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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

​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.

 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

"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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.