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

● Five more individuals have been arrested on charges of organizing, leading, participating in group violence, and publicly inciting violent actions, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Among the arrested are actor Andro Chichinadze and comedian Onise Tsikhadze. One of the detainees is reportedly a foreign national. The charges carry a penalty of up to nine years in prison. In total, 13 people have been arrested on these charges so far.

● The Public Defender, Levan Ioseliani, confirmed that over 300 people have been detained during eight days of mass protests. “The alarming number of detainees includes evidence of beatings, as clearly shown in media footage. We visited 260 individuals arrested during the protests, 188 of whom reported misconduct by the police,” the ombudsman stated.

● Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze: “The main sources of violence during the protests in Tbilisi were the offices of opposition parties. As soon as we entered these offices and confiscated the necessary tools, the violence immediately stopped. Consequently, the Ministry of Internal Affairs no longer needs to respond to the protests. This fully confirms that the failed ‘Maidan’ orchestrated by the National Movement (a party founded by Mikheil Saakashvili) was entirely led by political parties.”

● Irakli Kobakhidze also stated that the ruling Georgian Dream party’s main foreign policy priority is “full integration into the European Union, a path we will continue despite pressure.” He added, “We have high hopes for a qualitative reset of relations with both the United States and the European Union. On January 20, Donald Trump’s inauguration will take place, bringing new leadership to the U.S. and the EU. We believe this leadership offers an opportunity to reset relations, and we must do everything to ensure these relations improve.”

Meanwhile, Western countries partnering with Georgia have painted a very different picture through their statements:

● The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced plans to request the EU suspend Georgia’s visa-free regime due to the mass arrests. Over 300 people have already been detained during protests demanding the government steer the country back towards European integration.

●  U.S. presidential aide Michael Carpenter: “We are considering all possible sanctions against the leader of Georgia’s ruling party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, to respond to what we are currently witnessing in Georgia.” Carpenter reminded that the U.S. had already suspended $95 million in financial aid to the Georgian government, ended the strategic partnership, and imposed travel bans on dozens of senior Georgian officials in recent months.

● U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken: “We are preparing to use all available tools, including sanctions, against the Georgian authorities. Those detained for peaceful protests must be released immediately, and those responsible for unlawful use of force must be held accountable.”

● The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the use of excessive force against protesters, journalists, civil society representatives, and opposition members in Georgia. “For many years, Norway and Georgia have developed a constructive partnership. We fully support Georgia’s aspirations for democratic reforms and a European future that aligns with the wishes of the Georgian people. What we are seeing now is a development in a completely different direction, distancing the country from Europe,” the statement reads.

●  The Norwegian Ambassador to Georgia and Armenia, Bergliot Hovland: “The documentation of systematic and brutal violence and repressive tactics must be investigated, and those responsible must be held to account.”

● U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen: “It is important to state that there is bipartisan consensus in the U.S. Senate and Congress regarding Georgia, and we will not ignore blatant human rights violations in this country. I hope the prime minister and the ruling party understand this message. Let us act in the coming hours; the situation in Georgia is dire. Thousands of people have been protesting in the streets for seven days over the ruling party’s decision to suspend negotiations on European integration.”

● U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated during the OSCE Ministerial Council meeting: “The U.S. shares the concerns of many OSCE members about Georgian Dream’s decision to halt Georgia’s EU accession process. We support people’s right to peaceful protest and condemn the brutal aggression against those advocating for closer ties with Europe. Reports of attacks and arrests of journalists are particularly alarming. Georgian Dream’s anti-democratic actions highlight the importance of OSCE efforts to strengthen civil society and protect journalists, anti-corruption activists, and human rights defenders.”

● German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock: “We applaud the courage of the Georgian people who are taking to the streets to defend democracy and European values. We urge the Georgian government to return to the European path. This is a government that has deviated from this path both in its statements and actions.”

● Leaders of the European Parliament issued a joint statement protesting the “escalation of repression by the Georgian government against the democratic opposition and the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters.” They called for targeted sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili.

●  President Salome Zourabichvili: “The ruling party has acted worse than during Mikheil Saakashvili’s presidency. Russia has added authoritarianism, one-party rule, election rigging, human rights violations, and the enslavement of businesses. This is unacceptable to the vast majority of this country. I am confident that most of our society does not want the Russian path.”

●  The head of the IT infrastructure management department of the Georgian Parliament, Aleksandre Dzadzamia, resigned. He posted his resignation statement on LinkedIn with the caption: “The voice of your conscience is the most valuable thing you have.”

In the photo: Arrested comedian Onise Tsikhadze (left) and actor Andro Chichinadze.

