Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 15-18 September, 2025

●  The assessment of the U.S. State Department spokesperson regarding the “Georgian Dream” party remains unchanged, according to a letter received by Formula TV in response to its request for comment on the statement made by Prime Minister from the “Georgian Dream” party, Irakli Kobakhidze. On September 14, Kobakhidze said at a briefing: “Our policy and position are absolutely clear – we want to renew the strategic partnership with the United States from a clean slate and with a concrete roadmap. If there are mutual steps, nothing can prevent this.” Formula turned to the State Department to clarify what exact roadmap “Georgian Dream” was asking for, while the State Department had earlier stated that it had already informed the party representatives of the steps they needed to take.

In its reply, the State Department representative wrote: “The United States has clearly outlined the steps that the Georgian government can take to demonstrate the seriousness of its intentions to improve relations with the U.S. Regarding the continuing anti-democratic actions of the ‘Georgian Dream’ government, as Vice President J. D. Vance noted in Munich, a democratic mandate cannot be achieved through censorship or imprisonment of opponents, nor by ignoring the views of the core electorate on who should be part of our shared society. The United States has been a partner of Georgia and the Georgian people for 33 years and has consistently supported Georgia’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”

●  European Commission representative Guillaume Mercier stated that “the EU is concerned about democratic backsliding in Georgia, which complicates the country’s European integration process.”
He also spoke about EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos’s visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan: “This visit should be seen in the context of the peace process. This is truly a critical moment for the South Caucasus region. Commissioner Kos will use this opportunity to reaffirm the EU’s strong commitment to the peace process and the full normalization of the situation in the region. The new Black Sea Strategy is extremely important for us; we are confident it will contribute to the development of the entire region.”

●  Head of Transparency International Georgia Eka Gigauri claims that “Georgian Dream” is using representatives of big business to obstruct the process of sanctions against people in power. She refers to “information from international partners” and says: “Since the ruling team cannot establish relations with the governments of various countries through diplomatic channels, they are using big business to lobby for ‘Georgian Dream’s’ interests. These businessmen warn that if Bidzina Ivanishvili faces problems, this could negatively affect the economy of the entire country, which is not true.” Gigauri added: “Perhaps at some point everyone will learn the names of these businessmen.”

●  One of the leaders of the opposition United National Movement, Levan Khabeishvili, who was arrested for publicly offering bribes to officials for committing unlawful acts and for calling for the overthrow of state power, responded in writing to questions from Formula TV. The answers were received a day before Khabeishvili was banned from holding meetings, making calls, or sending letters. “By arresting me, Bidzina Ivanishvili (an oligarch widely considered the country’s shadow ruler) admitted his defeat,” Khabeishvili wrote.

●  Fifth President Salome Zurabishvili in an interview with Foreign Policy: “There are only two scenarios for change in Georgia: new fair parliamentary elections – or street protests until such elections are held.” Zurabishvili also called on international partners to provide greater moral support to the protests in Georgia.

●  Olympic judo champion and former MP from the ruling Georgian Dream party, Zurab Zviadauri, has been sentenced to custody as a preventive measure during the investigation. The next pre-trial hearing is scheduled for November 12. The prosecution accuses him of the illegal acquisition, possession, and carrying of firearms and ammunition.

●  Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze responded to a video circulating on social media showing UFC fighter Khamzat Chimaev, a friend of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, driving a Ferrari at high speed in Georgia. In the video, Chimaev says that if he violates traffic rules, the “Georgian Dream” police will fine him. Kaladze stated that he did not give Chimaev the Ferrari, but that it was a gift from Saba Mikava, the owner of the Forza car dealership in Tbilisi. The photo shows Kakha Kaladze with Khamzat Chimaev.

●  EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos visited Baku on Thursday. Today she traveled from Azerbaijan to Armenia. Marta Kos told journalists in Baku that she hopes to sign a financial agreement that will allow investment in territories liberated as a result of the 2020 Second Karabakh War, particularly in the healthcare system. President Ilham Aliyev noted at the meeting with the Commissioner that Azerbaijani gas is currently exported to 10 European countries, including eight EU member states.

The visit follows the August 8 signing in Washington of a declaration by the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia with the participation of Donald Trump, providing for the creation of the TRIPP transit route (“Trump Route”) through the region. Analysts write that these agreements could change the geopolitical situation in the South Caucasus and are urging the European Union to act more decisively in the region, using the TRIPP route for investment and trade, which would help establish stability in the South Caucasus.

In early September, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Magdalena Grono also visited Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, which lies at the center of the TRIPP route, and Armenia’s Tavush region bordering Azerbaijan, through which the route will pass.

●  Following the meeting with Marta Kos, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov wrote on X: “Azerbaijan remains committed to advancing the peace agenda and strengthening its partnership with the European Union.” According to him, the meeting discussed energy security, transport, renewable energy, climate, and regional peace initiatives.

●  A draft agreement on financing programs in Azerbaijan for demining, water resource management, and transport development was discussed during Marta Kos’s meeting with Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov. It was reported that investment initiatives in energy, digital economy, transport, the private sector, and other areas were also discussed as part of the EU’s new Global Gateway strategy.

●  Representatives of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Development Association presented their three-year strategic plan at the meeting with Marta Kos. During the discussion, it was emphasized that in addition to financial support, three aspects are important for attracting women to business: psychological support for women entrepreneurs, changing entrenched stereotypes, and developing digital skills.

