Latest news in Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, summary. Live

● “A strong signal of bipartisan support for the people of Georgia” – the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has backed the MEGOBARI Act on Georgia, Senator Jeanne Shaheen announced. “We have approved the MEGOBARI Act, which should send a clear message to the Georgian people that we support their democratic aspirations. We back efforts to remove officials who do not respect Georgian traditions and the constitution. We hope this will be seen as a positive sign and will continue supporting democratic progress. The legislation includes sanctions against those who unlawfully suppress peaceful protests,” Shaheen said. Read more here

● After discussions in Senate committees, the bill will move to a full Senate vote. If approved, it will return to the House of Representatives for final approval. To become law, it must pass both chambers and be signed by the US president. The MEGOBARI Act introduces broad sanctions against Georgian authorities, their supporters, and families. The bill states that Georgia’s current government has grown increasingly hostile toward independent civil society and its key Euro-Atlantic partners while strengthening ties with Russia, China, and other anti-Western authoritarian regimes.

● Senator Chris Coons: “The Georgian people deserve free and fair elections and the right to determine their country’s future. As for the authorities, they must know that both Republicans and Democrats are closely watching every step they take to suppress the media. A move toward authoritarianism will be met with a clear response from the US.”

● MEGOBARI Act sponsor Joe Wilson: “It is disgraceful that Ivanishvili’s regime is clinging to power by criminalizing the US and banning opposition parties. But the Georgian people will not allow their beautiful country to be sold off to China for Bidzina’s profit. Freedom will prevail.”

● Georgian Dream has decided to expand the mandate of the parliamentary commission investigating the United National Movement (UNM). According to the ruling party’s executive secretary, Mamuka Mdinaradze, the commission will now examine not only the period of Mikheil Saakashvili’s rule (2003–2012) but also subsequent years up to the present day. Mdinaradze claims that even in opposition, UNM “has constantly attempted to overthrow or forcibly change Georgia’s constitutional order” and has committed “numerous anti-state actions.” Read more here

***Promising a “Georgian Nuremberg” for former government officials was central to Georgian Dream’s election campaign. The party also pledged to ban UNM and other potentially affiliated parties. The opposition argues that Georgian Dream and Bidzina Ivanishvili openly advocate for repression and the elimination of political dissent.

● A court has ruled to keep Saba Skhvitaridze, a member of the opposition party Akhali, in custody. He was arrested during pro-European protests in Tbilisi last December and faces 7 to 11 years in prison for “assaulting a police officer.”

JAMnews video: 120th day of large-scale pro-European protests in Georgia:

“Georgia, rise up!”; “For the truth until the end!”; “Police everywhere, but no justice anywhere”; “No justice, no peace!”; “Dishonest court, fear the people’s wrath!” This is how the 120th day of pro-European protests unfolds in #Tbilisi, outside the parliament. Protesters… pic.twitter.com/UGABZzPa4r

— JAMnews (@JAMnewsCaucasus) March 27, 2025

● Armenian MPs voted in a secret ballot to approve the prosecutor general’s request to strip deputies Ovik Agazaryan and Taron Margaryan of parliamentary immunity and initiate criminal proceedings against them. Agazaryan is suspected of lobbying for two businessmen seeking to export 150-200 sheep to the UAE, allegedly demanding $200,000-$300,000 in return. Margaryan faces multiple charges, including money laundering, abuse of power, and misappropriation of land over the years.

● Families of missing soldiers held a protest near government residences in Yerevan. “I have video footage showing Azerbaijanis escorting 13 of our boys to their vehicles. After that, I don’t know what happened,” said Ripstime Akopyan, the mother of one of the missing soldiers. She claims to have proof that her son is alive and in Azerbaijan but says authorities refuse to address the issue.

● Former defense minister Seyran Ohanyan criticized the government’s handling of peace talks with Azerbaijan. “Yes, we need to move toward peace, but Azerbaijan is deceiving us. The treaty includes provisions that prove Armenia is under constant pressure with new demands. Especially when combined with border shootings, this shows peace is unrealistic,” Ohanyan stated.

● “To seize the opportunity for a peace agreement, Baku must propose a date and location as soon as possible, coordinate with Yerevan, and sign the document,” said Sarkis Khandanyan, head of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee.

