Georgian Parliament enforces yellow security level

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has issued a statement reminding organizers and participants of the November 24 opposition rally of the legal framework governing demonstrations. The rally is set to begin at Republic Square and proceed to the Parliament building. The MIA emphasized that blocking strategic or special importance objects, including the Parliament and Government Administration buildings, is prohibited under Article 222 of the Criminal Code. Violators could face imprisonment of up to two years, or up to four years if the offense is committed by a group. “We warn the participants and organizers of the planned rally not to exceed the limits established by the Law on Assembly/Manifestation and to refrain from unlawful actions. Otherwise, the police will take all appropriate legal measures to prevent illegal actions,” the statement read. The Ministry urged adherence to the law to ensure public safety and the proper functioning of organizations during the demonstration.

Gender-based violence is not only a personal tragedy but also a violation of basic human rights that affects individuals, families, and communities worldwide, including in Georgia,” Pawel Herczynski, Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia, issued a statement on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. According to the Ambassador, statistics reveal the alarming scale of violence against women. “Approximately 736 million women—nearly one in three around the world—have experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. In Georgia, recent data indicates that every second woman aged 15-69 has experienced violence at some point in her life. To address these challenges, the European Union in Georgia funds projects that build the capacity of state and non-state actors to fight gender-based violence. Our projects raise awareness to prevent violence and provide free legal, social or psychological support to women. EU financed projects also work to change the stereotypes and harmful perceptions and launch information campaigns. And, they promote the use of SafeYou application. The first way to empower women is to ensure that they can live free from fear and violence. We must break the silence and stigma surrounding gender-based violence. This year, the theme for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is “Every 10 Minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women”. Together, we can create a future where respect, dignity, and safety are guaranteed for all,” said EU Ambassador.

Rains, low air temperatures, snow in the mountainous regions and storms in the Black Sea are in the weather forecast, the National Environment Agency reported. According to the Agency, heavy rains may cause the swelling of small rivers and the formation-activation of the land sliding processes. Due to snowfall, poor visibility, and the threat of avalanches, traffic may be restricted on certain roads (threat level-medium).

“I less believe in EU sanctions since this issue requires a consensus of 27 countries, this instrument is better managed by the US,” said Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili in an interview with Mtavari Arkhi (Main Channel). According to Zourabichvili, negotiations are going on between the EU and the US about what can be done regarding Georgia. “I less believe in EU sanctions. Some restrictions may come about in different forms, in the aid on which our budget and programs depend. This will deepen the economic and financial crisis. The imposition of individual sanctions is more difficult since it depends on the consensus reached among the 27 EU countries. The US more effectively manages this instrument, and as far as I know, negotiations are going on between the EU and the US about what can be done,” she said.

Georgian Orthodox Church marks Saint George Day on November 23. Festive church services will be conducted at acting churches throughout the country. Saint George is regarded with special reverence among the Georgian people as he is believed to be the protector and patron of the nation. In the Greek tradition, George was born to Greek Christian parents, in Cappadocia. After his father died, his mother, who was originally from Lydda, in Syria Palaestina, returned with George to her hometown. He went on to become a soldier for the Roman army, but, because of his Christian faith, he was arrested and tortured. Saint George was executed at the age of 30 by decapitation on 23 April 303. A witness of his suffering convinced Empress Alexandra of Rome to become a Christian as well, so she joined George in martyrdom. His body was buried in Lydda, where Christians soon came to honour him as a martyr. Georgian Orthodox Church marks St. George Day twice a year: On November 23, when he was tortured and on May 6, when he died.