●  The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee rejected two amendments to bills aimed against Azerbaijan. One proposed banning any support for projects in Azerbaijan, while the second sought to revoke the U.S. president’s authority to waive the application of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, which prohibits U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan. Both initiatives were put forward by Democratic Congressman Brad Sherman of California as part of the annual State Department Reauthorization process.

●  Belgian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Julien de Frepont told journalists about the growing interest of Belgian businesses in the country. “Over the past year, representatives of many Belgian companies working in such fields as energy, transport, logistics, and the maritime industry have visited Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a key partner for Europe both in the context of energy security and in trade between Asia and Europe. The country’s strategic location largely explains the activity of Belgian companies in this region,” the ambassador said.

●  The Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi seaport in Ukraine’s Odesa region is considering joint investment with countries participating in the Middle Corridor in the construction and management of terminals on its territory. “We plan to handle cargo coming from Azerbaijan to Georgia and are considering opportunities for active cooperation,” said port director Oksana Kiktenko in an interview with the pro-government outlet Report.

●  Today, the Azerbaijan Formula 1 Grand Prix kicks off in Baku — for the ninth time. On the first day of racing, there will be two free practice sessions, test runs, and qualifying within Formula 2. The Baku track is 306.049 km long, consists of 51 laps, and includes 20 turns.

●  The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported the detention of 10 people as part of a special operation to identify organizers of illegal online gambling on social networks. The investigation revealed that these individuals created pages mainly on Instagram under names such as TT, Admiral, “Bir-iki,” Gold, and others, using phone numbers of foreign mobile operators. Through these pages, the accused lured people into gambling on illegal websites such as Fast Loto365 and CHCPlay, operated outside the country. The ringleaders, conspiring with the heads of these sites abroad, created a network inside the country and organized this illegal activity in rented apartments. Around 500 bank cards were used for illegal money transfers. The network’s turnover during its operations amounted to more than 10 million manats (about $6 million), the Interior Ministry press release said.

●  The 140th anniversary of composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli, considered the founder of professional musical art in Azerbaijan, is being widely celebrated across the country with festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and discussions. Commemorative events were organized in Paris by Azerbaijan’s permanent representation to UNESCO and the Franco-Azerbaijani Dialogue Association. In Vienna, a musical and artistic program dedicated to Uzeyir Hajibeyli was presented.

📸 Report Photo: For ticket holders of the Formula 1 competitions in Baku, the traditional pit lane walk took place. Fans were able to see the team garages and preparations of equipment for the races. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix runs from September 19–21.

●  EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos will visit Armenia on September 19–20. “The visit comes at a pivotal moment in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and is an opportunity to present the EU’s agenda on interregional cooperation,” the pre-visit statement said. In addition to scheduled meetings at various levels, Kos will take part in the signing of two projects with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, visit the EU4Sevan biodiversity conservation project site, and the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies.

●  “Two years ago, I visited Armenia after Azerbaijan unjustly attacked Nagorno-Karabakh and deprived more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians of their homes. Today, I continue to stand with the Armenian people as we work on a long-term peace agreement that will remedy the harm and protect Armenia’s sovereignty,” said U.S. Senator from Michigan Gary Peters.

●  Actions taken by Yerevan to date do not contradict its commitments within the Eurasian Economic Union (led by Russia), said Mikael Agasandyan, representative of the CIS Department of Russia’s Foreign Ministry.

●  “Armenia has joined leading European business networks, top international venture funds, and innovative companies. This is a clear signal that Armenia is seen as a reliable platform for innovation and business,” said Minister of Economy Gevork Papoyan at the international conference “Gateway to Europe: Armenia – A New Hub for Innovation and Investment.” The forum was organized by the Ministry of Economy together with the EU, Expertise France, EBAN, and other partners. The minister added that the conference is a unique opportunity to showcase Armenia’s economic and investment potential and to launch new programs that will deepen Armenia–EU strategic cooperation.

●  Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan explained the decision to remove the image of Mount Ararat (located in Turkey) from the country’s border stamp on security grounds. “We are doing this to make Armenia an internationally responsible partner,” Pashinyan said. He categorically rejected social media and media claims that the move was made under Turkish pressure.

●  “The necessity of Pashinyan’s inevitable overthrow, or why he hates history” — an article under this headline was published by Armenia’s first president Levon Ter-Petrosyan. “Pashinyan is destroying the country. Of course, he is aware of the scale of the harm he has caused, which is reflected in his constant hysteria and daily insults and threats against the opposition,” wrote Ter-Petrosyan.

●  Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova spoke at a briefing about the “primitive comments” in Armenian media. This was her response to a Russian journalist’s remark that Armenian media allegedly suggest that the Russian side is not ready to take into account Armenia’s independent decisions, continuing to speak of a “big brother.” “We have seen even stranger things, such as claims that Armenia is supposedly under hybrid attacks, or that Moscow allegedly prevents Armenia from becoming a sovereign state and sees it only as a province. This is self-degrading for those who invent such things,” Zakharova said.

●  Prominent businessman and Prosperous Armenia Party leader Gagik Tsarukyan announced he will run in the 2026 parliamentary elections with a new team.

●  Head of Armenia’s Cadastre Committee Suren Tovmasyan denies involvement in an incident related to the abduction of a man. According to a former committee employee, her husband was kidnapped and beaten while trying to clarify an issue related to her dismissal. “I am confident that law enforcement agencies will provide the necessary comments,” Tovmasyan said.

●  A delegation led by the Speaker of Armenia’s Parliament will pay a working visit to Spain and Andorra.

●  Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met in The Hague with Marcin Czepelak, Secretary-General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration. They discussed new opportunities for Armenia to strengthen the rule of law following the country’s decision to join the court’s founding conventions.

