Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 26-30 May, 2025

● Nika Melia, one of the leaders of the opposition coalition “For Changes,” was detained in Tbilisi just hours before the deadline to pay bail for refusing to appear before the parliamentary commission investigating actions of the former government. According to media reports, dozens of law enforcement officers were involved in the operation. “It was a full-fledged special operation to abduct Nika,” said his colleagues. Earlier, Melia had declared he would not appear in court, where he expected to be arrested for non-payment of bail. The Ministry of Internal Affairs claims Melia was detained for “verbally insulting” police officers. His lawyer dismissed the charges as “fabricated,” saying the real aim is to force his appearance in court. Read more here

●Reactions to Melia’s detention:

• Miriam Lexmann, Member of the European Parliament: “It’s both regrettable and unacceptable that the EU is not acting in the face of growing authoritarianism of the Georgian Dream. The people of Georgia are clear about their European and democratic path. We cannot let them down.”

• Rasa Juknevičienė, Member of the European Parliament: “The situation in Georgia is getting worse. EU and Member states must act!”

• Marko Mihkelson, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Estonian Parliament: “The goal of the Georgian dictatorship appears to be the elimination of all political opposition — just as has been done in Russia and Belarus. The arrest of Nika Melia is unlikely to be the last. The European Union should respond immediately and begin the process of revoking visa-free travel. Harsher sanctions against the Georgian regime are inevitable if democracies aim to resist the expansionist ambitions of the Russian empire.”

• Joe Wilson, U.S. Congressman: “The anti-American Georgian Dream regime has just arrested key opposition leader Nika Melia on the same false pretense as the previous attack on opposition. It is clear that the total banning of opposition is underway so as to sell the country to China. Sanctions are the solution!”

• Salome Zourabichvili, the Fifth President of Georgia: “Another unlawful and shameful arrest of a political leader, after the kidnapping in a third country of a regime opponent. Every day the ‘Russian’ regime is accentuating repression, but unable to consolidate its power or internal trust. Protest is well alive!”

●The national Erasmus+ office in Georgia has denied rumors that the program is pulling out of the country: “Georgia remains an active and important partner of the Erasmus+ programme. All current and planned activities are proceeding without disruption. We urge educational institutions, students, and stakeholders to rely only on official sources for accurate information.”

● Delivery services Glovo and Wolt are expected to experience disruptions every Thursday as couriers begin weekly protest marches. The trigger: a sharp drop in earnings and company refusals to adjust payment rates. Protesting couriers claim Glovo and Wolt deliberately lowered pay rates and hired foreign workers at lower wages who accept orders at the cheapest prices. They argue this violates labor standards and leaves them with no viable income. Many say they will be forced to leave the country if the situation continues.

● Chairman of the Russian Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Grigory Karasin told TASS: “Russian-Georgian relations show signs of increased activity. We would be happy to restore diplomatic relations. Over the years, Georgia’s political leadership has clearly matured. Georgia now acts more responsibly and is no longer willing to fight for someone else’s interests. This appeals to Russian public opinion. Slowly but surely, tourism and Georgian visits to Russia are also recovering.”

● Georgian Dream’s PM Irakli Kobakhidze once again talked about the mysterious “deep state” – now at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Budapest. