Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 9-13 December, 2024

? 16th day of pro-European protests: Massive demonstrations continue in Tbilisi and other cities. Thousands gathered outside the parliament and on Rustaveli Avenue, demanding three key actions: a return to the path of European integration, new parliamentary elections, and the release of detained protesters. Live updates here

? New U.S. visa restrictions: The U.S. State Department announced additional visa restrictions for approximately 20 Georgian officials, including ministers, MPs, and security personnel, accused of undermining democracy. Over 100 individuals linked to the ruling Georgian Dream party, along with their families, had already been sanctioned. The U.S. condemned “unjustified violence” by Georgian Dream against protesters, media, activists, and opposition figures, vowing further measures, including sanctions. Full statement.

? European Parliament delegation: Seven MEPs are in Georgia on a fact-finding mission. After closed-door meetings with the president, opposition, civil society, and media, they stated that the October parliamentary elections were neither free nor fair, calling for new elections. On Thursday evening, the delegation visited protesters on Rustaveli Avenue.

? EU Ambassador’s warning: EU Ambassador Pawel Herczyński indicated that the new EU leadership is ready to take action against the Georgian government. The situation will be discussed on December 16 at the EU foreign ministers’ meeting and later at the EU Council.

? Opposition rejects presidential election process: Four opposition factions boycotting parliament issued a joint statement denouncing the upcoming December 14 presidential election as illegitimate. The ruling Georgian Dream party has nominated ex-footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili. For the first time, the president will be chosen by an electoral college, not a public vote. The opposition insists that only new parliamentary elections can resolve the crisis.

? Macron addresses Georgia’s crisis: During a press conference in Warsaw with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, French President Emmanuel Macron voiced concern over Georgia’s retreat from the European path. He reiterated support for those in Georgia fighting for European integration.

? Protest against arrests at pro-government media: Popular show host Duta Skhirtladze resigned from the pro-government TV channel Imedi in solidarity with protesters. He condemned the arrests and beatings of young demonstrators, journalists, and camera operators, saying, “This country belongs to them—our youth, born into freedom and loving their homeland unconditionally.”

? Poet attacked: Poet Zviad Ratiani was beaten outside his home just days after being released from detention following his arrest and assault during pro-European protests.

? Rondeli Foundation researcher arrested: Vato Bjalava, a researcher and active protester, was detained. He had recently been questioned as a witness in a case alleging “organizing group violence” and “public incitement to violence.”

“In this darkness (written at the top), you are the light (written at the bottom),” read the sign held by a participant at the massive pro-European protest outside Georgia’s parliament last night.

? Photo by David Pipia/JAMnews. The artwork depicted a recurring scene from the protests: individuals standing alone before a line of riot police clad in black, pleading for support for the country’s European future. Over 400 people have been arrested during the demonstrations, more than half of whom were severely beaten by riot police—some requiring hospitalization—during dispersals involving water cannons and tear gas.

? Ilhamiz Guliyev, a civil activist, has been sentenced to three years in prison in Baku. Human rights defenders have declared him a political prisoner.

? The investigation into the criminal case against Aziz Orujev, director of the online publication Kanal-13, has been concluded. Charges of group-organized smuggling have been dropped, and the case will proceed to court solely on allegations of unauthorized construction on land without ownership rights. Human rights defenders have also recognized Orujev as a political prisoner. More details on both cases here.

?  Today, the first group of displaced persons will relocate permanently to the village of Ballidja in the Khojaly region of Karabakh. The village was reclaimed during the anti-terrorism operation in September 2023.

? “There is no need for a third country to facilitate peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan. On the contrary, such involvement hampers normalization,” stated presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev.

? “Azerbaijan expects decisive steps from Armenia,” said Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. He emphasized that the Armenian Constitutional Court’s decision to uphold the preamble of Armenia’s Constitution complicates the situation further. The preamble references Armenia’s independence act, which directly violates Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

? The railway and bus station complex in Aghdam (Karabakh) is scheduled for completion by August 2025.