●  President Vahagn Khachaturyan received Iran’s Ambassador Mehdi Sobhani, who is concluding his diplomatic mission. The ambassador stressed that Iran supports Armenia’s efforts to establish peace on the basis of the fundamental principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty.

●  “Displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh will be fully exempt from the requirement to present a vehicle tax certificate,” the Interior Ministry’s press service reported. The decision aims to ease the social burden on this population group.

●  In Armenia, a 13th-century khachkar (cross-stone) damaged by lightning is being restored. It has been moved to the Zvartnots Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve for restoration.

●  Mayor of Yerevan: Newly purchased buses or trolleybuses must be exclusively electric.

●  Developments continue around the arrest in Georgia of two Ukrainian citizens, in whose car with Ukrainian license plates 2.4 kilograms of explosive “hexogen” were discovered several days ago, hidden in disguised compartments. The State Security Service claims that one of the witnesses in the case directly points to Ukrainian special services as the organizers of this crime. “According to operational materials, the final destination of the explosive brought from Ukraine was Tbilisi, one of the residential buildings located in the Avlabari district,” the SSS stated. It was also announced that the Ukrainian embassy had been officially notified. The name of embassy representative Andriy Bilyk was mentioned. However, the Ukrainian embassy issued a statement saying they had not received any notification, knew nothing, and were seeking a meeting with the detainees to clarify the situation.

●  Charges have been brought against Kakha Kotorashvili, detained on accusations of laundering $24 million and €35 million, and a measure of restraint in the form of pretrial detention has been applied. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the detainee and his accomplices in 2022–2024 brought foreign currency into Georgia from neighboring countries, using special hidden compartments in cars, which were then delivered to a currency exchange point. The prosecution claims that in order to give the above amount a legal appearance, the defendant provided banks with false information about the origin of the money, and with the funds obtained from conversion, purchased real estate. Read more here

●  Leader of the “For Georgia” party Giorgi Gakharia: “The opposition’s decision to announce a ‘peaceful revolution’ on the day of the municipal elections on October 4 is the greatest gift to the ruling ‘Georgian Dream’. Equating a ‘peaceful coup or peaceful revolution’ with months-long public pro-European protests in fact delegitimizes the protesters and legitimizes ‘Georgian Dream’.” Gakharia stated that his party would not participate in the announced rallies on October 4.

The split in the Georgian opposition has sharply deepened as most political forces announced a boycott of the elections, while three opposition groups, including “Gakharia – For Georgia,” fielded their candidates and are participating in the vote. Read more here

●  In line with an EU decision, the Czech Republic has also canceled the visa-free regime for holders of Georgian diplomatic and service passports. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský shared this on Facebook, saying that the decision is a response to “human rights violations, dispersal of demonstrations, and the weakening of civil society.”

●  Irakli Shaishmelashvili, a former senior official of the Ministry of Internal Affairs special forces department, claims that during the 2023 protests against the “foreign agents law,” Georgian Dream attempted to involve the defense ministry in suppressing the protests. At that time, President Salome Zurabishvili refused to sign this decision, and defense ministry staff declined to participate.

●  Prime Minister from Georgian Dream Irakli Kobakhidze once again stated that “some Georgian NGOs, funded from abroad, tried to launch revolutionary processes in the country, and this is the subject of a law enforcement investigation.” He specifically mentioned Eka Gigauri, Executive Director of Transparency International Georgia.

●  Irakli Kobakhidze: “Representatives of some European embassies are directly involved in encouraging radical processes in Georgia. They often meet with radicals. This is perceived extremely negatively in Georgian society and negatively affects the image of the EU and European states as a whole.”

●  Georgia has completed repayment of its so-called “historical debt” to seven countries: Russia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and the Netherlands. As of August 1, the total outstanding debt to these countries was $7.32 million, but with accumulated arrears and penalties, the total repayment exceeded $225 million. According to the Ministry of Finance, all debts related to external obligations that arose in the early years of Georgia’s independence. The decision of Georgian Dream to pay off the debt to Russia, while Western countries impose additional sanctions against it, has caused outrage among the opposition and the public.

As of August 31, 2025, Georgia’s total external public debt stands at $9.1 billion.

●  Ombudsperson Anahit Manasyan officially proposed to the Human Rights Commissioner of Azerbaijan to establish communication on humanitarian issues but received no response. This was stated in the reply of the Ombudsman’s office to a request from Civilnet.

●  Representatives of the Foreign Ministries of Armenia and France discussed in detail the document on strategic partnership between the two countries and the timeline for its signing. Political consultations were held between Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan and the head of the department of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Brice Roquefeuil. According to the press release, cooperation programs between the two countries in various areas were discussed. The consultations also covered the agreements reached in Washington on the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the process of normalizing relations between Armenia and Turkey.

●  The Netherlands will provide 14 million euros to Armenia to secure housing for compatriots displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh. This was announced on X by Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot, commenting on the results of her meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.

●  In Yerevan, a meeting took place between Alen Simonyan, Speaker of the National Assembly, and Su Hui, representative of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. The press service of parliament reported that they discussed inter-parliamentary cooperation between Armenia and China. Attention was also given to the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the unblocking of regional communications.

●  Three tax inspectors have been accused of bribery, one of them arrested. According to the Anti-Corruption Committee, the chief inspector discovered six unregistered employees at a factory but concealed this fact in exchange for a bribe. Later, in collusion with two subordinates, he committed official forgery by not issuing a fine of nearly $3,800 to the business owner. The entrepreneur who gave the bribe is also implicated in the case.

●  Georgia has fully repaid its “historical debt” to the creditors of the Paris Club, including Armenia. The total amounted to $225 million. In addition to Armenia, Georgia has also settled its debts with Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Iran, and the Netherlands.

●  Sarkis Stepanyan has become world champion in para-arm wrestling for the fourth time. He won the gold medal at the World Championship held in Albena, Bulgaria.

●  The editor-in-chief of the website argument.az, Shamshad Aga (pictured below), arrested in the “MeydanTV case,” has been transferred to a prison hospital. According to relatives, his stomach ulcer has worsened. The penitentiary service has not commented. In total, 12 people have been arrested in this case. They are accused of smuggling, illegal entrepreneurship, tax evasion, forgery of documents, and other crimes. The journalists deny the charges, saying they are being punished for their honest professional work and criticism of the authorities. Read more here

●  In Moscow, Bakhtiyar Gasanov, head of the national-cultural autonomy of Azerbaijanis, has been stripped of Russian citizenship. Russian media report that he is accused of involvement in secret schemes ranging from illegal migration to counterfeiting, as well as creating interethnic conflicts. Gasanov became a Russian citizen in 2000 and was elected head of the Moscow diaspora in 2022. Previously, the heads of Azerbaijani diasporas in the Chelyabinsk and Moscow regions were also deprived of citizenship. In Yekaterinburg, more than 50 ethnic Azerbaijanis were detained, two were killed, and two seriously injured as a result of special forces violence. Russia claims the special operation was conducted as part of an investigation into murders committed in the 2000s. Baku demands those responsible be held accountable.

●  Former Deputy Defense Minister, General Fuad Mamedov, was posthumously found guilty of embezzling about 15 million manats (nearly $9 million). The court ruled to confiscate property belonging to his family members. Mamedov died during the trial. Sentences were also handed down to Defense Ministry employees Fuad Sheidabekov and Azer Khalilov, accused of embezzling over 10 million manats ($6 million) by inflating tender prices and forging documents while Mamedov was deputy minister. Khalilov was sentenced to 11 years, Sheidabekov to 10 years and 6 months. Both deny guilt.

●  By 2028, the Baku Shipyard will build two container vessels ordered by the Abu Dhabi–based AD Ports Group. This is the first international order placed with the shipyard. The vessels will operate in the Caspian Sea and play an important role in strengthening the Middle Corridor (the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route), linking Asia and Europe via the Caspian Sea, South Caucasus, and Black Sea, according to a press release.

●  Azerbaijan and Belarus discussed expanding trade cooperation in industry, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture at the deputy ministerial level.

●  The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection reported on active meetings with employers operating in territories liberated from Armenian occupation after the Second Karabakh War. Specific plans are being discussed to ensure employment for former internally displaced persons and their families who have returned or plan to return home. According to the latest data, more than 20,000 people are involved. Representatives of other ministries also took part in Wednesday’s meeting.

●  A state program has been approved to combat the illegal trafficking of drugs, psychotropic substances, their precursors, and drug addiction for the years 2025–2030. The Commission on Combating Drug Addiction will monitor the planned measures and report annually to the president on the program’s implementation.

●  President Ilham Aliyev congratulated the football club Qarabag on its 3:2 victory over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League group stage in Portugal. “This is a historic victory for Azerbaijani football, Azerbaijani sports,” he wrote on X.

●  Tomorrow, September 19, the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix opens and will continue until September 21. About 300 local and foreign journalists will cover the races. Outlets such as Netflix, Reuters, Agence France-Presse, Sky Sports, Motorsport.com, Associated Press, CANAL+, and ESPN Disney Latin have sent correspondents to Baku. The promoter, Baku City Circuit Operating Company, has created a Media Center equipped with modern technology, including facilities for live broadcasts and press conferences. Last year, 86 million viewers watched the race live, and in total more than 3.9 billion people engaged with the Baku Grand Prix across platforms.

●  In Shusha, Karabakh, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in an expanded format. Aliyev said the visit was of “special importance, as you are visiting Karabakh, lands liberated from occupation.” He highlighted the signing of a joint declaration on comprehensive strategic partnership and several memorandums, including cooperation in transport. Aliyev thanked the UAE for major investments in renewable energy in Azerbaijan, including the country’s first solar power plant.

The UAE president emphasized the July agreement on comprehensive economic cooperation and expressed readiness to deepen bilateral ties, also welcoming “positive developments toward signing a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia” and offering UAE support for regional peace. A total of 14 bilateral documents were signed.

●  Baku Shipyard and Abu Dhabi Ports signed a contract for the construction and sale of two container ships, with the presidents of Azerbaijan and the UAE present at the exchange.

●  The OSCE has begun dissolving the Minsk Group and related institutions at the request of Azerbaijan and Armenia, said Toni Sandell, representative of the Finnish OSCE chairmanship. The process includes the staff of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office’s personal representative, the High-Level Planning Group, and archive management. The Minsk Group, created in 1992, lost relevance after the Second Karabakh War in 2020. On August 8 in Washington, the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia jointly called for its closure.

●  A security meeting between Israeli and Syrian representatives is scheduled for September 18 in Baku, reports Sky News Arabia. Today in London, Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is to meet Syrian FM Asad al-Shibani to discuss a draft security deal, with US envoy Tom Barrack attending. Axios reports Israel has presented Syria with a proposal for new security arrangements, including demilitarized zones from southwest Damascus to the Israeli border, modeled on the 1979 Israel–Egypt peace treaty.

