The decision was made by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, as a mark of respect for the late Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II.Ilia II passed away on March 17 at the age of 93. Following his death, a period of mourning has been declared across Georgia.The Patriarch will be laid to rest in the Sioni Cathedral on March 22.

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The Ministry explained that this measure is linked to a high rate of visa violations by Georgian citizens and is part of the U.S. administration’s broader tightened immigration policy. Georgian authorities urged citizens to strictly comply with U.S. visa regulations, noting that proper adherence will allow Georgia to continue discussions with the U.S. regarding a potential review of these restrictions in the future.In addition to the bond requirement, immigration practitioners have noted a trend: Georgian B-1/B-2 visitors are increasingly being admitted for only one month, instead of the traditional six months. These shorter stays are reportedly aimed at preventing visitors from filing immigrant petitions or status adjustments while in the United States.As of March 18, 2026, Georgia is among 12 new countries added to the U.S. Visa Bond Program, which now covers 50 countries worldwide. The program will take effect in Georgia starting April 2, 2026, and the bond is refundable provided the traveler leaves the U.S. on time, in compliance with visa rules.

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The bipartisan statement was signed by Senators Roger Wicker, Jeanne Shaheen, Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Joe Wilson and Steve Cohen. According to them, the ruling Georgian Dream party is turning the country into an isolated, authoritarian state.OSCE Report: “Borderline of Torture” and ImpunityThe Helsinki Commission’s statement is based on a report published by the OSCE on March 10, 2026, which details fundamental human rights violations in Georgia since spring 2024.The report’s key findings include: Violence against protesters: The document discusses the systematic nature of violence against protesters, opposition leaders and journalists, which in some cases “reaches the threshold of torture.” Selective justice: According to the report, cases against protesters are being concluded quickly and with harsh sanctions, while investigations into violence by law enforcement officers are being delayed. Pressure on the media: The document highlights the existence of “civilian violent groups” that, in coordination with the police, attack journalists. Criticism of the Public BroadcasterParticular attention is paid to the media environment. According to the OSCE rapporteur, the public television is involved in discrediting campaigns against independent media representatives, which further worsens the opportunities for free expression in the country.Washington's demandsAmerican lawmakers are calling on the US administration, together with its European partners, to force the Georgian government to implement the following recommendations:1. Release all political prisoners2. End politically motivated persecution of opposition politicians3. Abolish all "undemocratic and unjust" laws"We must demand that they stop depriving the Georgian people of their freedom," the Helsinki Commission said in a statement.

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Archbishop Giorgi informed journalists that the funeral ceremony will take place on March 22, and, in line with the Patriarch’s own wishes, his final resting place will be in Sioni.His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II passed away at the age of 93.Following the Patriarch’s death, a national period of mourning has been declared.

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Georgia has declared a state mourning time for Ilia II, who died at the age of 93. The official announcement was made by the Patriarch’s entourage Shio, at the Caucasus Medical Center, where His Holiness was receiving treatment in recent days.Diplomatic Missions’ AssessmentsThe US Embassy paid tribute to the Patriarch’s “great contribution,” which, they said, “will never be forgotten.”The EU Delegation, meanwhile, placed special emphasis on Ilia II’s contribution to preserving national identity.“His Holiness played a special role in preserving national identity and faith and remained a symbol of unity for believers,” the EU mission said in a statement.The Embassy of the Republic of Poland called Ilia II “a symbol of survival in times of trial,” while the Turkish Delegation noted that his death was a great loss, as he had been a pillar of peace and moral values ​​for decades.The Turkish Embassy’s condolence letter states that “His Holiness’s passing is a great loss… He was a pillar of peace, unity and moral values.”The Swedish Embassy notes that “His Holiness’s legacy will remain as an example of faith, love and peace.”The Italian Embassy also expresses its sincere condolences to the Georgian population over the death of the spiritual father of the country.The Austrian Embassy: “We express our deep sorrow and condolences to all Orthodox Christians in Georgia and abroad.”Slovakian Ambassador Matus Busovsky writes that he expresses his sincere condolences to the Georgian Orthodox Church and the Georgian peopleCatholicos-Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II (in lay life Irakli Shiolashvili) was born on January 4, 1933 in Vladikavkaz (then Ordzhonikidze). In 1960 he graduated from the Moscow Theological Academy. His theological path began in 1957, when he was tonsured a monk.Hierarchical career and enthronement: 1963-1972: He was the first rector of the Mtskheta Theological Seminary 1967: He continued his work in the Diocese of Abkhazia 1969: He was granted the rank of Metropolitan December 23, 1977: The Church Council unanimously elected him as Catholicos-Patriarch. His enthronement took place on December 25 in Svetitskhoveli Cathedral The name of Ilia II is associated with the recognition of the autocephaly of the Georgian Orthodox Church by the Ecumenical Patriarchate (in 1990), the large-scale restoration and construction of churches and monasteries, the establishment of theological schools, and the publication of the Bible in modern Georgian. The tradition of universal baptism of infants was established on the initiative of the Patriarch.

