Several months ago, IPR research, which functions at Palitra Media House, conducted a survey that revealed the winner of the previous year, among the ambassadors. The result was based on polling of political figures, political scientists, journalists and representatives of NGOs and International organizations. Georgian Journal published an article about it. As a conclusive stage of the research, on April 17, at Tbilisi Marriott Hotel, Georgian Journal organized its traditional event “Diplomat Party” for the second time.

For his active collaboration and outstanding contribution to the development of scientific/scholarly relations with Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, by the decision of the Academic Council of the University on the 15th of April of the year of 2013, the prominent British Kartvelologist (scholar of the Georgian culture and literature) Professor Emeritus of the University of London Donald Rayfield has been awarded the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University. The decree was signed by the Rector of the University Alexander Kvitashvili. The ceremony which was widely attended by the enthusiastic public was held on April 19 at Tbilisi State University. Donald Rayfield’s closest fellow-scholars, the Georgian doctors of linguistics and philology Innes Merabishvili, Tinatin Margalitadze, Shukia Apridonidze, Avtandil Arabuli, Lali Ezugbaia, Ariane Chanturia, Rismag Gordeziani and Elguja Khitibidze participated in the event which had attracted the attention of the entire Georgian academia.

Introduction of psychologists’ institution to the penitentiary system is a new initiative that has been functioning for several months. It already gave results as the government aims to decrease number of prisoners in Georgia through prevention of crime and by helping the prisoners in re-socialization and adaptation to the society. Ekaterina Pachulia, Head of the Social Affairs Unit of Penitentiary Department, one of the initiators of implementing the psychologists’ institution in this system talked with Georgian Journal.

At one time, archpriest Grigol Gogichadze voiced the will of Sandro Girgvliani’s (divulged criminal case in which Interior Ministry’s high-ranking persons were involved) mother and expressed doubt that Irina Enukidze (Girgvliani’s mother) was poisoned. The archpriest got in touch with our Holding again.
Father Grigol Gogichadze: I called the ‘National Movement’ a Satanist sect. This filthy force almost drew the church to dissidence. They did their best to win over the clergy and blackmail them – they reminded some of them of old sins and human weaknesses, others were defamed and struggle against them began by using the clergy who were implanted by them. The ‘Nationals’ attempted to bring priests to the 19 April action. I know what was going on at that time but I won’t indulge in saying everything.

Non-governmental organization “Young Greens of Georgia” organized a concert to celebrate Earth Day in Mziuri Park in Tbilisi.

The Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Georgia marked National Sovereignty and Children’s Day in Tbilisi. The solemn day was celebrated with the pupils of QSI International School at the embassy.

Eurasianet.org publishes an article about new controversial ID cards in Georgia.
“Everyone can sigh with relief. Georgia’s justice officials say they are not in league with the devil and have no plans to assist the Antichrist to take over the world.

Lufthansa passengers face a day of disruption due to a union walkout in an ongoing pay dispute.

Religious servants and a group of Orthodox Christian citizens staged a protest against the new electronic ID cards outside the Justice Ministry offices.