●  US President Donald Trump again posted on Truth Social a photo from the August 8 Washington summit with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan. “What an honor to help resolve the war between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to befriend these two great leaders… This friendship will be eternal for me, and more importantly, for the United States.”

At that meeting, Aliyev and Pashinyan, with Trump’s participation, signed a joint declaration. One point calls for opening the “Trump Route” — a road from Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave and Turkey via Armenia, with US company involvement. Their FMs also initialed a peace and relations agreement.

● The pre-trial detention of three journalists arrested in the “MeydanTV case” — Ulviya Ali, Fatima Movlamli, and Shamshad Aga — has been extended for another three months. MeydanTV staff members Aynur Elgyunesh, Natig Javadli, Hayala Aghayeva, Aytaj Tapdyg, Aysel Umudova, and journalist Ramin Deko have been in custody since December 6 of last year. On the same day, Ulvi Tahirov, deputy director of the Baku School of Journalism, was also arrested in connection with the case. Later, four more were detained: Shamshad Aga and Nurlan Gahramanli in February, Fatima Movlamli in March, and Ulviya Ali in May.

All of them face charges of smuggling, illegal entrepreneurship, tax evasion, document forgery, and other criminal offenses. The journalists deny the accusations, insisting they are being punished for their honest professional work and criticism of the authorities.

● The trial continues against Ruben Vardanyan, former State Minister of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and Armenian citizen, who remains in pre-trial detention. He is charged with torture, mercenary activity, war crimes, terrorism, and other offenses. According to the state news agency AZERTAC, Vardanyan submitted several motions to the court.

• He requested that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, OSCE Minsk Group members, and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Azerbaijan be questioned in his case. Prosecutors argued they had no relevance to the charges, and the motion was dismissed.

• Vardanyan also stated that he is not a serviceman and therefore objects to his case being heard in a military court. The judge reminded him that this issue was already addressed at the preparatory session, and since some charges qualify as war crimes, the case falls under military jurisdiction. This motion was also denied.

• He further requested transcripts of rulings on motions he filed in earlier hearings. This was granted, with the court noting he had been provided such access before.

• Vardanyan also contested charges of illegally crossing Azerbaijan’s state border and asked for former commanders of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Karabakh to testify. The judge ruled they had no connection to the case, and the request was rejected.

According to AZERTAC, the session then heard testimony from victims and relatives of those killed during murders, kidnappings, torture, and other crimes committed during the Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani lands. During these testimonies, Vardanyan began questioning the victims directly — something he had not done in previous hearings.

The next hearing is scheduled for September 23.

●  Pro-government Azerbaijani media denied Armenian reports that Viken Abraham Euljekdjian, a Lebanese-Armenian sentenced to 20 years for terrorism, is on hunger strike, stating he “is not on hunger strike and continues serving his sentence.”

●  In the first half of this year, Azerbaijan increased oil exports to Italy by nearly 48%, the customs committee reported.

●  The Defense Ministry announced the completion of multinational special forces exercises Eternal Brotherhood IV in Azerbaijan, with participants from Kazakhstan, Qatar, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Turkey.

●  Youth and Sports Minister Farid Gaibov congratulated the Qarabag football team for its “historic” win in the UEFA Champions League group stage, defeating Portugal’s Benfica 3–2 after trailing 0–2. Qarabag will face Copenhagen in Baku on October 1.

AZERTAC photo: The presidents of Azerbaijan and the UAE photographed against the backdrop of the Shusha Fortress.

●  The Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case following a claim of kidnapping and beating of the husband of a former employee of the Cadastre Committee. A video circulated on social media showed a woman, identifying herself as a former employee of the committee’s external relations department, alleging that the attack was organized by committee chairman Suren Tovmasyan and secretary general Mher Khachatryan. She said it began after her unlawful dismissal from the committee. Her husband, angered, called the chairman, and after receiving no reply, sent a voice message. A few hours later, according to her, he was kidnapped and brutally beaten: “the beating lasted for several hours and involved about 50 people.” The Cadastre Committee denies the allegations, calling them fabrication.

●  The Constitutional Court has begun reviewing the constitutionality of amendments allowing the nationalization of the “Electric Networks of Armenia” company. It is owned by Russian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, currently under arrest in Yerevan on charges of publicly calling for a power grab. Opposition MPs filed the appeal, arguing the process is illegal and aimed at seizing a strategically important company.

●  The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture has presented the concept “The Aesthetics of Real Armenia.” It states that state-funded cultural and educational programs must exclude the promotion of war and revenge, instead fostering “an environment of coexistence in the region.” The draft is open for public discussion on the legal acts portal e-draft.am before being reviewed by the government.

●  The first sentence has been handed down in the case of the January 2023 fire at a military unit in the village of Azat, which killed 15 soldiers and left three with severe burns. Junior Sergeant R.M., who was on duty that night, was sentenced to three years in prison for violating service rules that led to the deaths, according to the Prosecutor General’s Office. Read more here

●  The mayor of Gyumri has been placed under a travel ban and a bail of 5 million drams (about $13,000) in a case concerning the unlawful alienation of 22 state-owned properties.

●  A Confucius University is planned to open in Yerevan, specializing in Chinese language and culture, as well as developing academic and economic ties between the two countries.

●  Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II met with Pope Leo XIV, raising the issue of Armenian prisoners held in Baku. The Catholicos also invited the Pope to visit Armenia.

●  European Commission spokeswoman Anitta Hipper stated at a briefing in Brussels that the EU stands in solidarity with detained politicians, activists, and journalists in Georgia. She said the Commission is considering possible sanctions against members of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party, as well as suspending Georgia’s visa-free regime.

