Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 9-13 June, 2025

● 21-year-old activist Mate Davidze (pictured) has been sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison for allegedly assaulting a police officer during pro-European protests in Tbilisi. He refused to attend the court hearing, saying: “I can’t listen to this.” Last night, thousands gathered outside the Philharmonic Hall in Tbilisi to support him, blocking Melikishvili Avenue. Large-scale protests demanding a return to the path of European integration, snap parliamentary elections, and the release of detained protesters have continued in Tbilisi for more than six months.

● Transparency International Georgia stated that Davidze’s case is politically motivated.

●  5th president Salome Zourabichvili: “I don’t know what kind of future awaits this judge and this prosecutor. But I do know what future awaits Mate Davidze. Today he entered history as a symbol of dignity, and they as symbols of servitude.”

● US Republican Congressman Joe Wilson: “Ivanishvili’s court sentenced Mate Davidze to 4 years and 6 months just because he wanted a free future for his country Georgia. Judge Nino Galustashvili and others responsible for this disgraceful crime should be sanctioned.”

● Opposition leader from the “Coalition for Change” Nika Gvaramia has refused to attend a court hearing related to his refusal to appear before a parliamentary investigative commission initiated by Georgian Dream to review alleged violations committed by former authorities (during Mikheil Saakashvili’s presidency). Gvaramia also refused to pay the 30,000 GEL bail (around \$12,000). “My core message: freedom for Georgia, freedom from Russia. Georgia is Europe. Freedom for political prisoners and the fall of oligarchy. The oligarchy must be overthrown. The desire to be in Europe unites us all,” he told Pirveli TV.

Gvaramia now faces a fine or up to one year in prison. Other politicians like Irakli Okruashvili and Zurab Japaridze have already been arrested on similar charges.

● Tbilisi City Court extended pretrial detention for eight individuals arrested during the pro-European protests, rejecting a motion to release them on bail. Prosecution witnesses, including city hall and parliament staff, testified about damages caused by the defendants.

● Over 15 journalists and politicians have appeared in court on charges of “unethical” social media posts targeting Georgian Dream. Misha Mshvildadze and Giga Makarashvili were fined 4,000 GEL (approx. \$1,500), Mariam Geguchadze and Dea Mamiseishvili – 3,000 GEL (approx. \$1,000).

●  Public Defender Levan Ioseliani warned against “targeting people for expressing public opinion, especially for political ends.” “The Strasbourg Court protects the right to express strong and critical views, including those that may be offensive or shocking to the majority. However, it does not protect incitement to hatred, harassment, violence, or offensive language toward public figures. What matters now is the specific content being challenged in these lawsuits,” Ioseliani said.

● US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce responded to a question from globalnews.ge regarding US Ambassador Robin Dunnigan’s expected departure. “Ambassador Dunnigan enjoys the full support of the United States. We will continue to evaluate our approach to Georgia in pursuit of American interests. The US has made clear what steps the Georgian government can take to show it is serious about improving relations with the United States,” Bruce said.

● Parliament speaker from Georgian Dream Shalva Papuashvili accused the European Union of violating the 2010 international agreement with Georgia on visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and service passports. The EU recently announced it had suspended visa-free travel for a large group of Georgian officials with diplomatic passports.

● Prime minister from Georgian Dream Irakli Kobakhidze called the statement by Polish PM Donald Tusk — about possibly suspending Georgia’s visa-free regime — a form of blackmail. “You cannot threaten the Georgian people just because someone dislikes their choice. This blackmail has been going on for years,” Kobakhidze said.

● Another Georgian fighter, Demetre Darchia, has been killed in action while fighting for Ukraine against the Russian invasion. The Georgian Legion, serving within the Ukrainian army, reported that Darchia died in a sabotage attack by enemy forces. An investigation is underway.

●  The prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into a complaint by a journalist from the pro-government Post TV regarding unlawful interference in her work. Mariam Nebieridze stated that on June 12, while filming a report at Tbilisi City Court, she was physically and verbally obstructed by individuals present at the scene.

Photo: Mate Davidze

● Following Israeli airstrikes on Iran, several planes made emergency landings at Baku airport due to newly imposed flight restrictions over the airspace of Iran, Iraq, and Israel. Among them were flights departing from Russia. Reports say Iranian Chief of General Staff Mohammad Bagheri, IRGC commander Hossein Salami, and nuclear scientists Fereydoon Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi were allegedly killed.

●  Two members of the opposition Musavat party have been sentenced. Alladdin Aleskerli received 2 years and 3 months in prison, and Goshgar Nuraly was sentenced to 2 years. Activist Jabir Valiyev also received 2 years and 3 months. All were convicted of group hooliganism. The party had earlier stated that their arrest followed a provocation and called the case another instance of political repression.

According to a list compiled by several local human rights defenders, Azerbaijan has more than 370 political prisoners. However, the authorities claim those listed were prosecuted solely for their actions.

●  Thirteen people accused of attempting to establish a “state of Kerim” in Azerbaijan based on religious laws were sentenced to 15–17 years in prison. One received 10 years, as he was a school student at the time of arrest. Charges include treason, attempted murder of a state official, plotting to overthrow the constitutional order, drug trafficking, and other crimes allegedly committed under the leadership of two Azerbaijani citizens residing in Iran. They allegedly planned to assassinate former education minister Misir Mardanov—who banned headscarves in schools—and Real TV head Mir Shahin Aghayev for using the phrase “sisters of Imam Huseynov” on air. Arrest warrants have been issued for two more suspects—father and son Akhundzade—who are now wanted.