● The Armenian foreign minister and the president of Kazakhstan discussed opportunities for expanding cooperation.

● Kazakhstan Days will take place in Armenia this April.

● The interior ministry announced that all detainees will now undergo mandatory medical examinations upon being taken to detention facilities.

● The annual “Artavazd-2025” theater awards ceremony took place in Kapan. This year, the event was dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the Kapan Drama Theater. Awards were presented in 19 categories. Varsham Gevorkyan won “Best Actor” for his role as Chico in the play “…And Snow Falls Outside.”

One of the most viral videos on social media: a man riding a bus with a parrot on a leash:

● In Baku, an excavator began demolishing a residential building while residents were still inside, as they were not informed beforehand (video below). Azerbaijan’s Interior Ministry announced a criminal case has been opened. Galib Mammadov, head of Melissa Group, which carried out the demolition without residents’ consent and in violation of the law, has been detained along with the company’s foreman and the excavator driver.

● President Ilham Aliyev: “More than 40,000 people are now living and working in the liberated territories (Karabakh and surrounding areas). Another 30,000–40,000 are expected to return by the end of the year.”

● Prime Minister Ali Asadov stated that from 2021 to 2024, Azerbaijan allocated 17.6 billion manats (about $10 billion) for reconstruction in the liberated territories, with an additional 4 billion manats (about $2.5 billion) planned for 2025.

● The World Bank approved a project to expand renewable energy use in Azerbaijan. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development will provide a $173.5 million loan, while private investments of $384 million are expected to support further growth in the sector and potential electricity exports.

● China is among Azerbaijan’s top five trading partners, with about 300 Chinese-invested companies operating in the country. Azerbaijani trade houses are active in various Chinese cities. Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov, during his visit to Beijing, reported that transit shipments between Azerbaijan and China increased by 78% in the first nine months of last year compared to the same period in 2023.

● Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova: “If Armenia has changed its stance on unblocking transport routes in the South Caucasus, previously agreed upon by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, that is its right. However, it would be appropriate for Armenia to make an official statement at the proper level.” She also claimed that “Western countries’ destructive influence is hindering the full implementation of these agreements.”

● “Armenia will have to choose between the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union—it won’t be able to sit on both chairs,” said Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk. On March 26, Armenia’s parliament passed a law declaring the country’s intent to join the EU and is preparing for a referendum to initiate the process.

In #Baku, an excavator began demolishing a residential building along with its inhabitants, as they were not notified in advance. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that a criminal case has been opened, and the foreman of the construction company and the… pic.twitter.com/BRlJ3FikFv

— JAMnews (@JAMnewsCaucasus) March 27, 2025

● The Congress of the Council of Europe adopted a critical resolution on Georgia, with 101 votes in favor and 10 against. The resolution highlights democratic backsliding, weakening human rights protections, and growing polarization. It also criticizes the October 26, 2024, parliamentary elections, rejected by opposition parties and international observers.

● Human Rights Watch urged the ruling party to drop a bill criminalizing activists and NGOs refusing to register as “foreign agents,” warning it could destroy Georgia’s independent civil society. Read more here

● The Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner expressed concern over mass violations and impunity for abuses, particularly against LGBT+ individuals. Read more here

● US Congressman Joe Wilson: “The future is a stable, independent, and prosperous South Caucasus without Russia, Iran, and China. This requires free elections in Georgia and a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan.”

● Opposition leader Mamuka Khazaradze received a summons from the prosecutor’s office and expects arrest for refusing to testify before a parliamentary commission investigating the previous government. A similar summons is expected for opposition figure Badri Japaridze.

● Russian forces illegally detained two Georgian citizens near the occupied village of Ergneti.

● The Georgian government authorized a $10,000 contribution to a UN fund supporting the least developed and small island states, citing the need to participate in the UN Human Rights Council.