? Around 3,000 candidates have been nominated for Azerbaijan’s municipal elections, which will take place on January 29, 2025. A total of 8,071 deputies will be elected across 685 municipalities.

Video: Lionel Messi shared a social media post about his trip to Azerbaijan.

? Officials from Armenia and Turkey held a meeting at the border, as reported by Ruben Rubinyan, Armenia’s special envoy for negotiations with Ankara and deputy speaker of parliament, to Public Television. They discussed technical details regarding the opening of the Ahurik-Akyaka border railway crossing. Rubinyan stated that the discussion was conducted in a “positive and constructive atmosphere.”

? Armenia, India, and Iran held their second trilateral consultations in New Delhi. According to Armenia’s Foreign Ministry, participants emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation within the framework of the International North-South Transport Corridor, highlighting the role of Iran’s Chabahar Port.

? The government residences where Nikol Pashinyan lives are cold. Pashinyan himself mentioned this during a cabinet meeting. He said the residences are heated with gas, but it remains chilly, requiring additional heaters, which increases state budget expenses.

? “The country is being led by a low-grade blogger who ignores serious threats and overlooks global developments,” said Levon Zurabyan, deputy chairman of the Armenian National Congress.

? Due to weather conditions, flights have been canceled or delayed since last evening. Visibility in Yerevan is currently very low due to dense fog, and canceled flights have been rerouted to Tbilisi. Despite this, Nikol Pashinyan flew to Moscow, where the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council meeting is set to take place. He shared a video from aboard his flight on social media.

? Pro-European protests in Georgia enter third week. Thousands of protesters gathered again outside parliament and on Tbilisi’s central avenue on December 11, demanding a return to the path of EU integration and new parliamentary elections, calling the October 26 vote fraudulent.

? “Mtavari” TV risks closure. Giorgi Gabunia, director of one of Georgia’s most popular independent TV channels, Mtavari, stated live on air that the channel faces closure. He accused co-founder and businessman Zaza Okuashvili of coordinating the move with authorities and oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. Read more here

? Macron speaks with Ivanishvili. French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly criticized Georgia’s democratic backsliding during a phone call with ruling party leader and oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. According to the Élysée Palace, Macron condemned the repression of civil society, urged the release of detained protesters, and called for a return to the European path. Read more here

? Allegations of police brutality. The Public Defender’s office reported visiting 327 detained protesters between November 28 and December 11. Nearly half had sustained injuries, allegedly from police violence. Over 400 protesters have been detained since the demonstrations began, with criminal charges brought against 30 individuals.

? Former PM Garibashvili hospitalized. Georgian media allege that ex-PM Irakli Garibashvili was physically assaulted by ruling party members and hospitalized with injuries. The party confirmed his hospitalization but claimed he injured his arm during a workout. Read more here

? Professor and students detained. A professor and four students from Batumi Arts University, active participants in the protests, were sentenced to two months of pretrial detention. One student is an award-winning pianist, and the alleged victim is a senior city official. Read more here

? New restrictions on protests. The Georgian Dream-dominated parliament passed a bill in its first reading banning fireworks, lasers, and face masks during public gatherings. Protesters have been using fireworks to respond to riot police deploying tear gas and water cannons.

? President loses protections. Another bill passed in its first reading strips President Salome Zourabichvili of state protection after her term ends this December. Both bills are being fast-tracked and may be finalized today.

? Coca-Cola cancels New Year caravan. For the first time since 1997, Coca-Cola’s New Year caravan will not visit Tbilisi. Coca-Cola Bottlers Georgia canceled the event in solidarity with the pro-European protests, urging people to “find Santa within themselves” and support each other.

? Businesses boycott government events. Over 200 companies have refused to participate in government-organized New Year events and markets, showing solidarity with protesters, according to business portal bm.ge.