●  “There are no legal grounds for suspending Georgia’s visa-free regime with the EU,” said Maka Bochorishvili, Foreign Minister from “Georgian Dream.” She stressed that the authorities have always acted in good faith to ensure Georgian citizens enjoy this benefit, adding that visa-free travel with EU and Schengen countries is entirely the government’s achievement.

●  Bochorishvili also accused foreign actors of “open interference in Georgia’s internal affairs” aimed at fueling protests ahead of the October 4 municipal elections.

●  Opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria, who was arrested, has been charged with property damage, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison. Khoshtaria wrote the words “Russian Dream” on a campaign banner of Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, running again as a candidate from “Georgian Dream.” Prosecutors estimated the damage at 570 lari (about $200).

●  Russian citizens Anastasia Zinovkina and Artem Gribul, sentenced in Georgia to 8.5 years in prison for possession of large quantities of drugs, continue their hunger strike, which began on September 12. They deny the charges, claiming they are being persecuted for supporting pro-European protests in Georgia. Read more here

●  A young man was arrested for threatening participants of the pro-European protests with a weapon late on September 15. Protesters disarmed him and handed him over to police. He now faces up to 7 years in prison.

●  Prosecutors arrested a man for laundering $624 million and €35 million. Investigators say that members of a criminal group, in collusion with the suspect, smuggled large amounts of foreign currency of unknown origin into Georgia through hidden compartments in vehicles. The money was later transferred legally through a currency exchange owned by the suspect. The prosecutor’s office has not disclosed his identity or further details.

●  Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan: “The state assigns legitimate tasks to the armed forces – the defense of Armenia’s internationally recognized territory, not the ‘restoration of historical justice.’ The Armenian army has no missions outside the country. Its purpose is the protection of Armenia’s internationally recognized territory.”

●  Nikol Pashinyan: “More and more countries are ready to sell weapons to Armenia.”

●  “If you are building a house, you shouldn’t hang pictures on the walls that provoke negative emotions in your neighbors.” With this metaphor, Armenia’s Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan explained at a security conference in Yerevan the authorities’ decision to remove the image of Mount Ararat (located in Turkey) from border stamps. “We are on the path of peace, and there are issues that must be addressed publicly. There is no secret process, and I am confident that society accepts and shares this view,” Grigoryan said.

●  Russian gas supplies to Armenia will be suspended for 10 days due to scheduled maintenance on the main gas pipeline in the Stavropol region, Gazprom Armenia reported.

●  Iran’s outgoing ambassador to Armenia, Mehdi Sobhani, was today awarded the Order of Friendship, presented to him by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.

●  “My biggest mistake was supporting the 2018 revolution (led by Nikol Pashinyan),” said arrested Archbishop Mikael Adjapahyan during his trial. He is accused of publicly calling for the seizure of power and the violent overthrow of the constitutional order. The head of the Shirak Diocese stated that he is being punished because he “did not support the campaign against the Catholicos of All Armenians, began criticizing the government, and became a thorn in their side.” Read more here

●  The Treasury of Etchmiadzin has received a new addition: an antique map titled “Map of the Earthly Paradise” dated 1729, which also includes the territory of Armenia with a corresponding inscription. The exhibit was brought from Spain as part of a charitable program by Roza Hovhannisyan. After restoration, the map will be placed in the museum’s permanent exhibition, according to its social media page.

●  The Nubarashen landfill in Yerevan is once again smoking. Earlier, the Interior Ministry reported that the fire had spread across 700 square meters, and firefighting efforts are ongoing.

●  Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov spoke at an extraordinary meeting of Arab and Islamic states in Doha, expressing deep concern over the recent Israeli airstrike on Doha. Bayramov reaffirmed full support for Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and praised Qatar’s mediation efforts in resolving the Gaza situation. Regarding the Palestinian issue, he emphasized once again that Azerbaijan supports a two-state solution in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Bayramov also recalled that since the escalation in 2023, Azerbaijan has provided $2 million in humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people and continues to implement projects in education and healthcare to support Palestine.

●  Another blogger living abroad, sharply critical of the Azerbaijani government on social media, has been convicted in absentia. Mahammad Mirzali was sentenced to six years and six months in prison. His publications were deemed “open calls for mass unrest and violent overthrow of the constitutional order.” Mirzali, who left Azerbaijan in February 2017 and obtained residency in France, denies the charges, saying he is persecuted for his criticism of the government. According to Radio Liberty’s Azerbaijani service, his cousin and uncle were involved in the investigation. They said they had not seen or spoken to him for years and had not followed his broadcasts. In recent years, Mirzali survived two attacks: first an attempted stabbing, and later a shooting. The attackers were found and punished.

Before Mirzali, two other bloggers living abroad and critical of the Azerbaijani government were convicted in absentia: Gabil Mammadov was sentenced to 16 years in prison, and Imammeddin Alimanov to 7 years. Investigations are ongoing against several other Azerbaijani bloggers abroad. All of them deny the charges, saying they are persecuted for their critical views. Read more here

●  On Monday, the trial continued for nine journalists and activists arrested in a criminal case linked to the popular outlet ToplumTV. Earlier, lawyer Zibeyda Sadigova had raised concerns about the journalists’ health. At this session, a response to her request was presented: it stated that journalist Farid Ismayilov, who had lung and eye problems and underwent surgery before his arrest, is now in stable condition, receiving medical care, and has no pathologies requiring treatment. Regarding ToplumTV founder Alesker Mammadli, it was reported that a biopsy and oncologist consultation showed no cancerous cells.