It is the 120th day of large-scale pro-European protests in Georgia, demanding new parliamentary elections to legally change the government and the release of dozens of arrested protesters:

#Tbilisi, 119th day of mass pro-European protests. Thousands join marches and rallies across the city, gathering every evening in front of parliament. Their demands: new parliamentary elections to change the government legally and the release of dozens of arrested protesters.… pic.twitter.com/yvJKNlh4sI

— JAMnews (@JAMnewsCaucasus) March 26, 2025

Masks, dark glasses, and scarves covering the faces of thousands at Georgia’s pro-European protests are not a masquerade – and there’s nothing festive about it. People are trying to shield themselves from the countless surveillance cameras installed by authorities across central… pic.twitter.com/hP6pkHYj9S

— JAMnews (@JAMnewsCaucasus) March 26, 2025

● “Azerbaijan urges Armenia to speed up the process of signing a peace agreement and warns that this opportunity will not last forever—it would be a mistake to miss it,” said Elchin Amirbekov, the Azerbaijani president’s special envoy, during his visit to Buenos Aires. He reiterated that for the agreement to be signed, Armenia must amend its constitution to renounce territorial claims and withdraw foreign forces from border areas—referring to the EU monitoring mission operating on the Armenian side of the border. “Peace is built not on statements, but on concrete actions,” Amirbekov said.

● In a meeting with Argentina’s Minister of the Interior Guillermo Francos, Amirbekov urged decisions to be made with a clear understanding of Azerbaijan’s position, especially in light of Argentina’s advocacy for territorial integrity in the Malvinas Islands dispute.

● Azerbaijan has called on the UN to demand Armenia fulfill its international obligations. “Armenia must fully and unconditionally renounce territorial claims, compensate for the damage caused by its aggression and occupation, and refrain from spreading disinformation,” stated a letter from Azerbaijan’s permanent representative to the UN, Tofiq Musayev, addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

● “Turkey, together with its strategic partners, plans to launch new transport and logistics corridors, including routes through the Caspian Sea and Zangezur,” said President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The mention of Zangezur refers to the proposed road from Azerbaijan to its exclave Nakhchivan via Armenian territory. Baku insists that it should be an extraterritorial corridor, while Yerevan maintains that Armenia must retain control over any road on its territory.

● The state of religious freedom in Azerbaijan in 2024 is assessed as “unsatisfactory” in the annual report of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). One of the main concerns is the arrest of Shia Muslims on charges of ties to Iran. The report states: “Many of those detained were charged with drug possession. The government has used this tactic for years to persecute dissidents, especially religious figures. Religious leaders have accused law enforcement of obtaining confessions through torture, physical violence, and threats of sexual abuse.” Citing the local NGO Azerbaijan Association for the Freedom of Political Prisoners, the report notes that as of the end of 2024, there were 233 religious prisoners in Azerbaijan. “Many report inhumane conditions and mistreatment, but state authorities have taken no real steps to investigate these claims,” the report states.

● Public outrage has erupted over a court case involving the pregnancy and de facto marriage of a 14-year-old girl. The incident took place in the town of Aghjabedi, where the girl gave birth in February and now lives with the family of her “husband.” The 24-year-old father of the child claims he will officially marry her when she turns 18. He was sentenced to six years for relations with a minor, but the court took the circumstances into account and handed down a suspended sentence. More on the issue of child marriages in Azerbaijan, along with background and analysis, can be found here.

● Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said he would “smash” Armenia’s former presidents if a live debate on Karabakh were held. “These three ‘great minds’ claim they have nothing to discuss with me. But then they send their children, grandchildren, in-laws, and daughters-in-law to press conferences. If you have nothing to debate, sit quietly and don’t attack. This won’t be a debate—I’ll just smash you against the wall, and they’ll carry out the remains of your political corpses. This applies to all three of you. Stop playing with our nerves,” Pashinyan said during a government session in parliament.

● Pashinyan’s remarks sparked strong reactions. “The best debate for him would be with orderlies in the nearest psychiatric hospital. And in general, vodka shouldn’t be mixed with medication,” said Bagrat Mikoyan, head of the office of Armenia’s second president Robert Kocharyan, in an interview with Yerevan Today.

● “Shots are heard along the border, but they are not directed at Armenia. These cases do not pose a threat,” said Defense Minister Suren Papikyan, commenting on widespread social media reports about Azerbaijani fire towards Armenian villages.

● Despite repeated similar assurances, residents of border villages say otherwise. “They’ve been shooting day and night for a week now. People can’t sleep. The population is under stress,” a resident of the village of Khndzoresk told NEWS.am, adding that no government officials have visited them.