Artists at the massive pro-European protests in Georgia. Photo by David Pipia / JAMnews

? “Civil Contract” party expels another MP. Armenian ruling party Civil Contract has expelled MP Hakob Aslanyan from its parliamentary faction, while another MP, David Arushanyan, has resigned. The reasons remain unclear, though media speculate that Arushanyan might become the governor of Shirak Province. Meanwhile, MP Arsen Torosyan hinted on social media that Aslanyan’s removal was due to political betrayal.

? Yandex Taxi drivers protest in Yerevan. Drivers staged a protest in Yerevan’s Hrazdan Gorge, demanding the creation of an interagency working group to address sectoral issues. They raised concerns over manipulative pricing algorithms, lack of service quality control, and poor working conditions.

? Former Armenian FM doubts peace treaty with Azerbaijan will bring peace. Ex-Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian expressed skepticism about a peace treaty with Azerbaijan, stating that Baku is introducing new elements into the negotiation process to delay or obstruct the agreement.

? NATO Defense College delegation visits Armenia. Led by Lieutenant General Michael Arthur Nielsen, students of NATO’s 145th senior course visited Armenia to explore prospects for cooperation with Armenian military educational institutions.

? Russia warns Armenia over missed CSTO contributions. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Armenia’s failure to pay dues to the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) could result in the loss of its voting rights.

? Charter flight from Yerevan to Baku draws attention. A rare charter flight from Yerevan to Baku was reported by Flightradar, sparking public interest. Officials at Yerevan’s Zvartnots Airport told NEWS.am that the flight was arranged by an international company, emphasizing that such cases are not unprecedented.

Photo: View of Mount Ararat from Yerevan.

? Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry rejects Blinken’s “biased statement.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent remarks, accusing him of distorting the human rights situation in Azerbaijan and interfering in the country’s judicial processes. Blinken had earlier posted on X: “The United States urges Azerbaijan to end escalating repression against media and civil society. We call on Azerbaijan to uphold its international human rights obligations and release unjustly detained individuals, including Rufat Safarov, Sevinj Vagifgizi, and others defending human rights.”

? Prime Minister Ali Asadov visits Moscow. Asadov is attending a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS in the Russian capital.

? Azerbaijani and Turkish foreign ministers hold talks. The two officials discussed Azerbaijan-Turkey alliance relations, the situation in the South Caucasus, and developments in the Middle East, including Syria, during a phone call.

? Russia leads remittance inflows to Azerbaijan. Between January and September 2024, individuals transferred $411 million from Russia to Azerbaijan, accounting for 48.4% of total remittances to the country.

? Businessman Gafar Damirchi arrested for environmental damage. Gafar Damirchi, founder of AQA Group and son of renowned entrepreneur Aydin Damirchi, faces charges of causing significant environmental harm. Authorities allege that his company, Monte Ferro, illegally felled trees in the forests near Sheki, resulting in environmental damages amounting to 8 million manats (approximately $4.7 million).

? Lionel Messi visits Baku. Football star Lionel Messi, along with his Inter Miami teammates, participated in a grand event in Baku.

? Photo: Lionel Messi at the Heydar Aliyev Center.

● The 13th night of pro-European protests in Tbilisi passed peacefully. Once again, tens of thousands filled the area in front of the Parliament and the entire central avenue. Protesters demand the country return to the path of European integration and call for new parliamentary elections, declaring the October 26 elections fraudulent.

● The State Security Service claimed that “destructive forces coordinated by foreign intelligence agencies” are planning to escalate protests on December 14 (presidential election day), potentially leading to 2-3 fatalities. The brutal beatings of citizens, especially journalists, near the December 7 protests were described as “part of this plan.” Critics questioned why police present at the scene, as shown in videos, did not intervene and why none of the attackers have been detained.

● President Salome Zourabichvili called the SSG statement “psychological terror against the people” and a violation of human rights.

● Over the past 10 days, law enforcement injured more than 70 journalists and cameramen covering the pro-European protests, according to the media ombudsman. None of the perpetrators have been identified. The ombudsman’s office stated that independent media is being silenced through force.

● EU spokesperson Anita Hipper said the ruling Georgian Dream party’s policies have effectively halted Georgia’s EU accession process. Additional measures will be discussed on December 16 at the EU foreign ministers’ meeting.

● Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili, visiting Budapest, reiterated during a press conference with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó that European integration remains Georgia’s key foreign policy priority but accused some actors of politicizing the issue to polarize society. Szijjártó stated that Hungary opposes adding Georgian officials to EU sanctions lists and will veto such proposals.

● The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) reported that over 30 protesters face criminal charges, but no law enforcement officers responsible for brutality have been held accountable. GYLA warned that such impunity fosters a culture of lawlessness. The report highlighted cases of beatings, torture, and degrading treatment of detainees.

● Council of Europe rapporteurs Claude Kern and Edite Estrela expressed concern over arrests and pre-trial detentions of opposition leaders and protesters, as well as police raids on their offices. They condemned police brutality against journalists and peaceful demonstrators, calling for an end to impunity. The rapporteurs plan to visit Tbilisi in early January for a fact-finding mission.

● President Salome Zourabichvili said she had sent over 300 messages to Western partners through various channels, stressing that the current situation in Georgia is unacceptable for any democratic country and calling for international reactions.

● Parliament, composed solely of ruling party members, approved the 2025 state budget, projecting 6% economic growth. The largest allocations go to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, followed by the Ministries of Regional Development, Education, and Defense. Parliament’s budget rose to 109.3 million GEL (approximately $40 million) due to significant salary increases for deputies.

● Bloomberg reported that Bidzina Ivanishvili’s net worth has grown by $1.13 billion since the beginning of the year, reaching $7.73 billion. He now ranks 391st on Bloomberg’s list of the world’s richest individuals.

At the protests in Tbilisi. Photo by David Pipia / JAMnews.

● Azerbaijani Human Rights Defender Rufat Safarov Honored by the U.S. State Department. Rufat Safarov received recognition for his work in defending human rights and was one of eight awardees. However, Safarov could not attend the ceremony as he was arrested on December 3 on charges of hooliganism and fraud. Safarov links his arrest to his socio-political activities.

● Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone conversation. They discussed matters related to the South Caucasus and the Middle East, particularly the situation in Syria. Aliyev expressed hope that “Turkey’s support will usher in a period of stability in Syria.”

● The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Azerbaijan is monitoring developments in Syria and consulting with Turkey on these matters. Azerbaijan reaffirmed its support for Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, expressing readiness to contribute to addressing humanitarian challenges.

● Azerbaijani serviceman Taryverdi Jafarli has died from a gunshot wound in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. A criminal investigation has been launched.

● Football legend Lionel Messi has arrived in Baku for a major event. Alongside him are Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.

● Residents of the village of Mkhchyan in the Ararat region blocked the Yerevan-Artashat road, claiming that “Gazprom Armenia” is unlawfully preventing them from installing gas supply systems for their greenhouses. “Gazprom Armenia” stated that the greenhouses are heated through unauthorized connections to gas pipelines, causing network overloads, and the company has begun addressing these violations. Villagers are advised to contact service offices and reminded that discounted rates are available for greenhouse heating.

● Armenia’s Central Election Commission validated 50,000 signatures collected to initiate the process of joining the EU. The parliament will now consider a bill to hold a referendum on the matter.

● Independent (now former) MP Hovik Agazaryan has filed a complaint with the prosecutor’s office to investigate how his personal data was accessed by third parties. Agazaryan was expelled from his faction due to the leak of sensitive state and party information. The case has been referred to the Anti-Corruption Committee to decide on launching criminal proceedings.

● The film 1489, directed by Shoghakat Vardanyan, about the search for a missing brother during the 44-day war in 2020, won the top prize at the Rome Independent Documentary Festival (RIDF), the director announced on social media.

● A new flag has been raised on the building of Syria’s embassy in Armenia.

● The 12th night of pro-European protests in Tbilisi remained peaceful. Tens of thousands once again filled the area in front of the parliament and the central avenue, demanding two things: to restore the country’s path toward European integration and to hold new parliamentary elections, calling the October 26 elections fraudulent.

