The new parliament sets up 15 committees
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia's eighth parliamentary assembly has three factions from the majority and three from the minority. 15 parliamentary committees were established. The Georgian Dream coalition, which is the new parliament majority, on Sunday set up three […]
Neither Saakashvili nor Ivanishvili is what the West believes
By Tedo Japaridze| 2012-10-22T01:00:44+04:00	October 22nd, 2012|Categories: Opinion|Tags: Tedo Japaridze|
For many in the West, Mikheil Saakashvili remains the poster child of the Rose Revolution, an uncompromising promoter of democracy and defender of his country against Russia, and the incoming Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili is viewed as a shadowy and authoritarian […]
Refugee minister candidate criticized for 'racist' statements
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-22T13:04:45+04:00	October 22nd, 2012|Categories: News, Politics|Tags: Davit Darakhvelidze, new government 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Groups in Georgia ask the new government to reconsider its candidate for refugee minister, after criticism for making racist statements. A week ago Bidzina Ivanishvili presented his list of names for the future government. One of them was Davit […]
New government ready
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-22T00:34:21+04:00	October 22nd, 2012|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: new government 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The candidate for prime minister in Georgia has presented his list of government ministers to the president. The Georgian Dream coalition won the right to form government after its victory in the parliamentary election. President Mikheil […]
Demonstrations as parliament begins new season
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-21T19:19:54+04:00	October 21st, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: parliament's first Kutaisi session|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Groups of youth demonstrated today in front of the new parliament building where the eighth Georgian parliament assembly began its 2012-2013 season on Sunday. A number of students and youth came to Kutaisi joined by local students to protest […]
Usupashvili elected Parliament Speaker
TBILISI, DFWatch – The eighth Georgian parliament Sunday elected Republican Party leader Davit Usupashvili as speaker of parliament by 88 votes for, none against and 62 abstaining. Usupashvili represents the Georgian Dream coalition. Georgian Dream has 85 seats […]
Two-party parliament starts working
TBILISI, DFWatch — Parliamentarians in Georgia are gathering today in Kutaisi for their first session after the October 1 election. Their first session is taking place inside a new dome-shaped construction which though it's still unfinished and leaks water from the ceiling when it rains, […]
PIK journalists out of a job
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-20T21:08:06+04:00	October 20th, 2012|Categories: Media, News|Tags: PIK crisis October 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia's Public Broadcaster has abolished its contract with the Russian language TV station PIK, which has been off the air since October 19. PIK, or First Informational Caucasian, was a channel belonging to Georgia's Public Broadcaster. It […]
Georgia parliament gathering in Kutaisi Sunday
By Rusiko Machaidze| 2012-10-20T14:58:39+04:00	October 20th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: parliament's first Kutaisi session|
Georgia's Central Election commission Friday approved the protocol of the October 1, 2012, parliamentary election. The first session of the new parliament will be held on Sunday. Recently, the constitution was changed, so parliament sessions can only be held in Kutaisi […]
Results show Georgian Dream short of two third majority
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-20T14:59:50+04:00	October 20th, 2012|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: election result 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia's Central Election Commission (CEC) has approved the final results of the October 1 parliamentary election. According to the summary protocol, the Georgian Dream coalition received 54.97 percent, while United National Movement […]
Workers protests spreading in Georgia
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-19T22:57:11+04:00	October 19th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: Telasi workers protest|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Shortly after the preliminary results of the parliamentary election became known, workers all over th ecountry started demanding to improve their slave-like conditions. As 3 800 workers are still on strike in the mining town Chiatura, employees of […]
NGO coalition asks for action on media independence
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-20T21:09:17+04:00	October 19th, 2012|Categories: Media, News|Tags: Coalition for Media Advocacy|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Civic groups in Georgia Friday presented an eight-point plan for how to improve the media environment in the country. Coalition for Media Advocacy, which unites twelve non-government organizations (NGOs), considers it important to make […]
Saakashvili strengthens his personal security
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-19T14:25:21+04:00	October 19th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: Special State Protection Service|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Georgian president is strengthening the security around himself and his family. Mikheil Saakashvili has issued a decree according to which the Special State Protection Service will be given additional functions to protect the president and his family. […]
NATO committed to Georgia, says Appathurai
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-19T18:36:21+04:00	October 19th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: Georgia's Nato membership, James Appathurai|
TBILISI, DFWatch — NATO will remain absolutely committed to Georgia, a NATO envoy said after meeting the future prime minister of Georgia. James Appathurai, who is on a visit to Georgia, on Thursday held a meeting with Bidzina Ivanishvili, congratulating him on his […]
'Food, not bombs' event held in Tbilisi
By Mari Nikuradze| 2012-10-24T21:28:05+04:00	October 19th, 2012|Categories: Society|Tags: food not bombs|
TBILISI, DFWatch — A group of volunteer youth in Tbilisi decided to organize a charity event in the city internationally known as Food Not Bombs. Food which cannot be sold is gathered from grocery stores, restaurants, bakeries and markets, and is handed out to people […]
Saakashvili's jet makes emergency landing
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-19T00:05:17+04:00	October 18th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: Mikheil Saakashvili|