● Armenia and Turkmenistan are negotiating a deal to import Turkmen gas to Armenia via Iran, said Prime Ministerial Advisor Artashes Tumanian at the 10th session of the Armenian-Turkmen intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation in Yerevan.

● Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated that Armenian and Turkish specialists are jointly assessing the condition of the Gyumri-Kars railway.

● Armenian flower exporters have been facing issues in Georgia for a month while transporting goods to Russia. Ruling party MP David Karapetyan told parliament that at the “Upper Lars” checkpoint, Georgian customs officials are demanding that trucks return to Tbilisi for additional inspections. “Shortly after, men in civilian clothes claiming to be from various agencies approach the drivers and offer to resolve the issue for a ‘symbolic’ fee,” he said. Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan responded that the government is aware of the problem and is working with Georgian counterparts, adding that these are likely isolated incidents.

● Security officers in parliament confiscated a poster from journalists protesting in support of journalist Ripsime Jebejyan, who was insulted by ruling party MP Andranik Kocharyan. When she tried to ask a question, the MP told her to “wipe off her lipstick first.” The confiscated poster read, “Andranik Kocharyan, wipe your own lips.” Journalists also sent a letter to the prime minister demanding the creation of a parliamentary ethics commission to address the incident.

● One person was killed and two others injured after a building near Mtatsminda Park in Tbilisi collapsed. The interior ministry has launched an investigation under Article 240 of the criminal code for violations of safety rules during construction, mining, or other work.

● Senator Jeanne Shaheen: “Protesters in Georgia continue to march peacefully in support of democracy and the country’s European future. I stand with the Georgian people and urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Megobari Act.” This bipartisan U.S. Senate bill proposes tough sanctions against Georgian Dream officials for actions undermining democracy in Georgia. The Senate will review the Megobari Act tomorrow, March 27. Here are more details on what the bill includes.

● Georgia’s 5th president, Salome Zourabichvili, currently visiting Lithuania, posted a video message on Facebook: “Greetings from a country that has always supported us since we gained independence and through all the difficult periods of our history. On March 31, 1991, the day we held our referendum and declared the restoration of our independence, Lithuania held its own referendum, and together we embarked on the path of independence. That is why I want to address you from here and say that on March 31, on this important day in our country’s history, we will all come together to celebrate the day we forever rejected occupation, the Soviet era, and said ‘yes’ to independence, freedom, and our European future.” March 31 is marked in Georgia as the Day of Restoration of Sovereignty, with large-scale rallies and marches planned across the country.

● “There are no grounds for dropping the case”—this was the ruling of the Tbilisi City Court following a pre-trial hearing in the case of actor Andro Chichinadze, comedian Onise Tskhadadze, and nine others arrested during mass pro-European protests. They are accused of participating in group violence. The trial is set to begin on April 2.

● The opposition “Coalition for Change” announced it will not participate in the investigative commission created by Georgian Dream to probe the previous government’s activities. According to the coalition, the initiative aims to distract from the ongoing political crisis.

● The commission stated it has submitted a request to the prosecutor’s office after opposition leader Mamuka Khazaradze refused to comply with its demand to appear at a hearing regarding the “Magnat” company case.

● Georgian blogger Domenik Mango (Kukuri Baramidze) has been sentenced in absentia to seven years in prison by the Russian-occupied Donetsk region of Ukraine. Russia’s prosecutor’s office claims that “Domenik Mango participated in the Russia-Ukraine conflict from March to April 2022 as a mercenary in the Georgian National Legion.” The blogger acknowledges that he was in Ukraine after the war began but denies direct involvement in combat, stating he provided other types of assistance to Ukraine.

Photo by TV Pirveli:

● “Gunfire is sometimes recorded along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border but not directed at Armenian territory. In such cases, the defense ministry does not issue statements on ceasefire violations,” the ministry said, responding to widespread social media reports of border shelling.

● Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed the draft peace treaty with Azerbaijan with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The sides announced full agreement on the text on March 13. Pashinyan shared his perspective on the negotiation process, stating that the document is awaiting signing. They also discussed Armenia-U.S. strategic partnership and regional issues.

