Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 12-16 May, 2025

● The new German government has called on Georgian Dream to stop spreading disinformation, tone down its aggressive rhetoric toward the European Union, change its political course, and cease attacks on the German ambassador Peter Fischer. Read more here

● The Resistance Platform, launched by Georgia’s 5th president Salome Zourabichvili, has backed Germany’s call. “Georgian Dream must stop making such statements, if only to avoid deepening the country’s isolation – although this may in fact be the government’s goal,” Zourabichvili stated.

● Georgian Dream’s prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze called a letter from the heads of the US, UK, Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, and Latvia delegations to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly a “Soviet-style approach.” The letter, also signed by several Swedish MPs, was addressed to the Portuguese prime minister, urging Portugal to block Georgian Dream’s participation in the OSCE PA’s 32nd annual session, scheduled for June 29–July 3 in Portugal. Kobakhidze said: “We used to know a different Europe and USA.”

● Irakli Kobakhidze is taking part in the 6th summit of the European Political Community in Tirana, Albania. This initiative, launched by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2022, aims to unite countries around security and economic cooperation. Heads of state and government from over 40 countries are expected, along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. After the “foreign agents law” was adopted in spring 2024, the EU cut off political contact with Georgia’s government and froze financial aid. In 2025, several EU countries declared dozens of Georgian officials persona non grata, and the EU suspended visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic and service passport holders.

● The driver responsible for a car crash on the left bank of the Mtkvari River in Tbilisi has been charged. The car in front of him was pushed into the river. Of the four people in the vehicle, one was rescued, two bodies were recovered, and one person is still missing.

● The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported the discovery of another illegal “call center” operating out of a hotel in Tbilisi. During checks, 14 Chinese nationals were found to be living in Georgia without legal status.

● Ronaldinho, Gaizka Mendieta, Edgar Davids, Javier Saviola, Jari Litmanen, Maxwell, Ludovic Giuly, Phillip Cocu, Sergi Barjuán, and Oleguer have arrived in Tbilisi. They will take part in a friendly match between veteran players from Georgia’s national team and the legendary former FC Barcelona lineup. The match will be held today at Dinamo Arena. Georgia’s team includes current Tbilisi mayor and Georgian Dream leader Kakha Kaladze, Shota Arveladze, and Giorgi Demetradze.

● Money transfers from Russia to Georgia have continued to decline for the third year, while remittances from the EU and US are on the rise, according to the National Bank of Georgia. Significant drops were also recorded in transfers from Kazakhstan (-41.61%) and Russia (-18.85%). Top five countries by remittance volume:

• USA – $54 million, +17%
• Italy – $50.2 million, +10%
• Russia – $39.3 million, -18.85%
• Germany – $24.8 million, +20%
• Greece – $24.6 million, +12%
• 

● The year-and-a-half-long court investigation into 13 individuals accused of attempting to establish a “sacred state” in Azerbaijan governed by religious laws, high treason, and violently overthrowing the government has concluded. The prosecutor has requested 20-year prison sentences for two of the defendants and 18–19 years for the others. Only one defendant could receive no more than 10 years, as he was a minor at the time of his arrest and cannot legally be sentenced to a longer term. The former education minister and the head of RealTV, Mir, are listed as victims in the case. It is alleged that the defendants planned to punish the minister for banning hijabs in schools and the journalist for comments made on air. Two other suspects in the case live in Iran and have been declared wanted.

● The family of Elvin Mustafayev, a jailed member of the “Worker’s Table” Trade Union Confederation, is raising alarm after more than a week without any information about him. They told journalists that Mustafayev began a hunger strike on May 6 to protest prisoner rights violations. He was then reportedly subjected to pressure and moved to a different facility. The family is concerned about his health, saying the penitentiary service has not responded to their inquiries. Mustafayev was sentenced to three years in prison for alleged drug possession, a charge he denies, calling it politically motivated. Four members of the confederation, founded in 2022, are currently imprisoned on various charges, all of which they claim are fabricated.

• *According to lists compiled by local human rights groups, around 350 political prisoners are currently held in Azerbaijani prisons. International human rights organizations, the U.S. State Department, and a group of Western diplomats in Baku have repeatedly urged the government to release those unjustly detained and to end repression against independent media and civil society.

● The trial of former leaders of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) continues. They are charged with war crimes, terrorism, attempts to overthrow the government, and other serious offenses. According to the pro-government AZERTAC agency, the court heard testimonies from victims and witnesses about mass killings of local Azerbaijanis during the Armenian military occupation of Fuzuli, Zangilan, and other regions of Azerbaijan during the First Karabakh War in the 1990s. The next court session is scheduled for May 16.

● “The Prosecutor’s Office must strengthen its fight against crimes targeting national security,” said Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev during a major meeting he convened with heads of the General Prosecutor’s Office, the Anti-Corruption Directorate, the Military Prosecutor’s Office, and the prosecutors of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and Baku.

● After Turkey and Azerbaijan expressed support for Pakistan during its recent conflict with India, Indian tourists have begun canceling their planned vacations to resorts in both countries en masse, according to Reuters, citing Indian travel companies.