The trial lasted a year and a half and was held behind closed doors. According to RFE/RL’s Azerbaijani service, the defendants denied the charges and claimed they were tortured into giving testimony against themselves and each other.

●  The trial of former leaders of the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) continued. They are charged with war crimes, terrorism, attempts to overthrow the government, and other serious offenses. According to the pro-government agency AZERTAC, documents and video materials related to the April 2016 military escalation were presented in court. Levon Mnatsakanyan, who was the “NKR defense minister” at the time, testified. He was asked what types of mines were laid on Azerbaijani territory and answered: “Initially, Soviet-made mines were used. Later, mines came from Russia via Armenia. Most recently, Armenia produced and supplied them. These included anti-personnel and anti-tank mines.” The trial will continue on June 13.

●  Foreign ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizade met with foreign diplomats and spoke about Azerbaijan’s foreign policy priorities, according to pro-government outlet Report. No further details were disclosed.

●  Azerbaijani and Georgian defense ministry medical officials held a meeting in Baku to discuss bilateral military medical cooperation.

●  The foreign ministry expressed condolences to the families of victims of an Air India plane crash that killed at least 290 people.

●  The president signed a decree increasing several social benefits and pensions starting in July. Presidential pensions for families of soldiers killed during the January 20, 1990 crackdown on peaceful protests in Baku were raised from 600 to 700 manats (about \$350–420). The same increase applies to families of soldiers who died for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity or in Afghanistan. Presidential pensions for WWII veterans and national heroes now amount to 2,200 manats (about \$1,300). One-time childbirth and funeral payments were raised to 600 manats (about \$350). Benefits for people with disabilities, orphans, and adopted children were also increased to 180–300 manats (about \$100–180). Low-income families will receive a raised monthly benefit of 140 manats (about \$85). Pensions for honorary title recipients will rise to 200–300 manats (about \$350).

●  Azerbaijani MP Ramil Hasan has been elected secretary-general of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA).

●  The security guards of former NSS chief Artur Vanetsyan were forced to the ground and released from custody only several hours later (pictured below). In an interview on Public Television, Vanetsyan called the actions of law enforcement unlawful. “They staged a disgraceful masked show before I even arrived for the interview. I officially declare, we have no illegal weapons,” he told the host.

●  Armenia’s first president, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, reminded the prime minister how Russian Tsar Nicholas II’s attempt to confiscate the Armenian Church’s property failed due to public protest. “The Armenian people stopped even the Russian tsar — they will stop the traitor Nikol \[Pashinyan] too,” Ter-Petrosyan wrote on social media, commenting on the ongoing standoff between the authorities and the church. More on the prime minister’s accusations against the Catholicos here

●  In Tbilisi, members of the Armenian community held a rally in support of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Arthur Mirzoyan, head of the “Armenian Community of Georgia,” read a statement saying: “The Armenian Apostolic Church is not just a religious institution. It is the backbone of Armenian identity, the embodiment of national spirit, historical memory, and unity.”

●  Armenia aims to become a “bridge” between India and France — this was the message of Armenian foreign minister Ararat Mirzoyan during the “Mediterranean Raisina” conference in Marseille. “There are other countries between Europe and India. Sea routes are an option, but not always fast, and recently — not always safe. In terms of a land route, Armenia plays an important role,” said Mirzoyan.

●  Nikol Pashinyan extended condolences on social media to the prime minister of India following the plane crash in Ahmedabad.

●  “Armenian startups will be able to access the AI center that Nvidia will build as part of the AI Factory project, with support from businessman Noubar Afeyan, a friend of Ruben Vardanyan (former state minister of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, currently on trial in Azerbaijan),” said tech minister Mkhitar Hayrapetyan at a cabinet meeting. According to him, AI Factory is not about chip or processor manufacturing but will function as a computing center using artificial intelligence. Its resources will be available to businesses and research institutions.

●  On Russia Day, an unknown man placed a homemade flag on France Square in Yerevan, combining the Russian tricolor with a Turkish crescent and star. Social media users called the act a provocation. The interior ministry said the flag has been removed and “administrative measures” were taken.

● At least 15 prominent opposition-aligned figures — including journalists, activists, and politicians — have been summoned to court over Facebook posts deemed “disrespectful” toward members of the ruling Georgian Dream party. Targets of the alleged offenses include, Georgian Dream’s PM Irakli Kobakhidze, speaker of the country’s one-party parliament Shalva Papuashvili, chair of the parliamentary commission investigating the previous government Tea Tsulukiani, and others. Most of those summoned are refusing to appear in court today. Journalist Nanuka Zhorzholiani, who also received a subpoena, said on TV Pirveli: “This is an attempt to divert public attention from the final court hearings of [young people detained during months-long protests].”

● Hearings will continue today at the Tbilisi City Court for several protest participants currently in pretrial detention. They face group violence charges, and some could receive prison sentences today. A protest rally with the slogan “Freedom for regime prisoners!” is expected outside the courthouse.