● During the “28 Minutes” program on Arte France, which covered anti-government protests in Turkey, a map appeared showing Azerbaijan extending to Turkey’s borders with Armenia missing (pictured below). As social media debated whether it was an error or intentional, host Élisabeth Quin apologized, calling it a “collective mistake with no ill intent.”

● In Yerevan, the Armenian-language edition of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s book, The Power of Negotiations: Principles and Rules of Political and Diplomatic Talks, was presented. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan wrote the foreword. Before the event, Pashinyan met with Araghchi, who later stated that Iran opposes any border changes in the South Caucasus. Read more here

● “There is no clarity yet on the timing or location of the peace treaty signing,” Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said. He noted that Baku has set certain preconditions. “We must keep working, continue negotiations, and find mutually acceptable and dignified solutions,” he added.

● The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry representative, Ayhan Hajizade, called Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan’s statements “completely baseless.” Mirzoyan had claimed that Baku allegedly introduced new conditions after reaching an agreement on the text of the peace treaty. “These demands—removing the provision in Armenia’s constitution that challenges Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and officially dissolving the OSCE Minsk Group on Karabakh—have been key topics in the negotiation process for the past two and a half years. Third countries are also fully aware of this. Yerevan’s claims that Baku is introducing these conditions for the first time are aimed at misleading the international community, but this tactic will not yield any results,” Hajizade said.

● During his visit to Yerevan, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to sign a peace agreement “as soon as possible after many years of negotiations.” On March 13, both sides announced the completion of work on the text of the agreement, but Baku has set several conditions for its signing (as stated by Hajizade above).

● Abbas Araghchi also stated that Iran opposes Baku’s request to open an extraterritorial land corridor through Armenia to Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave. This route would pass through Syunik, Armenia’s only region bordering Iran. Araghchi called this project unacceptable, stating that “such a corridor could deprive Iran of a shared border or direct transport connection with Armenia.” He emphasized that “we support the territorial integrity of the countries in the region and oppose any changes to internationally recognized borders.” More details in the report from Yerevan.

● Prison conditions have been tightened for Niyameddin Ahmedov, an activist from the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party who served as a public bodyguard for party leader Ali Karimli. A decision has been made to transfer him to a high-security colony for one year. Karimli stated that Ahmedov intends to go on a hunger strike in protest. Ahmedov has been in prison since April 2020 and was sentenced to 13 years on multiple charges, including financing terrorism.

● Leaders of several religious communities in Azerbaijan have sent a letter to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, warning him about alleged disinformation in a letter previously sent to Starmer by Ovagim Manukyan, head of the Armenian Church Diocese in Britain. “The Armenian citizens who have stood trial in Azerbaijan are neither captives nor prisoners of war. There is extensive evidence that between 1991 and 2023, during Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, they committed serious war crimes. This is also reflected in the 2019 reports of the UN General Assembly and the Security Council. Calls for their release are a disregard for the thousands of Azerbaijanis who fell victim to war crimes, as well as interference in Azerbaijan’s judicial system,” the letter stated.

● New official statistics for January-February of this year show a negative trade balance in Azerbaijan, with imports significantly exceeding exports. Data analysis here.

● Germany has imposed an entry ban on high-ranking Georgian officials responsible for suppressing protests, the German Foreign Ministry announced on X. “For nearly three months, the Georgian people have been fighting for their future in the European Union and protesting against the government’s course. Intimidation, arrests, and violence continue,” the statement reads.

● Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze made an aggressive statement against U.S. Senators Jim Risch (Republican) and Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat), the initiators of the Megobari Act. This legislation proposes strict sanctions against Georgian Dream leaders for actions undermining democracy and steering the country away from a pro-Western path. “These people are fighting against Georgian statehood,” Kaladze said, referring to the senators. The U.S. Senate will review the Megobari Act on March 27.

● A parliamentary investigative commission, created by Georgian Dream to “examine the activities of the previous government,” has summoned opposition Lelo party leaders Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze to today’s session. The case involves the Magnat company, with owner Jemal Leonidze, his lawyer, and the two politicians invited to testify.

● Fifth President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili announced she is visiting the Baltic states, starting with Lithuania. “We are grateful for your support in our fight for new, free, and fair parliamentary elections,” Zourabichvili wrote on X.