● “There are circles in Azerbaijan that want to close the chapter of the conflict on their own territory and export it to Armenia,” said Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in an interview with Azerbaijan’s iTV in Tirana, Albania. He added that Yerevan is ready to sign a peace agreement and a statement on the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group at the same time.

● Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church, Rafael Bedros XXI (Minassian), met with the new Pope Leo XIV and presented him with a mosaic of the Virgin Mary, Vatican News reports (pictured below). The meeting took place during the anniversary celebration of the Eastern Catholic Churches in Rome, attended by representatives of the Armenian Catholic Church and the ambassadors of Armenia to the Holy See and Italy.

● “A visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to Armenia is being worked on,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.

● Armenia is aiming for victory at Eurovision 2025: Armenian singer PARG has qualified for the final, which will take place on May 17. He performed 5th with the song Survivor.

● Medical education will soon no longer be required for the directors of medical institutions. The government is preparing a corresponding bill. The Ministry of Health argues that effective management does not necessarily require a medical background, as proven by successful international examples.

● Mayor of Etchmiadzin, Diana Gasparyan, has submitted her resignation. In a Facebook post, she called the decision difficult but said she wants to dedicate herself to “a quiet family life, raising her child, and expanding her family.”

● The government led by “Georgian Dream” did not support Zurab Pololikashvili’s bid for a third term as Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization and instead announced its support for the UAE’s candidate — Sheikha Al-Nuaimi. The government press service stated that “Pololikashvili’s candidacy was withdrawn by his own decision.” However, The Diplomat previously reported that this unexpected move might be linked to a secret deal with the UAE and Russia. The article said Pololikashvili was behind the suspension of Russia’s membership in the UNWTO after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Pololikashvili (pictured below) responded: “Claiming it was my decision or even coordinated with me is a big lie. Let Kobakhidze (the Georgian Dream PM) publicly explain what he got in return for pulling my candidacy. I do not represent any ‘deep state’ or ‘global war party,’ I am simply the Secretary-General of the UNWTO and a Georgian citizen.”

● U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson, co-chair of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, responded to Prime Minister Kobakhidze’s letter to the U.S. President: “By unlawfully seizing the Georgian state in October against the will of its freedom-loving people, the Ivanishvili-led criminal group has done the following: spread daily anti-American propaganda; accused President Trump of corruption; expelled American companies in favor of China’s Communist Party; deepened ties with Iran’s terrorist regime; banned opposition; beat and jailed innocent people. Their audacity in making demands to President Trump is disgraceful.”

● Eleven civil society organizations released a report titled “The Human Rights Crisis in Georgia After the 2024 Parliamentary Elections.” It details serious systemic abuses used to suppress protests from November 28, 2024, to February 28, 2025. Based on open sources and interviews with 117 individuals (91 of whom reported police violence), the report describes a pattern of torture and abuse, crackdowns on freedom of assembly and expression, and media pressure. A total of 108 cases of violence against journalists were recorded.

● The “Georgian Dream” government faced harsh criticism at the press conference following the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers’ meeting in Luxembourg. European leaders openly expressed their disappointment with Georgia’s current political course.

● The Georgian Dream-led parliament issued a statement in response to the MEGOBARI Act passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, which imposes sanctions on top Georgian officials for undermining democracy. The statement called the bill “a hostile act against the state, the people, and Georgia’s elected government,” claiming it is based on false accusations and denying democratic backsliding, EU obstruction, or improper ties with Russia, China, and other authoritarian regimes. It also mentioned a supposed “deep state conspiracy” in the U.S. State Department. Read more here

● Former Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili was arrested in court for refusing to pay bail after skipping a session of the parliamentary commission (established by Georgian Dream) investigating “systemic crimes” by the previous government. Okruashvili refused to cooperate, calling the commission and parliament illegitimate. He faces a fine or up to one year in prison. Read more here

● Opposition “Coalition for Change” leader Nika Gvaramia was ordered to pay 30,000 GEL (about $10,000) in bail for refusing to attend a commission hearing. He stated he would not participate in the work of an illegitimate body or pay the fine. His case will be heard on June 20.

● “More and more EU member states are introducing individual sanctions against Georgian officials responsible for violence against peaceful protesters,” said EU Ambassador Paweł Herczyński. However, he added, “there is no full consensus within the EU yet.”

● Herczyński also commented on the one-party parliament’s approval of a legislative package banning political parties, saying “this is not the European path.” He emphasized that the European path is about dialogue, even amid disagreement. Read more here

● Georgian Dream’s parliament passed amendments to the Law on Diplomatic Service in the third reading. The changes were supported by 87 MPs, with no opposition.

● The Prosecutor’s Office issued a statement about the death of Shako Natenadze, an employee of the pro-government TV channel Imedi. Charges against the arrested individual were upgraded to intentional infliction of serious bodily harm resulting in death. The incident happened during a nighttime altercation on May 3 in Tbilisi, where the victim fell and hit his head on a curb after being struck.

● Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met with European Commission Vice President and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas in Brussels. They discussed prospects for deepening the Armenia–EU partnership.

