Prepared by Messenger Staff
Georgia Security Service Arrests Two in Batumi on Alleged Islamic State Links
The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) arrested a Georgian citizen and a foreign national in Batumi for alleged links to the Islamic State. At an April 20 briefing, First Deputy Head Lasha Maghradze announced the investigation is under Article 328 of the Criminal Code, which carries a 10 to 17-year prison sentence for supporting foreign terrorist organizations.
The arrests followed a joint special operation in Gardabani and Adjara. Maghradze stated the SSSG had prior intelligence on the suspects' entry and motives. The individuals allegedly arrived separately, stayed in a rented apartment, and remained under constant surveillance via court-ordered operational control.
Both suspects reportedly filmed a video oath of allegiance to Islamic State leaders, pledging unconditional obedience. They were allegedly planning to leave Georgia to join fighters in another country. Evidence seized included masks, ISIS symbols, personal documents, and various electronic devices or SIM cards. Maghradze emphasized that the SSSG remains a reliable partner in ongoing international counter-terrorism efforts.
Lelo Criticizes Trump Tower Tbilisi Project
Lelo - Strong Georgia member Tazo Datunashvili criticized the planned Trump Tower Tbilisi project, saying it would damage the Hippodrome area and the environment of central Tbilisi.
"Call it Trump's name or any other name you want, it is still a 7-building urban genocide that will kill the Hippodrome and extinguish the lungs of central Tbilisi," he said, adding that the project is "unacceptable, unethical, and a catastrophe for this city."
He said the issue is not only the branding but the scale and impact of the development. "Whether it is Ivanishvili or any other group using Trump's name or someone else's name, this should not be built," he said.
Referring to the Trump Organization, Datunashvili said it often allows its name to be used for international projects under a franchise model, where local developers build projects under the Trump brand. However, he said this does not change the outcome for the city.
According to earlier reporting, the project envisions a 70-story skyscraper near Tbilisi Central Park with residential, hotel, and commercial spaces, and is expected to become the tallest building in Georgia.
