The ministry also announced that the number of students admitted to master’s programmes at state universities will increase for the same academic year.“This adjustment will also impact master’s degree admissions, as most bachelor’s programmes have transitioned to a three-year study model. By the 2027–2028 academic year, the majority of students enrolled in 2024 and 2025 will complete their bachelor’s degrees. Consequently, the number of students eligible for admission to master’s programmes will rise in 2028–2029,” the Ministry explained.According to the ministry, the duration of general education is changing as part of ongoing reform. The secondary school level now comprises grades 10 and 11, with Year 12 becoming optional. Students who wish to continue into the 12th grade will be able to do so through prior registration.“Additionally, organised remedial classes will be introduced in schools for 11th graders, enabling students to prepare for national exams. This initiative will also benefit students currently in the ninth grade, who are actively engaged in their studies,” the Ministry’s statement reads.

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Khoshtaria did not attend the announcement of the verdict, nor had she participated in any of the court proceedings, citing protest.According to her lawyer, Khoshtaria does not recognize the case as criminal and considers it politically motivated. She reportedly submitted a written statement to the court, refusing to attend the trial or acknowledge the authority of the court and related institutions affiliated with Georgian Dream.Khoshtaria was arrested on September 15, 2025, and charged under Article 187 of the Criminal Code for damaging another person’s property, causing significant loss. The incident occurred on September 14, near the election headquarters of Kakha Kaladze, when Khoshtaria wrote “Russian Dream” on Kaladze’s banner. She shared the act on social media, stating it was in solidarity with Megi Diasamidze, who had been arrested for a similar action and later released on bail. The court set bail at 5,000 GEL. Khoshtaria refused to pay and remained in detention.

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The Parliament Speaker noted in response to a question posed to him during a visit by top political officials to Budapest that the partnership with Hungary is based on this very principle.“Hungary and the Hungarian government respect the sovereignty of the Georgian people, and therefore we have partnership relations with them, while the Estonian government does not respect the sovereignty of the Georgian people, and therefore we see a cooling of relations,” said Shalva Papuashvili.According to him, the requirements for partnership from Georgia are minimal:“We are always ready and open for partnership. We have very few requirements - to respect the sovereignty of our country! Those who do not respect our sovereignty, such as Estonia, Lithuania and other countries, of course, we will not be able to have warm relations with the governments of such countries.”Papuashvili emphasized that the mentioned countries should understand their own attitude towards international law and the Georgian people.“Friends, it is not measured by “tweets” and red carpets. Friendship between countries is measured by respect for sovereignty. "You do not respect Georgia's sovereignty, you will not receive respect from the Georgian people," the Speaker of the Parliament added.

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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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