●  The first group of Armenians from Aleppo will arrive in Armenia on December 14 via a Damascus-Yerevan flight, announced Hovhannes Alexanyan, a representative of the Office of the Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs. Some Armenian families managed to leave the city immediately after Aleppo was seized by rebel forces. Currently, about 10,000-12,000 Armenians remain in Aleppo, primarily residing in three districts: Nor Gyugh, Aziziyah, and Suleimaniyah.

●  Yerevan has agreed to a meeting between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan during the OSCE Ministerial Summit in Malta. Azerbaijani media previously reported that Baku rejected a proposal by the U.S. Secretary of State for such a meeting, citing “biased and unfair treatment by the Biden administration.”

●  Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed on the preamble and 15 out of 17 articles of a draft treaty, stated Ararat Mirzoyan. “With the necessary political will, the document can be finalized and signed quickly, turning a page on hostility in the South Caucasus,” he said during the OSCE forum in Malta.

●  The Armenian dram is expected to weaken moderately by 2.6% in 2025, due to declining money market rates and slower economic growth, according to a macroeconomic forecast by the Eurasian Development Bank.

●  A petition against transportation fare increases in Yerevan has gathered 17,000 signatures—twice the number required to bring the issue to the agenda of the Yerevan City Council, announced Andranik Tevanyan, head of the opposition “Mother Armenia” bloc. Under the law, the city council’s decision could then be challenged, and the issue might be put to a referendum.

●  “Armenia is doing everything possible to deny the fact that the Azerbaijani people have lived and created a rich cultural heritage on their ancestral lands for centuries,” stated President Ilham Aliyev during an international conference titled “The Right to Return: Ensuring Justice for Azerbaijanis Forcefully Expelled from Armenia.” “Armenia has destroyed cultural heritage created by our people over millennia in Western Azerbaijan (referring to part of Armenia’s territory – JAMnews): historical monuments, cemeteries, mosques, and historic settlements. Armenia has also inflicted significant damage on Azerbaijani ashug art, recognized by UNESCO as a universal cultural value,” Aliyev added.

●  “Baku and Yerevan have made significant progress on the draft text of a peace agreement,” announced Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov during a meeting of OSCE foreign ministers. “The completion of this process depends on Armenia fulfilling its obligations to respect Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Territorial claims against our country, which still remain in Armenia’s constitution and other legislative acts, must be eliminated,” he said.

●  The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Georgia discussed bilateral cooperation on the sidelines of the OSCE Ministerial Council meeting. Political, trade-economic, and energy-related issues were addressed. Jeyhun Bayramov and Maka Bochorishvili emphasized the importance of increasing investments and mutual trade turnover.

●  Construction of the Igdir-Nakhchivan gas pipeline has been completed on schedule, with its official opening planned soon. The pipeline will have a capacity of 500 million cubic meters per year. Azerbaijani gas will be supplied from Turkey to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through the pipeline.

●  In Azerbaijan, fines for including dietary supplements in medical prescriptions are being doubled. Officials prescribing supplements will now face fines ranging from 100 to 150 manats ($60-90), while legal entities will be fined between 300 and 400 manats ($90-240).

📹 The Carpet Museum in Baku has showcased jewelry from the “Magic Carpet” collection, designed using the patterns of Karabakh carpets. The jewelry pieces are the work of a renowned Austrian brand FREYWILLE.

● Tbilisi sees a peaceful seventh night of mass protests against the government’s decision to halt Georgia’s EU membership process. Here are live updates, photos, and videos from Tbilisi and other cities where thousands continue to protest

● Opposition TV channel Mtavari Arxi has published a list of over 200 names of special forces officers and their commanders accused of violence against protesters. The channel claims the list was provided anonymously from within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Since the publication, individuals named in the list have reportedly been deleting their photos and profiles from social media.

● Irakli Shaishmelashvili, a senior official in the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Special Tasks Department, has resigned. This department is directly involved in the dispersals, beatings, and arrests of protesters.

● The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced investigations under Articles 225 and 239 of the Criminal Code for “organizing or participating in group violence and incitement to violence.” Seven individuals have been arrested so far, and raids have been conducted on opposition party offices, civil society organizations, and private homes. Read more here

● Opposition leader Nika Gvaramia of the Ahali party was beaten and detained during a raid on his party’s office. Videos shared on social media show police carrying him out unconscious. His lawyer confirmed he was transferred to a detention center in Marneuli, 40 km from Tbilisi. His current condition remains unknown.