● Another brawl broke out in parliament—this time between opposition and ruling party MPs, who accused each other of “Turkish ancestry.” The conflict started after a speech by opposition MP Levon Kocharyan (son of former president Robert Kocharyan, considered a pro-Russian figure). He accused Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of “surrendering Karabakh to Azerbaijan” and said people call his supporters “Turks and traitors.” In response, the deputy speaker claimed that “people say the former president Kocharyan’s father was a Turk, and they name him,” and added that Kocharyan’s family “fled Karabakh during the war and did nothing for it.” Levon Kocharyan responded with an insult, and a physical altercation followed.

● The public continues to debate the aftermath of the parliamentary scandal, especially after Levon Kocharyan and his faction left the chamber. Remaining MPs repeatedly discussed the incident during the session, and ruling party MP Arsen Torosyan used explicit language and threatened anyone who “dares to ever call him a Turk.”

● A scandal at the school in the village of Merdzavan, Armavir region, between students and a history teacher has drawn criticism of both sides. The teacher, Roza Davtyan, is accused of inappropriate behavior—students and parents allege she insulted them and other teachers and made unacceptable remarks about Armenian refugees from Karabakh. However, the public has also criticized the “spectacle” staged in response by students and parents. Journalists were invited to a school meeting where Davtyan was publicly accused, booed, mocked, and driven to tears on live broadcast (video below). The Ministry of Education and the regional administration decided to dismiss the acting principal and appoint a new one.

● Several young members of the “Sacred Struggle” movement were detained in Yerevan during a street protest under the slogan “I don’t trust Nikol Pashinyan’s government,” according to the movement’s Telegram channel.

● The National Security Service (NSS) responded to an article by Hetq that raised questions about the director’s son purchasing an apartment in central Yerevan. The NSS stated that its internal review confirmed the apartment was bought with a mortgage and found nothing suspicious.

● Hail completely destroyed the apricot harvest in the village of Aghdzq, Aragatsotn region. Locals told journalists that anti-hail stations did not function. “No one from the authorities contacted us. We’re waiting for an answer, and if we don’t get one soon, we’ll take action. We’re right next to the North–South highway and could block it at any moment, but we’d prefer a more civil solution,” one resident said.

● The Armenian Nuclear Power Plant will undergo a major shutdown for maintenance next year, lasting 4.5 months, the plant administration announced.

● Doctors called it a miracle that 23-year-old Ruzanna Harutyunyan and her newborn baby survived. While eight months pregnant, she stepped outside during a hurricane in Yerevan to check on her younger child, when a piece of roofing hit her in the stomach. She was rushed into surgery. A baby girl was born with a wound near her temple but is otherwise healthy. Doctors believe that the advanced pregnancy helped save the mother’s life as well.

● Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov commented on the state of peace negotiations with Armenia during his speech at the 134th session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Luxembourg. He recalled that in March, the two countries fully agreed on the text of the peace treaty. However, for it to be signed, Armenia must amend its constitution to remove existing claims over Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. Baku is also demanding the abolition of the outdated and non-functional OSCE Minsk Group, which facilitated the negotiation process on the Karabakh conflict since the 1990s. Mammadov also stated that the rejection of Azerbaijan’s delegation mandate in PACE in January 2024 was legally unfounded. He emphasized the need for the unconditional restoration of Azerbaijan’s participation in the assembly, which should serve as a platform for inter-parliamentary dialogue and cooperation.

● “Armenia and Azerbaijan may soon be ready to join the Abraham Accords, as these two countries are very close to reaching a final settlement of their conflict,” said Trump advisor Steve Witkoff in an interview with Breitbart News.

● The daughter of opposition figure Tofiq Yaqublu, who has been sentenced to 9 years in prison, is demanding his transfer to a regular hospital, stating that the medical facility of the penitentiary service does not match his current health condition. Yaqublu’s condition significantly worsened after a 40-day hunger strike, but the court denied both requests from his lawyer and family—for house arrest and for transfer to a civilian hospital. He was charged with large-scale fraud causing major financial damage. The politician called the accusations fabricated and says he is being politically persecuted.

● “They slandered me, handcuffed me, insulted me, and slammed my head against the wall,” said TikToker and poet Ilhama Elshadgyzy (Askerova) during a court hearing. She has been in prison for six months, accused of large-scale drug possession without intent to sell. She categorically denies the charges and claims her arrest was due to statements made on TikTok, which, according to her, the police admitted. “Sometimes they take me to a mental hospital, sometimes they take my blood for analysis like I’m an addict. My blood is clean. At my age, as an Azerbaijani woman, a poet, someone who’s been a guest expert on TV shows—how can they treat me this way?” she said. She has been in pretrial detention since December 2024, and at yesterday’s hearing, the court rejected her request for house arrest until the verdict is announced.

● Haji Valiyev, the detained head of the Union of Young Veterans, spent three days in solitary confinement starting May 8. His family expressed outrage that they learned about it only during a court hearing yesterday regarding his request for hospital transfer. Relatives said the punishment followed an argument with a doctor during a check-up, when Valiyev complained of eye pain and said, “I’m a veteran, my wounds hurt.” He is accused of hooliganism involving a weapon, which he denies, claiming he is being prosecuted for his critical social media posts. He has frequently written about the hardships faced by wounded soldiers and the families of the fallen, especially after the second Karabakh war.

