Georgia Intel: Tbilisi Protests & Russian Pressure

As expected in the prior report, the watched enforcement of foreigner work regulations triggered aggressively during this period. Following the deportation of 103 foreigners on April 30, authorities conducted sweeping raids on May 8 across hotels, clubs, and restaurants, arresting 45 additional foreign nationals for deportation. For the Samgori school, this represents the most critical operational threat; strict compliance with residency and work permits is mandatory for all international staff and students. Additionally, the watched Sarpi border crossing experienced a landslide on the Turkish side on May 6, causing temporary disruptions and ongoing risks. Politically, Georgia is navigating unprecedented polarization. On May 7, the Tbilisi City Court sentenced 10 individuals, including renowned opera singer Paata Burchuladze, to seven years in prison for their roles in the October 2025 presidential palace unrest. Transparency International Georgia immediately declared them political prisoners. In a highly unusual parallel move on the same day, prosecutors arrested five security officers for brutally beating protesters during the 2024 demonstrations. Meanwhile, daily protests continue, with authorities arresting demonstrators simply for standing on sidewalks, citing 'obstruction of pedestrian traffic'. Economically, the National Bank of Georgia raised the refinancing rate to 8.25% on May 6, citing 5.9% inflation and Middle East logistical disruptions. This economic strain, combined with the political crackdown and volatile border logistics, creates a highly complex operating environment. The government is attempting to balance these domestic pressures with diplomatic outreach, evidenced by US Deputy Assistant Secretary Sonata Coulter's visit on May 7 to discuss resetting relations and PM Kobakhidze's May 4 meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Yerevan.

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