Prepared by Messenger Staff
U.S. Condemns Sentencing of Mzia Amaglobeli, Warns of Escalating Repression in Georgia
The U.S. State Department has expressed strong concern over the sentencing of Mzia Amaglobeli, founder of Batumelebi, to two years in prison, calling it part of a broader pattern of anti-democratic actions in Georgia.
"We are deeply concerned about the continued and escalating anti-democratic activities in Georgia, including the detention of political opposition figures and the targeted harassment of civil society, including those critical of the government's actions," the State Department said in response to a question from Formula.
Washington also pointed to the use of newly adopted laws, including amendments to the Law on Grants, which it said are being selectively enforced.
"We are seriously concerned that Georgia is selectively using recently adopted legislation, including amendments to the Law on Grants, against actual or perceived critics of the Georgian government, thereby unduly restricting freedom of expression and the functioning of civil society," the statement said.
Georgia Appoints New Ambassador to France After Year-Long Vacancy
The Georgian Dream government has appointed Irakli Kurashvili as the country's new ambassador to France, the Foreign Ministry confirmed on August 7. The post had been vacant since May 2024, when former ambassador Gocha Javakhishvili stepped down in protest over the government's revival of the controversial foreign agents law.
Kurashvili is a veteran diplomat with extensive international experience. Prior to his new role, he served as ambassador to Latvia beginning in 2023. He also previously held ambassadorships in Argentina, Switzerland, and several other countries in Latin America and Europe.
"He brings decades of diplomatic experience to one of Georgia's most important European postings," a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. "We are confident he will strengthen ties between Georgia and France at a critical time."
From 2022 to 2023, Kurashvili led the now-defunct Directorate General for European Integration, a body that once played a central role in Georgia's EU policy coordination.
The appointment comes amid a sweeping reorganization within the Foreign Ministry. Over the past several months, key directorates focused on EU and NATO affairs have been restructured, and dozens of staff have reportedly been dismissed. Critics, including opposition figures and civil society groups, have called the changes politically motivated.
"The reshuffle is not about reform - it's about removing dissent," said one former ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Javakhishvili, Kurashvili's predecessor in Paris, resigned on May 9 after publicly opposing the reintroduction of the foreign agents law. At the time, he said the legislation had created tensions between Georgia and its Western partners, making his diplomatic mission "extremely difficult."