● Saleh Samedov, chairman of the Council of Elders of the Imishli district, has been dismissed for wearing a “St. George’s ribbon” (an imperial Russian military symbol banned in many countries as a symbol of aggression) and displaying the Soviet flag. Reports say Samedov is a member of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party.

● In January–March of this year, the average salary in Azerbaijan amounted to 1,083.8 manats (approximately \$640), which is a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to a new report by the State Statistics Committee.

Photo by JAMnews. The Aghdam Juma (Friday Mosque) after its recently completed restoration. This is a well-known monument in Azerbaijan, built between 1868 and 1870 by architect Karbalayi Safikhan Karabakhi as the main mosque of Aghdam – a city that was liberated and returned to Azerbaijani control following the Second Karabakh War:

● Georgian Dream prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze addressed Donald Trump and J.D. Vance in a lengthy open letter, expressing surprise that there has been no top-level communication between the governments of the two countries. The letter also states that it is “unclear” why U.S. sanctions remain in place against Georgian officials who “effectively suppressed a USAID-planned and funded attempted revolution and resisted the Biden administration’s violence.” Read more here

● 5th president Salome Zourabichvili called the letter “shameful” and said it reflects the government’s “utter desperation.” “This is probably the first sign that Bidzina Ivanishvili is unable to cope with the situation. He will not be able to handle the consequences of the MEGOBARI Act’s passage in the U.S., and it’s clear there is growing nervousness within Georgian Dream,” Zourabichvili said.

● Today, Georgian Dream MPs are discussing a draft special statement in parliament in response to the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the MEGOBARI Act, which includes sanctions on senior Georgian officials. The statement, which outlines Georgian Dream’s official stance, is co-sponsored by speaker Shalva Papuashvili.

● Georgian Dream lawmakers have approved amendments detailing and simplifying the process of banning political parties. Independent legal experts have assessed the legislation as repressive. Read more here

● Parliament has passed the first reading of a legislative package tightening asylum procedures for foreign nationals. It also provides for the deportation of foreigners who violate rules during demonstrations or commit petty offenses. Presenting the bill, deputy interior minister Darakhvelidze said the changes are linked to the participation of “numerous foreigners in protests in Tbilisi engaged in destructive actions.”

● The Diplomat reports on an alleged secret agreement between Georgia and the United Arab Emirates, calling it a “shocking political maneuver.” According to the publication, the Georgian government will not support Zurab Pololikashvili’s bid for a third term as secretary-general of the UN World Tourism Organization and will instead vote for the UAE candidate, Sheikh Al-Nawaisi. The Diplomat says the information is causing serious concern in the international tourism community and is being interpreted as a sign of strategic alignment between Georgia and Russia.

● Prominent TV host Nanuka Zhorzholiani reported that the health ministry refused to fund surgery for activist Aleksi Tirkia, who suffered an eye injury in December after being hit by a gas canister during mass pro-European protests (pictured below).

● According to Waste Detector, more than 7 million GEL (about $2.5 million) has already been allocated for Independence Day events on May 26 — most of it without tenders.

● Businessman Giorgi Chikvaidze, sentenced to 9 years for fraud, accused prosecutor general Giorgi Gabitashvili and former head of the financial police department Soso Ramishvili of fabricating the case against him. Through his lawyer, Chikvaidze said he had sent evidence to international organizations in Europe and the U.S. proving that Ramishvili created and protected fraudulent call centers in the building of the Public Broadcaster.

• * Giorgi Chikvaidze maintains his innocence and claims political persecution. For years, he supported Georgian Dream and helped with its campaign during last October’s parliamentary elections. However, in the months before his arrest, Chikvaidze accused the government of racketeering and aiding “business fraud,” warning of the risk of “physical elimination.”

● The two men arrested over the murder at the “Rati” bar in Tbilisi remain in custody. One has been charged with intentional murder; the other with failure to report a crime.

● The trial continued for seven journalists involved in the “Abzac Media case.” Among them are the outlet’s director Ulvi Hasanli, editor-in-chief Sevinj Vagifgizi (Abbasova), coordinator Magomed Kekalov, journalists Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova, and Hafiz Babaly, editor at Turan news agency. Also on trial in the same case is Radio Free Europe journalist Farida Mekhralizade. They are all charged with smuggling, illegal entrepreneurship, tax evasion, and other offenses. They face up to 12 years in prison. The journalists deny the charges, saying they were arrested for publishing criticism of the authorities. Lawyers for Absalamova and Gasimova asked Kekalov why his earlier statements mentioned the role of these journalists in allegedly bringing money into Azerbaijan from abroad and moving it within the country. Kekalov said he never gave such testimony but signed some documents that were handed to him. He added that he withdrew these statements during the investigation. Video discs were attached to the case and were supposed to be viewed in court, but they could not be found. The hearing was postponed to May 16.

* Over the past year and a half, more than 30 journalists and civil society activists have been arrested in Azerbaijan on smuggling charges. All of them reject the accusations, saying they are being punished for their professional activities.

