**GEORGIA IN CRISIS**
Georgia is facing a deep political crisis, according to EU Ambassador Paweł Herczyński. The country’s parliament will vote on January 29 on whether to ratify the credentials of the Georgian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). Two options are being proposed: either not to ratify them or to do so with conditions, including new elections and the release of political prisoners.
The PACE decision will be put on hold until April 2025. The EU is working towards introducing personal sanctions against those responsible for human rights violations in Georgia.
**HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS**
The case of Mzia Amaglobeli, founder of Batumlebi/Netgazeti, has been described as “absolutely outrageous” by EU Ambassador Herczyński. She is on hunger strike and protests are ongoing in Tbilisi to demand her release.
Meanwhile, opposition-leaning Mtavari TV has issued a statement saying that co-founder Zaza Okuashvili is shutting down the channel under his instructions. This has resulted in the suspension of their satellite signal for regional and international audiences.
**TELECOMS DISRUPTIONS**
Magticom, Georgia’s leading telecommunications company, reported disruptions to its mobile and fixed internet services on January 27. The company detected suspicious damage at three locations in the Adjara region.
**EXPERT URGE ACTION**
Experts on Human Rights appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council have urged Georgian authorities to investigate allegations of excessive use of force, torture, and ill-treatment during protests in November and December 2024.
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