● Giga Bokeria, a leader of the opposition party Federalists, commented on the court summonses. His wife, Tamar Chergoleishvili — also a party leader — is among those subpoenaed. “This mass crackdown on freedom of political expression is unprecedented in the history of independent Georgia… The regime’s actions are unconstitutional and violate the Law on Freedom of Speech and Expression… There is also the issue of double standards: ruling party members and propagandists have for years indulged in profanity, slander, and even direct threats of violence against opponents. As for specific individuals like Tea Tsulukiani, Mariam Lashkhi, and others within [billionaire and informal ruler Bidzina] Ivanishvili’s regime — I consider them traitors, slaves, and worthless,” said Bokeria.

● The British Embassy in Georgia has cancelled several grant offers. The embassy said it had “tried in good faith” to get government approval for specific grants but found that “the planned Government Decree establishing a procedure for grant approvals is not finalised , and therefore no mechanism or timeframe currently exists for grant approval decisions”. “Due to this uncertainty, we have reluctantly had to cancel our grant plans to support the transparency and competitiveness of the upcoming municipal elections.” Read more here

***In April, Parliament passed expedited amendments to the Law on Grants requiring foreign grants to be pre-approved by the government — part of a broader clampdown on civil society, alongside the “foreign agents” law and other repressive initiatives introduced by Georgian Dream in 2024.

● One of the cancelled grants had been awarded to opposition-leaning outlet Tabula. “Tabula received a £50,000 grant from the UK government. In line with the new Law on grants, the British government formally requested approval from Georgian authorities. No response was received within the required timeframe, so the project was cancelled,” the outlet reported. “This once again confirms that Georgia is rapidly moving away from the free world and sinking deeper into the swamp of Russian-style authoritarianism.”

● “The British Embassy has effectively exposed itself funding extremism.” That’s how GD parliament speaker Papuashvili reacted to the grant cancellation reports by Tabula and the UK embassy. “I’ve long wondered who funds Tabula. It’s nothing more than a party propaganda sheet. The British Embassy has essentially admitted it intended to finance election-period propaganda,” Papuashvili said.

● Poland is launching an EU campaign to suspend Georgia’s visa-free travel. “We are now working to build the necessary majority to limit or suspend visa-free travel for Georgia, along with other countries,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said. “Yes, this is my intention while being fully aware that one-third of Georgians genuinely wish to share our values. But we know where the real problem lies. This is not just about Georgia. I apologize to those Georgians who may feel offended, but more broadly, I strongly support restricting visa-free travel from countries, like Georgia, that no longer uphold basic democratic standards and from which migration presents a direct threat to legal and public order in our country and in Europe.”

● A Georgian Dream delegation led by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze is on an official visit to Hungary — marking Kobakhidze’s seventh meeting with Viktor Orbán since the October 26 parliamentary elections. At a joint press conference, Orbán praised Georgia’s policies, while Kobakhidze thanked him for his “strong and unwavering support.”

● MEP Tobias Kremer commented on Georgia’s electoral outlook: “It is obvious that Georgian Dream does not intend to hold the [upcoming local] elections in a fair, free, and transparent manner. These elections are a critical opportunity for the opposition to demonstrate unity in resisting Georgia’s slide from democracy into autocracy.
Whether the path chosen is protest, boycott, or active participation — that is for the Georgian people and opposition to decide. Whatever they choose, Europe will stand with those fighting for democracy.”

● Pro-government supporter Valeri Kochiashvili has been fined 1,000 GEL (approx. $365) for insulting the German ambassador and his wife on the street in Batumi on May 18. He later recorded a video threatening Ambassador Peter Fischer. It remains unclear whether a criminal investigation into the threats has been launched. The German Embassy thanked Georgian society for its solidarity.

● It will now be easier for the state to confiscate property from people convicted of financial crimes — and their relatives or associates. This was announced by Georgian Dream’s Executive Secretary Mamuka Mdinaradze. Previously, such asset recovery processes took years and involved civil litigation. Now, even those given suspended sentences can be required to wear electronic bracelets until full restitution is made. Courts will also be able to bar convicts from leaving the country after serving their time if damages remain unpaid. Opposition parties call the initiative a new form of political pressure.

Photo David Pipia / JAMnews

● Five people killed and 11 injured in an explosion in a residential building in the Armenian town of Chambarak (pictured below). The blast, which caused several floors of the building to collapse, was reportedly caused by household gas. Authorities have promised that citizens left homeless will be temporarily housed in hotels until a permanent housing solution is found.

● The “Hayastan” faction has gathered 28 signatures to initiate impeachment proceedings against Prime Minister Pashinyan. MP Ishkhan Saghatelyan told reporters that the signature sheet is ready. Two more signatures are still needed for the process to officially begin.

● Armenian wrestler Hayk Manukyan (up to 60 kg) secured an early victory in the final of a tournament in Skopje (North Macedonia), defeating Azerbaijani Ali Nazarov with a score of 11:3.

● India was ready to send up to 40,000 students to Armenia — a move that caught Yerevan off guard. The revelation came from Deputy Speaker of Parliament Hakob Arshakyan during the APRI Armenia forum. “We currently have around 3,000 Indian students studying in Armenia. Their number could grow to 30,000 or even 60,000 if the necessary conditions are in place. But for now, we simply lack the infrastructure to accommodate so many students,” he said.