TBILISI, DFWatch — A business jet carrying President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, had to make an emergency landing at Bucharest airport Thursday night, the president's administration informs. Saakashvili was returning home after attending a conference, but ten minutes after […]
Ivanishvili plans to visit Europe
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-19T03:17:07+04:00	October 18th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: EU-georgia relations, Štefan Füle|
TBILISI, DFWatch — After meeting with Stefan Fule, European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy on Thursday, Bidzina Ivanishvili talked about his planned visit to Europe. "We had a very interesting conversation," he said, adding that this […]
Miners' strike spreading to other groups of workers
TBILISI, DFWatch — New groups of workers have joined the miners on strike in Chiatura, and activists from Tbilisi have arrived to support them. All mines in Chiatura are still closed down as the miners' strike continues for a fourth day. October 16 thousands of workers […]
NATO envoy says Tbilisi has passed the test
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-18T16:29:19+04:00	October 18th, 2012|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: Georgia's Nato membership|
TBILISI, DFWatch — NATO envoy James Appathurai yesterday evening arrived in Georgia for a working visit to meet with former and future government members. The October 1 parliamentary was a test for Georgia, which it has passed. The government has changed through the […]
Another pro-Saakashvili channel sold: This time it's Real
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-18T18:50:28+04:00	October 18th, 2012|Categories: Media, News|Tags: October 2012 takeover of Imedi TV|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Another pro-government television station has been sold in the wake of the parliamentary election in Georgia: Real TV. Real TV, which was a competitor to Rustavi 2 and Imedi TV, and contained pro-government news, shortly after election […]
TI report: Media in Georgia will remain polarized
By Londa Beria| 2012-10-18T02:19:03+04:00	October 18th, 2012|Categories: NGO news|Tags: media|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Transparency International Georgia (TIG) predicts that the television environment will stay polarized. Less than two weeks have passed since the election, and the political changes have already started to have an effect on the television environment. […]
Hidden political ads in Georgian election campaign
By Londa Beria| 2012-10-18T17:07:18+04:00	October 18th, 2012|Categories: NGO news|Tags: violations during 2012 parliamentary election|
TBILISI, DFWatch — During the election campaign in Georgia there were hidden political advertisements on TV. This is the result of a study by the Human Rights Center in Tbilisi. The group have studied advertising clips and found examples of hidden commercials on TV […]
Confusion about what will happen to Imedi TV
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-17T22:48:40+04:00	October 17th, 2012|Categories: Media, News|Tags: Badri Patarkatsishvili, October 2012 takeover of Imedi TV|
TBILISI, DFWatch — A government-controlled TV channel is in the process of be transferred back to the family of its old owner, the deceased businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili. The return of Imedi TV to its fonder's family has become the hottest topic on social networks […]
Saakashvili asks Ivanishvili to form a government
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-17T16:14:03+04:00	October 17th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: negotiations about transition of power 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili Tuesday presented Bidzina Ivanishvili, Georgian Dream coalition leader, as a candidate for Prime Minister. Manana Manjgaladze, spokesperson for the president, said at today's briefing that in accordance with the Georgian […]
Rubin highlights media's role in Georgia election
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-17T16:02:19+04:00	October 17th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: Eric Rubin|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Eric Rubin, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, evaluated the recent parliamentary election in Georgia on his visit to Tbilisi on Tuesday. He said the whole world can see that democracy is real in Georgia, which can become a model country for […]
Saakashvili: My party failed to listen to people
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-17T14:56:42+04:00	October 17th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: Saakashvili's moves after the election 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Mikheil Saakashvili Tuesday admitted his National Movement party had done too much talking instead of listening to people's problems. The president was meeting with his party's candidates for Adjara's High Council. He said that during the election […]
The challenge for democracy in Georgia
By Kenneth S. Yalowitz| 2012-10-17T01:44:54+04:00	October 17th, 2012|Categories: Opinion|Tags: Kenneth S. Yalowitz|
On October 1, Georgia successfully concluded its first constitutional transfer of power through internationally monitored free and fair elections. President Saakashvili graciously accepted his governing party's defeat and has worked constructively with Bidzina Ivanishvili, […]
3500 miners on strike in Georgia
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-17T01:39:44+04:00	October 17th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: Kutaisi miner's strike|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Thousands of miners are on strike in western Georgia, demanding to improve work conditions and have a normal salary. About 3500 workers from six mines in Chiatura, which is rich in manganese, went on strike on Monday. All the mines are closed down […]
Saakashvili regime gives up control over Imedi TV
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-16T22:57:44+04:00	October 16th, 2012|Categories: Media, News|Tags: 2010 Imedi hoax, Badri Patarkatsishvili|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The director of a government-controlled TV channel and a key figure after the rose revolution has left his position. Control over Imedi TV was Tuesday evening handed over to the family of the deceased businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili, who owned […]
PIK journalists protest with silent news
TBILISI, DFWatch — Journalists of TV channel PIK Monday evening expressed protest in an unusual way: When viewers tuned in to their news program at 22:20, they could watch the journalists live – in complete silence. PIK, or First News Caucasian, belongs to Georgian […]
Ivanishvili completes his list of government ministers
