**GD MPs Involved in Abu Dhabi Brawl**
Three Georgian Dream (GD) parliament members have been linked to a fight in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Irakli Zarkua, Viktor Sanikidze, and Gela Samkharauli were reportedly at the hotel when they physically assaulted a local citizen, Lasha Gabitashvili.
**Police Crackdown on Journalist**
Meanwhile, police in Georgia have been accused of targeting a journalist. Guram Murvanidze, a cameraman for online newspaper Batumelebi, was arrested during a protest in Batumi. His colleagues claim that the police became aggressive after he mentioned his affiliation with the publication.
**Concerns Over Detentions and Firing**
Civil society organizations have expressed worries about the detention of 16 people in Tbilisi and Batumi. They also point to indications of political persecution, including the firing of public servants. The groups are working with international organizations to gather evidence of these alleged violations.
**Georgian Citizen Killed in Ukraine Fighting**
Another Georgian citizen has died fighting in Ukraine. Kakha Tilidze was confirmed killed by the Georgian Foreign Ministry on January 12. This brings the unofficial number of Georgian casualties in Ukraine since February 2022 to 63.
**Trade Figures Released**
The National Statistics Service of Georgia (Geostat) has published data showing that the country’s external trade increased by 8% in 2024, reaching $23.429 billion. Exports grew by 7.8%, while imports rose by 8.1%.