An activist sentenced to 9 years after participating in rallies against the law on foreign agents was amnestied in Georgia

Today, activist Lazare Grigoriadis was released following a pardon from the President of Georgia. “The struggle continues, see you at the rallies! Today I will go to a rally!” he commented on his release.

On April 12, Grigoriadis was sentenced to 9 years for causing harm to the health of police officers and destroying state property during last year’s protests against the law on foreign agents. According to the prosecution, during a protest in Tbilisi on March 7, 2023, he twice threw a Molotov cocktail at security forces, as a result of which two law enforcement officers were hospitalized.

On the same day, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili signed a decree pardoning the activist. The country's ruling Georgian Dream party called this decision shameful and anti-state. “She completely betrayed not only our voters, party, people and country, she betrayed our police. She insulted our police. This is a very big shame. With this pardon, Salome Zurabishvili threw a “Molotov cocktail” at the police,” said Georgian Dream Chairman Irakli Garibashvili.

This year, protests against the re-initiation of the bill on foreign agents in Tbilisi continue for the ninth day. Thousands of people gather near the parliament building, and the police periodically disperse the crowd. President Salome Zurabishvili regularly opposes the initiative of the ruling party.

Последние новости
Drone attack on Volgograd leaves one dead, eight injured
News
Drone attack on Volgograd leaves one dead, eight injured
31 July 2026

The number of people injured in a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on the southern Russian city of Volgograd has risen to nine after rescuers recovered the body of a woman from the rubble of a residential building struck overnight on July 31.
Second Initiative to
Society
Second Initiative to "Protect National Values" Launched in Georgia in a Week
31 July 2026

Another public initiative aimed at protecting "national values" has emerged in Georgia. This time, the launch of a platform was announced by actor Giorgi Shanidze, director Giorgi Sikharulidze, and Kote Mzhavia, the director of the Batumi Drama Theater. They propose drafting a law intended—in their view—to protect the church, sacred sites, historical figures, and other "fundamental values" of the country.
Illegal dumping problem grows in Ingushetia, local media report
Society
Illegal dumping problem grows in Ingushetia, local media report
31 July 2026

While crews attempt to extinguish smoldering hotspots at the closed landfill in Malgobek, a new illegal dump is already forming nearby. Bers Bankhaev, head of Ingushetia’s Regional Management Center, highlighted this issue.
Ukrainian drone strikes hit southern Russia and Dagestan overnight
Politics
Ukrainian drone strikes hit southern Russia and Dagestan overnight
31 July 2026

On the night of July 31, residents of Kaspiysk reported explosions near the seaport, which serves as the base for the Caspian Flotilla. Russian authorities have not officially commented on reports of a possible attack on the port. That same night, Ukrainian drones also struck other Russian regions.