● Journalist Nino Zautashvili plans to attend the Public Broadcaster council meeting on March 27 to counter accusations against her and several other journalists. At the previous session, council members suggested involving prosecutors over critical statements journalists made against the channel’s leadership and the government. Zautashvili is considering legal action against the council.

● Activist Giorgi Okmelashvili, arrested during protests against the “foreign agents” law, has been reclassified as a “high-risk” detainee, leading to his transfer from a semi-open to a closed penitentiary. His lawyer, preparing an appeal, said the court provided no explanation for this decision.

● Jailed activist Temur Katamadze was fined 2,800 lari (around $800) after a complaint from Vivamed clinic director Nino Nadiradze, who accused him of physical assault. Katamadze, recovering from a prolonged hunger strike, claims he faced inhumane treatment. He stated the dispute with Nadiradze was over improper medical care and accused authorities of subjecting him to psychological pressure.

● Imprisoned businessman Giorgi Chikvaidze, on the 13th day of a hunger strike, says he has lost mobility, feeling in his leg, and vision in his left eye. He urges prison authorities to ensure his presence at trial “even if in a wheelchair or on a stretcher.” Once an ally and now an opponent of Georgian Dream’s honorary chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili, Chikvaidze was arrested for allegedly embezzling large sums, a charge he denies, calling it political persecution.

● Georgian Dream-backed President Mikheil Kavelashvili withdrew a constitutional lawsuit filed by former President Salome Zourabichvili to annul the “foreign agents” law. “This law is based on transparency and accountability and aims to fully inform the public about the sources of funding for organizations advancing foreign interests,” Kavelashvili stated.

● Georgian fighter Nadim Khmaladze, who fought alongside Ukraine against Russia, was sentenced to 14 years in Russian-occupied Donetsk, according to Russian state media citing prosecutors.

● The reconstruction of Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi has been postponed until 2026. Mayor Kakha Kaladze cited research revealing the need for “extensive underground work, which would take significant time and cause major disruptions in the capital.”

● Mehriban Rahimli, a former advisor to the U.S. Marshall Fund (GMF) on Azerbaijan (pictured below), has been detained in Baku as part of a criminal case against several local and international NGOs. The charges include large-scale money laundering, abuse of power, and document forgery, carrying sentences of up to 12 years, according to Radio Liberty’s Azerbaijani service.

● Hafiz Hasanov, head of the “Law and Development” public association, has also been placed under house arrest in connection with the case. He was detained on March 14, accused of misclassifying donor funding as service contracts instead of grant agreements. Other detainees include Mamed Alpay (Mamedzade), executive director of the Election Monitoring Alliance, and Bashir Suleymanli, head of the Civil Rights Institute, both sentenced to nearly four months of pretrial detention. An arrest warrant has also been issued for Subkhan Hasanli, head of the Social Rights Center, who is currently abroad.

● In total, around 50 individuals are under investigation in the “NGO case,” including staff from donor organizations that provided grants in Azerbaijan, reports Radio Liberty’s Azerbaijani service.

● The opposition Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA) announced that party member Kenan Basgal, a bodyguard of its chairman, has been sentenced to four months of pretrial detention on charges of stabbing someone. Party leader Ali Karimli called the charges fabricated, citing previous similar cases against opposition activists, including Agil Gumbatov (10 years), Zamin Salaev (4 years), Samir Ashurov (6 years), and others.

● The National Interest published a detailed article on detained Azerbaijani journalist and economist Farid Mehralizade, who was arrested last summer as part of the AbzasMedia case. Nearly all staff members of the outlet, including its director and editor-in-chief, have been detained on charges of “smuggling” and “money laundering,” which they deny, calling it political persecution for their investigative reporting on government corruption.

● Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan that Moscow highly values the progress in finalizing the peace treaty between Yerevan and Baku. This was their second phone call in four days.

● 18 Azerbaijani sailors who had been imprisoned in Eritrea since November 2023 have been repatriated. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry thanked Turkey’s embassy in Eritrea for its assistance.

● The bodies of Azerbaijani servicemen Ali Imanov and Rustam Hamidov, who were caught in an avalanche while returning from duty in the Gadabay region, have been recovered. Hamidov had only 10 days left to serve.