By Rusiko Machaidze| 2012-10-16T16:35:46+04:00	October 16th, 2012|Categories: News, Politics|Tags: ivanishvili's first moves after winning 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian Dream on Tuesday named the rest of its candidates for new government ministers. Bidzina Ivanishivli, Georgian Dream coalition leader, said the Ministry of Economy will be given certain new functions because of upcoming reforms. New economy […]
Saakashvili offers Ivanishvili Georgian citizenship
By Mari Nikuradze| 2014-01-28T00:49:03+04:00	October 16th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: Ivanishvili's citizenship issue|
Reason to smile. Bidzina Ivanishvili gets restored the citizenship of his native country deprived from him one year ago when he went into politics. (IPN.) TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili today offered Georgian citizenship to the future prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. October 2011, the former businessman wrote in an open letter that he was planning to go into politics and change the government through […]
Tax amnesty to benefit pro-government TV
By Londa Beria| 2012-10-16T02:47:42+04:00	October 16th, 2012|Categories: Media, News|Tags: ownership of national TV|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The government is offering TV stations exemption from paying outstanding tax debts. This will mostly benefit two pro-government TV stations. Acting Finance Minister Alexandre Khetaguri said Monday that broadcasters will be allowed to pay reduced fees […]
Call for debate between ombudsman candidates
By Londa Beria| 2012-10-16T00:52:39+04:00	October 16th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: ivanishvili's first moves after winning 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian Young Lawyer's Association wants a debate between prospective candidates for new ombudsman. The young lawyers think such a debate should be organized by the Georgian public broadcaster so society can get familiar with their views and what […]
Saakashvili's party to split up into factions in parliament
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-15T23:34:52+04:00	October 15th, 2012|Categories: News, Politics|Tags: Saakashvili's moves after the election 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The National Movement party, which is now in opposition in Georgia, plans to set up several parliamentary factions in the future parliament. Davit Bakradze, current Parliament Speaker said Monday that all his party's representatives in parliament […]
EU ambassador optimistic about Georgia's future
By Mari Nikuradze| 2012-10-15T23:15:58+04:00	October 15th, 2012|Categories: News, Politics|Tags: negotiations about transition of power 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The EU ambassador to Georgia thinks the ongoing process of transfer of power is another test for Georgia, which will be successfully passed. Georgia's National Platform, the largest union of local non-government organizations (NGOs) with support from […]
New government's goal: multiparty democracy
TBILISI, DFWatch — The new governing coalition will have as goal to establish a real multiparty system in Georgia, Georgian Dream candidate for Parliament Speaker promises. Davit Usupashvili says it should not be surprising that in the new parliament their coalition might be […]
Education system anticipating new leadership
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-15T01:50:40+04:00	October 15th, 2012|Categories: Education, News|Tags: Maia Miminoshvili|
Changes are expected in the education system after the new government comes to power. The national exam system may return to its previous arrangement, although nothing is yet decided, while the identity of the new minister of education is still unknown. Entrants were […]
Repeat elections give Georgian Dream the upper hand
Elections, Elections '12-'13, News
By DFWatch staff| 2013-01-24T20:53:10+04:00	October 15th, 2012|Categories: Elections, Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: repeat elections 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — There were repeat elections at eleven precincts in three regions of Georgia on Sunday. According to the Central Election Commission (CEC), voter turnout at the time voting ended was 32.9 percent. The repeat election was conducted peacefully without […]
Several earthquakes in Georgia and Azerbaijan
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-14T22:51:46+04:00	October 14th, 2012|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: earthquake|
TBILISI, DFWatch — A 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border at about 14:15 on Sunday. The epicenter was 10 km east of Lagodekhi, Georgia, and 10 km in depth. The seismic monitoring center of Ilia University in Georgia […]
Repeat elections in Georgia due to serious fraud
TBILISI, DFWatch — Eleven precincts in three districts in Georgia are holding repeat elections Sunday, because of grave irregularities which led to results of the October 1 parliamentary election being canceled. All eleven are what's called majoritarian or first-past-the-post […]
Saakashvili creates escape option for his associates
Georgian officials will, if they are fired, be able to use their diplomatic passports for one more year. This means that they will be able to cross borders without any problems, which is not possible for ordinary citizen. President Mikheil Saakashvili made this decision by issuing […]
Georgia in draw against Finland in FIFA 2014 qualifier
By DFWatch staff| 2013-07-22T18:57:17+04:00	October 13th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: FIFA 2014|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia played 1-1 against Finland Friday in the third qualifier for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The match was played in Helsinki. When the first half ended there were no goals, but in the 11. minute of the second half, the Georgian team scored. Finland […]
Close Saakashvili ally met Ivanishvili
By Rusiko Machaidze| 2012-10-13T02:05:43+04:00	October 13th, 2012|Categories: News, Politics|Tags: Georgia's Nato membership, Saakashvili's moves after the election 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili promises Bidzina Ivanishvili to help in keeping the new government safe and to retain the direction of Georgia's foreign policy. This was made clear by Giga Bokeria, Secretary of Georgia's National Security Council, after […]
Georgia's ruling party starting to disintegrate
TBILISI, DFWatch — Five members of the United National Movement party in Tbilisi City Council left their faction and set up a new faction, which will join the platform of the parliament election winner Georgian Dream. The faction had 38 members before it lost the five […]
Audit service committed many violations
By Londa Beria| 2012-10-13T01:00:08+04:00	October 13th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: restrictions on party financing|
