Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 23-27 June, 2025

● The foreign minister in the Georgian Dream government, Maka Bochorishvili, met with UK ambassador Gareth Ward in Tbilisi. According to the official statement, Bochorishvili raised concerns about the sanctions imposed by London on several Georgian officials. “Recent statements and actions by UK executive and legislative representatives — including sanctions against Georgian citizens — cast doubt on our strategic partnership and friendly relations, and are often aimed at interfering in Georgia’s internal political affairs,” the foreign ministry said.

● The UK imposed sanctions on top law enforcement officials “in response to serious human rights violations during peaceful protests that began in 2024.” The list includes the prosecutor general, the interior minister and his deputy, as well as senior figures from the special tasks department. Read more here

● Vice speaker of parliament Tea Tsulukiani, from Georgian Dream, claimed the sanctions are “revenge” for not betraying the party’s honorary chair, oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. “That’s why they’re sanctioning us – we are his aides, we support his course. […] And we won’t take a single step back, because if not for Bidzina Ivanishvili and his family, […] we wouldn’t even be in Ukraine’s place – there would be nothing left of us,” she said on Georgian Public Broadcaster.

● Tbilisi City Court rejected appeals from defense lawyers seeking to change the pre-trial detention measures for 11 pro-European protestors charged with group violence. The prosecution once again cited flight risks and possible repeat offenses. Defense attorneys argued these claims were unsubstantiated and offered alternatives including bail, passport surrender, and mandatory reporting. The judge sided with the prosecution. The next hearing is set for June 30. Opposition figures say “the court, controlled by the ruling party, is rushing to issue verdicts to prevent the detainees from being released when their pre-trial detention period ends.”

● “An unprecedented attack on democracy in Georgia” — that’s how Norway’s foreign ministry described the situation. “Norway calls for the release of those unjustly detained and for an end to repression against civil society, free media, and freedom of expression in Georgia,” the ministry said on X.

● US Congressman Joe Wilson, who supports sanctions against Georgian Dream, posted an image of the Georgian flag on X with the caption: “Make Georgia great again.”

● The Azerbaijani president’s press service reported that Ilham Aliyev and Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian held a phone call. Aliyev congratulated his counterpart on the cessation of the Iran-Israel conflict, calling peace and security in the region a major achievement. The two also discussed the future of bilateral relations. Simultaneously, the Iranian president’s office released a statement noting that Pezeshkian urged Aliyev to investigate reports that Azerbaijan had allegedly allowed Israeli drones to use its airspace in attacks on Iran. In response, Aliyev reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s respect for Iran’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, rejecting the claims. “From the very beginning, Azerbaijan strongly condemned the strikes and confirmed it would never allow its airspace to be used against a friendly neighbor. Azerbaijan maintains full control and sovereignty over its skies,” his press service quoted him as saying.

● The Iranian president’s office also reported that during the call, Aliyev mentioned the upcoming visit of Russian officials to Baku regarding the North–South International Transport Corridor and proposed sending an Iranian delegation to join the trilateral discussions.

● Head of the Azerbaijan–UK inter-parliamentary group Fariz Ismayilzade sent a protest letter to British MPs Jim Shannon and Lord Alton in response to their support for the “Swiss Peace Initiative.” Swiss broadcaster SRF described the initiative as a platform for dialogue between representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan to discuss the conflict’s aftermath and resolution paths. Switzerland’s government did not support the idea, warning that organizing such a platform without a clear request from both parties could be counterproductive. In his letter, Ismayilzade stressed that “there is no administrative unit called Nagorno-Karabakh in Azerbaijan.” He urged the MPs to consider alternative information, stating that Armenia’s occupation of Karabakh displaced about one million Azerbaijanis and involved serious crimes. He accused Armenia of deliberately mining the territories and withholding information on mass grave locations of around 4,000 missing Azerbaijanis. He also emphasized that no Armenians were forcibly expelled and left voluntarily under the influence of propaganda. “Negotiations for a peace treaty are nearly complete, but signing is delayed due to the need to amend Armenia’s Constitution, which includes territorial claims against Azerbaijan. The so-called ‘Swiss Peace Initiative’ is not only useless but harmful to the fragile peace process,” the letter reads.

● Azerbaijani media cited a post by Ukrainian political analyst Taras Kuzio on X: “The Council of Europe created its first tribunal for prosecuting Russian aggression against Ukraine. But why is this the first tribunal 34 years after the USSR’s collapse? Why didn’t it create one for prosecuting Armenia’s aggression against Azerbaijan? Armenia occupied 20% of Azerbaijan. Russia occupied 20% of Ukraine. Does the Council of Europe have double standards?”

● Journalists sentenced on June 20 in the “AbzasMedia case” have been transferred from Baku’s detention center to a mixed-regime correctional facility in Umbaki, near Baku, according to their families. Six Abzas Media staff and a Radio Liberty journalist, Farid Mehralizade, were sentenced to 7.5 to 9 years in prison on smuggling charges. Read more here

● The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported an explosion followed by a fire at the “Azerbaijanfilm” studio in Baku. No injuries were reported, and the fire was quickly extinguished. The cause is still unknown.