● The issue of Armenian prisoners of war and missing persons was discussed at a meeting of the interagency commission, chaired by the head of Armenia’s National Security Service (NSS), Armen Abazyan. Relatives of the missing were also present. The NSS director presented recent efforts to determine the fate of the missing, while Investigative Committee officials reported on the progress of investigations. Participants exchanged views on how to improve the effectiveness of search efforts.

● Moscow hopes that Baku and Yerevan “understand” Russia’s concerns about NATO activity in the South Caucasus region. “NATO brings nothing good to the security of the South Caucasus,” said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. “On the contrary, the West’s main goal — as we well understand — is to destabilize the region, pit neighbors against each other, and create new points of tension. We hope that both Baku and Yerevan will equally understand our legitimate concerns on this issue and fully assess the risks of deepening cooperation with aggressive military blocs.”

● The Union for the Freedom of Political Prisoners of Azerbaijan has released a new list of individuals it considers political prisoners. The updated list includes 375 names—18 more than the union’s previous list published on February 12 this year. Newly added are journalist Ulviyya Ali, arrested in May; civic activist Ahmed Mamedli; activists Bashir Suleymanli and Mamed Alpay; individuals with religious beliefs; opposition members; and others. The report categorizes the prisoners into 12 groups, including:

• 29 journalists and bloggers
• 6 human rights defenders
• 39 civic and political activists
• 5 representatives of ethnic minorities
• 2 anti-war individuals
• 5 political immigrants deported from abroad
• 241 members of religious groups

Lists published by other organizations usually include fewer individuals. International human rights groups have called on Azerbaijan to release its political prisoners. The authorities deny their existence. The last two presidential pardons did not include anyone from the political prisoner list.

● Elgiz Mammadov, a member of the Islamic Unity Movement, was reportedly tortured while in police custody in the Keshlə settlement on the outskirts of Baku and has since been hospitalized. The information was shared by the movement, citing Mammadov’s family. According to them, police attempted to force a confession related to drug possession or use. “His lawyer, Zibeyda Sadigova, confirmed that Mammadov’s body shows clear signs of torture. She has submitted a formal complaint to the ombudsman,” the statement said.

Mammadov was previously detained in 2022 after protesting outside a courthouse during the trial of another member of the movement. He was severely beaten and threatened with sexual violence, sentenced to 30 days of administrative detention, and forced to pledge on video that he would no longer return to the courthouse. The leaders of the Islamic Unity Movement have been imprisoned since November 2015 following religiously motivated protests in Nardaran.

● Families of individuals recognized as political prisoners by international organizations are preparing to file a lawsuit against TV presenter Tarikh Aliyev (known as Tolik) for insulting them during a TikTok livestream. Lawyer Zibeyda Sadigova confirmed to Meydan TV that she has been approached by 15 families and will represent them in court. “However, before going to court, we need to request an official investigation,” Sadigova noted.

● Allahshukur Pashazadeh, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board, has sent a protest letter to Rev. Jerry Pillay, Secretary General of the World Council of Churches, criticizing his “one-sided statements made under apparent Armenian influence.” “Such remarks damage the peacemaking image and previously fair stance of the World Council of Churches and undermine the foundations of interfaith dialogue […] The Armenian Church, which promotes revanchism and incites violations of fragile peace, is dragging the Armenian people into new dangers,” the pro-government outlet Report quoted the letter.

● The Caspian–Black Sea–Europe Green Energy Corridor, a joint initiative between Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary, is scheduled to launch in 2032, Deputy Energy Minister Orkhan Zeynalov told European media, as reported by Report. “The energy source will be offshore wind farms in Azerbaijan, transmitted via an HVDC cable through Georgia and an underwater cable across the Black Sea to Romania and Hungary. Bulgaria has also shown interest. This additional energy will help stabilize the market in Southeastern Europe and reduce current high prices,” Zeynalov said.

● A parliamentary delegation led by Milli Majlis Chairperson Sahiba Gafarova is attending the 14th plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TurkPA) in Astana.

Baku. Photo JAMnews

● The ruling Georgian Dream party has fast-tracked amendments to the law on grants. From now on, foreign funding for technical or expert assistance and knowledge exchange will also require government approval, just like traditional grants. Read more here

● Georgian Dream prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze: “We openly state that Georgia wants to restart its strategic partnership with the US from scratch. We want clear benchmarks and objectives. Convincing the US administration of this is the task of Georgia’s new ambassador to the country, Tamar Taliashvili. We hope that amid growing alignment in values between our countries, relations will be reset. I will repeat – President Trump’s administration is still fighting the ‘deep state,’ and we strongly hope they will succeed.”

● “We saw many detained protesters with signs of beatings. Even in cases where police officers were clearly identifiable, no one has been held accountable,” said public defender Levan Ioseliani while presenting his 2024 human rights report to the Georgian Dream-led parliament. “Investigations cannot be one-sided, only targeting protesters. If a police officer violates the law, that must also be investigated.” He noted that over 60% of 422 interviewed detainees reported abuse and that human rights violations worsened during the April–May 2024 protests.

● Georgian Dream MPs harshly criticized the ombudsman’s report. MP Giorgi Volski called on the public defender to accuse Western states of attempting a coup in Georgia. MP Tea Tsulukiani accused Ioseliani of failing to protect the rights of MPs and government members who were allegedly insulted and obstructed by protesters. She demanded a shake-up in the public defender’s office. Ioseliani responded sharply: “I don’t know why you think your rights can’t be protected, but I assure you – if the state violates your rights, I will defend them. The ombudsman’s mandate focuses on protecting citizens, including from police violence.”