The defendants rejected this response. Mammadli argued the document was based on examinations from 2024, and that no one had checked on him recently. His lawyer filed a motion for the court to obtain detailed medical records of the defendants, which was granted.

Mammadli reiterated that on March 8, 2024, the day of his arrest, he was abducted by masked men outside a clinic where he was undergoing examinations, and later about €7,300 was planted in his home and presented as “discovered.” His motion to open a case against those involved was denied.

The journalists face charges of smuggling, large-scale money laundering, illegal entrepreneurship, tax evasion, and other crimes—carrying sentences of up to 12 years in prison. They all deny the charges, saying their arrests were politically motivated.

Since November 2023, more than 30 journalists and civil activists in Azerbaijan have been arrested on smuggling charges.

●  The 2026 state budget has been published. Azerbaijan’s budget for next year will total about 42 billion manats (around $25 billion). Spending cuts are planned for: environmental protection (–13.8%), agriculture (–9.3%), housing and utilities (–19.4%), and economic activity (–9.8%). Increases are planned for: defense (+3.8%), healthcare (+2.95%), education (+1%), judiciary and legal sphere (+11.3%), public services (+9.8%), and social programs (+2.55%).

●  The Ministry of Economy forecasts inflation at 4.8% in 2026. For this year, inflation is expected to reach 5.4%.

●  The trial of former leaders of the former self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) also continued. They are accused of war crimes, terrorism, attempted overthrow of state power, and other serious offenses. According to state agency AZERTAC, the trial focused on documents showing killings of Azerbaijani soldiers and civilians by Armenian forces, covering episodes from the early 1990s.

Testifying as a suspect, Georgi Sarkisyan confirmed that in September 1988, Armenians looted and burned Azerbaijani homes in Khankendi, and that Azerbaijanis were forcibly expelled from the city. Witnesses and relatives of victims of the 1990–1992 events also gave testimony. The trial will continue on September 18.

●  Opposition party Droa leader Elene Khoshtaria has been arrested. A criminal case was opened against her under the article “damage or destruction of property” for writing on an election banner of Mayor Kakha Kaladze, who is running again as a candidate from the ruling Georgian Dream party in the October 4 municipal elections. Khoshtaria wrote on the banner: “Russian Dream.”

●  Prime Minister from Georgian Dream Irakli Kobakhidze sharply criticized Elene Khoshtaria. He reminded that under the law, the Prosecutor’s Office is obliged to open a criminal case if damage exceeds 150 lari (about $60). Kobakhidze also accused Khoshtaria of receiving financial support from Russia.

●  Irakli Kobakhidze also commented on the arrest of another opposition leader, Levan Khabeishvili. He is accused of publicly offering a bribe to officials to commit an unlawful act and of calling for the overthrow of state power. He faces 4 to 7 years in prison. “Georgia will take tough measures against politically motivated crimes. There is no such thing as either peaceful or non-peaceful overthrow of power. Khabeishvili faces two charges – for calls to overthrow power and for offering a bribe. Georgia’s laws have been tightened against corruption, organized crime, drug-related crimes, and the same strict approach applies to politically motivated crimes,” Kobakhidze said.

●  On Monday evening, unknown individuals attacked participants of an anti-government march. One of them, a minor, carried a firearm. Protesters seized the weapon and handed it over to the police. The Interior Ministry stated that it was an air gun. Pro-European protests in Georgia have been ongoing for more than 9 months, with main demands being new parliamentary elections to change power legally, and the release of all arrested and convicted protesters.

●  The new school year has begun in Georgia’s public schools. However, despite the festive mood, teachers and parents held protests in several locations, pointing out that some schools have been in an emergency state for years and urgently need renovation.

●  Israeli fraudster Simon Leviev, the main figure of the well-known Netflix documentary Tinder Swindler, has been arrested at Batumi airport. He was wanted by Interpol. Leviev scammed women through a dating app and extorted money from them.

●  An investigation has been launched against one of the leaders of the “Coalition for Change,” Elene Khoshtaria (pictured below), over an inscription she wrote on an election banner of Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, who is running for the same position as the candidate of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party in the October 4 municipal elections. Khoshtaria wrote on the banner: “Russian Dream.” On social media, she posted: “Solidarity with Megi.”

A few days earlier, 23-year-old activist Megi Diasamidze was arrested for making the same inscription. She was released from the courtroom during the investigation on bail of 2,000 lari (about $700).

●  One of the leaders of the opposition party “United National Movement,” Levan Khabeishvili, has been kept under arrest as a preventive measure. The prosecutor’s office accuses him of publicly offering a bribe to officials for committing an unlawful act and of calling for the overthrow of state power. He faces a sentence of 4 to 7 years in prison.

●  Another party leader, Murtaz Zodelava, who was arrested along with him on September 11, was granted bail of 25,000 lari (about $8,000). He is accused of obstructing police officers who tried to seize Khabeishvili’s mobile phone during his arrest.

●  Prime Minister from the “Georgian Dream” party, Irakli Kobakhidze, commenting to journalists on Khabeishvili’s detention, called him a “decoded agent.”

●  Tbilisi Mayor and secretary-general of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party, Kakha Kaladze, warned of possible new arrests of opposition figures. “If anyone thinks that unlawful actions will go unanswered, they are very wrong. None of these crimes will remain without a response,” Kaladze told journalists.

