**Georgian President Awards Police Officials Despite Sanctions**
The President of Georgia, Mikhei Kavelashvili, has awarded high-ranking police officials with the Order of Honors. The awards were given for their “special contribution to strengthening law and order.” However, many of these officials are under Western sanctions.
Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri and Director of the Special Task Department Zviad Karazishvili were among those awarded. Just two weeks ago, President Kavelashvili promoted Interior Minister Gomelauri to the rank of Colonel General.
**International Community Speaks Out**
The international community has spoken out against these awards. The President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, posted on social media that it was “hypocrisy” for the government to award police officials while also being criticized by the European Parliament for police violence and torture.
The Czech government has also imposed sanctions on three high-ranking MIA officials for their involvement in “brutal repression of protests.” The Czech Foreign Minister wrote on social media, “We do not want thugs in the Czech Republic.”
**Georgian Prime Minister Visits Armenia**
Meanwhile, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze visited Armenia along with his ministers. They met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and emphasized the importance of their bilateral relationship.
**Media Freedom Concerns**
The Media Freedom Coalition has expressed concern about the pre-trial detention of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli. The coalition, consisting of 14 embassies in Georgia, released a joint statement calling for her immediate release and review of her case.
The EU Delegation to Georgia also spoke out against the detention of journalists, stating that no one should be punished for defending democratic values.
**GPB Under Fire**
Journalists at the Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) criticized the channel’s limited coverage of pro-EU protests. They also expressed concerns about the lack of editorial independence and insufficient coverage of imprisoned journalist Mzia Amaglobeli.
**Human Rights Report**
The Human Rights Center published its annual report, detailing Georgia’s “democratic backsliding” in 2024. The report assesses the state of human rights protection in the country and highlights concerns about police violence and torture.
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