● The US Congress’s Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission called for the immediate release of opposition politician Tofig Yagublu, sentenced to 9 years in prison. Although he ended his hunger strike after more than 40 days, his health remains critical.

● Azerbaijani businessmen have been targeted in a new UK sanctions package against Russia. The sanctions affect nearly 100 oil tankers from Russia’s “shadow fleet.” Among those sanctioned are directors of the oil trading company Coral Energy Group (also known as 2Rivers Group). The UK government named Ahmed Karimov, Tahir Garaev, Anar Madatli, Talat Safarov, and Etibar Eyub, stating they “benefited from or supported the Russian government.” Coral Energy operates in the energy sector, which is strategically important to Russia. This is the UK’s second sanctions package against 2Rivers Group, the first was announced in December 2024.

The documents also mention the “Zangezur” tanker. According to the Caspian Sea Shipping Company’s website, 100% of ASCO shares — the tanker’s owner — are held by the Azerbaijani government.

* This is not the first time Azerbaijan has been linked to Russian oil. In July 2024, Global Witness reported that Azerbaijan’s state refinery STAR processes large volumes of Russian oil, which is then exported to EU countries. In the first three months of 2024, this export increased by 40% compared to the same period in 2022.

● Russian and German politicians held an unofficial closed-door meeting in Baku — not the first of its kind — Reuters reported. They discussed the future of the Petersburg Dialogue forum, which officially ceased operations after the war in Ukraine began. The German side included MP Ralf Stegner, former Merkel chief of staff Ronald Pofalla, and two former state ministers. From Russia, former prime minister and Gazprom board chair Viktor Zubkov and presidential human rights council chair Valery Fadeev took part. The German delegation told Reuters that “dialogue, even in tense times, is a key principle of sound foreign policy,” and emphasized that the meeting was unofficial. Germany’s foreign ministry also said that no meetings were held or planned on behalf of the federal government. Reuters has no information on who organized the meeting in Baku.

● UNICEF is closing its Azerbaijan office, as confirmed by Irina Mazur, the regional director for Europe and Central Asia, to pro-government outlet Report. “UNICEF will continue working with partners in Azerbaijan through its regional office and headquarters.” The organization, which supports children’s rights in 190 countries, had operated in Azerbaijan since 1993.

* Earlier this year, several other UN offices left Azerbaijan, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, UNDP, UNHCR, and the UN Population Fund. In March, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry said Baku is reviewing its cooperation with the UN, since the country “has transformed from an aid recipient into a contributor to the global agenda.”

● The defense ministry reported Armenian gunfire at Azerbaijani positions on the border. “On May 13, from 20:45 to 21:30, units of the Armenian armed forces stationed in the Goris and Chambarak districts intermittently fired at Azerbaijani positions with small arms,” the statement read.

● The trial continued for Ruben Vardanyan, former state minister of the former unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and Armenian citizen, who remains in pre-trial detention. He is accused of torture, mercenarism, war crimes, terrorism, and other charges. According to Azertag, Vardanyan again challenged the panel of judges, but the court found no grounds to consider the objection. Testimonies from victims were heard. The next hearing is scheduled for May 20.

● Turkish national security secretary Okay Memiş and defense minister Yaşar Güler are visiting Baku.

● A decline in Azerbaijan’s industrial output was recorded in the State Statistics Committee’s report for January–April 2025. Production in the oil and gas sector fell by 3.4%, while non-oil output rose by 5.3%. Overall, industrial output in the first quarter dropped by 1.9%. Economists link the decline to lower oil production, caused by reduced investment in the sector.

● The Azerbaijani National NGO Forum sent an open protest letter to the South Korean government over the screening of an Armenian film titled There was, There was not at the Jeonju International Film Festival. “Sovereign Azerbaijani territory, previously under Armenian occupation, is presented under a fictional name, which contradicts historical justice, international law, and South Korea’s official stance. We strongly condemn the festival being used as a propaganda tool for occupation, separatism, extremism, and incitement of ethnic and religious hatred. We urge the film’s removal from the program and call for such cases not to be repeated,” said the letter, quoted by pro-government outlet Oxu.az.

● The defense ministry denied Azerbaijan’s reports of Armenian fire on their positions on the evening of May 13, calling the claims “yet another disinformation.”

● “I hope our people have strong nerves and won’t fall for Azerbaijan’s provocations, as the shootings at the border are also aimed at disturbing public calm in Armenia,” said Arman Yeghoyan, MP from the ruling Civil Contract party, commenting on the border incident.

● “Pashinyan still has a chance to step down peacefully, admitting that he has proven his lack of preparation and incompetence, and recognizing the inevitability of legal accountability. The opposition should accept this option, as any other outcome will increase the temptation for Pashinyan to usurp power and raise the risk of internal conflict,” former foreign minister Vartan Oskanian wrote on social media.