● At least 10 journalists were detained in Istanbul and other Turkish cities during mass protests against the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Among those detained was an AFP photographer. The Association for Media and Legal Studies reported that police have beaten more than 20 journalists during protests in the past four days.

● A photo exhibition on landmine issues in Azerbaijan has opened at the UN headquarters in New York. The exhibition, marking International Mine Awareness Day on April 4, features around 40 images from Azerbaijan’s Mine Action Agency. Official sources claim that during 30 years of occupation, Armenian forces planted over a million mines on Azerbaijani territories.

● Armenia’s parliamentary commission on European integration has approved in the second reading a bill to initiate the country’s EU accession process. The issue is on the agenda for today’s plenary session.

● The European Commission declined to comment on reports that Baku is demanding the closure of the EU monitoring mission in Armenia as a condition for signing a peace treaty with Yerevan. “We do not comment on bilateral negotiations. Our mission in Armenia is a civilian mission with a two-year mandate. The EU has observed many attempts to discredit the mission,” said EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anita Hipper at a press conference in Brussels.

● The foreign ministers of Armenia and Russia discussed progress in finalizing the peace treaty during a phone call. Ararat Mirzoyan and Sergey Lavrov also addressed key bilateral, regional, and global issues, emphasizing the importance of political dialogue between the two countries.

● Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Yerevan, where he was welcomed by Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan. He later met with his Armenian counterpart for discussions over a working dinner.

● 80 tons of humanitarian aid from Armenia have arrived in Aleppo, Syria, according to local media.

● “Decentralized cooperation between France and Armenia is expanding across the country. The city of Meghri, located on the banks of the Aras River at the Iranian border, became a sister city of Bron, France, a few months ago,” wrote French Ambassador to Armenia Olivier Decottignies on social media.

● Georgia’s 5th president, Salome Zourabichvili, apologized to the Armenian people for the behavior of some Georgian fans who threw various objects at the stands where Armenian supporters were seated after the Armenia-Georgia match in Tbilisi. “As the legitimate president, I would like to apologize to our neighbors for the disgraceful actions of some of our uncivilized citizens. We are and will remain friendly nations, peoples of ancient Christian faith, living together in a peaceful European Caucasus,” Zourabichvili said.

● “This is an unprecedented pressure on media freedom and a direct threat to journalists who are fulfilling their professional duties and exposing the leadership of the Public Broadcaster and the Ivanishvili regime for their anti-Western propaganda and violence against protesters,” stated the Media Rights Protection Coalition, which unites 17 organizations, in response to the Public Television Board meeting. At the meeting, critical remarks made by channel employees Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani, Nino Zautashvili, Kaha Melikidze, and Gia Imnaishvili regarding the channel’s policies were discussed. The channel has been widely accused by the public of bias and loyalty to the authorities. Board members demanded the intervention of the prosecutor’s office and an investigation against these journalists.

● Today marks the 117th day of large-scale pro-European protests in Georgia, demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of detained protesters. Over the weekend, a massive march took place in Tbilisi with Georgian and American flags in support of the Megobari Act—a bipartisan U.S. Senate bill that proposes strict sanctions against officials of the “Georgian Dream” for actions undermining democracy. The U.S. Senate will review the Megobari Act on March 27. Here are more details on what the bill includes.

● Opposition leaders and the 5th president, Salome Zourabichvili, will travel to the Baltic states for high-level meetings to discuss support for Georgian protesters demanding a change of government through early parliamentary elections.

● Following a Sunday meeting between opposition leaders and Salome Zourabichvili, a working group was created to meet daily and take steps to support protesters and find a way out of the political crisis. At a joint press conference, it was emphasized that “the opposition must have a unified position on all existential issues.”

● The Georgian and Armenian national football teams met again at the “Dinamo Arena” stadium in Tbilisi. The Georgian team won again, this time with a score of 6:1. After the match, an incident occurred— a group of young people began throwing objects toward Armenian fans, and in response, thousands of spectators chanted “Shame!” at the attackers. The incident sparked outrage in Georgian social media, with hundreds of posts apologizing to Armenia and calling for those responsible to be identified and punished. This was the second leg of the playoff. On March 20 in Yerevan, Georgia defeated Armenia 3:0. The two teams have faced each other nine times in history, with Georgia winning five times, Armenia winning twice, and two matches ending in a draw.