Currently, six prominent figures of the Georgian opposition remain behind bars. They were sentenced to 7–8 months in prison for refusing to testify before a parliamentary commission investigating alleged crimes of the previous authorities, as they consider it and any other bodies created by the ruling “Georgian Dream” illegitimate. Initially, there were eight of them, but two leaders of “Lelo,” Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, were recently pardoned by a president from the party of Mikheil Kavelashvili. Those still in prison are Giorgi Vashadze, Nika Gvaramia, Irakli Okruashvili, Zurab Japaridze, Nika Melia, and Givi Targamadze. Analytical review: “Boycott, protests, and hopes: municipal elections approach in Georgia”

●  Deputy speaker of parliament from the Georgian Dream party Gia Volsky accused the EU ambassador of “promoting the activity of extremist groups in Georgia.” He made this comment in response to meetings with young people that ambassador Paweł Herczyński held in the Guria region. “Herczyński received a specific task from the European bureaucracy to promote the activity of extremist groups – that is why he is meeting with people directly involved in extremist activities. The EU is providing financial and political support to those groups that portray the use of Molotov cocktails as heroism. What Herczyński is doing in Georgia does not correspond to any standard of bilateral relations or European standards,” Volsky said.

● President Ilham Aliyev spent the weekend in Karabakh and surrounding districts, meeting with local residents—formerly displaced persons—who have been able to return to their homes after the liberation of territories during the Second Karabakh War in 2020. “The scale of construction in Karabakh and Zangezur is unprecedented in the world. In five years, we have built cities, villages, bridges, tunnels, reservoirs, and power plants. All conditions have been created here for you: houses built and renovated, water, gas, electricity, heating, schools, medical centers, roads. The history of the past five years is a history of victory,” he said at a meeting in the Khojavend district.

It is reported that a total of about 20,000 Azerbaijanis—former internally displaced persons—have permanently returned to Karabakh and the East Zangezur region. Together with temporary workers, students, and faculty of Karabakh University, more than 50,000 people currently live in these two regions.

●  In the Fuzuli district, the president laid the foundation of the village of Garakhanbeyli. According to the press release, residents of Garakhanbeyli and Merdinli—villages destroyed during decades of Armenian occupation—will settle there. The project will be implemented in two stages. The first, to be completed next year, foresees the construction of 404 houses. The second stage, planned for 2027–2030, will cover 230 hectares with housing and modern infrastructure.

●  In the settlement of Hadrut, Khojavend district, Ilham Aliyev took part in the opening of a new mosque. In the city of Khankendi, he attended the inauguration of a new clinic at Karabakh University and a new academic building for the Faculty of Medical Sciences.

● At the same time as the president was in Khankendi, reports emerged that an armed provocation had been prevented there. The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that a local resident, Karen Avanesyan, armed with an assault rifle and five grenades, “attempted to approach the site of an event.” When detained, he resisted, throwing three grenades and opening fire at police officers. He was wounded and detained by return fire. One police officer was injured in the operation, the ministry said. Whether this constituted an assassination attempt on President Aliyev has not been officially confirmed.

● Today, Azerbaijan marks the 107th anniversary of the arrival of the Caucasian Islamic Army under the command of Nuri Pasha in Baku and the city’s liberation from Bolshevik occupation. Turkish Chief of the General Staff Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu is expected to arrive in Azerbaijan to attend the memorial ceremonies.

●  In the city of Shusha, Karabakh, the first Assembly of the Union of Turkic World Insurers took place over the weekend. An inaugural declaration was adopted. The Union was founded in 2022 in Istanbul and includes insurance associations of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. Later, associations from Hungary, Turkmenistan, and Northern Cyprus joined as observers. The main goals are to systematically build connections and achieve sustainable and stable development in the insurance markets of brotherly countries.

● The Azerbaijan women’s national basketball team took second place in the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series.

● The 2026 U-17 World Wrestling Championships will be held in Baku. The decision was made at a meeting of the UWW (United World Wrestling) Executive Committee.

A grape and wine festival was held over the weekend in the village of Meysari, Shamakhi district. Photo AZERTAC

● The Armenian authorities will remove the image of Mount Ararat from visa stamps placed in passports upon entry to and exit from the country. The new stamp design was approved in a government decision adopted last Thursday. The rules will come into effect on November 1, 2025. Minister of labor and social affairs Arsen Torosyan explained: “The reasoning behind this decision is very simple: the stamps have been aligned with modern border-crossing requirements as well as with the ideology of Real Armenia. The new stamps will not contain any information or images beyond border-crossing data, as is the case with stamps worldwide. The stamp size has also been reduced so that passports can last longer for many travelers.”

On social media, people are asking whether this is a gesture toward Turkey. “Perhaps it was the price for Kılıç’s visit. Or maybe Erdoğan called in the morning and decided to inject another dose of humiliation just for fun,” opposition politician Artur Khachatryan said.

●  A delegation led by Armenian defense minister Suren Papikyan departed for China on a working visit.

● An 18-year-old Armenian gymnast has invented a new element and made history in world sports. Hamlet Manukyan performed a unique routine on the pommel horse, which received the official name “Manukyan,” during the World Challenge Cup gymnastics tournament in Paris (video). With this, the athlete joined the list of outstanding Armenian gymnasts who also became famous for creating new elements — Grant Shahinyan, Albert Azaryan, Artur Akopyan, Vaagn Stepanyan, Vaagn Davtyan, Houry Gebeshian, and Artur Davtyan.

● The Armenian journalists’ national team won the European media football championship in Lithuania. The Armenian team defeated Ukraine 2:0 and claimed the tournament’s main trophy.

Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 8-12 September, 2025