● The Armenian delegation did not attend the EAEU summit in Minsk in person, joining only via video link. Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko commented: “Why has Armenia taken this position? Probably something is not right between us. If something happens, it’s never just one side to blame.”

● Prime minister Nikol Pashinyan said Armenia is open to developing cross-border passports and technological solutions to help modernize customs, logistics, and border infrastructure – especially important for a country without direct land borders with other EAEU members.

● Armenia’s Prosecutor General’s Office has opened a criminal case against Archbishop Mikael Ajapakhyan, head of the Shirak Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church. According to his lawyer, around 30 masked individuals stormed his residence in what appeared to be a search operation.

● 173 Indian nationals, previously evacuated from Iran to Armenia, have safely returned home, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The evacuation was arranged through diplomatic talks between the two countries’ foreign ministries.

● A large fire broke out in an underground parking garage of a residential building in Yerevan’s Avan district. Around 350 people were evacuated. The fire was localized by morning, with no reported injuries.

● A new attack on the prime minister came from Levon Zurabyan, an ally of Armenia’s first president, who said: “Armenia has fallen into the hands of an ignorant, arrogant, and power-obsessed couple terrified of losing control.” This followed Pashinyan’s remarks calling former president Levon Ter-Petrosyan “lazy, cowardly, and a foul-mouthed narcissist.” The comments came after Ter-Petrosyan met with Catholicos Karekin II to discuss “state repression against the Church” and the case of Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan.

Karapetyan has been arrested for allegedly calling for the overthrow of the government. He says the charges are retaliation for his support of the Church, which has come under increasing criticism from Pashinyan. Read more here

● The nationalization of Electric Networks of Armenia is not a corporate raid, the economy minister said. On the contrary, returning the company – part of Karapetyan’s business empire — to public ownership serves “priority public interests.”

● Armenia is ready to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan “in any city in the world,” said deputy foreign minister Vahan Kostanyan. “There are thousands of cities, and we’re ready to sign in any of them.”

● Kostanyan also addressed the issue of a potential withdrawal from the CSTO. He said Armenia is no longer just hinting at this possibility but openly speaking about it: “Armenia cannot remain in this position forever. If CSTO partners, including Russia, continue to avoid clear political statements – especially after the attack on Armenia’s sovereign territory – we will make a final decision.”

● US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Roger Wicker issued a joint statement following reports that Georgia’s Anti-Corruption Bureau demanded sensitive data from NGOs, including those working on human rights. “The Georgian Dream (GD) government is moving aggressively to consolidate power by silencing independent voices in anti-democratic moves reminiscent of the Lukashenka regime in Belarus,” they said. They warned that the “likely illegal” scope of data requests will “certainly lead to non-compliance” and are “understood to be directed by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili.” Organizations affected include Civil Society Foundation, EPRC, TI Georgia, Sapari, Future Academy, MDF, and ISFED. The senators also condemned the recent arrests of opposition leaders and backed the swift passage of the bipartisan MEGOBARI Act, which foresees U.S. sanctions against those obstructing Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic path.

●  Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard also responded to the opposition crackdown: “The arrests and sentences against opposition leaders erode Georgia’s democracy… Sweden will continue to stand up for a free, democratic and pluralistic Georgian society.”

● Media workers staged a protest outside the progovernment TV channel Rustavi 2, demanding airtime for the lawyer of jailed journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli to respond to Georgian Dream PM Kobakhidze’s “knowingly false” public statements about her case. The station’s news chief Nino Shubladze called the demand “editorial pressure.” Amaghlobeli faces 4–7 years in prison for slapping the Batumi police chief during a protest.

● PM Irakli Kobakhidze announced plans to ban private clinics from offering opioid substitution therapy: “The state has all the resources, including financial, to fully implement this program,” he said. He accused private providers of prioritizing profit over rehabilitation. Critics call the move populist and dangerous, warning it compromises patient privacy and access.

●  Independent broadcaster Hereti (operating in Tbilisi, Kakheti, and Batumi) had its bank accounts frozen over long-standing tax debt. Director Ramaz Samkharadze calls it politically motivated: “We don’t receive funds from either government or opposition. We survive only on advertising.” He plans to appeal and seek debt restructuring.

●  The ruling party has fast-tracked legislation making it a criminal offense to verbally disrespect judges even outside court. Penalties range from fines to up to 2 years in prison. Critics warn this further chills free speech amid growing authoritarian trends.

● Tbilisi City Court ordered 2-month pretrial detention for poet Zviad Ratiani, accused of assaulting a police officer during a protest on June 23. Prosecutors cited his prior protest-related offenses; defense had requested bail. Just before the hearing, pro-government media aired surveillance footage showing Ratiani slapping a police officer. He faces 4–7 years in prison.

● Opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria was fined 5,000 GEL (~$1,800) for disobeying police during a March 28 protest. She alleges abuse in custody, including being handcuffed behind her back, beaten in the face, and stripped by police.

● UNM’s Levan Khabeishvili was fined 4,000 GEL (~$1,500) for “insulting a public official” on Facebook. He was also stripped of his firearm license.

●  A man in his 60s was critically wounded at a restaurant in Ruispiri (Kakheti) after a police officer accidentally discharged his service weapon. The bullet struck the victim in the head. An investigation is underway.

●  Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, leader of the protest movement “Tavush for the Homeland” (Sacred Struggle), has been arrested for two months on charges of plotting a terrorist attack and attempting to seize power by force. Also detained Ara Rostomyan, father of a soldier killed in the 44-day war; Igor Sargsyan, member of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun; Aghvan Arshakyan, activist; Lidia Mantashyan, the only woman among those arrested.

In 2024, Galstanyan led mass protests against the transfer of border villages to Azerbaijan as part of the delimitation process and publicly called for the impeachment of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Read more here

●  The Investigative Committee stated: “Having failed to achieve regime change through constitutional means, the movement began, as of November 2024, to plan actions that directly violate the Constitution.” According to investigators, members of the movement allegedly plotted terrorist attacks, arson, and explosions, staged traffic blockages in tunnels, mass car crashes on major highways, paralysis of national transport, destruction of power and military communication lines.

● Over 90 searches were conducted by the National Security Service and police. Items seized reportedly include firearms, ammunition, fireworks, smoke grenades, drones, radios, military gear, and suspected narcotics, documents detailing plans for regime change, lists of “future appointees,” and step-by-step coup strategies.

●   The Investigative Committee released audio recordings obtained through covert operations. In one, a voice—allegedly Galstanyan’s—says: “Now I’m talking about the harshest scenario: surround the parliament, use explosives, injure them—end it that way.” Lawyer Hovhannes Hovhannisyan responded that the recordings are likely falsified and the defense will seek to have them thrown out.

●   Outside the courthouse in Yerevan, dozens of Galstanyan’s supporters gathered awaiting rulings on his and 15 others’ cases. Clashes broke out between protesters and police.

●  Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan likened the arrests to “preventing a new October 27”—a reference to the 1999 parliamentary shooting that killed Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsyan, Speaker Karen Demirchyan, and six others.

●  Etchmiadzin, the seat of the Armenian Apostolic Church, condemned the arrest of Archbishop Galstanyan and his supporters, calling it part of a broader anti-church campaign. “There is no trust in the legal process. Ruling party members are attempting to manipulate it,” said the Supreme Spiritual Council. The Church called on authorities to uphold the Constitution, avoid political manipulation, and respect the presumption of innocence.

●  Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow hopes no new escalation will occur between Armenia and Azerbaijan: “The countries are very close to finalizing a peace deal, which is vital for regional stability and security.”

●  Azerbaijan marks the 107th anniversary of its armed forces today. Military parades with orchestras will take place in Baku, Ganja, Khankendi, and Lachin.

●  Political analyst Azer Gasimli, director of the Institute of Political Management, again declared in court that he was falsely accused and that there is no evidence or witness against him. He is accused of threatening someone to repay a debt. Gasimli denies the charges and links his arrest to his critical publications. His lawyer requested that the case be closed or replaced with house arrest — both motions were denied.

●  Agshin Abdullayev (Oguz), an activist of the youth wing of the opposition Popular Front Party, has been sentenced to 30 days in jail. The party says he was targeted for his criticism. No official comment has been made. Currently, about 15 members of the party remain in long-term detention, and dozens of others have been subjected to administrative arrests. Human rights groups say there are now over 370 political prisoners in Azerbaijan.

●  Baku hosted an international conference on the decolonization of Guadeloupe under international law.

●  The Ministry of Science and Education has announced plans to introduce Chinese language teaching in schools.

●  The trial of three individuals, including two customs officers, accused of smuggling gold bars worth over 190,000 manats (around \$112,000) from Dubai, has ended. All three pleaded guilty and expressed remorse. After serving 11 months in detention, they received suspended sentences and were released from the courtroom.

●  Another opposition leader, Giorgi Vashadze, head of the “Strategy Aghmashenebeli” party, has been sentenced to seven months in prison for refusing to appear before a parliamentary investigative commission established by the ruling party to investigate the alleged “crimes” of the previous government under President Mikheil Saakashvili.

Vashadze has become the fourth opposition leader sentenced for refusing to cooperate with the commission. Earlier, a court sentenced Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze of the “Strong Georgia” coalition to eight months in prison, while Zurab Japaridze of the “For Change” coalition received seven months. Additional verdicts for other key opposition figures are expected in the coming days.