● Shalva Papuashvili, the ruling party’s parliamentary speaker, accused the EU-created European Endowment for Democracy (EED) of “financing terrorism in Georgia.” Read more here

Meanwhile, Western allies are increasing pressure on the Georgian government:

● The UK has halted its support for the Georgian government. Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced plans to “limit defense cooperation and reduce engagement with representatives of Georgian Dream until the rollback of European democratic norms and freedoms ends.” Read more here

● EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski warned that visa-free travel for Georgians could be suspended due to violence against protesters, journalists, and politicians. EU leaders are set to discuss Georgia on December 16 to decide on further actions. “We don’t want to harm those waving EU flags, but we cannot ignore those responsible for the violence,” he said.

● The U.S. Embassy called for accountability for the violence against peaceful protesters and journalists, demanding the immediate release of all arrested demonstrators.

● Republican Congressman Joe Wilson urged immediate sanctions against Georgian Dream leader Bidzina Ivanishvili and his associates. “We cannot stand by and let Georgia slide into dictatorship against the will of its people,” he said.

● Eight EU ambassadors visited journalists from TV channel Pirveli in the hospital after they were attacked during a live broadcast near the protest site. German Ambassador Peter Fischer criticized the attacks, noting police were nearby but failed to intervene.

● The ruling Georgian Dream party introduced a bill to tighten regulations on importing and trading fireworks. The proposal bans fireworks at public gatherings, equating them to firearms and explosives, with fines of 2,000 lari (~$700) and prison sentences of 2–5 years. Protesters had used fireworks to counter riot police employing water cannons, gas, and pepper spray.

● Acts of civil disobedience are spreading nationwide in opposition to government actions undermining the pro-European course and fostering violence. Another public servant, David Kurua, director of Martvili’s Youth Culture and Development Center, resigned in protest. Hundreds of civil servants, diplomats, educators, and cultural workers have joined the resistance, resigning or openly opposing the government’s policies. Several Georgian diplomats have resigned in protest against the government’s policies.

Photos by David Pipia/JAMnews from the ongoing protests in Georgia, now in their 12th day, demanding the country’s return to the path of European integration. One photo captures fireworks amidst clouds of tear gas.

● Yerevan is hosting a session of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). PACE Secretary General Despina Chatzivassiliou-Tsovilis has arrived in Armenia for the forum.

● “Armenia pursues policies aimed at significantly deepening relations with the EU,” said Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in an interview with Finland’s Lännen Media. He highlighted ongoing negotiations on a comprehensive agreement titled “New Partnership Agenda,” covering various areas of cooperation.

● The Syrian Arab Republic’s flag has been removed from the embassy building in Yerevan, with no replacement yet installed.

● France’s Ambassador to Armenia, Olivier Decottignies, visited the EU monitoring mission headquarters on Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan. “The ambassador was briefed on recent developments and joined a patrol in the village of Khachik to observe our activities on-site,” reported EUMA.

● Armenia is not withdrawing its legal claims against Azerbaijan in international courts, stated Armenia’s representative on international legal matters, Yeghishe Kirakosyan. “Yerevan has submitted demands to the UN Court and ECHR to secure the return of Armenian detainees held in Azerbaijan, but both courts deemed the matters outside their jurisdiction, shifting the issue into the political realm,” he explained.

● Justice Minister Srbuhi Galyan (pictured) has been recognized as one of the 10 Global Anti-Corruption Champions, announced by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on International Anti-Corruption Day.

● Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed pride in the engagement levels of his social media pages, claiming they surpass even those of the 2018 Velvet Revolution period.

● Fishing for whitefish is banned in Armenia until January 20 due to the spawning season. Police reported two cases of illegal fishing on December 6 and 8, with investigations underway.

● Azerbaijani journalist Sevinj Vagifgizi (pictured) has been named a Global Anti-Corruption Champion. On International Anti-Corruption Day, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the names of 10 champions worldwide, with Vagifgizi among them. She was arrested on November 21, 2023, as part of the “Abzas Media case,” accused of smuggling alongside other journalists from the outlet. The journalists deny the charges, linking their arrests to their professional activities. Read more about Sevinj and other detained female journalists in Azerbaijan here.