TBILISI, DFWatch — A new survey shows that the State Audit Office committed many violations during the last year. Representatives of Coalition For Freedom of Choice and an independent expert group have studied the work of the State Audit Office's activities and presented […]
Garbage fee system is still under review
TBILISI, DFWatch — Many in Tbilisi had hoped that city hall would do away with an unpopular new system to make the garbage collection fee dependent on the electric bill, but at Friday's session it emerged that despite the opposition's election victory it is not certain […]
Rasmussen spoke to Saakashvili and Ivanishivili
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-12T21:10:37+04:00	October 12th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Georgia's Nato membership|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Georgian leader Mikheil Saakashvili today had a phone conversation with NATO's Secretary General, who told the president that today is a historical moment for Georgia's democratic development. Mikheil Saakashvili and Anders Fogh […]
Georgian soldier dies in Afghanistan
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-12T21:12:10+04:00	October 12th, 2012|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: Georgia's Afghanistan contingent|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Corporal Mindia Abashidze was the eighteenth Georgian soldier to die while serving in the NATO-led ISAF operation in Afghanistan. Georgia's defense ministry on Thursday reported that the corporal born October 27, 1989, […]
The government formally resigns
The current Georgian government has resigned but will continue carrying out its duties until a new government is approved by parliament. The president's administration informed about the resignation in a short statement on its official website, which says that […]
Tamar Gurchiani named as candidate for public defender
By Londa Beria| 2012-10-12T21:17:32+04:00	October 12th, 2012|Categories: NGO news|Tags: Public Defender|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian Young Lawyer's Association (GYLA) and other non-governmental organizations have proposed to the parliament that Tamar Gurchiani should be the new public defender. "We, the members of non-governmental organizations, […]
More elections in Georgia following violations
By DFWatch staff| 2013-01-24T20:53:10+04:00	October 12th, 2012|Categories: Elections, Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: violations during 2012 parliamentary election|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Several election districts in Georgia will have to vote again on October 14 because the results of the October 1 parliamentary election were annulled due to violations, according to the Central Election Commission (CEC). The commission decided on Wednesday […]
Deprived business owners eyeing a return to Georgia
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-11T22:22:43+04:00	October 11th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: seized property before 2012 election|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Following the opposition victory in last week's parliamentary election, people who have been deprived of their companies in recent years are now saying they want to get back what was taken from them during the rule of President Mikheil Saakashvili. […]
Dockers in Poti are on strike
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-11T01:33:48+04:00	October 11th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: weak workers' protection|
About 200 employees of the port of Poti are on strike, local media report. The workers refuse to carry on until the people making decisions at No 14 harbor speaks to them. They demand improved working conditions, appropriate salary for the work they do and to have contracts. […]
Tbilisi garbage fees may be reduced
TBILISI, DFWatch — Tbilisi City Hall has started a process that could lead to a controversial mechanism being abolished involving the garbage collection fee being tied to the electric bill. The system was introduced in late 2011, and is one of the most controversial […]
Reflections on Georgia's 2013 draft budget
By Davit Narmania| 2012-10-11T00:11:16+04:00	October 11th, 2012|Categories: Opinion|Tags: Davit Narmania|
Georgian government October two presented draft for state budget adjusted to the interest of the United National Movement to the Georgian parliament. But now election winner Georgian Dream awaits the draft in parliament. This force's election promises is radically different […]
Alleged architect of prison abuse videos freed
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-10T23:06:02+04:00	October 10th, 2012|Categories: News, Prisoner abuse|Tags: prisoner abuse scandal|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The prisoner whom the government claimed orchestrated the prisoner abuse videos has been released. Tamaz Tamazashvili, the father-in-law of the likely candidate for new interior minister, was Wednesday released from prison. When leaving prison Tamazashvili […]
Tbilisi mayor creates new security force
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-10T22:03:49+04:00	October 10th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: Gigi Ugulava|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The mayor of Georgia's capital Tbilisi has decided to set up a new security force. Mayor Gigi Ugulava has signed a protocol about setting up the service, which has already been published on Georgia's legislative website Matsne, which means that […]
Government backtracks on seized property
By Rusiko Machaidze| 2012-10-10T01:52:15+04:00	October 10th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: restrictions on party financing|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Property seized in the heat of the election campaign is to be returned, even though the new government is not yet in place. New stricter legislation was used by authorities in spring to fine tens of individuals, including election winner Bidzina Ivansivhili, […]
EU signs 23 million euro aid package with Georgia
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-10T01:08:12+04:00	October 10th, 2012|Categories: In brief, News|Tags: EU-georgia relations|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Two financial agreements have been signed between Georgia and the EU. According to press office of the State Minister for EU and Euro Atlantic Integration, Minister Thornike Gordadze signed the two agreements. The agreements have a budget of 23 million […]
Release May 26 prisoners, says Burjanadze
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-10T02:12:20+04:00	October 10th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: May 26, political prisoners|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Leaders of People's Assembly and Democratic Movement demand the release of political prisoners and illegally arrested people as soon as possible. Nino Burjanadze, leader of Democratic Movement, and Irakli Batiashvili from People's Assembly today […]