● Transparency International Georgia (TI) has published a legal assessment of the abduction and forced transfer to Georgia of Giorgi Bachiashvili, former chair of the Co-Investment Fund and ex-adviser to Bidzina Ivanishvili. According to the report, Georgian Airways was involved in the operation. Read more here

● Resignations in the interior ministry continue. The latest to step down is controversial and sanctioned special forces chief Zviad Kharazishvili, known as “Khareba.” He will be replaced by Roman Kartsiivadze. Earlier, on May 28, interior minister Vakhtang Gomelauri, also under Western sanctions, left his post. Gela Geladze has been appointed as the new interior minister.

● Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili questioned NATO’s recent reaffirmation of the 2008 Bucharest summit pledge that Georgia would one day join the alliance. “A whole generation has grown up in Georgia since Bucharest. We’ve done everything to prove we are a reliable partner – in Afghanistan, for instance. Georgia contributed 1,000-1,500 troops, making us third or fourth among NATO countries and first among non-EU members. Meanwhile, the Baltic states contributed 30-40 troops, mainly in headquarters roles. Declarations alone do not protect a country’s security. Just look at Ukraine – what truly protects a country is NATO’s nuclear umbrella, not statements from NATO offices.”

Photo David Pipia /JAMnews

● The final court hearing before the verdict was held in the AbzasMedia case, in which nearly the entire editorial team has been arrested, including the director, editor-in-chief, and several other journalists. They are accused of smuggling and other crimes. The prosecution is demanding 11 years in prison for four journalists and 12 years for three others. All deny the charges, claiming they are being persecuted for publishing critical articles and investigating corruption. All defense lawyers declared their clients’ innocence during the hearing. Zibeyda Sadigova, the lawyer for AbzasMedia founder and director Ulvi Hasanli, stated that none of the charges had been proven in court. “I regret that the court was not fair,” she said. Javad Javadov, lawyer for Radio Free Europe journalist Farid Mehralizade, said he was defending not just his client, but also freedom of thought in Azerbaijan: “Without freedom of speech, there is no other freedom.”

● All defendants in the AbzasMedia case were invited to give final statements. Only Hafiz Babaly, economics editor at Turan news agency, spoke: “If Alexandre Dumas were alive, he would likely call the Kurdakhani detention center the ‘Bastille of Azerbaijan,’ because it holds the country’s most valuable people hostage.” The other journalists are expected to speak on June 20, when the verdict will also be announced.

Over the past 18 months, more than 30 journalists and civic activists have been arrested in Azerbaijan on smuggling charges. All claim the cases are politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissent. According to local human rights groups, around 350 political prisoners are currently being held in Azerbaijani jails.

● Prime Minister Ali Asadov is visiting Uzbekistan, where he met with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Speaking at an international investment forum in Tashkent, Asadov said Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are considering several promising joint investment projects.

● Asadov also stated: “Azerbaijan is actively developing as a green energy supplier to Europe. Together with Georgia, Romania, and Hungary, we are working on a green energy corridor under the Black Sea. At COP29 in Baku last year, the presidents of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan signed an agreement opening major opportunities for green energy exports via the Caspian and Black Seas.”

● The foreign ministry expressed condolences to Austria after a school shooting in Graz left 11 people dead, including the attacker.

● Large-scale Azerbaijan-Turkey command-staff military exercises “Unbreakable Brotherhood-2025” have begun in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The defense ministry also announced tactical live-fire drills under the name “Mustafa Kemal Atatürk-2025.”

● Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova commented after Baku condemned Russian official Vladimir Medinsky’s remarks calling Karabakh a “disputed region” between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Zakharova clarified that Russia officially recognizes Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan and that Medinsky was referring only to the region’s socio-cultural history and human suffering.

● From June 2–9, Azerbaijan’s demining agency ANAMA cleared 889.2 hectares of land in areas recaptured from Armenian forces. In Tartar, Aghdam, Kalbajar, Shusha, Lachin, and other districts, they found and neutralized 52 anti-personnel mines, 16 anti-tank mines, and 129 unexploded ordnances.

● The trial of Ruben Vardanyan, former state minister of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and Armenian citizen, is ongoing. He is charged with torture, mercenarism, war crimes, terrorism, and other offenses. According to pro-government outlet AZERTAC, Vardanyan again requested that his family be given a copy of the indictment, but was denied due to “investigative secrecy.” He also requested a review of the Russian translation of the indictment, which was also rejected. The court heard testimony from individuals who were injured or lost family and property during Armenian control of the region. Forensic reports were also presented. The next hearing is scheduled for June 17.

Photo: Sevinj Vagifgizi, the arrested editor-in-chief of the well-known Azerbaijani outlet AbzasMedia

● Customs authorities have temporarily stopped allowing Armenian trucks into Georgia, according to the State Revenue Committee. The passage will reopen once capacity issues on the Georgian side are resolved. For now, the agency advises trucks to wait in line within Armenian territory.

