AGP Executive Report

International Mourning in Tehran: Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is being honored with multi-day funeral ceremonies in Tehran, with senior Iranian officials and major foreign guests including Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili among others, as processions continue through July 9. Cultural Diplomacy: Alisher Navoi’s monument was unveiled in Tbilisi, spotlighting growing Uzbekistan–Georgia cultural ties and past “Days of Culture and Cinema” exchanges. World Football Buzz: FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 fixtures are set for July 4–8, with major matchups and TV/live-stream details circulating for fans in India and beyond. Local Media Under Scrutiny: Georgia’s opposition-leaning TV Formula faces an investigation over a complaint tied to a pro-government film director, raising fresh concerns among rights groups about pressure tactics. Entertainment & Travel: A new Tbilisi Open Air 2026 update and a travel diary on getting to Georgia via Turkey’s Dogu Express are among the week’s lifestyle reads.

Local Arts & Culture: Tbilisi Open Air 2026 is set to run July 4–6, and Tbilisi City Hall says traffic around Lisi Lake will be partially restricted during the event, with buses rerouted. Entertainment & Business: Petra Group is bringing Monaco’s Maya Collection to Georgia, with MayaBay Beach Club at Petra Sea Resort and MayaBay as a key dining spot at Petra Ski Resort in Gudauri. Tech & Community: Change Inspire 2026 drew nearly 1,000 attendees in Tbilisi, with TBC supporting talks featuring NVIDIA, Google, Amazon, Microsoft and others on AI, cybersecurity and digital transformation. Media & Law: Georgia has launched an investigation into TV Formula after a pro-government film director’s complaint, with rights groups warning the charge could be used to pressure outlets. Sports: South Africa’s Junior Springboks beat Georgia in Tbilisi 33–5 in the U-20 World Championship, setting up a key pool decider vs Wales. International Spotlight: Delegations from nearly 100 countries are expected for Iran’s weeklong Khamenei funeral, while Mojtaba Khamenei is reported to skip ceremonies.

Tbilisi Politics: Mayor Kakha Kaladze dismissed the “National Movement” as effectively controlled by “one person,” saying the group acts on outside tasks rather than Georgian interests. Human Rights Watch: At the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the UN’s top rights official warned that Georgia’s civic space is shrinking, citing laws restricting peaceful assembly and reports of arrests, ill-treatment, and excessive force against protesters and journalists. Iran Funeral Coverage: Ali Khamenei’s coffin arrived in Tehran as mass mourning begins, with a week of ceremonies across Iran and Iraq expected to draw major international delegations, including Georgia’s President Mikheil Kavelashvili and other regional leaders. Arts & Culture: Tbilisi’s cultural scene gets a boost with Gabriadze Wonders Station opening and a theater festival spotlighting “The Other Gaze” at the Tbilisi International Festival of Theater. Local Entertainment: The Tbilisi Open Air 2026 is set to kick off its 15th anniversary edition on July 4.

Energy & Industry: Georgia’s Kulevi port refinery says it will stop processing Russian crude in Aug–Sep 2026, switching to non-Russian supplies, and plans new output like road bitumen (Q1 2027) and aviation kerosene (Q2). Human Rights & Civic Space: A UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva heard OHCHR concerns that Georgia’s 2025 laws keep shrinking civic space, with reports of arbitrary arrests, ill-treatment, and excessive force against protesters and journalists. EU Politics: The European Parliament adopted a resolution saying Georgia’s EU path can’t continue without democratic reforms, citing dismantling of institutions, pressure on independent media, and political prisoners. Courts & Protests: Two Georgian anti-government protesters were released after sentence reductions, though convictions remain. Justice Case: Tbilisi City Court left Giorgi Udzilauri in pre-trial detention in an espionage case. Arts & Culture: An Ossetian–Georgian musical evening at Tbilisi’s Zazanova highlighted cross-Caucasus traditions through singer Karina Kushati. Tourism: Uzbekistan’s tourism committee met Georgia’s tourism administration to expand joint routes, media tours, and ideas like VAT refunds for visitors. Entertainment (Global): Canada officially joins Eurovision in 2027, with rules and format explained for newcomers. Sports (Global): Wimbledon Day 4 coverage spotlights British players and Iga Swiatek’s progress.