Georgian Dream activists accused of violence
By Londa Beria| 2013-01-24T20:53:11+04:00	October 10th, 2012|Categories: Elections, Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: violent episodes in 2012 election aftermath|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The physical harassment and psychological pressure against the district election commissions is continuing. Activists from the Georgian Dream party, which won the parliamentary election last week, are now accused of harassing local authorities in Marneuli […]
Civil groups ready to help new government
By Londa Beria| 2012-10-09T22:30:11+04:00	October 9th, 2012|Categories: NGO news|Tags: ivanishvili's first moves after winning 2012, National Platform|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The largest Georgian union of civil society organizations is ready to offer advice and ideas to the new government. The National Platform – which unites 106 civil society organizations – says it is ready to take part in democratic reforms and efforts […]
At last, the public will be allowed into Georgia's prisons
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-09T18:26:28+04:00	October 9th, 2012|Categories: News, Prisoner abuse|Tags: prisoner abuse scandal|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The prison minister in Georgia says he will put together a monitoring group to let human rights activists and the media into facilities to check the conditions. Apart from non-governmental organizations and the media, the monitoring group will also have […]
Saakashvili meets election winner Ivanishvili
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-09T16:05:44+04:00	October 9th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: negotiations about transition of power 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — An extraordinary meeting took place in Tbilisi today, as President Mikheil Saakashvili received billionaire and election winner Bidzina Ivanishvili and his political partners at the presidential palace. After Ivanishvili's Georgian Dream coalition won the […]
Other officials named as handover gets nearer
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-09T02:11:19+04:00	October 9th, 2012|Categories: News, Politics|Tags: negotiations about transition of power 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The Georgian Dream coalition leader and likely prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili today named his candidates for government ministers and other top positions. Head of Georgia's National Bank will be Nodar Javakhishvili, chair of Cartu Bank, a bank affiliated […]
Saakashvili hands over record state coffers
By Rusiko Machaidze| 2012-10-09T19:19:21+04:00	October 9th, 2012|Categories: Economy, News|Tags: 2012 budget|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia's state accounts by are by September 2012 at one of the highest levels during the past few years at more than two billion, nearly USD 1.22 billion. The state budget for 2013 is 9 billion lari, USD 5.5 billion, which is more than half a billion […]
Consultations about power transfer continue
TBILISI, DFWatch — Negotiators for the government and Georgian Dream Monday held another round of consultations regarding the ongoing process to transfer power. Participants said afterwards that Monday evening consultations will start between current ministers and Georgian […]
Tbilisoba: what treats an old city can offer
By Mari Nikuradze| 2012-10-08T18:39:53+04:00	October 8th, 2012|Categories: Society|Tags: food festival, Tbilisoba|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia's capital last weekend was the scene of elaborate display of handicraft, winemaking, food and fun, as the annual celebration Tbilisoba as usual drew large crowds to engage in various aspects of Georgian traditional ways of life. Tbilisoba […]
New government takes shape
By Mari Nikuradze| 2012-10-08T15:11:51+04:00	October 8th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: new government 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian Dream leader Bidzina Ivanishvili Monday presented his candidates for government ministers and other important positions, after his coalition won the parliamentary election one week ago. The candidates will need approval by parliament. Candidate […]
Protested against violence
By Mari Nikuradze| 2012-10-09T18:27:03+04:00	October 8th, 2012|Categories: News, Prisoner abuse|Tags: prisoner abuse scandal|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Groups on Sunday protested against the attack on a well-known Georgian writer who was beaten after participating in a TV debate about the publishing of the names of prison employees by a newspaper. About 50 people gathered outside a police station […]
What now for Georgian politics?
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-08T04:46:33+04:00	October 8th, 2012|Categories: Interviews|Tags: election result 2012, Lincoln Mitchell|
A new coalition called Georgian Dream won a clear victory in the parliamentary election last week. Georgia-expert Lincoln Mitchell interprets the result. Did you expect these results?I believe last time we spoke, and certainly last time I was here, I mentioned that the NDI […]
Writer attacked after prison guard naming dispute
TBILISI, DFWatch — Protests continue after a Georgian newspaper published the names of employees at a prison scandalized by revelations of torture. On Saturday evening, a well-known writer who has been engaging in the protests was attacked and beaten. Asaval-Dasavali, […]
High expectations about low prices
By Rusiko Machaidze| 2012-10-08T22:46:59+04:00	October 7th, 2012|Categories: Economy, News|Tags: anti-trust policy, fuel prices, reform of anti-trust agency|
TBILISI, DFWatch — One of the largest petrol companies reduced the price of petrol by 8 tetris. A spokesman for the new government believes it is possible to decrease the price by 20 tetris, or about USD 0.13. This comes soon after the leader of a coalition which won the […]
Government's hold over TV is crumbling
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-07T19:24:34+04:00	October 7th, 2012|Categories: Media, News|Tags: ownership of national TV|
TBILISI, DFWatch — There is a crisis in pro-government TV in Georgia, after an opposition coalition won the parliamentary election. October 5, several well-known anchors and journalists at Imedi TV, which is controlled by Saakashvili's government, each wrote on their […]
Saakashvili expects election result to attract the mafia
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili Friday told his acting interior minister and chief prosecutor to do everything to prevent the mafia from crossing the border into Georgia. After it became clear that Bidzina Ivanishvili's coalition was going to win the election, […]
Rustavi 2 founders call for independence