● Aleko Elisashvili, another opposition leader, has been arrested. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he is under investigation for violence under Article 156, Section 2. Video circulating on social media shows Elisashvili attempting to strike Ali Babaev, head of the National Congress of Azerbaijanis in Georgia, during a December 2 altercation.

● President Salome Zourabichvili has summoned Koka Katsitadze, head of the Special Investigation Service, to address reports of police violence against protesters. JAMnews is preparing a series of stories on those injured during the protests and hospitalized.

● U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a strong statement on Georgia, saying the U.S. is “preparing to use all available tools, including additional sanctions.” He condemned the Georgian Dream government for its “brutal and unjustified violence against Georgian citizens, protesters, media, and opposition representatives.” Journalist Alex Raufoglu shared Blinken’s full remarks on Platform X.

● U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Joe Wilson has called on the State Department to impose personal sanctions on Tbilisi’s mayor, the interior minister, and other officials responsible for violence during the protests.

● Anita Hipper, the EU’s chief representative for foreign policy, expressed concern over reports of arbitrary detentions, violence, and mistreatment of protesters in Georgia. “We urge the government to stop using excessive force and ensure the right to peaceful assembly. All acts of violence must be thoroughly investigated.”

● Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the Georgian government’s actions: “What the Georgian authorities are doing to their own people is disgraceful. Since Moscow praises this Georgian government, it’s clear who they serve and why they suppress protests—not for Georgia. […] We are preparing our legal response and working with European and other partners on concrete measures.”

● Romanian pro-European presidential candidate Elena Lasconi expressed her support for President Zourabichvili during a phone call. “Russia is attempting to destabilize Georgia, and during our conversation, we agreed to intensify actions with Moldova to counter Russian propaganda,” Lasconi said. Romania’s presidential runoff between pro-European Lasconi and pro-Russian independent Călin Georgescu takes place on December 8.

● Rights defender Rufat Safarov sentenced to four months of pretrial detention in Baku. Safarov faces charges of fraud and hooliganism, which he denies. Read more here

● Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry responds to critical statements from foreign ambassadors.
“We strongly reject the statements made by the ambassadors of the U.S., EU, UK, and Switzerland during an event in Baku on December 4. Their comments about the detention of ‘journalists’ and ‘political activists’ represent an open attempt to undermine the independence of Azerbaijan’s judiciary. Interference in the investigation process is unacceptable, and meddling in legal proceedings contradicts the principle of the rule of law.” The ambassadors, speaking at an event marking International Human Rights Day, urged Azerbaijani authorities to release political prisoners.

● Azerbaijan and Cyprus foreign ministers discuss regional security. Jeyhun Bayramov and Constantinos Kombos held talks during the OSCE ministerial meeting in Malta.

● Lionel Messi and Inter Miami teammates to visit Baku. Stars including Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba will join Messi for an event on December 11 at Baku Crystal Hall, dedicated to Messi’s career.

● UNESCO recognizes Azerbaijani tandir bread-making as intangible cultural heritage. Explore our photo story showcasing how Azerbaijan bakes its special “sunlit” bread.

● Nikol Pashinyan deemed it unwise to hold the EAEU summit in Yerevan, citing that not all members of the Eurasian Economic Union (led by Russia) are welcome in Armenia. He also stated that Armenia considers itself outside the CSTO, and returning is becoming increasingly difficult, if not impossible.

● The ruling party has expelled a member for the first time. Ovik Agazaryan, a member of the “Civil Contract” party since 2015, was expelled for disclosing confidential state and party information and for grossly violating moral norms. Read more here

● Yerevan’s mayoral office may consider rehiring drivers dismissed after the December 3 strike, Armenian media reports. The shortage of drivers with a category D license makes it difficult to find replacements, particularly for public transportation. Read more here

● During a working visit to the US, Armenia’s Defense Minister Suren Papikyan and Greece’s Defense Minister Nikos Dendias met at the Greek Embassy. They discussed the current state and prospects of defense cooperation between the two countries.

● Minister of Justice Srbuhi Galyan reported a significant increase in the discovery of banned substances and items illegally entering penitentiary institutions over the past two years.

● During the OSCE Ministerial Council in Malta on December 4, Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met with Georgia’s new Foreign Minister, Maia Bouchorishvili. They discussed cooperation between their countries and the European Union. Mirzoyan shared steps Armenia is taking to deepen its partnership with the EU.

● The sixth night of protests and dispersals continued in Tbilisi until nearly 7 a.m. Tens of thousands of protesters were pushed out of the city center by around 4 a.m., after which thousands marched to the Saburtalo district, where they were ultimately dispersed by riot police. Dozens of new arrests and beatings have been reported. Hundreds of thousands across Georgia continue to protest and announce strikes, demanding the country return to the path of European integration. Live updates, photos, and videos available here.

