**British Embassy Cancels Grants to Georgia Amid “Uncertainty” Over New Law**
The British Embassy in Georgia has canceled planned grants intended to support transparency and competitiveness in the country’s upcoming local elections. The decision comes after a recently amended law was passed, which requires foreign donors to obtain government approval before giving grants to local organizations.
Tabula, an online media outlet, was among the intended recipients of these grants. The move by the British Embassy is likely to impact Georgia’s preparations for its local elections, which are scheduled to take place soon.
**Polish PM Tusk Calls for Visa Restrictions on Georgia**
Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called for visa restrictions or suspension on Georgia, citing democratic backsliding and migration concerns. Speaking in the country’s Parliament, Tusk said that Poland is working to build a majority to limit or suspend visa-free travel for Georgia, alongside other countries.
Tusk’s comments come at a time when tensions are running high between Georgia and its Western allies over the country’s democratic record. The decision by the British Embassy to cancel grants has added to these concerns.
**Forced Expulsion of Turkish National**
Temur Katamadze, a Turkish citizen of Georgian descent, was forcibly expelled from Georgia after his voluntary departure notice expired. Katamadze had been living in Georgia since 2012 and had sought citizenship. He came into public eye during recent anti-regime protests and was arrested in January.
**Investigation Against Activist Nino Datashvili**
Georgia’s Interior Ministry has launched a criminal investigation against activist Nino Datashvili for allegedly assaulting a civil servant during an incident at Tbilisi City Court. The ministry alleges that Datashvili physically assaulted one of the bailiffs while being dragged out.
Datashvili had been attending a hearing for detained protesters when she was forcibly removed by bailiffs. Her case has sparked outrage among opposition politicians and activists, who see it as an example of the government’s attempts to silence dissenting voices.
**Opposition Politicians and Journalists Summoned to Court**
Some opposition politicians, journalists from critical TV channels, and activists have been summoned to court over Facebook posts containing insults aimed at Georgian Dream MPs. The move is seen as an attempt by the government to stifle free speech and punish critics.
Courts are scheduled for June 12, where those accused will face charges of making administrative offenses punishable by a fine or up to 45 days of detention.
**Abkhazia Appoints New Head**
Giorgi Jincharadze has been approved as the head of the government of Abkhazia, succeeding Levan Mgaloblishvili who resigned on June 2. The appointment comes at a time when tensions are running high between Georgia and its breakaway region.
**Legislative Package Passed to Target Foreigners**
The Georgian Dream one-party parliament has adopted a legislative package without dissent in the second reading that would allow authorities to expel foreigners and ban them from reentering the country for administrative offenses. The changes are seen as specifically targeting foreigners participating in anti-regime protests.
**New Chief Auditor Appointed**
Giorgi Gabitashvili, who previously served as Georgia’s Prosecutor General, has been approved as the new Chief Auditor. However, his appointment has been met with criticism after he was sanctioned by the UK for his role in suppressing dissent during his time as Prosecutor General.
**Public Defender Criticized**
Public Defender Levan Ioseliani presented his 2024 human rights report to the Georgian Dream parliament, which drew sharp criticism from MPs. The report highlighted issues of police impunity and protests, but was met with hostility by some lawmakers who questioned Ioseliani’s credentials as Public Defender.
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