**Georgian Government Makes Changes to Grant Law, Appoints New Ambassador**
The Georgian Dream party is making changes to the country’s grant law. From now on, certain foreign educational grants will not need government approval beforehand. The new law also includes a wider definition of what requires official consent – including “technical assistance” and “knowledge-sharing.” This is part of the government’s efforts to limit civil society and media organizations.
The changes are part of a broader crackdown on independent voices in Georgia. Many experts say this is an attempt by the Georgian Dream party to reduce its critics’ influence. The grant law, along with two other laws targeting foreign agents, have been criticized for limiting freedom of speech.
**New Ambassador Named**
Tamar Taliashvili has been chosen as Georgia’s next ambassador to the United States. She replaces Davit Zalkaliani, who stepped down in December after the US suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia. This position has been empty for seven months.
Taliashvili was previously a lawmaker for the Georgian Dream party and served as the country’s permanent representative to the Council of Europe.
**Changes Within Ministry**
Notorious Zviad Kharazishvili is no longer leading the Interior Ministry’s Special Tasks Department. This change comes amid a broader reshuffle within the ministry. Kharazishvili has been sanctioned by several countries for his role in human rights abuses during protests.
**Russian Spy Allegations**
A Russian worker at the Sokhumi Airport in occupied Abkhazia was detained on suspicion of espionage for Ukrainian military intelligence, according to reports from TASS, a Russian state-controlled media outlet. The FSB claimed that the information transferred to Kyiv could have been used for a terrorist attack.
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