The News in Brief

Georgian Citizen Released After Detention by Russian Occupation Forces

A Georgian citizen who was detained by Russian occupation forces near Sachkhere municipality has been released and returned to Tbilisi-controlled territory, the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) said on June 9.

While the SSSG did not identify the individual, the RES news agency in occupied Tskhinvali reported that the detainee was 48-year-old Mamuka Bagauri, who was detained on June 6 for allegedly "violating state border regulations."

According to the SSSG, the release was secured through the use of the "hotline" mechanism operated with the direct involvement of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM), as well as other tools available to the Georgian government.

The agency added that, together with international partners, the government "continues to work actively to secure the release of all Georgian citizens who remain illegally detained in the occupied territories."



Kobakhidze Praises Ivanishvili as 'Political Grandmaster' in Special Briefing

Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze dedicated a June 9 briefing to Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chairman of Georgian Dream, describing him as a "political grandmaster" and a key figure behind Georgia's political development since 2012.

During the briefing, Kobakhidze said Ivanishvili is a target of attacks by Georgia's "external enemies" and their domestic "intelligence," and rejected claims that the country is governed by a one-man rule. He argued that Ivanishvili's political influence stems from his "exceptional intellect and selfless patriotism."

Kobakhidze credited Ivanishvili with removing what he described as a "foreign intelligence" from power in 2012, establishing democratic governance, and helping secure Georgia's sovereignty, economic growth, and "14 years of uninterrupted peace."

While noting that Ivanishvili has served as Georgian Dream's honorary chairman since December 2023, Kobakhidze said he does not directly interfere in government management or personnel decisions. However, he acknowledged that he frequently seeks Ivanishvili's advice on matters of national importance, calling it "invaluable."

The prime minister also defended Ivanishvili against sanctions imposed by foreign governments, saying they had caused difficulties for his family but had failed to force him to act against Georgia's interests.

Kobakhidze further claimed that Ivanishvili's return to active politics helped strengthen anti-corruption efforts and argued that high-level corruption has since been "fully eradicated."

Concluding the briefing, Kobakhidze said those opposing Ivanishvili seek to reverse Georgia's post-2012 political course, adding that the country would continue to be governed according to the principles Ivanishvili introduced into Georgian politics.