● Political scientist and director of the Institute of Political Management Azer Gasimli has been sentenced to four months of pretrial detention on extortion charges. Gasimli claims the arrest is connected to his socio-political activities. Read more here

● Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister held a phone call with OSCE’s newly appointed Secretary General, Feridun Hadi Sinirlioglu. Jeyhun Bayramov congratulated him and emphasized Azerbaijan’s commitment to cooperating with the OSCE.

● “We currently have 88 diplomatic missions. At present, Azerbaijan’s embassies in Libya and Syria, as well as the consulate general in Odessa, are not operational,” said Huseyn Huseynov, head of the Legal Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

● A total of 1,531 candidates have been registered for the upcoming municipal elections in Azerbaijan, according to Central Election Commission Chairman Mazahir Panahov. The elections, scheduled for January 29, 2025, will see 8,071 members elected across 685 municipalities.

● Azerbaijani customs officials uncovered another large shipment of drugs concealed in a truck loaded with apples. The truck, transiting from Iran to Russia, was stopped at the “South-Astara” customs post. Under the apples, 126 packages of marijuana weighing over 78 kg were found. On December 2, customs officials had similarly intercepted 32 kg of marijuana hidden in apples from Iran to Russia.

● The 11th night of protests outside the Georgian parliament in Tbilisi unfolded around a partially assembled Christmas tree erected by the authorities. Protesters “decorated” the tree with photos of dozens of demonstrators who were brutally beaten by riot police during dispersals. Near the top of the tree, four large flags were displayed: Georgia, Ukraine, the European Union, and the United States (see video below). The new phase of mass protests began on November 28, after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would halt EU membership talks until 2028. Protesters demand a return to the path of European integration and the announcement of new parliamentary elections.

● In Tbilisi, during the protests, aggressive masked groups dressed in black assaulted journalists and opposition politicians. A crew from the Pirveli TV channel and members of the opposition “Coalition for Change” were severely beaten and injured. The coalition’s office was ransacked. During several of these incidents, police officers were reportedly present nearby but, according to witnesses, did not intervene. Protesters accuse the authorities of orchestrating the attacks. The Ministry of Internal Affairs denies any involvement and has opened criminal investigations. Read more here

● Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that a new law banning face coverings during public gatherings would come into effect by the end of December. He said this measure would distinguish peaceful protesters from those committing violence. Kobakhidze called recent attacks on journalists “provocations aimed at artificially escalating tensions in the country.” Read more here

● Activist Revaz Kiknadze, arrested during the protests, remains in custody on charges of organizing and participating in group violence. The 20-year-old reported being pressured to falsely claim that opposition leaders financed his activities. Kiknadze has begun a hunger strike in protest.

● Journalist Beka Korshia of Mtavari TV was fined 2,200 GEL (about $780) for allegedly disobeying police during a protest on December 7.

● A court fined Beslan Kmuzov, a correspondent for “Caucasian Knot,” 2,000 lari on similar charges. His wife stated on social media that his mobile phone was not returned upon his release.

● The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that since November 28, more than 30 protesters have faced criminal charges, with a total of 372 detained. Of these, 62 received administrative arrests, over 100 were fined, and trials for the rest are ongoing.

● The possible suspension of visa-free travel for certain categories of Georgian citizens is mentioned in the seventh report of the European Commission, prepared for the European Parliament and the Council of Europe. Georgia must meet eight recommendations to maintain its visa-free regime with the EU. Read more here

● Media organizations in the Kvemo Kartli region, including Aktual.ge, 24News.ge, and InterPress.ge, issued a joint statement condemning attacks on journalists and calling for a swift, impartial investigation and accountability under the law.