● Alcohol exporters held a protest outside the Georgian embassy in Yerevan. They are angered by the Georgian authorities’ requirement for laboratory testing of Armenian goods on Georgian territory, even though the goods are not sold in Georgia but only transiting to Russia. The requirement is causing shipment delays and multi-million-dollar losses for producers, exporters, and transport companies. The embassy held a meeting with two company representatives, after which the protesters dispersed, awaiting an explanation from the Georgian side. Armenia’s economy minister Gevorg Papoyan supported the protest and said he would discuss the issue with Tbilisi. “Similar problems had occurred with the transit of Armenian textiles and aluminum foil through Georgia, but those were resolved,” the minister said.

● Defense minister Suren Papikyan took part in the UN ministerial meeting on peacekeeping held in Berlin.

● Actors at the Yerevan State Youth Theatre went on strike to protest the dismissal of their director. They say the dismissal was justified by his alleged excessive distribution of complimentary tickets. “The theatre director is allowed to give out 20% of all tickets as invitations. He gave out less than 9.6%,” said actor Hrachya Gasparyan at a press conference.

● A malfunction in the high-voltage power transmission system left central Yerevan without electricity for three to four hours.

● The European Film Festival will take place at the House of Cinema in Yerevan. The festival program includes films such as Emilia Pérez, The End, Rita, The Great Journey, Maria, and others. Entry is free.

The Armenian foreign ministry published this photo with the caption: “Armenian and Luxembourg foreign ministers Ararat Mirzoyan and Xavier Bettel seal the friendship and partnership between the two countries with an embrace on the sidelines of the Council of Europe ministerial session”:

● Journalists from TV Pirveli’s crew were assaulted. Reporter Mariam Makasarashvili suffered a concussion and facial injuries, while cameraman Nukri Kapiashvili sustained a head hematoma. Both were hospitalized. The Special Investigation Service launched a probe under the article on unlawful obstruction of a journalist’s professional activity. Read more here

● “Georgian Dream has created a repressive environment that made such attacks on journalists possible,” said human rights groups, including the Charter of Journalistic Ethics.

● Giorgi Shindjikashvili resigned as first deputy governor of Kvemo Kartli, thanking “every municipality for responsible work, all civil servants for their friendship and dedicated service to the country, and my colleagues for their support and loyalty.” His resignation was the reason the Pirveli crew went to his home for an interview, where the assault occurred. According to various sources, the resignation was allegedly triggered by a scandalous conflict with controversial riot police chief Zviad Kharazishvili (nicknamed “Khareba”). More here.

● Dozens of journalists gathered outside Women’s Colony No. 5 near Tbilisi to celebrate the birthday of imprisoned media founder Mzia Amaglobeli (Batumelebi and Netgazeti). She was arrested for slapping the Batumi police chief who had insulted her and now faces up to 7 years in prison. The journalists stood in a spot visible from her cell, chanted greetings through a megaphone, and released flying lanterns. Watch the video here.

*Around 30 people remain under arrest following mass pro-European protests that have been ongoing in Georgia for six months. The protesters have two main demands: the release of political prisoners and new parliamentary elections to enable a legitimate change of power.

● Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili (Georgian Dream): “Democracy is about dialogue, not coercion. Decisions should reflect the interests and concerns of all member states and partners—including in Europe. In this regard, it would be good to discuss replacing the consensus-based decision-making principle with majority voting. The voices of small states should be heard just as much, because truth isn’t measured solely by numbers.” He made this statement during his visit to Hungary for the EU and partner countries’ Speakers’ Conference.

● “Georgian Dream falsely hopes the US will delay passing the MEGOBARI Act, which includes sanctions against party leaders, so they can hold local elections in October. Georgia is not in a typical situation—procedures will follow a non-standard timeline, just like in the cases of Russia and Belarus. This process will be completed much earlier,” said Tina Khidasheli, founder of the Civic Idea organization. Who in Georgia will be targeted by MEGOBARI sanctions – read more here

● In Tbilisi and Zugdidi, activists launched a campaign by placing stickers on grocery products featuring the face of Georgian Dream founder and oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili with the message: “I made this more expensive.” They also posted flyers noting that MPs earn around \$4,000 while pensions are only about \$100.

● Prosecutors have charged one person with premeditated murder and another with failing to report a crime in connection with a killing that took place at “Rati” bar in Tbilisi.

Happy birthday, Mzia Amaghlobeli! Dozens of journalists gathered outside Georgia’s No. 5 Women’s Prison, choosing a spot visible from her cell. Founder of independent media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, Amaghlobeli was arrested for slapping the Batumi police chief after he… pic.twitter.com/CF0eXuRaxc

— JAMnews (@JAMnewsCaucasus) May 12, 2025

● Armenia is nominating the unique regions of Tatev and the Vorotan Gorge for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The area covers 7,400 hectares, with a buffer zone of over 20,000 hectares, said Narine Tyutcheva, head of the “RE-School” education center, at a conference in Yerevan. The nomination will include archaeological sites, roads, bridges, water systems, and caravanserais.

● Strong winds caused severe damage in the capital and several regions of Armenia — the Ministry of Emergency Situations received 57 reports. Roofs were torn off, drainpipes damaged, and trees toppled in Yerevan, Abovyan, Vanadzor, Dilijan, and Ijevan (see photo below).