Cultural Diplomacy: Georgia’s Ministry of Culture has handed Brazil a Cultural Cooperation Memorandum, opening new paths for joint work in theatre, museums, art, literature, film, and creative industries. Film & Festivals: Cinema Guild has acquired 4K restorations of Otar Iosseliani’s classics for North American releases, starting with a new series at New York’s Asia Society in late July. Sports Spotlight (Georgia-linked): SBC Summit Tbilisi 2026 will feature football legend Fernando Morientes as a keynote speaker, blending elite sport experience with tech and business themes. Energy & Regional Economy: InterpressNews reports a first-time media tour of Batumi Oil Terminal and Batumi Seaport, highlighting jobs and the Middle Corridor’s role in linking Caspian routes to Black Sea and European markets. Global Entertainment Buzz: Wimbledon delivered a major upset as Barbora Krejcikova beat Mirra Andreeva, while England’s Harry Kane sparked a World Cup comeback over DR Congo in Atlanta. International Media: Iran says about 600 foreign journalists will cover Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral ceremonies, with major media and cinema programs planned.

World Cup Buzz: Harry Kane fired England past DR Congo 2-1 in the round of 32 in Atlanta, first equalizing with a header and then breaking Pele’s record as he surged to the top of the tournament goal list. Local Talent Abroad: Paris FC has signed 18-year-old Georgian midfielder Andria Kvirikadze on a three-year deal, giving Dinamo Tbilisi academy product a shot at Ligue 1. Cinema Spotlight: New York distributor Cinema Guild acquired 4K restorations of Otar Iosseliani’s films for North American releases, with a festival-style run starting in July. Investigative Media Under Fire: Studio Monitori says it faced a coordinated cyberattack after its “Trump Tower” investigation, with posts removed across major platforms. Public Safety & Crime: Three people were arrested in Batumi over alleged trafficking of minors, including forcing children to beg and sell flowers in tourist areas. Travel & Culture: A fresh guide pitches Georgia as a top summer destination, with practical tips for arriving in Tbilisi and getting connected fast. EU-leaning Outreach: The Polish Embassy in Tbilisi held Zugdidi talks on disinformation and lessons from Poland’s EU path.

Digital Growth: Google appoints Coob Ads as its official Google Ads sales representative across Armenia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Moldova starting July 1, expanding localized ad support. Jazz & Culture: Atlanta’s Jazz Legacy Project returns with “A Tribute to Sarah Vaughn” at the Velvet Note on July 1. Scam Tech Warning: A report details how global romance scammers use US-built AI tools to scale fraud across dozens of countries, including victims from Georgia. Road Safety: Georgia’s State Patrol urges safer driving for the July 2–5 Independence Day holiday, citing last year’s DUI arrests and crash toll. Sports (Georgia on the map): England face DR Congo in the World Cup Round of 32 at Atlanta Stadium on July 1. Hospitality & Ski: Rotana signs Gudauri Ski Resort in Georgia, bringing a new ski-in/ski-out hospitality project with about 400 keys. Protests: Eurointegration demonstrators in Tbilisi mark 580 consecutive days, again calling for political prisoners’ release. Legal/Justice: Kinderly Georgia surrogacy case ends with two founders sentenced to 10 years each for embezzlement.

Anti-Corruption Watch: The Council of Europe’s GRECO says top officials must lead by example in the fight against corruption, urging Georgia and other monitored states to keep pushing reforms. Parliament Tensions: “Gakharia For Georgia” has demanded a Prosecutor’s Office probe into the June 26 parliamentary brawl, calling it organized violence and criticizing the lack of action. Surrogacy Court Case: Tbilisi City Court sentenced Kinderly Georgia founders to 10 years each over alleged embezzlement tied to surrogacy contracts. Health Behind Bars: Opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria is set to be moved to a Tbilisi clinic for further exams amid worsening health concerns. Regional Cooperation: Armenia and Georgia’s interior ministers met in Yerevan, laying flowers at a memorial and highlighting close law-enforcement ties. Diplomatic Update: Germany’s ambassador Peter Fischer says his Georgia mission has ended, thanking the public as relations remain strained. International Spotlight: Georgia’s President Mikheil Kavelashvili is confirmed to attend Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral in Iran. Sports & Culture: Ireland U20s make four changes for their Tbilisi clash with Argentina, while Batumi hosts a new peace-education center opening.