●  The U.S. State Department has expressed concern over the “ongoing and intensifying anti-democratic actions in Georgia, including the detention of political opposition figures and the targeted harassment of civil society.” According to a comment shared by Formula TV, the State Department said: “Georgia is selectively applying newly adopted legislation, including amendments to the grants law, against actual or perceived critics of the government, thereby unjustifiably restricting freedom of expression and the functioning of civil society.”

●  EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, condemned the arrests: “This is a blow to the democratic foundations of Georgia, which are being eroded day by day,” she wrote on X. “I stand with those fighting for a free and pluralistic society and call on the authorities to release all journalists, activists, and unjustly detained individuals.”

●  EU spokesperson Anitta Hipper stated: “The politically motivated persecution and arrests of opposition leaders go against fundamental democratic values. These are authoritarian methods and completely incompatible with the status of an EU candidate country. Georgian Dream must stop using the judiciary as a tool of political pressure.”

●  The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE Party) said: “Outrageous: four liberal opposition leaders have been imprisoned by the Georgian Dream regime. This is pure political repression. The people of Georgia demand democracy — and they are being silenced. Liberals will not stand by. We demand their immediate release.”

●  In Georgia, there is growing discussion about whether Giorgi Gakharia — former Prime Minister from the Georgian Dream party and now an opposition leader — will return to the country from his current trip to Europe. He has also been summoned by the investigative commission and may face the same fate as other opposition politicians who have been arrested. So far, Gakharia has only reported on his meeting with Philipp Fink of Germany’s Social Democratic Party, during which they discussed “strengthening European solidarity with Georgia” and supporting the European aspirations of Georgian society.

●  A new wave of resignations continues in government structures. This time, Giorgi Liluashvili has stepped down — just two months after being appointed Deputy Minister of Defense, following his departure from the post of Head of the State Security Service. No official reason has been given for his resignation.

●  The National Communications Commission has published a list of the top ten advertisers on Georgian television channels for the first quarter of 2025. It revealed that the pro-government channel Imedi received over half a million GEL (around $180,000) in advertising revenue from Bank of Georgia between January and March. Imedi is the only TV channel to have received such a large amount from a single client.

●  The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs has detained one individual in connection with a car ramming incident during a protest. The incident took place on June 22 in a central district of Tbilisi, when a car drove into a group of protesters. Two young women were injured, one of whom sustained a broken rib.

Photo by David Pipia, JAMnews: At the ongoing mass pro-European protest in Tbilisi, now continuing for over half a year:

●  EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan for assisting in the evacuation of EU citizens from the conflict escalation zone between Israel and Iran.

●  Many countries have thanked Azerbaijan for this support. Yesterday, the Ukrainian ambassador expressed gratitude to Baku for helping evacuate 31 Ukrainian citizens from Iran through Azerbaijan.

●  The Foreign Ministry welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran. “We highly value the efforts of all mediators in achieving the ceasefire and call for full compliance with the agreement. We are ready to support initiatives aimed at ensuring lasting peace, security, and cooperation in the region,” the statement said.

●  The pretrial detention of journalists arrested in the “MeydanTV case” has been extended by another three months. Among them are Ramin Deko (Jabrayilzade), Aytaj Tapdig (Ahmedova), Natig Javadli, Khayala Aghayeva, Aysel Umudova, Shamshad Agha, Fatima Movlamli, Ulviya Ali (Guliyeva), and Ulvi Tahirov, deputy director of the Baku School of Journalism. They are accused of smuggling. All the journalists deny the charges and say they are being persecuted for publishing critical content and conducting anti-corruption investigations. Lawyers demanded their release, pointing out that no evidence of their guilt has been presented to date.

Since November 2023, over 30 journalists and civic activists have been arrested in Azerbaijan on smuggling charges. Last week, seven journalists were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 7 to 9 years in the “AbzasMedia case.” Read more here

●  Relatives of journalist Farid Ismailov, arrested in the “ToplumTV case,” reported inhumane treatment by detention center staff. He is also said to be experiencing health issues, including high blood sugar and severe migraines. In total, 9 journalists and activists have been arrested in this case, facing charges of smuggling and other serious crimes. All deny the accusations, calling them fabricated in retaliation for their critical publications targeting the authorities.

●  The labor union confederation “Workers’ Table” reported that its member Elvin Mustafayev is being tortured in prison. He has reportedly developed a severe ear infection and is suffering from pain due to injuries. Mustafayev’s family has appealed to the leadership of the penitentiary service and the Ombudsman’s office, requesting an investigation into the alleged abuse.

The young activist was sentenced to three years in prison for alleged possession/distribution of narcotics and is expected to be released in August 2026. He strongly denies the charge and claims political persecution for criticizing the authorities. In May, he went on a hunger strike in protest. In response, he was placed in solitary confinement and had his communication with family restricted. At the same time, the administration requested permission to transfer him to a high-security facility. The request claimed that Mustafayev “acts as an opposition figure within the institution, files unfounded complaints, and tries to harm himself and staff.” His family insists he is being punished for publicly supporting individuals considered political prisoners, including prominent opposition figure Tofig Yagublu, who was sentenced to 9 years in prison. The authorities have not commented on the situation surrounding Elvin Mustafayev.