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-06T01:41:04+04:00	October 6th, 2012|Categories: Media, News|Tags: violent episodes in 2012 election aftermath|
The founders of Rustavi 2, a TV company are fighting to get back control which they claimed was forcefully deprived from them. Rustavi 2 played an important role in the rose revolution in 2003, which brought President Mikheil Saakashvili to power, but later became completely […]
Seizure lifted of satellite dishes
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-06T01:34:02+04:00	October 6th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: restrictions on party financing|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Friday, authorities in Georgia lifted the seizure of thousands of satellite dishes belonging to Maestro TV and Georgian Dream affiliated Global TV, a cable network operator. Both companies on Friday received a letter about the lifting of the seizure. […]
Ivanishivili promises to work with business
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-06T01:28:33+04:00	October 6th, 2012|Categories: News, Politics|Tags: ivanishvili's first moves after winning 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — About 200 local and foreign businesspeople Friday gathered to meet with the winner of the parliamentary election in Georgia. Bidzina Ivanishvili met them in order to talk about important issues and problems in their field, including the necessity of […]
Prisoner found dead, suspected suicide
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgia's prison ministry informs that a suicide might have taken place at No 18 prison hospital. The body of a prisoner was found in the bathroom of the prison hospital September 5. The cause of death was hanging. The prisoner had been placed in the […]
Counting completed, many complaints
By DFWatch staff| 2013-01-24T20:53:11+04:00	October 5th, 2012|Categories: Elections, Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: election result 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Four days after the election, the Central Election Commission (CEC) said the counting of votes had been completed and announced the final results. After collating votes from 3 766 district, preliminary results show the Georgian Dream coalition received […]
Negotiations between Saakashvili's and Ivanishvili's people
By Rusiko Machaidze| 2012-10-05T23:06:03+04:00	October 5th, 2012|Categories: News, Politics|Tags: negotiations about transition of power 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The winner of the aryparliament election, Georgian Dream, will from October 8 send representatives to each state body to start a 'peaceful transfer of government' until a new government is formed. This was one of the major decisions made at a meeting between […]
Clinton calls Ivanishvili and Saakashvili
TBILISI, DFWatch — US Secretary of State has had a phone conversation with President Mikheil Saakashvili and Bidzina Ivanishvili, who leads a coalition that won the parliamentary election. Both the president's and the Georgian Dream's press offices separately told […]
Georgian colonel arrested
By Rusiko Machaidze| 2012-10-05T02:32:54+04:00	October 5th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: political prisoners|
TBILISI, DFWatch — A colonel in Georgia's armed forces who recently chaired Georgian peace divisions in Afghanistan has been arrested. His arrest was announced 45 days after it happened, 15 days earlier than his punishment was to end. Opposition channel TV9 reported […]
Video shows armed attack on voting precinct
By DFWatch staff| 2013-01-24T20:53:11+04:00	October 5th, 2012|Categories: Elections, Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: violent episodes in 2012 election|
TBILISI, DFWatch — A video was publishedThursday showing a person wearing a mask breaking into one of the election precincts in Khashuri, a small town in eastern Georgia. On election day Monday, there were reports about special units breaking into several precincts […]
Saakashvili's outgoing government selects negotiators
TBILISI, DFWatch — The government of President Mikheil Saakashvili has picked the Parliament Speaker, Tbilisi Mayor, Secretary of the Security Council and a member of parliament to represent it in negotiations with the Georgian Dream coalition. Soon after Election Day, […]
Marking World Animal Day
By Mari Nikuradze| 2012-10-04T23:35:40+04:00	October 4th, 2012|Categories: Society|Tags: stray dogs in Tbilisi|
TBILISI, DFWatch — While the country is rocked by political tension, rallies and protests, up to twenty students and others today gathered at Tbilisi Concert Hall to mark World Animal Day. They told DFWatch that they view it as a day for the protection of animal rights […]
Gamkrelidze leaves politics after election defeat
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-04T18:52:28+04:00	October 4th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: other parties' result in 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch — The leader of a decade old party has said he is leaving politics, sticking to a promise to leave if his party did not make it into parliament. The New Rightists Party, which was established in 2001, gained only 0.43 percent of the votes in the parliamentary […]
Missing Ivanishvili guard returns home
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-04T15:18:12+04:00	October 4th, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: leaked videos ahead of 2012 election|
TBILISI, DFWatch — A former body guard for the Georgian Dream coalition, who was reported missing, returned home today. In a 'leak war' shortly before the election, Beso Surmava, former security guard for Bidzina Ivanishvili, was one among those who released secret recordings […]
Wave of demonstrations against election fraud
By DFWatch staff| 2013-01-24T20:53:11+04:00	October 4th, 2012|Categories: Elections, Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: election result 2012, violent episodes in 2012 election aftermath|
TBILISI, DFWatch – Georgian Dream and others are protesting outside the election commission offices in nineteen one-past-the-post districts where the National Movement party is winning. According to the latest figures from the Central Election Commission, Georgian Dream […]
Saakashvili lost in his favorite region
TBILISI, DFWatch — President Mikheil Saakashvili's party lost the election in the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. This is his favorite region which he visits frequently. Georgian Dream coalition got 57.6 percent of the votes according to the most recent figures from the […]
Anger after newspaper names prison guards
TBILISI, DFWatch — One of Georgia's most popular newspapers on Wednesday revealed the identity of guards working in a controversial prison where serious abuse was revealed two weeks ago. The list shows the names, address and date of birth of prison guards and employees working at […]
Ivanishvili to visit the U.S.