● The Agency for the Protection of Cultural Heritage confirmed that recent heavy rains damaged the roof of the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, an 11th-century church considered one of Georgia’s main religious sites and a UNESCO World Heritage landmark. Authorities stated that “minor water infiltration” occurred and that there is no serious threat to the cathedral or its frescoes. However, TV channel “Pirveli” released a report claiming the risk to the unique frescoes is much higher than officials admit. The video is below.

● In the U.S., a trial is underway against Polad Omarov, a Georgian-born criminal figure accused of plotting to assassinate Iranian-American journalist and activist Masih Alinejad on behalf of the Iranian government. Omarov is originally from Dmanisi, Kvemo Kartli. The assassination attempt took place in New York in 2022. According to local media, Omarov is the cousin of Nadir Salifov (“Lotu Guli”), a criminal boss from Dmanisi who was killed in 2020. Omarov previously lived in Ukraine and later in the Czech Republic, where he was arrested in 2023 and extradited to the U.S. If found guilty, he faces life in prison. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement on the case, vowing to “hold the Iranian regime accountable.”

● Armenia lost 1:6 to Georgia in the second leg of the UEFA Nations League playoffs in Tbilisi. After the match, a group of young people started throwing objects toward Armenian fans. In response, most of the crowd chanted “Shame!” (as seen in the video). The incident sparked widespread condemnation not only in Armenian but also in Georgian social media. “Armenians beat us 10:0 in hospitality, culture, ethics, and humanity. The national team or the federation must speak up and apologize to the Armenian side,” wrote hundreds of people online.

● Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met in Tbilisi, highlighting the positive development of bilateral relations and the strategic nature of their partnership. The two leaders later watched the football match together.

●  Iran’s Foreign Minister is set to arrive in Yerevan today, confirmed the ministry’s spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, in a conversation with journalists.

● Armenian gymnast Artur Davtyan won gold at the third stage of the World Cup in Antalya, Turkey. He scored 14.650 in the vault event, securing his second gold in the series and maintaining his lead.

● The wife of Ruben Vardanyan, the former state minister of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, who is currently in custody in Azerbaijan, recorded a short video message at his request. In the video, Veronika Zonabend thanked those supporting their family and shared a touching story about how Vardanyan overcame his fears through high-risk deals and skydiving.

● Pope Francis welcomed the completion of negotiations on the text of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia. “May this be a sign of hope, and may other conflicts also find a path to resolution through dialogue and goodwill,” Vatican News quoted him as saying.

● Baku reacted strongly to Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan’s statement that “global climate conferences like COP have paid insufficient attention to the needs of developing countries.” Mirzoyan made this comment in an interview with the Brazilian newspaper Folha, as Brazil will host this year’s COP summit. Last year, the conference was held in Baku. “All COP forums have made important decisions supporting developing countries in the fight against climate change. In particular, COP29 in Baku adopted the Baku Climate Finance Ambition, tripling developed countries’ climate finance commitments from $100 billion to $300 billion annually, with total funding from all sources reaching $1.3 trillion. COP29 also made history by launching the carbon market mechanism of the Paris Agreement, a decision that had been delayed for nearly a decade,” Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry stated.

● Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: “The liberation of Karabakh after nearly 30 years of occupation has opened a new chapter in the region. The greatest value for the Turkic world is unity […] Together, brotherly nations will build a new world order centered around the Turkic world.”

● President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ersin Tatar: “For every citizen of our republic, Azerbaijan is just as significant as Turkey. We are deeply grateful and highly appreciate President Ilham Aliyev’s attitude toward the people of Turkish Cyprus.” He made this statement during the closing ceremony of the Turkic World Novruz Festival.

● A court has ruled to keep Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu in custody during the investigation. He was arrested on March 19 on charges of corruption and fraud. Over the weekend, large demonstrations in support of İmamoğlu took place in Istanbul and Ankara, with clashes reported between protesters and police.

● The Novruz holiday celebrations have ended, but public holidays for Ramadan will continue until the end of the month. Azerbaijan has non-working days from March 20 to 31. Here is a beautiful video report on how Novruz is celebrated in Baku.

Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 17-21 March, 2025