●  The trial of Ruben Vardanyan, a former state minister of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and a citizen of Armenia, is ongoing. He remains in pretrial detention and faces charges including torture, mercenarism, war crimes, terrorism, and other offenses. According to Azertag, Vardanyan once again challenged the panel of judges. After review, the court deemed the objection unsubstantiated and dismissed it. At the session, testimonies from victims were heard. The next hearing is scheduled for July 1.

Photo by JAMnews: Sabunchu settlement, a suburb of Baku:

● Journalist Boris Murazi has filed a lawsuit against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s wife, Anna Hakobyan. He is demanding a retraction, public apology, and 2 million drams (about $5,200) in compensation for what he calls defamatory remarks. “She spread lies about dozens of people, slandered clergymen, and published a vile post about me. I’ve filed a lawsuit, and a member of Pashinyan’s family will be held accountable for antisocial behavior,” Murazi told the newspaper Graparak. Murazi added that, if the court rules in his favor, the compensation will be used for a socially significant purpose that he plans to disclose later.

Earlier, Anna Hakobyan published a strongly worded post on social media, in which she claimed that Murazi allegedly provided “sexual services to [former president] Serzh Sargsyan and several of his favored bishops.” She also wrote that “relevant authorities already possess video recordings.”

● According to 24news, pro-government MP and businessman Khachatur Sukiasyan has been banned from entering Russia. No official reason was given, but social media users speculate the move may be linked to an investigation into diamond theft at the Russian company Alrosa and alleged connections to firms affiliated with Sukiasyan.

●Armenian-Russian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan has had his contacts with the outside world restricted — with the exception of close relatives and his legal counsel — his lawyer Aram Vardevanyan told RT. Even family visits are limited to twice a month. Karapetyan was arrested on charges of publicly calling for the overthrow of the government. He maintains that the case is politically motivated and linked to his open support for the Armenian Apostolic Church, which, he claims, has come under increasing attack from government officials — particularly Prime Minister Pashinyan.

● Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister has commented on plans by Pashinyan’s government to nationalize the Electric Networks of Armenia, a company owned by Karapetyan’s holding group: “Everything will be done within the framework of the law,” he said.

● Meanwhile, Prime Minister Pashinyan sparked new controversy with a provocative Facebook post. “Speaker of Ktrich Nersisyan [secular name of Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II – ed.] claimed that I’m circumcised. I am ready to receive Ktrich Nersisyan and his speaker and prove otherwise,” the Prime Minister wrote.

●  Journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, who has been in pretrial detention for several months after slapping a police officer during a protest in Batumi, has experienced a significant deterioration in her eyesight. According to journalist Gela Mtivlishvili, Amaghlobeli already had vision problems before her arrest, but her condition has worsened in prison: she retains only 30% vision in one eye, and the other has almost completely gone blind.

●  A Tbilisi court has sentenced three opposition leaders to prison: Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze of the “Lelo” / “Strong Georgia” bloc, and Zurab “Girchi” Japaridze from the “For Change” coalition. All three are accused of refusing to testify before a parliamentary commission set up by the ruling party to investigate the “crimes” of the Saakashvili government. Verdicts for other opposition politicians, including former Dream government Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, are expected in the coming days.

●  The situation was commented on by the 5th president of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili: “While the world’s attention is focused on Iran and Israel, Ivanishvili’s pro-Russian, pro-Iranian regime is ramping up repression: four political leaders are in prison, four more await sentencing, and Prime Minister Kobakhidze publicly threatens the opposition: ‘they’ll all go to jail!’”

●  U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson also condemned the developments: “The illegitimate ‘Georgian Dream’ regime has unlawfully imprisoned opposition leaders Zurab Japaridze, Mamuka Khazaradze, and Badri Japaridze, escalating its crackdown. Ivanishvili seeks to build a one-party state in the interests of Communist China. The Senate must urgently pass the MEGOBARI Act!”

*The MEGOBARI Act, already approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, envisions American sanctions against members and supporters of “Georgian Dream” involved in corruption, violence, and intimidation aimed at obstructing Georgia’s EU integration. The sanctions include visa restrictions and the freezing of foreign assets. For the act to take effect, it must pass the Senate and be signed by Donald Trump.

●  German Ambassador to Georgia Peter Fischer wrote on X: “‘I am Georgian, and therefore European’ — a widely held belief. But Georgia’s European future is now under threat. This was the prevailing mood today at the EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting. Opposition leaders in handcuffs, NGOs under attack, journalists behind bars. Quo vadis, Georgia?”