● The Ombudsman has accused the police of torturing protesters. “Over five days of protests, we visited 201 people in detention centers and hospitals. Most of them have serious injuries to their faces, eyes, and heads. The location, nature, and severity of the injuries present a compelling case that police are using deliberate and excessive violence against citizens as a form of punishment. This can be qualified as an act of torture,” said Levan Ioseliani, who urged the Ministry of Internal Affairs to take immediate action.

● U.S. senators condemn violence in Georgia. Helsinki Commission Co-Chair Senator Ben Cardin, along with Senators Roger Wicker and John Cornyn, issued a joint statement strongly condemning violence against protesters. The senators criticized the ruling party’s decision to abandon EU accession talks until 2028, calling it a betrayal of the Georgian people’s clear desire to align with European values and institutions.

● President Salome Zourabichvili: “We have endured six days of violence and repression. Peaceful, pro-European demonstrators are being brutally dispersed by riot police. Tear gas and water cannons have been used disproportionately, with mass arrests and improper treatment of detainees. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has launched a hotline for informants to report those disrupting the educational process in schools and universities where students are striking. Has the USSR returned?”

● Germany halts development cooperation with Georgia. Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Svenja Schulze stated, “There will no longer be development cooperation with the current government of Georgia. Cooperation with Georgia in any form is under review. No new projects will be implemented, and no loan agreements will be signed. Additionally, we may take further measures in coordination with the European Union and international partners.”

Photo by David Pipia / JAMnews

● PM Nikol Pashinyan: “The world perceives us as a nation of victims. The greatest mission of the government is to overcome this status.”

● MP from the ruling “Civil Contract” party, Ovik Agazaryan, has been expelled from the faction due to the leak of state and party-related information, as well as gross violations of moral standards, according to the ruling Civil Contract party.

● The resumption of city transport services after yesterday’s bus drivers’ strike was reported on social media by the press secretary of Yerevan’s mayor’s office, Ayk Kostanyan. Read more here

The video was filmed at a new exhibition in Yerevan organized by artists Mila Arutyunyan and Margarita Astvatsatryan. The entire space is a labyrinth made of threads. “You walk through the labyrinth and listen to many thoughts about what life is,” say the creators of the exhibition.

● Today, 48 Azerbaijani families (164 people) of displaced persons are returning to Shusha (Karabakh), which was liberated during the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. As a result, 268 families (987 people) are currently living in the city.

● Azerbaijani citizen Famil Khalil, who was arrested on May 2, 2024, on charges of illegal drug trafficking, has had his measure of detention changed to house arrest. Khalil, a first-degree disabled person, has been recognized by human rights defenders as a political prisoner.

● Human rights defender Rufat Safarov has been arrested near his home in Baku. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he is accused of fraud and hooliganism. Rufat’s father stated that his son recently received a U.S. visa, and the U.S. State Department was about to present him with an award for his human rights work.

● Azerbaijan intends to host the Economic Cooperation Organization Summit next year. This was announced by Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov at the 28th session of the Council of Ministers of the ECO in Mashhad, Iran.

● The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Iran held a meeting during the 28th session of the ECO Council of Ministers in Mashhad, Iran. Bayramov and Araghchi discussed joint projects in the fields of economy, trade, energy security, transport, and communications, as well as regional and international security issues.

● A three-way meeting of the foreign relations committees of the parliaments of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Georgia took place in Ankara. Issues related to expanding regional and international cooperation were discussed.

● The U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan has resigned. “With a heavy heart, I announce my departure from the U.S. diplomatic service. The health issues I mentioned during the 2023 Senate hearings unfortunately persist,” said Mark Libby in a statement published on the embassy’s official page.

● In Azerbaijan, 2,167.1 kg of gold and 2,703.2 kg of silver were produced from January to October 2024. Gold production exceeded the figure for the same period last year by 1.7%, while silver production decreased by 20.3%, according to state statistics.

● The “Caucasus” highway, which connects Russia’s regions with Azerbaijan, will be expanded to four lanes over the next few years. This was announced by Alexander Lukashuk, head of Russia’s Federal Road Agency “Uprdor ‘Caucasus.'”

