Prepared by Messenger Staff
De Facto Tskhinvali Authorities Ease Crossing Rules for Akhalgori Residents
The de facto authorities in the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region have introduced new rules allowing residents of Akhalgori to cross into Georgian-controlled territory more frequently.
Marat Kambolov, the region's de facto acting president, said on Telegram that residents had repeatedly raised the issue during meetings with him, citing family and household matters.
Under the previous rules, residents could cross the occupation line only between the 20th and 30th of each month. The new schedule allows crossings on several days each week.
The so-called Razdakhani, or Odzisi, checkpoint will operate from Thursday to Sunday, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The so-called Perevi checkpoint will be open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during the same hours.
The authorities also said they would ease entry and temporary-stay requirements for close relatives of residents of certain settlements in the Akhalgori and Java districts.
The changes come ahead of de facto presidential elections in the occupied region, scheduled for Sept. 18.
Kambolov was sent from Moscow to replace de facto President Alan Gagloev. He has the backing of the main political forces in Tskhinvali.
Public Defender Finds Discrimination Against Patients With Disabilities
Georgia's Public Defender has found discriminatory treatment of patients with disabilities in two cases involving access to medical care, the Partnership for Human Rights said.
The cases involved patients being denied or delayed medical care and clinics failing to account for their individual communication and behavioral needs.
In one case, a 19-year-old patient with disabilities was refused emergency care at several clinics in August 2025 despite severe pain and a worsening condition. He was later hospitalized and spent 28 days in intensive care. The Public Defender found discrimination by two clinics.
In another case, a patient with a disability was refused care at a Tbilisi clinic in 2021 despite a court decision recognizing his mother's role as his supporter. He later died during surgery in January 2022. The Public Defender also found discrimination in that case.
The Ombudsman called on the Health Ministry to introduce a unified protocol for patients with disabilities, require clinics to document refusals of care and retrain medical staff.