●  The “Georgian Dream” party has introduced a bill in parliament that significantly alters the law on freedom of speech and expression. The key change concerns the definition of defamation: it will now be considered a statement containing a knowingly false fact that damages reputation. Previously, it was also necessary to prove actual harm — this requirement has been removed.

●  Another bill under expedited review by “Georgian Dream” would effectively ban media coverage of court proceedings. As early as next week, filming may be prohibited even in courthouse hallways, and video recording of hearings will only be allowed with special permission from a judge. Courts would also gain the authority to confiscate personal devices — phones, cameras, laptops, and other storage equipment — from attendees.

● Poet Zviad Ratiani, an active participant in the pro-European protests that have continued for over 200 days, was detained on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi.

● Armenia and Georgia have agreed on transit rules for Armenian brandy passing through Georgian territory to third countries. Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan announced the deal on social media following an official visit to Tbilisi by an Armenian delegation. From the Georgian customs terminal in Gazi, 55 trucks carrying Armenian brandy will be released. Another 72 are expected to be cleared within the next seven days, followed by 24 more.

● Vaan Akopyan, the customs attaché at Armenia’s embassy in Russia, has been dismissed by decree of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

●  Armenia has launched its summer military draft, with Defense Minister Suren Papikyan visiting the central recruitment center. He reviewed organizational arrangements, issued several directives to staff, and spoke with conscripts.

●  The recent meeting between Pashinyan and Erdogan in Istanbul took place in a “rather positive atmosphere,” according to the Armenian Foreign Ministry.

●  “The Armenian authorities have led the country into a Turkish trap,” said opposition MP Tigran Abrahamyan, commenting on a resolution adopted at the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) summit in Istanbul — held shortly after Nikol Pashinyan’s visit to Turkey. The resolution refers to the “right of return for forcibly displaced Azerbaijanis” to Armenia, which it describes as “Western Azerbaijan.” It also urges Armenia to “remove obstacles” to signing a peace treaty.

●  Businessman and MP Khachatur Sukiasyan denies involvement in a case concerning his company’s alleged purchase of stolen diamonds from Russia. His spokesperson Anna Mkrtchyan called the allegations “entirely fabricated.”

● European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper: The harsh prison sentences handed down to journalists and staff of AbzasMedia are concerning. Independent journalism plays a crucial role in ensuring government transparency and informed public debate. The European Union calls on Azerbaijan to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to fulfill its international obligations. The EU remains committed to continued dialogue and cooperation with Azerbaijan on human rights issues.

On June 20, seven arrested AbzasMedia employees were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 7 years and 6 months to 9 years, accused of smuggling. More details here

● Bahruz Samedov, an activist and doctoral student at Charles University in Prague, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. He was accused of treason and espionage in favor of Armenian intelligence services. Samedov strongly denies the charges, claiming he is being persecuted for his anti-war stance and open calls for peaceful resolution between Azerbaijan and Armenia. In April, he wrote an open letter to the Armenian Prime Minister asking for confirmation that he has no links to Armenian intelligence. Read more here

● On June 23, the indictment was read in court in the case of nine journalists and activists arrested in the criminal case against the online TV outlet ToplumTV. The charges include smuggling, money laundering on a large scale, illegal entrepreneurship, tax evasion, and hiring workers without contracts, among others. Presiding judge Azer Taghiyev asked the journalists whether they consider themselves guilty. They all again denied the charges, saying the indictment was fabricated.

ToplumTV founder Alesker Mamedli: “If they said we were arrested for encouraging a spirit of freedom among youth, I would understand the essence of the accusation. But they claim we’re involved in smuggling and don’t even say how. By air? By drone? By river?”

Journalist Mushfiq Jabbbarov: “The indictment is a mockery. They didn’t even bother to provide evidence. I asked the investigator, ‘What is this charge? How could I be involved in smuggling?’ He replied, ‘Can you run? Then you can smuggle.’ He also said, ‘Have you ever given a ride to someone hitchhiking from Sumgayit to Baku?’ I said yes. ‘Well,’ he replied, ‘then you could be a covert employer.’”

Earlier, Ruslan Izzetli, one of the founders of the Third Republic Platform and also arrested in the ToplumTV case, demanded that the trial be broadcast live on public television. His petition was rejected. The trial will continue on June 30.

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

● The family of jailed Yoldash Media founder Ahmed Mamedli said they are concerned about his health. According to them, a doctor warned that he may lose his eyesight. Supporters said Mamedli was tortured during his May 6 arrest and sustained serious eye injuries from beatings. He previously underwent two eye surgeries and suffers from genetic asthma. The Interior Ministry has not commented.

● A court denied a request by detained MeydanTV journalist Aytaj Tapdig to allow her to marry. Relatives said that during the hearing, she tried to speak to her fiancé Kamran Mamedli, but was harshly interrupted and escorted out. Aytaj was detained in December 2024 along with eight other journalists in the case, all accused of smuggling. She denies the charges, as do the others, who say they are being punished for their professional work. More details on the “MeydanTV case” here.