● Amid tense relations between the authorities and the church, a group of people greeted the Catholicos of All Armenians at the airport in Yerevan to show their support. “In these difficult times, national unity is crucial. We must not allow those who threaten our unity to interfere in our lives,” said Catholicos Karekin II to his followers. The group then prayed together. He did not comment on what steps the church may take in response to the government’s campaign against him. More on the prime minister’s accusations against the Catholicos here

● “Iran’s swift and decisive actions prevented the opening of the so-called ‘Zangezur Corridor’ and stopped [Azerbaijan] from blocking both Iran and Russia,” said Ali Akbar Velayati, senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader. The Zangezur Corridor is a proposed land route that would connect mainland Azerbaijan with its exclave Nakhchivan through Armenian territory. Yerevan insists it must control the section of the road on its territory, while Azerbaijan argues it should be entirely extraterritorial.

● An Azerbaijani court has again rejected a request by Ruben Vardanyan — the former state minister of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, who is currently in custody — to provide his family with a copy of the indictment. The court cited investigative secrecy, according to Azerbaijani media.

● The head of Yerevan’s Shengavit district, Razmik Mkrtchyan, has resigned after another local official was detained in a corruption case. Mkrtchyan had led the district since the 2018 “Velvet Revolution” that brought current Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to power.

● Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s wife, Anna Hakobyan, has been admitted to a master’s program in China. Starting in September, she will study Chinese philosophy at Beijing Normal University in a two-year graduate program.

● Vaja Siradze will no longer serve as head of the patrol police. Levan Maisuradze has been appointed to the post, according to the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Siradze is under Czech sanctions “for the violent suppression of protests.” In 2024, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia also banned him, along with other top officials, from entering all three Baltic states.

● “If the opposition participates in the municipal elections in October, it will not legitimize Georgian Dream. Taking part in elections is a way to resist the regime, and we need to discuss it. Participating in any kind of struggle strengthens the protest,” said Lelo party leader Salome Samadashvili. Sharp debates continue in opposition and civil society over whether opposition candidates should run—especially after the opposition declared the October 2024 parliamentary elections rigged, refused to work in the newly elected parliament, and labeled the parliament, government, and president as illegitimate. Here are two expert opinions with arguments for and against participating in the municipal elections.

● The “Gakharia – For Georgia” party announced it is preparing for the October local self-government elections. Party representative Beka Liluashvili said they are ready to begin coordinating neutral and apolitical candidates with other opposition groups “as soon as the issue appears on the agenda of their discussions.”

● A scandal is unfolding around UNM leader Tina Bokuchava’s statement that her husband was kidnapped and forced under threat to their children to record an apology video addressed to the son of oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. Both spouses have been summoned for questioning by the Tbilisi police. Bokuchava said they would only testify in the presence of an international judge. “I have no expectations. People are being chased, beaten, and tortured in the streets. I am convinced this kidnapping happened with the involvement of the State Security Service, the government as a whole, and Ivanishvili himself,” Bokuchava said on Formula TV. Read more here

● Around 100 women from several political parties issued a joint statement of solidarity and support for UNM leader Tina Bokuchava. “The kidnapping of Bokuchava’s husband Kote Ioseliani and threats against him are a deliberate attempt by the Georgian Dream government to intimidate and silence women in politics,” the statement reads.

● Former head of the Co-Investment Fund Giorgi Bachiashvili, once a close associate of Bidzina Ivanishvili, made dramatic revelations during a court hearing. He fled Georgia about a month ago citing threats to his life, but was then suddenly reported arrested and brought back to Tbilisi. Bachiashvili claimed he was kidnapped from a hotel in Abu Dhabi, had a bag put over his head, was denied contact with lawyers or family, and was forcibly flown to Georgia. He said the head of Georgia’s State Security Service, Anri Okhanashvili, was on the plane. Bachiashvili described the arrest as a special operation planned by Ivanishvili and carried out by the security service. “They are now investigating an international crime they themselves committed. How can I get justice? How can I defend myself?” he asked in court. More on his story here.

● “It is not in America’s interest for Georgia, located in a critically important geopolitical spot, to coordinate with Russia or China. America needs effective tools to convince the Georgian government to pursue a pro-Western and democratic path. The MEGOBARI Act is exactly such a tool. It’s not just a sanction but also a condition for restoring deep cooperation between Georgia and the US. I think this is one of the most important steps in US-Georgian relations,” said former US Ambassador to Georgia Ian Kelly in an interview with Formula.

● Ian Kelly: “The decision by Georgian Dream’s honorary chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili not to meet with US Ambassador Robin Dunnigan was a huge mistake. It was a clear attempt by Washington to open a dialogue with the government. The problem with Georgian Dream is that it refuses to engage in dialogue with anyone, including the opposition. All it offers is violence and denial.”

● German Ambassador Peter Fischer wrote on social media that he participated in a meeting at Georgia’s anti-corruption bureau, where he spoke about the negative opinion of the Venice Commission regarding the new repressive laws, including the “foreign agents” law modeled after Russia’s. “As a friend, I warned the authorities that EU membership is becoming an illusion for Georgia. In June 2024, the EU Council regrettably concluded that Georgia has significantly deviated from its path,” Fischer stated.

● The German ambassador demanded exemption from the “foreign agents” law for employees of 13 German organizations operating in Georgia. All of them are funded by the German federal budget and operate under bilateral agreements between Germany and Georgia, said Peter Fischer.

● The head of the Arzni community, Felix Mirzoyan, and seven others were detained following a brawl and shooting in Kotayk. One person was hospitalized in serious condition.

