Heavy Snowfall in Western Georgia – Several Regions Affected
Since February 20, heavy snowfall has blocked mountainous villages in western Georgia, particularly in the Guria region, leaving residents without gas, electricity, and water.
Five days after the snowfall began, on February 25, the government issued a decree to mobilise the army to help manage the crisis.
The weight of the snow has caused roofs to collapse in several villages, and in some areas, the snow cover exceeds two meters. Many roads remain impassable due to fallen trees, hindering the movement of emergency vehicles.
Severe weather conditions have also disrupted transportation. Georgian Railways cancelled several train services on February 26, 27, and 28.
According to the Ministry of Education of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, regional schools will resume classes on March 4.
The Ministry of Health reported that on February 25-26, emergency medical teams in the Guria region — covering the Ozurgeti, Chokhatauri, and Lanchkhuti municipalities — responded to 81 calls. 44 people received medical assistance on-site, and 30 were hospitalized, including patients requiring specialized care.
Due to a critical shortage of rescuers and specialized equipment, large groups of volunteers from Tbilisi travelled to Guria, delivering humanitarian aid to affected communities.
Detained Demonstrator: I Am Being Subjected to Constant Psychological Pressure
Flag bearer of Batumi demonstrations, Temur Katamadze has claimed in a letter sent from the temporary detention centre of the Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs that he has been subjected to persistent and deliberate psychological pressure by the administration’s leadership since his arrest.
“I would like to inform you that since January 16, 2025, from the very first day of my arrest, I have been subjected to systematic and large-scale psychological pressure, harassment, and provocation by the administration of the Migration Department, aimed at forcing me out of Georgia. They have deliberately delayed procedures and used every possible means to exert pressure on me. Initially, they prevented me from accessing and collecting important documents and evidence from my private apartment and personal computer in Batumi, which I needed for my ongoing court case. However, in recent days, their pressure has intensified.
For 44 days, they have continuously tried to break my will and force me to end my hunger strike. However, their efforts will be in vain—no one can break my unwavering determination, spirit, and courage in my fight for my homeland!
The struggle must continue until the very end. Do not give up until victory is achieved! Strength is in unity!”
— Temur Katamadze
February 28, 2025 – 44th day of hunger strike, Tbilisi, Georgia
Katamadze, known as the flag bearer of the Batumi protests, has been detained twice. The first arrest took place on January 11 during a demonstration in front of the Batumi Police Department. He was detained again on January 17, the same day he was released from the detention centre, after which he began his hunger strike.
In another letter addressed to the people of Batumi from the detention centre, Katamadze alleged that during his arrest, he was physically assaulted by the Chief of Police of Batumi, Irakli Dgebuadze and ten police officers.
“Georgian Dream” Removes the Term “Gender” from Legislation, Replacing “Gender Equality” with “Equality Between Women and Men”
The ruling party Georgian Dream has proposed removing the term “gender” from Georgian legislation. This change is outlined in draft amendments to the Law On Gender Equality.
According to the explanatory note, the term “gender equality” will be replaced with “equality between women and men” in both the title and text of the law.
The document describes “gender” as an artificially created term influenced by foreign actors.
“For a certain period, alongside biological sex, the artificial term ‘gender’ was deliberately introduced into Georgian legislation through the lobbying efforts of foreign influences and their representatives. This was a reflection of global trends, and in many cases, it was difficult for the state to take a firm position against this direction,” the explanatory note states.
Additionally, the draft law eliminates provisions requiring the establishment of a permanent Parliamentary Council on Gender Equality, as well as Gender Equality Councils in the highest representative bodies of autonomous republics and municipalities. The document argues that dissolving these councils will help conserve resources.