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-03T19:58:57+04:00	October 3rd, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: ivanishvili's first moves after winning 2012|
The election winner in Georgia's first visit abroad will be to the U.S., probably after the U.S. presidential election. Bidzina Ivanishvili told journalists Wednesday that the U.S. ambassador to Georgia had delivered him a formal invitation to the U.S. He met Ambassador […]
Ivanishvili prepares for tough negotiations
By Rusiko Machaidze| 2012-10-03T17:56:40+04:00	October 3rd, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: ivanishvili's first moves after winning 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch – The coalition that won the parliament election is putting together a working group to handle relations with the president and the current government. The group will hold consultations in the name of the Georgian Dream coalition. The Georgian Dream […]
Clinton congratulates Georgian election winners
By DFWatch staff| 2013-01-24T20:53:11+04:00	October 3rd, 2012|Categories: Elections, Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: election result 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch – The U.S. Secretary of State responded to Monday's election in Georgia congratulating Georgians on their peaceful and active participation in the election. A statement published on the State Department website says the election was a historic day for […]
Counting of votes almost completed
TBILISI, DFWatch – The counting of votes is almost finished in Georgia and results show that the opposition leads with 55.1 percent, against the ruling National Movement with 40.1 percent of votes. The other parties seem to not overcome the 5 percent barrier for getting […]
Most violations were not grave, ISFED found
By Londa Beria| 2013-01-24T20:53:11+04:00	October 3rd, 2012|Categories: Elections, Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: violent episodes in 2012 election aftermath|
TBILISI, DFWatch – International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) summed up events on Election Day and reported about violations. The organization had 300 observers at 63 election district from 73. ISFED found that the election process went mostly with […]
Election winner asks Saakashvili to ease transition
TBILISI, DFWatch – The leader of the coalition that won the Georgian election Monday says it would be best for President Mikheil Saakashvili to resign and appoint early presidential election. Bidzina Ivanishvili, leader of the victorious Georgian Dream coalition, […]
Parallel vote counting confirms opposition win
By DFWatch staff| 2013-01-24T20:53:11+04:00	October 2nd, 2012|Categories: Elections, Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: election result 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch – A group carrying out parallel vote counting has estimated that Georgian Dream won by 54.6 to 40.7 percent over National Movement. International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) published their results of parallel vote tabulation (PVT). […]
Georgian election was competitive, OSCE finds
By DFWatch staff| 2013-01-24T20:53:11+04:00	October 2nd, 2012|Categories: Elections, Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: violations during 2012 parliamentary election|
TBILISI, DFWatch – OSCE says Georgia made an important step in consolidating the conduct of democratic elections, but there are still some key issues left needing to address. The organization has the largest contingent of election observers here, under its Office for […]
Georgia election winner calls for Saakashvili to step down
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-02T18:30:12+04:00	October 2nd, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: ivanishvili's first moves after winning 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch – The winner in the Georgian parliamentary election says it would be wise of Mikheil Saakashvili to step down and announce early presidential election. The next presidential election is planned for late 2013. Bidzina Ivanishvili said this at a press […]
Call for results to be annulled
By DFWatch staff| 2013-01-24T20:53:11+04:00	October 2nd, 2012|Categories: Elections, Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: violent episodes in 2012 election aftermath|
TBILISI, DFWatch – The election result from several precincts in three districts of Georgia may be annulled, says the head of Central Election Commission (CEC). Due to tension at several precincts in Khashuri that were stormed by special police units yesterday, […]
Saakashvili: 'We will be the new opposition'
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-02T14:56:24+04:00	October 2nd, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: election result 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch – The National Movement party moves into opposition, President Mikheil Saakashvili has told the Georgian people in a TV address. The president said preliminary vote counting clearly shows that the Georgian Dream coalition came in first in the […]
Oppositon victory in Georgia election
TBILISI, DFWatch – Official results from the Central Election Commission at 06:20 am local time showed that the opposition Georgian Dream was leading with 54.61 percent ahead of the ruling National Movement party with 40.44 percent. Counting is still ongoing. These results […]
Police storm election precincts in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch – Special police forces stormed several election precincts in Georgia, seized the ballot box and rewrote the protocol, in order to prevent an opposition victory. Special units of the police have entered several election precincts in Khashuri, a small […]
Young lawyers found violations
By Londa Beria| 2013-01-24T20:53:12+04:00	October 2nd, 2012|Categories: Elections, Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: violations during 2012 parliamentary election|
TBILISI, DFWatch – Georgian Young Lawyer's Association discovered many violations during the election October 1. At a press conference 21:00 GYLA detailed their findings. The organization has information that near two election precincts special forces are mobilized. […]
Opposition takes all seats from Tbilisi
