Human rights organizations have condemned the Georgian authorities for repressive anti-media laws

The International Press Institute (IPI) has expressed concern over new legislative initiatives by the Georgian government and ruling party that restrict independent media funding.

The proposed amendments criminalize receiving foreign funding without government permission, punishable by up to six years in prison. Furthermore, a new article on "money laundering for political purposes" is being introduced, punishing journalists with prison terms of nine to 12 years.

Human rights activists emphasize that these measures threaten the survival of Georgian media outlets and call for international sanctions against Georgian government officials. International organizations also supported the launch of the OSCE's "Moscow Mechanism" and called on the Georgian parliament to abandon these amendments.

Последние новости
The defense team for a Crimean Tatar political prisoner suffering from brain cancer is seeking his release
Human rights
The defense team for a Crimean Tatar political prisoner suffering from brain cancer is seeking his release
18 March 2026

The health of political prisoner Tofik Abdulgaziyev, who suffers from brain cancer, tuberculosis, and other serious illnesses, continues to deteriorate. His wife, Aliye Kurtametova, reported that his situation is "extremely critical" and recalled unsuccessful requests for assistance in similar cases.

Four regions of the North Caucasus Federal District have declared holidays to celebrate Eid al-Fitr
Society
Four regions of the North Caucasus Federal District have declared holidays to celebrate Eid al-Fitr
18 March 2026

Eid al-Fitr, one of the key Islamic holidays that concludes Ramadan, will begin on the night of March 19-20. Most republics of the North Caucasus Federal District have declared the holiday non-working.

Azerbaijan reminded Iran of the investigation into the drone attack on Nakhchivan
Politics
Azerbaijan reminded Iran of the investigation into the drone attack on Nakhchivan
18 March 2026

A telephone conversation took place between the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Iran, Jeyhun Bayramov and Seyyed Abbas Araghchi. Bayramov insisted that Tehran fulfill its promise to investigate the drone attacks launched from its territory on the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

An Abkhazian resident was convicted for publishing texts about Shamil Basayev
Human rights
An Abkhazian resident was convicted for publishing texts about Shamil Basayev
18 March 2026

The Southern District Military Court of Rostov-on-Don sentenced Timur Agrba, a resident of Abkhazia, to five and a half years in a general regime penal colony. He was accused of justifying terrorism for his Telegram channel posts, which, according to investigators, glorified Chechen field commander Shamil Basayev.