**Easter Celebrations Marred by Police Crackdown in Tbilisi**
In a stark contrast to the peaceful Easter celebrations held in various parts of Georgia, protesters in Tbilisi were met with force on Monday. Activists and members of the Orthodox community had gathered on Rustaveli Avenue to mark the holiday together, but police intervened, forcibly removing protesters from the area and arresting several individuals.
This incident is a grim reminder that tensions between the government and protesters continue to simmer. The anti-regime rallies have now entered their 146th consecutive day, with demonstrators demanding an end to what they perceive as authoritarian rule in the country.
**OSCE Secretary General Visits Georgia**
In other news, OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu has arrived in Georgia for a three-day visit. During his stay, he met with Maka Botchorishvili, the Georgian Dream foreign minister, and plans to hold further meetings with other officials from the ruling party. However, there have been no announcements regarding meetings with opposition parties or civil society groups.
This development has raised concerns that the international community may be too focused on engaging with the government at the expense of other stakeholders. As tensions in the country continue to rise, it is essential for the OSCE and other international organizations to engage with all segments of Georgian society, including the opposition and civil society groups.
**Georgian Dream Celebrates 13th Anniversary**
The ruling Georgian Dream party marked its 13th anniversary on April 21 with a self-congratulatory statement highlighting what it referred to as a period of “irreversible development” and democratic consolidation. The party emphasized that under its leadership, Georgia has avoided war despite external pressures, which it considers a significant achievement.
However, critics argue that this narrative is far from the reality faced by many Georgians. As protests continue to rock the country, the opposition and civil society groups have been vocal in their criticism of the government’s handling of the crisis.
**Joint Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation**
The 9th session of the Joint Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation between Georgia and other countries has taken place. The commission aims to enhance trade relations between the two nations, but its effectiveness is still a matter of debate.
As tensions in the country continue to rise, it is essential for all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards finding solutions that benefit all segments of society.
**Human Rights Concerns**
Georgian human rights organizations and activists have called on the international community to respond to the deterioration of rights in the country, especially concerning individuals with disabilities. In a letter signed by around 20 organizations and individuals, they highlight that people with disabilities have been disproportionately affected by government repression during recent protests.
This is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention from the international community. As tensions in the country continue to rise, it is essential for all stakeholders to ensure that human rights are protected and respected.
**Data of the Day**
The National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat) has published preliminary data indicating that Georgia’s foreign trade increased by 16.1% year-on-year in January-March 2025, reaching USD 5.62 billion. During the same period, exports increased by 5.7% to USD 1.4 billion, while imports rose by 20.1% to USD 4.22 billion.
As a result, Georgia’s trade deficit stood at USD 2.82 billion, accounting for 50.1% of total foreign trade turnover. This development has significant implications for the country’s economy and requires close monitoring from all stakeholders.
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