By DFWatch staff| 2013-01-24T20:53:12+04:00	October 1st, 2012|Categories: Elections, Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: election result 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch – According to Maestro TV's exit poll, the opposition Georgian Dream coalition is set to win also in districts with the majoritarian (first-past-the-post) system in the capital: Mtatsimnda, Tbilisi – National movement candidate has 23 percent; Georgian […]
Violations continued during election day
By Mari Nikuradze| 2013-01-24T20:53:12+04:00	October 1st, 2012|Categories: Elections, Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: violations during 2012 parliamentary election|
TBILISI, DFWatch – Another series of violations are regularly reported through local non-government organizations, media outlets and social networks from all over the country in Monday's parliamentary elections. The movement Multinational Georgia reports about twenty […]
Georgian leader concedes partial defeat
TBILISI, DFWatch — Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili concedes that his National Movement party has been defeated in the parliamentary election in districts with the proportional system, but won in districts with majoritarian candidates. Saakashvili thanked people […]
Opposition predicted to win Georgian election
TBILISI, DFWatch – All the exit polls published after voting ended show that the opposition has won the election in Georgia. Also the pro-government TV channels show Georgian Dream winning. Rustavi 2's exit poll show the following: Georgian Dream 51 percent, National […]
Ivanishvili has not voted
By DFWatch staff| 2013-01-24T20:53:12+04:00	October 1st, 2012|Categories: Elections, Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: Ivanishvili's citizenship issue|
TBILISI, DFWatch – The leader of Georgia's opposition coalition has not voted in Monday's parliamentary election. Bidzina Ivanishvili, leader of Georgian Dream, says he refuses to use his new constitutional right to vote, thereby adhering to a statement he made […]
Reports of violations
By DFWatch staff| 2013-01-24T20:53:12+04:00	October 1st, 2012|Categories: Elections, Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: violations during 2012 parliamentary election|
TBILISI, DFWatch — Local non-governmental organizations are reporting about different kinds of violations in Monday's election. Transparency International Georgia (TI) reports that one of the main problems is that there are not enough ballot-papers and envelopes in […]
Historic Georgian election underway
By DFWatch staff| 2013-01-24T20:53:12+04:00	October 1st, 2012|Categories: Elections, Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: voting in parliamentary election 2012|
TBILISI, DFWatch – In Georgia the most important election in recent history is underway. According to the Central Election Commission, there was a 25.5 voter turnout by 12:00. There have already been reports of violations. Many see the parliamentary election as a test […]
Ten month old's tragic death seen as political
By DFWatch staff| 2013-01-24T20:53:12+04:00	October 1st, 2012|Categories: Elections, Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: violent episodes in 2012 election aftermath|
TBILISI, DFWatch – The kidnapping and killing of a 10 months old girl from an opposition activists' family has pushed a strained electoral atmosphere towards the boiling point. A ten-month old infant was today found dead in a pitcher full of water after declared […]
New prison minister goes easy on ill inmates
By DFWatch staff| 2012-10-01T13:06:06+04:00	October 1st, 2012|Categories: News|Tags: prisoner health care|
TBILISI, DFWatch – A day before the parliamentary election, the embattled prison ministry in Georgia made a push to explain it is doing something to improve health care for inmates. Since the abuse scandal broke, 107 prisoners have been transferred to prison hospital, 78 to civilian hospitals, […]
61 000 local observers to follow election
By DFWatch staff| 2013-01-24T20:53:12+04:00	October 1st, 2012|Categories: Elections, Elections '12-'13, News|Tags: preparations for 2012 parliamentary election|
TBILISI, DFWatch – An unprecedented 61 000 local observers will follow tomorrow's parliamentary election, head of the Central Election Commission (CEC) says. There are more than 33 000 representatives of election subjects and representatives of political parties in […]
42-year-old Irakli Kobakhidze takes over reins of Georgia's ruling party as billionaire founder steps down


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2018/12/16 13:32:26 DEBUG+ Sending CONNECT: "\x10 \x00\x04MQTT\x04\xc0\x00<\x00\x06nocan1\x00\x05rpiot\x00\x05rpiot"
2018/12/16 13:32:26 DEBUG+ Got CONNACK(0x20), length 2, body "\x01\x00"
2018/12/16 13:32:26 DEBUG+ Sending SUBSCRIBE: "\x82\x0e\x00\x01\x00\tjimh/data\x00"
The issue here is nocanc terminates and stops running. If you add a publishers section as follows nocanc stays up and operates correctly.
2018/12/16 13:36:36 DEBUG+ Sending CONNECT: "\x10 \x00\x04MQTT\x04\xc0\x00<\x00\x06nocan1\x00\x05rpiot\x00\x05rpiot"
2018/12/16 13:36:36 DEBUG+ Got CONNACK(0x20), length 2, body "\x01\x00"
2018/12/16 13:36:36 DEBUG+ Sending SUBSCRIBE: "\x82\x0e\x00\x01\x00\tjimh/data\x00"
2018/12/16 13:36:36 DEBUG+ Got SUBACK(0x90), length 3, body "\x00\x01\x00"
2018/12/16 13:36:36 DEBUG+ Got PUBLISH(0x31), length 13, body "\x00\tjimh/data11"
2018/12/16 13:36:36 DEBUG Dispatched 2 byte message for NoCAN channel 'led2': "11"
2018/12/16 13:36:36 DEBUG+ Sending PUBLISH: "2\x0f\x00\tjimh/info\x00\x0211"
2018/12/16 13:36:36 DEBUG+ Got PUBACK(0x40), length 2, body "\x00\x02"
2018/12/16 13:36:36 DEBUG Published value is "11"
Now nocanc stays up and correctly processes messages to and from mqtt. If the configuration file only holds publisher data it also stays up.
A subscriber only configuration should be valid.
Thanks for the detailed report, it's very helpful.
I can confirm this is a bug. We'll issue a fix this week.
Thanks for the quick feedback. I will await the fix and will test again.
A new version of nocand is also available.
Downloaded and checked the operation of the 0.1.12 nocanc and the 0.1.11 nocand and the reported problem is now fixed. On with further developing. Thanks for the quick turn around.