● The fifth night of the pro-European protests in Tbilisi followed the same pattern as the previous four nights, with one difference: the dispersal in front of the parliament began very early, around ten in the evening. Riot police used tear gas and water cannons on tens of thousands of protesters, slowly pushing the massive crowd off the central Rustaveli Avenue. Protesters defended themselves by building barricades from benches and trash cans and launching firecrackers towards the riot police. The night standoff ended around 8 AM with the dispersal of the last bastions of protesters near Tbilisi State University. Dozens more were detained and beaten overnight, adding to the over 250 already arrested. Hundreds of thousands across Georgia are protesting the government’s announcement that it is halting the country’s integration process with the European Union. This marks a new wave of protests supporting opposition claims, observers, and media reports that the parliamentary elections on October 26 were rigged and that the newly elected parliament and government are illegitimate.

●  “Across Georgia, people are rising against the Russian puppetry regime. From the capital to the smallest towns, this is a movement unlike anything in our history. The message is clear: Give me my vote back! Give me my European future back!” President Salome Zourabichvili wrote on her X page.

●  U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, “We do not announce sanctions.

When the sanctions are ready, we will impose them. We have already announced that we have sanctioned Georgian government officials, imposed visa restrictions, and suspended $95 million in aid. We have made it clear that we are concerned about the steps they are taking away from closer integration with Europe.”

One journalist asked him about the cessation of strategic cooperation with Georgia: “Whose side are you really on?” Miller replied, “We are on the side of the Georgian people.”

●  The Baltic states have detailed sanctions against high-ranking Georgian officials “responsible for the brutal suppression of peaceful protests.” A list of those now banned from entering Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia has been published. The list is topped by the honorary chairman of the ruling party, oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. The list includes ten other high-ranking Ministry of Internal Affairs officials. More details here: https://jam-news.net/ivanishvili-and-associates-baltic-states-sanction-georgian-officials/

●  A series of resignations by Georgian ambassadors continues in protest against government policies. On December 2, Georgian Ambassador to the Czech Republic Tea Maisuradze announced her resignation. “I remain committed to Georgia’s European future,” she wrote on her X page.

●  Poet Zviad Ratiani has been sentenced to eight days in prison. He was arrested at a protest on November 29 and brutally beaten. He has a broken nasal bone and septum, as well as bruises and hematomas all over his head and body.

● This morning, gas explosions occurred in residential buildings in Sumgait and the Absheron district, injuring several people.

●  Ali Kerimli, the leader of the opposition Azerbaijan Popular Front Party, has been fined 1,500 manats (about $880) on charges of defamation.

● International observers will not be invited to the municipal elections scheduled for January 29, 2025. According to CEC Chairman Mazahir Panahov, municipal elections are an internal matter. “We will accept those who apply, but we will not invite observers,” he said.

● Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has traveled to Iran to participate in the 28th meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), which includes 10 countries: Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, and all five Central Asian states.

● Bayramov held a phone conversation with the newly appointed Foreign Minister of Georgia [the government formed in Georgia following the October parliamentary elections is considered illegitimate by the opposition and a large part of Georgian society – JAMnews].

Jeyhun Bayramov and Maka Bochorishvili discussed “the current state of friendly and strategic relations between the countries, as well as plans and prospects for their further development.”

● Azerbaijan has begun gas supplies to Slovakia as part of a short-term pilot contract between SOCAR and SPP. Slovakia has become the twelfth country to receive Azerbaijani gas.

● Emin Agalarov has been elected chairman of the Azerbaijan-Russia Business Council. The decision was made at the council’s regular meeting in Baku.

●  Azerbaijani customs officers discovered 32 kilograms of drugs during the inspection of a truck transiting from Iran to Russia through Azerbaijan. The marijuana was hidden among boxes of apples.

● Opposition MPs will sue the Foreign Ministry and the government to challenge Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan’s order from March 14 of this year, which bans access to the text of the peace treaty between Yerevan and Baku. The first court hearing is scheduled for January 14, 2025.

● MP of the ruling Civil Contract party, Hovik Aghazaryan, refuses to resign despite the Prime Minister’s request. “If I agreed to resign, then in the future, even if my innocence is confirmed, it could look like a deal,” he explained his decision.

Former head of the Investigative Committee Argishti Kyaramyan previously accused Aghazaryan of pressure, claiming he demanded a hush-up of a criminal case involving the MP’s son.

●  A 4-year-old girl died in Yerevan’s Arabkir Medical Center after being taken there from kindergarten.

● Armenia wins its first medal in the history of para-alpine skiing: athlete Garik Melkonyan from Ashotsk won bronze at an international ranking tournament in Norway.

●  Artak Grigoryan, halfback of the Armenian national team and the Pyunik club, played his last official match today. The 37-year-old footballer played 52 games for the national team and 496 for club teams.

●  Media reports indicate that there are many people at bus stops in Yerevan this morning as bus drivers are on strike. They are dissatisfied that public transport reforms did not address working conditions and salary formation

● 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