● Over 1,000 Georgian doctors have signed a petition demanding an end to the use of chemical agents to disperse protests. They also called on the government to disclose the substances used against demonstrators. Read more here

● Many activists and independent journalists reported receiving threatening phone calls from Georgian and foreign numbers. They shared screenshots and audio recordings of these incidents on social media.

● Metropolitan Grigol Berbikashvili of Poti and Khobi criticized recent government proposals to declare Orthodoxy the state religion. He emphasized that a Christian state must protect the God-given right to free will and expression, as outlined in theological and legal texts.

● Students, alumni, scholars, and faculty from eight Ivy League universities in the United States issued a joint statement of solidarity with peaceful demonstrators in Georgia. The statement condemned violence against journalists and citizens and called on the police to cease the use of force.

In #TbilisiProtests, authorities set up the frame of a Christmas tree in front of the parliament during the day. By evening, thousands of protesters gathered to continue demanding the country’s return to the path of European integration. They “decorated” the tree with photographs… pic.twitter.com/P1DAIeB1gO

— JAMnews (@JAMnewsCaucasus) December 8, 2024

Photo: During a mass protest in Batumi, activists dressed as animals often featured in media reports as part of the personal zoo of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the oligarch and leader of the ruling party. Photo by Shorena Tchagalidze.

● In Baku, five journalists from the independent online outlet Meydan TV- Aynur Elgunesh (Gambarova), Natig Javadli, Hayaly Agayev, Aysel Umudova, Aytaj Tapdig (Ahmedova) – as well as independent journalist Ramin Dek (Jabrayilzade) and Ulvi Tahirov, deputy director of the Baku School of Journalism, were placed in pretrial detention for four months. They are accused of “smuggling committed in collusion by a group.” The detainees deny the charges, claiming the arrests are linked to their professional activities. Read more here

● Political scientist and director of the Institute of Political Management, Azer Gasimli, was detained in Baku on charges of “extortion through threats.” His lawyer, Agil Layij, explained: “There is a person who borrowed money from Gasimli and failed to repay it. Gasimli won a court case against him. Now this person claims that Gasimli threatened him to recover the money.” Gasimli denies the charges, asserting the detention is politically motivated due to his public activities.

● Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry stated it has not received any information regarding Azerbaijani citizens in Syria. Azerbaijan has no embassy in Syria.

● Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in Jerusalem.

● “Azerbaijan and Armenia are advancing toward a peace agreement through direct bilateral negotiations,” said Fuat Oktay, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Turkey’s Parliament, during his visit to Baku. He dismissed claims that Azerbaijan is pressuring Armenia to amend its constitution, calling them baseless and misinformation. Oktay added, “Azerbaijan is committed to resolving this issue rather than leaving it for future generations, and we fully support this approach.”

● SOCAR Gas Georgia, an Azerbaijani company, will acquire gas pipelines in Georgia’s western regions. The Georgian government approved the direct sale of pipelines in Imereti, Guria, and Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti for 19.8 million lari ($7 million). Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze signed the decree. The privatization involves 41 pipelines, with payments spread over 17 years. Annual payments of nearly 2 million lari will begin in 2032 and continue for a decade.

? Photo: Outside the court during hearings for detained Meydan TV journalists.

● “It was a great opportunity to connect,” wrote Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, sharing a photo with the presidents of the United States and France in Paris. Pashinyan was there to attend the reopening ceremony of Notre-Dame Cathedral after its restoration.

● Alexandra Grigoryan (55 kg) won a bronze medal at the 2024 World Weightlifting Championships, marking the first medal for Armenian female weightlifters at the World Championships in 14 years.

● The Christmas tree and festive lights were illuminated at Republic Square in Yerevan.

● Over 1,300 Armenian trucks are waiting to cross the “Upper Lars” checkpoint on the Russian-Georgian border. While the road is open, icy sections and severe traffic congestion remain. A total of around 4,600 trucks from various countries are queued at the checkpoint.

● The staff of the Armenian Embassy in Syria will temporarily operate out of Beirut. The Foreign Ministry stated that safe evacuation to Armenia is currently impossible, despite requests for visas and relocation.

Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 2-6 December, 2024