● The trial of former leaders of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) continued. They face charges including war crimes, terrorism, attempted overthrow of the government, and other serious offenses. Pro-government agency AZERTAC reported that former “NKR president” Arayik Harutyunyan testified at the hearing. He described the activities of the “Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund, founded by Armenian president Levon Ter-Petrosyan in 1992, with headquarters in Yerevan. According to Harutyunyan, the fund implemented infrastructure projects, including road construction and repairs. He said the fund’s resources were not used during the Second Karabakh War.

He also confirmed the illegal settlement of people from Syria and Lebanon in previously occupied Azerbaijani territories. For example, a village called “Sydney” was reportedly built in Kalbajar, with around 25 houses funded by the Armenian diaspora in Australia.

Harutyunyan said that “Artsakhbank” operated in Karabakh, registered by Armenia’s Central Bank with a Yerevan address. He also noted that branches of Armenian banks operated there “at a loss.”

Answering prosecutors’ questions, he spoke about the activities of mining companies Frank Muller Group, Vallex Group, Golden Star, and Base Metals, which focused mainly on exploiting gold deposits. He said they paid tens of millions of dollars in taxes. The trial will continue on June 30.

● Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry and the “Western Azerbaijan Community” sharply criticized a statement by Armenia’s Foreign Ministry. “They claim Azerbaijanis allegedly left Armenia voluntarily (in the early 1990s, at the start of the First Karabakh War), that Armenia compensated them, and that Azerbaijani cultural heritage is protected there. We, the Azerbaijanis forcibly expelled from Armenia, call this statement completely false. During the last wave of deportations alone, around 300,000 Azerbaijanis were forced to flee to Azerbaijan in just one week in late November–early December 1988, and 216 Azerbaijanis were killed in the process. Armenia’s then-president Levon Ter-Petrosyan openly declared that the expulsion of Azerbaijanis from Armenia was a ‘historic achievement,’ which proves this tragedy was state policy,” the statement said.

● The quarantine regime in Azerbaijan has been extended, and land borders will remain closed until October 1 to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the government announced. The previous regulation was set to expire on July 1. Land borders have been closed since March 2020, even though the World Health Organization declared the pandemic over in May 2023. Authorities say the closures are necessary to protect public health and safety. In recent weeks, due to armed clashes between Iran and Israel, Azerbaijan allowed third-country nationals to evacuate from Iran via its land border as an exception.

● President Mikheil Kavelashvili, whose legitimacy is not recognized by the opposition and part of the public, has signed a new pardon decree. Notably, out of the 37 pardoned individuals, only five were in prison; charges were expunged for three, and the rest were serving non-custodial sentences. This marks the third pardon since Kavelashvili’s inauguration in late 2024. The first was signed on January 19, on Epiphany, releasing 613 people — a record in recent years. The second, issued in April for Easter, affected 33 convicts. As expected, none of those pardoned were convicted for participating in the ongoing protest rallies across the country.

● “Bidzina, Lukashenko has freed political prisoners in Belarus — it’s your turn to release our prisoners of conscience before the Americans get here!” — wrote Mamuka Khazaradze, leader of the opposition party Lelo, addressing Bidzina Ivanishvili, the informal ruler of the country, via social media.

●  Today, Tbilisi City Court will announce its verdict in the cases of three opposition politicians — Zurab Japaridze (Girchi — More Freedom), Mamuka Khazaradze, and Badri Japaridze (Lelo). They are accused of refusing to cooperate with a temporary parliamentary commission established by the ruling Georgian Dream party to investigate the “crimes” of the former government. None of the defendants plan to attend the hearing. Japaridze remains in pretrial detention after refusing to pay bail for skipping the commission’s summons. Khazaradze and Japaridze of Lelo also refused to appear but did pay the bail.

●  Vano Nadiradze, commander of the Georgian unit within Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces, has died of a heart attack. Nadiradze had been fighting alongside Ukrainian forces since the early months of the full-scale war and regularly updated Georgian media and the public on developments at the front, including reports of fallen volunteers. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, around 80 fighters of Georgian descent — both Georgian nationals and Ukrainians with Georgian roots — have died on the front lines.

●  An emotional moment: after serving a 30-day sentence, Saba Bagdavadze was met outside the detention center by the sister of Manuchar Tsatsua – the judge who sentenced him for launching fireworks during a protest (pictured below).

●  The party For Georgia, led by Giorgi Gakharia, announced that Gakharia is ready to testify before the so-called parliamentary investigative commission for a second time. Since he is currently abroad, he offered to do so online — and the commission was officially informed. However, its members have refused a remote appearance and are expecting Gakharia to appear in person today.

●  One person died and another was injured in a car accident in the Rikoti tunnel. Traffic headed east toward Tbilisi was temporarily restricted.

● The Prosecutor’s Office has filed charges against former First Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Romeo Mikautadze. He is accused of abuse of power and laundering illicit income. If convicted, he faces up to 12 years in prison.