● Criminal cases may be launched against Seyran Ohanyan, head of the parliamentary opposition faction “Hayastan,” and the faction’s secretary Artsvik Minasyan. Prosecutor General Anna Vardapetyan has already submitted a request to Speaker Alen Simonyan. The National Assembly must approve prosecution through a secret vote. The case involves the alleged illegal appropriation of 10,500 sq m of land in the Drakhtik community (Gegharkunik region) between 2010–2015. Ohanyan is accused of building a private mansion on public funds while serving as defense minister. Minasyan, as environment minister (2016–2018), allegedly failed to act on the issue.

● Tensions between the prime minister and the church are escalating. Nikol Pashinyan again posted on social media that Catholicos Garegin II must resign, claiming he broke his vow of celibacy and has a child. He called on believers to unite around the idea of removing the patriarch and electing a new one. Eduard Sharmazanov, deputy head of the (pro-Russian) Republican Party, responded: “A challenge to the Church is a challenge to the Armenian nation and history. You are carrying out the plan to turn Armenia into ‘Western Azerbaijan,’ and the Church is your main obstacle.” Hieromonk Asoghik Karapetyan also warned of “state-level terror being openly planned in Armenia,” calling on authorities and prominent figures to act. Read more here

● “Customs is ready for any scenario if the borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan open,” said head of the State Revenue Committee, Eduard Hakobyan. If transit from Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan begins via Armenian territory, customs procedures will be the same as with other countries. Armenia currently has simplified border regimes with Georgia and Iran.

● The foreign ministry expressed surprise at Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky’s statement claiming that “Karabakh was a disputed territory between Azerbaijan and Armenia.” “Mr. Medinsky compared the Russia–Ukraine war to the situation in Karabakh. This is an inappropriate comparison. Azerbaijan has never violated the territorial integrity of any state or engaged in aggressive warfare. In 2020 and 2023, Azerbaijan conducted a Patriotic War and anti-terror operations on its own internationally recognized sovereign territory. These ended in Azerbaijan’s full victory and Armenia’s defeat, putting an end to Armenian occupation in accordance with international law,” said MFA spokesperson Aykhan Hajizadeh. He also reminded that “Russia has recognized and continues to recognize Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan,” and urged Medinsky not to harm bilateral relations by commenting on matters outside his authority.

● Azerbaijan nearly doubled its direct investment in Georgia in the first quarter of this year, investing \$25 million in just three months, compared to \$70.7 million in all of 2024. Since April, Azerbaijan ranks fifth among foreign investors in Georgia with a 13.9% share. Overall, Georgia’s FDI dropped by 7.7% compared to the same period last year, according to national statistics.

● Joint Azerbaijan–Turkey computerized command-staff drills “Unbreakable Brotherhood” will be held June 12–19 in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

● Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev is visiting Kenya at the invitation of his counterpart Renson Mulele Ingonga.

● Seventeen people, including nine minors, were hospitalized for food poisoning from a shawarma shop in Nakhchivan, APA news agency reported. Seven others were reportedly poisoned at the same place on May 22. An investigation is underway.

● The Surakhani tanker museum on the Caspian Sea is now offering an audio tour in Ukrainian — the first Ukrainian-language audio guide in Azerbaijan. The news was shared by Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska, according to Report.

● Day 193 of Georgia’s ongoing pro-European protest has begun. As every evening, hundreds gathered again outside parliament in Tbilisi, demanding snap parliamentary elections and the release of detained protesters. Part of Rustaveli Avenue was once again blocked.

● Today, several court hearings are scheduled against detained activists and journalists. A call is circulating on social media to gather at Batumi City Court from 13:00 – where a hearing will be held in the case of Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti. In Tbilisi City Court: 10:30 – Nikoloz Kacia; 13:00 – Anastasia Zinovnikina and Anton Gribul; 14:00 – Saba Skhvitardze, Zviad Tsetskhladze, Nikoloz Javakhishvili, Tornike Moshadze, Irakli Miminoshvili, Vepkhvia Kasradze, Vasil Kadzelashvili, Giorgi Giorgadze, Insap Aliev.

● “Georgia has strictly followed international sanctions since their adoption and thoroughly controls all customs operations at its borders,” said the Georgian Revenue Service. “Regarding the June 7 report by Formula TV, which we view as disinformation, the channel received a full response to its inquiry but aired only a fragment. The customs authority uses 37 risk profiles and round-the-clock sanction checks by trained experts. We remain in close contact with competent authorities from the US, EU, and partner countries on sanction enforcement.”

● The Federalist Party reiterated its decision to boycott the October municipal elections. “Some call it a ‘national referendum’, but what Ivanishvili plans for October 4 is a farce. We’ll run a campaign to explain that Georgia needs new parliamentary elections, followed by reforms, and only then local elections that truly serve the people,” said party leader Tamar Chergoleishvili.

● Should the opposition take part in Georgia’s local elections? Here are two expert opinions with arguments for and against.

● “NATO is concerned about the closure of the NATO and EU Information Center in Georgia, especially at a time when the public needs more factual information about the Alliance and Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Since 2005, the center has played a key role in this. The Georgian people have clearly expressed their desire for a democratic, prosperous future within the European and Euro-Atlantic family. This strategic goal is also enshrined in Georgia’s Constitution,” reads the official NATO statement.