● Opposition MP Artsvik Minasyan has called on the Prosecutor General to investigate and legally assess statements made by Defense Ministry representative Artsrun Hovhannisyan regarding the Battle of Stalingrad during World War II. Hovhannisyan said the belief that the Soviet victory at Stalingrad saved Armenia from Turkish invasion is a myth. Instead, he claimed the German command had considered a plan (“Gertrude”) for invading Turkey, which was never carried out. Minasyan accused him of distorting history and attempting to justify Nazi Germany.

● Defense Minister Suren Papikyan is on a working visit to Germany.

●  “I don’t think mandatory drug testing for schoolchildren is a good idea,” said Investigative Committee head Artur Poghosyan during a parliamentary discussion on the agency’s 2024 report. “How do you even imagine this happening? What if a child refuses?” he said. The proposal was initiated by the government.

● Sergey Abramyan, a resident of Armavir, said police officers attacked him in his own home, took him to the station, handcuffed him, taped his mouth shut, and beat him. He said they only stopped when he began vomiting. Abramyan asked for medical help, but instead, he was simply sent home.

● Are there any practical outcomes from Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s visit to Moscow for the parade marking the 80th anniversary of World War II? This question is leading social media discussions in Armenia. Asmik Akopyan, an MP from the ruling Civil Contract party, wrote: “Why shouldn’t he have participated? Small Armenia played a major role in World War II. We had many casualties, and the event in Moscow was dedicated to Victory.” Read more here

● Amnesty International has urged all embassies operating in Azerbaijan to attend the court hearing today, May 13, for six arrested journalists from the popular online outlet AbzasMedia, including its director and editor-in-chief. The outlet is known for its anti-corruption investigations. The journalists were initially charged with smuggling, with additional charges added later. They now face 8 to 12 years in prison. They deny the charges and claim they are being persecuted for their journalistic work. “AbzasMedia staff have been in detention since November 2023. We call on the authorities to drop all charges against them and other journalists,” Amnesty said in its statement.

● Prominent journalist Ulvia Ali, arrested in connection with the MeydanTV case, has filed a complaint stating she was subjected to harsh and degrading treatment during her arrest and detention. Her relatives report she developed serious health problems due to being hit in the head during the arrest. She, like the others arrested in the case, is charged with smuggling. Ulvia and the other journalists deny the charges and say they were targeted for their critical reporting on the authorities.

● The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have condemned the arrests and violence against Ulvia Ali and Yoldash Media founder Ahmed Mamedli, calling on Azerbaijani authorities to release them immediately. The organizations denounced the “increasing pressure on media freedom in the country.”

*Since November 2023, over 30 media workers have been arrested in Azerbaijan, including nearly the entire teams of popular outlets like AbzasMedia, ToplumTV, and MeydanTV. According to a list compiled by multiple human rights activists, there are currently around 350 political prisoners in the country.

● Lawyers for jailed young scholar Igbal Abilov demanded his acquittal during a court hearing on May 12. They argued that none of the charges against him have been proven during the months-long trial. Abilov, a researcher of Talysh culture and editor-in-chief of the Izvestia of the Talysh National Academy journal, is accused of treason and collaboration with Armenian intelligence to incite interethnic hatred in Azerbaijan. He denies the charges. The trial is closed to the public. The prosecutor is seeking a 19-year sentence. Abilov appeared via video link and requested more time to prepare his final statement, which he will deliver on May 15, after which the verdict will be announced. Abilov had lived in Belarus with his family since childhood and was detained in July 2024 while visiting Azerbaijan for his cousin’s wedding. Watch video here

● The court has denied an appeal from Aziz Orujov, head of the online channel Kanal 13, who remains in custody. He was sentenced to two years in prison in February for allegedly building a house without a permit. Orujov denies the charges.

● Fazil Gasymov, a doctoral student at Istanbul University sentenced to 9 years in prison, has started a hunger strike. He was detained in Turkey in July 2023 and extradited to Azerbaijan following the arrest of economist Gubad Ibadoghlu, as part of the same case. His family says he is being mistreated in prison and has called on the authorities to intervene. Gasymov, like Ibadoghlu, is accused of acquiring or distributing counterfeit currency. He denies the charges. Gubad Ibadoghlu was placed under house arrest in April 2024.

● The trial of former leaders of the now-defunct Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) continues. They are charged with war crimes, terrorism, attempting to overthrow the state, and other serious offenses. Pro-government agency AZERTAC reported that witnesses and victims of the Armenian military’s 1990s seizure of the Kalbajar district testified in court, describing killings of local Azerbaijanis. The next hearing is scheduled for May 15.

● Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held several meetings during his visit to Bahrain. He delivered a letter from the president of Azerbaijan to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The pro-government outlet Report said Bahrain expressed interest in developing cooperation with Azerbaijan.

● Secretary General of Turkey’s National Security Council, Okay Memiş, is visiting Azerbaijan.

● The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the decision to dissolve the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is classified as a terrorist organization in Turkey. “This is an important step toward lasting peace and stability,” the statement said.