●  The prospect of suspending Georgia’s visa-free travel with the EU, sanctions, and the fight against disinformation are key issues on the agenda in Brussels today. According to available information, a majority of EU foreign ministers are expected to support targeted sanctions against members of the ruling Georgian Dream party who “violated human rights, undermined democracy, and engaged in anti-European campaigns” in Georgia.

● The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement in response to U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities: “We express deep concern over the further escalation following U.S. military operations targeting nuclear sites in Iran. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue and diplomacy,” the statement said.

● A group of diplomats accredited in Azerbaijan, along with military attachés and representatives of international organizations, took part in a two-day trip organized by the authorities to territories liberated in the second Karabakh war, according to the state agency AZERTAC. They visited, among other places, Lachin, Shusha, and Aghdam. Local media highlighted the participation of French ambassador Anne Boillon. Azerbaijan accuses France of supporting the former unrecognized “Nagorno-Karabakh Republic” and supplying arms to Armenia.

● The Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which met in Istanbul, adopted a resolution titled “The right of return for Azerbaijanis forcibly and systematically expelled from what is now Armenian territory.” Additional resolutions concerning Azerbaijan were also adopted:

• • “Solidarity with the victims of the 1992 Khojaly massacre”;
• • “Eliminating the consequences of Armenia’s aggression against Azerbaijan”;
• • “Destruction and desecration of Islamic historical and cultural monuments and traces in Azerbaijani territory as a result of Armenia’s aggression”;
• • “Economic support for Azerbaijan.”

● Ulvi Hasanli, director of the popular outlet Abzas Media, who was sentenced to 9 years in prison on June 20, stated in his final remarks that none of the charges against the journalists had been proven: “They called the funds we received from major international organizations ‘criminal money.’ But these organizations have been operating in Azerbaijan for many years, and the government itself has received tens of millions in grants and aid from them — including from the UN, the Council of Europe, the EU, USAID, the World Bank, and various Western countries,” Hasanli said.

He also addressed the families of the convicted journalists: “Maybe you regret not stopping us from becoming journalists. But you were the ones who taught us as children not to lie or steal. We became who we are because of how you raised us. Be proud that your child is not a fraud, not someone who steals rights, loots public wealth, slanders others, convicts the innocent, takes bribes, or is corrupt. Everything will pass. So smile, like we do.”

Seven journalists in the Abzas Media case have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 7.5 to 9 years. They were accused of smuggling and other serious crimes. They deny the charges and say they are being persecuted for publishing critical materials about the authorities. Read more here

●  Sevinj Vagifgizi, editor-in-chief of Abzas Media, also sentenced to 9 years, directly accused president Ilham Aliyev in her final statement of orchestrating the criminal prosecution of journalists. She said: “Azerbaijan is a country of anonymous journalists, who can’t proudly sign their names to their articles. It’s a country where a journalist’s name only becomes known to the public after they’re arrested. […] Even while filming, these journalists protected their cameras more than themselves – to bring the truth to the people. A truth the government fears.”

● Political analyst Bahruz Samadov, currently in detention, has started a hunger strike in protest after the state prosecutor demanded a 16-year prison sentence. His relatives reported the strike; no official comments have been made. Samadov is a doctoral student at Charles University in Prague. He is accused of treason and spying for Armenian intelligence. He rejects the charges and says he is being punished for his anti-war stance and his public calls for peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Another court hearing in his case is scheduled for today. In April, Samadov wrote an open letter to the Armenian prime minister asking for a public confirmation that he had no ties to Armenian intelligence, read more here

● The family of detained Russian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan has declared its intention to seek justice. “Millions of Armenians—those from Russia, France, the U.S., Lebanon, and elsewhere—have always been the soul of our people. Today, a small group is trying to divide us into ‘their own’ and ‘everyone else.’ I’m proud to stand with ‘everyone else.’ We will fight for justice, and truth is on our side,” said Karapetyan’s son. Karapetyan is accused of publicly calling for the overthrow of the Armenian government. He claims the charges stem from his vocal support of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which he says has come under growing attack from authorities, including Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

●  Former Armenian Ambassador to the Vatican Mikael Minasyan voiced support for Karapetyan. “My prayers are with the Karapetyan family—may they endure this trial with dignity. As for Samvel, I don’t think he needs my prayers: his guardian angels will bring him victory,” Minasyan wrote.

● Armenia will assist Nigeria in ensuring the safe transit of Nigerian citizens from Iran, according to a statement from the Armenian Foreign Ministry.

● “There will be no Zangezur Corridor—there will be a ‘Crossroads of Peace,’” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during a meeting with the Armenian community in Turkey, ahead of talks with President Erdoğan. Erdoğan had once again touted the strategic benefits of the so-called Zangezur Corridor through Armenia, which he said would connect the entire Turkic world. Armenian experts’ perspectives on the issue are available here

Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 16-20 June, 2025