● Representatives of Georgian Dream plan to file a complaint with the Ministry of Internal Affairs this week regarding “a large-scale smear campaign, insults, and hate speech on social media, financed from abroad.” “There must be one response to everything: let them protest within the bounds of politeness,” said David Matikashvili, chairman of the parliamentary committee on procedural issues, speaking to journalists. Read more here

● Lawyer of arrested protester Anton Chechin said his client “suffered verbal and physical abuse from penitentiary staff.” A Public Defender’s Office representative visited Chechin and confirmed signs of injury, wrote lawyer Giorgi Chkheidze on social media.

● Activist Luka Natsvlishvili was released from Batumi detention after 12 days on charges of petty hooliganism and police disobedience. His lawyer claims police didn’t identify themselves when they suddenly approached and detained him on the street.

● Georgian UFC fighter Merab Dvalishvili defended his bantamweight title by defeating American Sean O’Malley at UFC 316 in Newark, USA. After the win, he briefly spoke with and posed for a photo with Donald Trump, who was present (video below). Dvalishvili, 34, now has 20 wins and 4 losses. He first won the title in September 2024 and defended it again in January 2025 against Russian Umar Nurmagomedov.

● MP of the Milli Majlis Razi Nurullayev spoke to journalists about a meeting between Azerbaijani and Armenian politicians, held in Vienna at the Austrian National Defence Academy. The format included two participants from each side – one from the government and one from the opposition. “The Armenian opposition accuses Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of making concessions that, in their view, hinder the achievement of a peace agreement. They are trying to bring the negotiation process back to the Russian platform. We reminded them of what Armenia must do: amend its Constitution, officially support the dissolution of the Minsk Group together with Azerbaijan, halt provocative actions by the paramilitary group ‘Yerkrapah’ in border regions, ensure the right of the Western Azerbaijani community to return to their historical lands, and stop the activities of separatist structures within Armenia,” Nurullayev said.

Representing Azerbaijan, alongside Nurullayev, was Arif Hajili, chairman of the opposition Musavat Party. Representing Armenia were Edmon Marukyan, head of the “Bright Armenia” party, and Arusya Yulhaakyan, an MP from the ruling Civil Contract party. The meeting was organized by the International Center for European and International Research (ICEUR) and is part of a series of annual discussions.

● Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK Elin Suleymanov commented on the case of Ruben Vardanyan, a former state minister of the now-defunct, unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh republic, who is currently under arrest in Baku. He is charged with torture, mercenarism, war crimes, terrorism, and other offenses. In an interview with GB News, the ambassador stated that unfounded accusations against Azerbaijan are being made by individuals lobbying for Vardanyan. Meanwhile, the International Court and the UN Human Rights Council’s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention have already dismissed claims related to his case. “Attempts to portray this case as religiously motivated are baseless. The defendant has access to proper conditions, including a library in prison,” the pro-government outlet AZERTAC reported.

● Over 3,000 applications have been submitted to Azerbaijan’s Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBİA) for starting businesses in Karabakh and other territories liberated from Armenian occupation. Of these, 507 came from foreign companies, including more than 10 from China, according to the pro-government outlet Report, citing agency head Orkhan Mammadov.

● Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR is purchasing a 10% stake in Israel’s Tamar gas field. The deal is valued at around \$1 billion and has already been approved by Israel’s Ministry of Energy, according to the Israeli outlet Ynet.

● At the end of June, a youth forum between Azerbaijan and Georgia is set to take place in Baku. A bilateral summer youth camp is also planned, to be held in Baku, Ganja, and in territories liberated from occupation, according to AZERTAC. In the future, similar camps are planned in various Georgian cities, including on the Black Sea coast.

● The spokesperson for the Armenian prime minister denied media reports about an accident involving Nikol Pashinyan’s motorcade. “The information is false,” Nazeli Baghdasaryan wrote on social media.

● Numerous cases of brucellosis infection among livestock have been reported in the Ashotsk community. Local residents are unsure how to respond, wrote opposition MP Mger Melkonyan (“Hayastan” faction), who recently visited the area. He urged the relevant authorities to intervene urgently, warning that villagers may lose their only source of income.

● Amid tense relations between the government and the church, Armenia’s first president Levon Ter-Petrosyan visited the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and met with Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II. “During the conversation, the former president expressed his full support for the patriarch and strongly condemned the unconstitutional encroachments by Armenian authorities on the 1,700-year-old church,” the Etchmiadzin statement said.

● The party of former president Serzh Sargsyan is seeking to initiate a vote of no confidence against Nikol Pashinyan and has even named its candidate for prime minister: Davit Ambarzumyan. The proposal requires 36 signatures to be discussed, but 54 votes are needed to pass it. The two opposition factions (“Armenia” and “I Have Honor”) hold 34 seats together, with four independents. The remaining MPs belong to the ruling “Civil Contract” faction.

● Russia’s Bolshoi Theatre performed in an open-air concert in Yerevan’s Tumanyan Park. Dancers presented Aram Khachaturian’s Spartacus and excerpts from Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadère, Scheherazade, and Swan Lake.

● Armenia’s national para-armwrestling team returned from the 27th European Championship in Romania with 15 medals: 7 gold, 2 silver, and 6 bronze. They were welcomed with flowers and applause.

Video: A wine festival was held in Yerevan.

Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 2-6 June, 2025