Nino Apakidze
Journalist
About
I am an investigative journalist with iFact and Head of Media Projects at the Investigative Media Lab at the University of Georgia. I have reported on social injustice, corruption, and the political dynamics shaping life in Georgia. My interests include environmental challenges and exploring the intersections of cultural heritage, identity, and community resilience.
“Unknown Stories” is a video series that examines important investigations and events unfolding abroad that have direct or indirect relevance to us. I review major investigative reports published by international media and distill them into short, accessible videos.

For all episodes, check the link

Articles

The story investigates an alleged backroom deal behind how Frontera founder Steve Nicandros helped block the MEGOBARI Act. In return, the investigation explores claims that the Georgian government wrote off approximately 15 million GEL in debt and allowed Nikandros to leave the country without significant financial losses.
Article
In this article, I tell the story of women from Kvemo Kartli who continue to preserve the unique tradition of Borchalo carpet weaving. We know almost nothing about them - despite the fact that both a 34,000-year-old thread and the oldest carpet fragments found in the Caucasus were discovered in Georgia.
Article
This story is about a nine-month investigation by iFact exposing a fraudulent construction network run by Russian citizens in Georgia. The organized group uses attractive offers and vague contracts to scam Georgians out of tens of thousands of dollars meant for building or buying homes, ultimately abandoning the projects and leaving victims with nothing but half-dug plots of land and severe financial and emotional distress.
Article
Criminal prosecutions related to sexual extortion cases have nearly doubled since 2020, though the real number of cases is almost certainly higher.

Article
Georgia’s donor-funded media model has collapsed, exposing deep structural weaknesses. Independent outlets are now racing to build sustainable, audience-driven models under growing political pressure—turning the country into a testing ground for the future of independent journalism in restricted environments.

Article
The Soviet Union’s toxic legacy of conflating dissent with mental ‘instability’ is remerging in the government’s attitudes towards protesters.
Article
The women detained during Georgia’s ongoing anti-government protests have reported systematic practices designed to degrade human dignity.
Article
These Turkish mafia figures were arrested in Turkey. Yet, a hidden hand always protected them. Every time, they managed to walk free, thanks to mysterious court decisions. It was said they had 'disappeared'. But all this time, they’ve been running their criminal empires from just next door. Fayn investigates how Georgia became the escape route for organized crime leaders from Turkey.
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This story investigates how Georgia’s Public Defender (Ombudsman) institution, traditionally an independent and critical human rights watchdog, has shifted under Levan Ioseliani’s leadership to become more passive and government-aligned.
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This story uncovers how recent legislative moves by the Georgian Dream party are putting public expression and dissent at serious risk. Echoing tactics seen in Russia and Kyrgyzstan, the government is adopting a familiar authoritarian playbook, using laws to silence critics, control the narrative, and tighten its hold on power.
Article
Since the establishment of a strategic partnership between Georgia and China, the registration of Chinese enterprises in the country has surged by 96.6%. But does that translate into major investments? Our latest article breaks down the trends and reveals what these big numbers really mean.

Article
Eng
Since March 28, 2017, Georgian citizens have had visa-free travel to the EU/Schengen Zone, making over 2 million visits since then. Along with visa liberalization, Georgia committed to stricter visa and immigration policies and the protection of fundamental human rights. The article examines concerns over Georgia’s visa-free travel to the EU, following a European Commission report.
Article
​The article investigates the role and effectiveness of mayoral representatives in Georgian villages, particularly in the Imereti region. It also examines how the ruling party utilizes these representatives during election campaigns, highlighting concerns about their impartiality and dedication to public service.
Article
 In December 2023, the European Union (EU) set out a nine-step roadmap for Georgia’s candidacy, and judicial reform was high on the list. But as deadlines approach, cracks are showing in the reform process, drawing criticism both domestically and from European officials.  For Georgia, the stakes are high: without judicial transparency, the country’s aspirations for European integration may remain just that—aspirations.
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Eng
For this article, we interviewed nearly 50 socially vulnerable individuals from across Georgia and those who intimidate them ahead of elections. The ruling party exploits the fears and poverty of the most vulnerable members of society, turning the social protection system into a key instrument for electoral manipulation.
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The article examines what the Georgian government should do versus what it is currently doing to align its security and foreign policy with the EU. This alignment is essential for opening negotiations on EU membership.
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Over the past year, Georgia has been granted EU candidate status and has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with China. Experts express concerns that pursuing these two paths simultaneously may be incompatible.
Article
Eng
The high concentration of ammonium ions in Tbilisi's section of the Mtkvari River indicates significant sewage pollution. Since May 2018, sewage was no longer supposed to enter the river. GWP committed to this and other improvements through a $220 million investment agreement.
Article
Eng
"The school is the only vibrant institution in this village. It's a harsh reality that, while children are graduating, no new students are enrolling."

The public school in Shuapkho currently has just 11 students. It will not have any first-graders next year.
Video Story
"This is a case where an authoritarian regime creates a tool to suppress civil society, and then other countries can use the same tools. It is a kind of teaching on how to suppress people, how to suppress independent organizations.”

Interview
Even after 30 years of the restoration of the country’s independence, the population of Javakheti still suffers from a lack of access to lands, roads and natural gas, leading to a feeling that the region is estranged and isolated from the rest of Georgia.
Multimedia Article
Georgia has now become a preferred destination for Russians looking to escape from mobilization and instability. For many, the influx of Russian migrants is a source of existential fear and an uncontrollable driving force behind rising prices in the country.
Geo
Eng
In 2022, 76% of verified parliamentarians filled out their financial declarations incorrectly. Over the last three years, the number of cases involving deputies filling out declarations with violations has been increasing.
Multimedia article
Couriers work on digital platforms without being recognized as employees. Their work is governed by algorithms and monetized by the platform owners. Often, the risks that are a constant part of their activities are overlooked.
Multimedia article
Activists explain that under the current legislation, for a woman to be considered raped, she must also be beaten. They demand legislative changes, as it is impossible to adequately protect women from sexual crimes under the current law.
Multimedia article
Food addiction ranks among the most widespread and deadly addictions globally. Despite its pervasive nature, the illness remains largely invisible, as food is an integral part of our daily lives. An eating disorder is a psychological condition marked by unhealthy eating habits.
Multimedia article
“iContext” is a podcast that helps you better understand politics, economics, and social issues in Georgia. We bring you verified, fact-based information, analysis, and context.

For all episodes, check the link

Student Works

Storyliving instead of storytelling
Between Homes
Between Homes is a short documentary film about an immigrant woman, Ia, who went to the US to find a better life. She, like many Georgian brad-winner immigrants, ended up living between the homes across the continents.

Contact
Email: ninoapakidze.ge@gmail.com
Tbilisi, Georgia
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