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The prosecutor's office charged Mikautadze with nine different counts, including abuse of office, illegal participation in entrepreneurial activity, and money laundering.According to the prosecutor in the case, Irakli Marshania, the convict was deprived of important assets: A residential apartment in Spain 3 cars Expensive watches, gold bars and coins A 15% stake in the Nakhidur hydroelectric power plant Despite the fact that Romeo Mikautadze applied to the prosecutor's office for a plea bargain, he did not plead guilty at the court hearing. In his closing statement, he stated that he was ready to admit to a "non-existent crime" in order to quickly conclude the case. According to the prosecutor, since the defendant does not admit guilt, a plea bargain is impossible.The convict's lawyer, Beka Nemsitsveridze, will appeal the decision to the Court of Appeal. He criticized the justice system and noted that the court only took into account the arguments of the prosecution.Romeo Mikautadze was arrested by law enforcement officers on June 20 of last year. He was charged with 4 articles: Article 333, Part 2 of Article 332, Article 337, and Subparagraph “c” of Part 3 of Article 194 of the Criminal Code.

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According to the Government of Georgia, the one-on-one meeting primarily centred on the relations between Georgia and Belarus, as well as potential future opportunities for cooperation.“The parties reviewed current issues related to the bilateral partnership, including cooperation in the trade and economic spheres. Particular emphasis was placed on Georgia’s role as a safe country in terms of creating a stable, predictable and investor-friendly environment.The importance of holding the 7th Session of the Georgia-Belarus Intergovernmental Economic Commission was also highlighted, as a crucial platform for discussing key economic issues between the two countries.The sides also discussed the positive dynamics in the tourism sector and the growing number of Belarusian tourists visiting Georgia,” read the statement issued by the Government of Georgia.

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According to her, today’s discussions will also focus on Georgia.“Of course, today we will also address the situation in Georgia. It is becoming increasingly serious. A visa ban for diplomats has been in effect since March 6. We will consider what additional measures are necessary. The Georgian government is not moving in the right direction,” added Kaja Kallas.

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Official Stockholm emphasizes that human rights, democracy and the rule of law are fundamental principles of the OSCE, the protection of which is a direct obligation of the participating states.“Sweden welcomes the independent expert’s assessment of the human rights situation in Georgia and calls on the Georgian authorities to fully implement the recommendations of the OSCE Moscow Mechanism,” the ministry said in a statement.Sweden is among 24 countries that have issued a joint statement confirming the democratic backsliding in Georgia and calling for the repeal of laws such as the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence.

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Speaking on the issue of EU enlargement, Kos said that Georgia’s autocratic system is stifling democratic voices and distancing the country from a European future.The EU commissioner said Georgia is a vivid example of the consequences of Russia’s political success. She stressed that upholding democratic values is vital for the continent’s security.“You can see in Georgia what happens when Russia wins. An autocratic system is stifling democratic voices,” Kos said.Kos drew attention to the recently adopted laws, which, she said, are encroaching on civil space. She directly accused the ruling team of providing voters with false information about the European integration process.According to the European Commissioner, the government is creating the illusion that it is leading the country towards the EU and claiming that the union itself must adapt to its conditions, which is not true.Despite the harsh assessments, Marta Kos confirmed the EU’s support for the Georgian population. She addressed those who value democracy and freedom and noted that Europe “will not lay a hand” on the Georgian people.On March 11, the European Parliament will hold a debate on Georgia.According to the agenda published on the official website of the European Parliament, the title of the debate is “The case of Elene Khoshtaria and political prisoners under the Georgian Dream regime.”The European Parliament will vote on a resolution on the issue on Thursday, March 12.

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