● Batumelebi and Netgazeti founder Mzia Amaghlobeli will mark her 50th birthday in a detention facility. She was arrested after slapping the Batumi police chief, who she said had insulted her. Amaghlobeli faces up to seven years in prison. Mamuka Khazaradze, leader of the “Lelo – Strong Georgia” party, expressed solidarity, wishing her “strength, health, and freedom—what the regime has unjustly taken from her,” and said the opposition is working to bring international attention to her case and other political prisoners.

● Thousands marched in Tbilisi, ending with a rally outside the U.S. embassy. Demonstrators thanked Washington for decades of support for democracy and for the recently passed MEGOBARI bill in the U.S. Congress. The bill calls for sanctions on senior “Georgian Dream” officials, accusing them of democratic backsliding, media suppression, and aligning with Russia. It must still pass the Senate and be signed by President Trump. Pro-European protests demanding new parliamentary elections and a lawful change of power have continued in Georgia for six months.

● Businessman Giorgi Chikvaidze, sentenced to nine years in prison for fraud, has begun a hunger strike. He denies the charges and claims political persecution. Once a supporter of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party, Chikvaidze had helped in its campaign for last October’s parliamentary elections. In recent months, he accused the government of racketeering and facilitating “business fraud,” warning of threats to his life.

● “Georgian Dream is lying when it accuses the European Union of interfering in domestic affairs,” said Teona Akubardia of the “Gakharia for Georgia” party. “All commitments Georgia made on the path to EU membership, including democratic and judicial reforms, media freedom, and fundamental rights, were signed by this very government. They then violated these obligations and turned against the country’s European future,” she said.

● Authorities in coastal Batumi say they restored power within 24 hours after a hurricane damaged a high-voltage transmission line, leaving part of the city without electricity. Two people were injured by a collapsed construction structure near Piazza Square, but their lives are not in danger.

●  The Patriarchate has announced that May 17 will again be marked with a religious procession and prayer services for the “Day of Family Purity.” The holiday was introduced in 2014 to coincide with the internationally observed International Day Against Homophobia. Last year, the “Georgian Dream” government made May 17 an official public holiday, saying it “shows the world the values on which Georgia and its people stand.”

● Two people have been detained in Tbilisi in connection with a fatal stabbing at a bar. The interior ministry said one suspect is accused of stabbing a 2006-born youth during a dispute. The victim died at the scene. The second detainee allegedly witnessed the killing but failed to report it to police.

● The health condition of Ulviyya Ali, a prominent journalist detained since May 6, has worsened. Her family claims she was beaten during arrest and pre-trial detention, and that she is now suffering from severe headaches and vomiting. Relatives say she urgently needs a medical examination and a CT scan. Authorities have not commented. Ulviyya has been charged with smuggling as part of the “MeydanTV case” along with seven other journalists. All of them deny the charges and say they are being prosecuted for critical reporting on the authorities.

● Azerbaijani opposition politician Tofig Yagublu, who was in critical condition, has ended his hunger strike. A member of the Musavat Party and the National Council, he was sentenced to nine years on fraud charges, which he strongly denies, calling the case politically motivated. He had been on hunger strike for 40 days in protest.

● Ceremonies are being held across Azerbaijan and in Azerbaijani communities abroad to mark the 102nd anniversary of Heydar Aliyev, father of the current president and officially recognized as the country’s “national leader.” Leaders at all levels, including the prime minister, all ministers, and other officials, visited his grave at the Alley of Honor in Baku.

● Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov: “Contacts with Armenia over the peace process are ongoing on several tracks. However, at this stage, there are no serious steps from Armenia toward normalizing relations. Azerbaijan has clear expectations — namely, that Armenia renounce any territorial claims and support the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group, which was co-chaired by France, the United States, and Russia and facilitated negotiations on the Karabakh conflict since the 1990s.”

● Jeyhun Bayramov: “Armenia planted landmines in Karabakh and re-mined large areas during the three years following the Second Karabakh War in 2020. Before Azerbaijan regained control over the Lachin road, Armenia used it to illegally transport mines into Karabakh, despite the trilateral statement stipulating the road was solely for humanitarian purposes. Since November 2020, there have been around 400 mine-related incidents in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, resulting in the deaths or injuries of around 70 people.”

● Jeyhun Bayramov has departed for an official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

● Turkey and Azerbaijan have conducted joint military exercises in the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan.

● The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and urged both sides to engage in constructive dialogue.

● A 3,200 kVA substation and a Digital Control Center have been commissioned in the Khojaly district, ensuring a reliable power supply for new residential complexes in the cities and villages of Karabakh, as well as for agricultural, tourism, and other facilities, according to the state agency AZERTAC.

Photo by the Police Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Academy cadets held a flash mob dedicated to the 102nd anniversary of the birth of Heydar Aliyev:

● Teachers and parents at the Pushkin School in Yerevan went on strike early this morning, protesting the dismissal of principal Natalia Stepanyan. They are demanding a meeting with the education minister and the city mayor.

●  India will send a second batch of Akash surface-to-air missile systems to Armenia in July, according to the IADN Centre.

● Two passenger planes were delayed from landing at Yerevan airport due to hurricane-force winds. They landed safely once the weather stabilized.

Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 5-9 May, 2025