Court Verdict: Tbilisi City Court sentenced the founders of LLC “Kinderli Georgia” to 10 years each in the surrogacy-related case, finding they set up an intermediary firm to arrange IVF surrogacy contracts, took over 2,060,006.5 GEL from Chinese clients, and misappropriated the money instead of covering agreed expenses. Protest & Rights: Demonstrators on Rustaveli Avenue again demanded the release of political prisoners, including Nana Sander, as the campaign for a pro-European course continues. Music in Tbilisi: The Tbilisi Piano Fest wrapped its 7th edition with a closing concert in Orbeliani Square, featuring Mozart and Grieg performed by Dudana Mazmanishvili with the Georgian Symphony Orchestra under conductor Carlo Ponti. Pop Culture: “Matsuri” returns to Tbilisi with Japanese pop-culture and fashion—anime, manga, cosplay, K-pop dance, esports—plus calligraphy, origami and Japanese food. Big Stage Summer: Tbilisi Open Air 2026 opens July 4 for its 15th anniversary, with international acts like Slowdive, Hooverphonic and Molchat Doma, plus Georgian artists, wine and a football screening zone. Regional Deal: Kazakhstan and Georgia elevated ties to a strategic partnership in Astana, with cooperation flagged across trade, transport, energy, digitalization, tourism and AI, and interest in expanding Kazakhstan’s presence at Georgian ports.

Japanese Pop Culture in Tbilisi: The “Matsuri” festival returns to Tbilisi with anime, manga, cosplay, Japanese fashion, K-pop dance and esports, plus calligraphy, origami and a Japanese food zone; tickets start at 50 GEL via TKT.Ge. Big Summer Music Plans: Tbilisi Open Air 2026 opens July 4 for its 15th anniversary, with international names like Slowdive, Hooverphonic and Molchat Doma, a new electronic-focused Mzesumzira Stage, plus football screenings and a Georgian wine festival. Local City Life: Tbilisi has started rehabilitating Lotkin Square near Khudadov Street, adding greenery, a football field, kids’ attractions, walking paths, lighting, irrigation and video monitoring, with work due to finish by September. Sports Spotlight: Australia face West Indies in the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final at The Oval on June 30, with Australia favored after a perfect group run. Chess Celebration: Georgia marked Nona Gaprindashvili’s 85th anniversary at Rustaveli National Theater, featuring performances and the top Giorgi Nikoladze Sports Award. Activism & Courts: Opposition figure Zviad Kuprava was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months for calls linked to overthrowing the constitutional order. Social Media Fine: Georgian activist Tamar Giorgadze was fined 3,000 GEL over a Facebook post cursing Bidzina Ivanishvili and those close to him.

Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Nigeria named para powerlifting star Folashade Oluwafemiayo as captain for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, praising her leadership and medal record. Chess & Culture: Georgia marked the 85th birthday of chess legend Nona Gaprindashvili with a Rustaveli National Theater event, including performances and a major sports award presentation. Local Community Watch: In Sukhumi, residents are calling for tougher action against vandalism after graffiti appeared on the embankment, urging CCTV and harsher penalties. Parliament & Politics: Georgian MPs reportedly brawled during a chaotic parliamentary session in Tbilisi after heated criticism during the PM’s address, leading to a suspension. Sports in Georgia: The Junior World Championship kicked off in Georgia with South Africa crushing Uruguay 104-7 in Tbilisi, while Wales edged Georgia in a dramatic U20 pool opener. War Impact on Families: Reports say another Georgian fighter was killed in Ukraine, adding to recent losses.

Georgia in Ukraine: Another Georgian fighter, Davit Kukchishvili, was reported killed in Russia’s war against Ukraine, following earlier reports of Igor Bekurashvili and Giorgi Damenia. Parliament & protests: Georgian MPs brawled during a chaotic parliamentary session in Tbilisi after criticism of PM Irakli Kobakhidze, while separate reports say demonstrators marked day 577 of daily protests demanding the release of prisoners, including Droa leader Elene Khoshtaria. Regional politics: PACE adopted a resolution warning Georgia lacks conditions for genuinely democratic elections and says democratic regression continues, with pressure on civil society, opposition, and independent media. Sports in Georgia: The Junior World Rugby Championship kicked off in Tbilisi as South Africa crushed Uruguay 104-7, while Wales U20 edged Georgia 25-24 in a dramatic match that ended with 13 men. Culture & media: A new book argues the Russian Orthodox Church has become a Kremlin-linked political influence, projecting “Russkiy Mir” through ecclesiastical structures.

