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

● For the fourth consecutive night, special forces are dispersing tens of thousands of protesters in Tbilisi, with their numbers growing daily. The protests erupted after the Prime Minister announced the suspension of EU membership talks until 2028. On the night of December 2, more tear gas and pepper spray were used than on previous nights, and water cannons operated throughout, despite the +2°C temperature. Arrests were reported, though exact numbers remain unknown.

● By the morning of December 2, hundreds of protesters were still resisting on Chavchavadze Avenue. Opposition leader Zurab Japaridze, from the “Girchi – More Freedom” party, was reportedly detained, according to Mtavari Arkhi TV.

● Massive protests also took place overnight in other Georgian cities, including Batumi, Kutaisi, Gori, and Zugdidi.

● Rustavi 2 journalist Tamta Chitishvili sustained a leg injury during protests near the parliament. She is hospitalized and may require surgery, according to the TV channel.

● Leading Georgian NGOs report over 250 arrests since the new wave of protests began on November 28. Among the detained are minors, women, journalists, cultural figures, and NGO representatives. Many detainees report police abuse and psychological pressure.

● President Salome Zourabichvili emphasized that protests must remain self-organized and free from political interference. “This is primarily the people’s movement. However, protesters need support and protection, which NGOs and lawyers are providing,” she stated, adding that political leaders are holding consultations and will announce further steps soon. Read more here

● The three Baltic states—Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—have agreed to jointly impose sanctions “against those suppressing lawful protests in Georgia.” Read more here

● Around 250 Georgian musicians living abroad have signed a statement supporting the protests. “In the face of a constitutional coup, we find it impossible to separate art from politics,” the statement reads.

● European Council President Antonio Costa condemned violence against peaceful protesters, stating that the authorities’ actions contradict the will of the people. “The EU stands with the Georgian people.”

● Former Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili criticized the government for ignoring public sentiment. “They fail to understand their people. Without concrete steps, the political crisis will deepen.”

● U.S. Senator Jim Risch called the government’s decision to cancel EU talks a betrayal of 80% of the population and the constitution. He urged the immediate cessation of violence against protesters and the reversal of the decision.

● Members of the European Parliament have called on the EU’s foreign policy chief to impose personal sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili and initiate impeachment proceedings against Georgian government members.

● Four opposition parties—National Unity, Strong Georgia, Coalition for Change, and Gakharia – For Georgia—have urged citizens to take paid leave and join the protests. They also called on companies not to obstruct employees exercising this right.

Follow JAMnews on X for live updates, videos, and photos from the ongoing protests in Georgia.

Photo David Pipia / JAMnews

● Early this morning, 35 families (133 people) of internally displaced persons relocated from the suburbs of Baku to the city of Jabrayil, liberated during the Second Karabakh War, to begin permanent residency.

● Today in Ankara, a trilateral meeting of the foreign relations committees of the parliaments of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Georgia will take place. Discussions will focus on expanding regional cooperation in political, humanitarian, economic, energy, and transport-communication sectors. The agenda also includes developments in the Caucasus and the Middle East.

● The Azerbaijani and Turkish naval forces have completed the SAT-SAS-2024 joint exercises at the Aksaz Naval Base in Marmaris, Turkey. The final phase included tasks such as covert infiltration of a special forces group via sea into enemy territory, reconnaissance, and a raid on a designated target.

● Fifteen percent of Azerbaijan’s territory is affected by drought, with 6% at risk of desertification, according to Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sarvan Jafarov. He stated, “Global climate change is reducing precipitation and increasing water shortages, creating significant challenges for agriculture.”

● Individuals wanted internationally have been extradited from Russia to Azerbaijan, according to the General Prosecutor’s Office. Famil Askerov and Zamin Abdullayev are suspected of fraud causing significant financial damage.

● AZAL has resumed daily flights between Baku and Tel Aviv.

● From 1987 to the end of Q3 2024, Azerbaijan officially registered 10,108 HIV patients, according to Famil Mammadov, director of the Republican AIDS Control Center. Of these, 7,026 (69.5%) are men and 3,082 (30.5%) are women. Mammadov noted that Azerbaijan’s HIV prevalence is very low compared to other countries in the region. However, experts have suggested the actual number could be at least ten times higher due to limited testing and stigma surrounding key risk groups.

● Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan will participate for the first time in the 23rd session of the Assembly of States Parties to the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

● Five Armenian players have made it into the top 100 of the updated World Chess Federation (FIDE) rankings.

● On December 2 at 08:38 local time, the Seismological Service of Armenia registered an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.4, located 11 km northwest of the city of Stepanavan. The Rescue Service reported that the intensity of the tremor at the epicenter was 4-5 points. The earthquake with a magnitude of 3-4 was felt in the cities of Stepanavan, Tashir, and the villages of Metsavan, Katnarat, and Privolnoye in the Lori region.

In the photo: Sunrise in the mountains of Armenia. Hrant Khachatryan, for Unsplash.

Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 25-29 November, 2024