Parliament in Turmoil: Georgian MPs brawled during a chaotic Tbilisi session after opposition criticism of PM Irakli Kobakhidze, forcing a suspension. Protest Pressure: Demonstrators marked day 577 of daily rallies, demanding the release of prisoners of conscience and calling for torture victims to get justice, with marches and flags outside parliament and Gldani Prison. War Memorials: Two Georgian volunteers were reported killed fighting in Ukraine—Igor Bekurashvili and Giorgi Damenia—with memorial services expected soon. Sports—Rugby: Wales U20s edged Georgia 25-24 in Tbilisi in a tense opener that ended with Georgia’s late push thwarted. Sports—Cricket: India Women face Australia Women at Lord’s in a must-win Women’s T20 World Cup clash with semi-final hopes on the line. Arts & Culture—Wine: Vazisubani Estate in Kakheti is spotlighted as Georgian wine’s international breakout, blending history, vineyards, and MICHELIN-backed hospitality. Media Tech: A new OCR approach is described as collapsing multi-stage document processing into one pass, aiming to stop errors from spreading.

Protest Watch (Tbilisi): On the 577th day of daily demonstrations, crowds marched from Gldani Prison toward the Georgian Parliament demanding the release of protesters and specifically calling for Droa party leader Elene Khoshtaria to receive civilian clinic care and systemic treatment. Sports (Rugby): Wales U20s edged Georgia 24-25 in the Junior World Championship opener, holding on with 13 players after late cards and a tense finish. Arts & Culture (Wine): Vazisubani Estate in Kakheti is spotlighted as Georgian wine’s international “moment,” blending 130 years of history, indigenous varieties, and MICHELIN recognition into a new enotourism experience. Politics & Justice (Georgia): Former Deputy Health Minister Irakli Mkheidze was charged in a psychotropic medication trafficking probe tied to alleged ₾54 million in gains, with multiple arrests and legal entities facing prosecution. International (Occupied Crimea): Russian performers reportedly canceled or postponed tours across occupied Crimea amid security concerns, as fuel shortages deepen and gasoline sales shift to QR-coupons. Local Business (SMEs): EU and UNDP support is helping Georgian SMEs expand into EU markets, citing new jobs and first-time exporters ahead of Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day on June 27.

Rugby Spotlight: Wales U20s kick off their Junior World Championship campaign against Georgia in Tbilisi today, with the match on Premier Sports 2 and RugbyPass TV. Freedom Festival Wrestling: “Red, White & Bruised” brought wrestling legends and indie stars to Vienna’s Freedmon Festival, mixing suplexes and brawls in a big community-style show. Film & Next-Gen Creators: A “Something Like a Film Festival” short-film event in Kathmandu spotlights debut directors and young filmmakers, with themed sections from environmental to queer and animation. Georgian Arts: Art Foundation Anagi announces “The Earth is Female,” a major Lia Bagrationi exhibition opening 27 June, exploring identity, memory, and gender through mixed media. Wine Culture: Vazisubani Estate in Kakheti is highlighted as a MICHELIN-recognized fine-wine destination blending historic marani, vineyards, and a boutique stay. Media & Rights: GYLA filed an ECHR application for journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, calling her prosecution politically motivated. Local Business: EU and UNDP support for Georgian SMEs is credited with new jobs and first-time EU market entries ahead of Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day on 27 June.

Abkhazia Diplomacy: Putin has appointed former Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov as Russia’s ambassador to occupied Abkhazia, with reports tying the move to his long-running political style and Ukraine-linked service record. Tbilisi Courts & Media: Georgia’s regulator ComCom fined TV Pirveli GEL 2,500 over wording like “prisoners of conscience,” while GYLA filed a Strasbourg appeal for journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, arguing her trial rights were violated. Health Case: Former Deputy Health Minister Irakli Mkheidze was charged in an alleged psychotropic drug trafficking scheme worth up to ₾54 million. Arts & Culture: Art Foundation Anagi announced Lia Bagrationi’s major exhibition “The Earth is Female” opening June 27, and Tbilisi hosted an Italian Embassy “Fare Cinema” screening of “Marcello mio.” Sports: England U20s name Saints fly-half Shields in the squad for the Tbilisi clash vs Ireland.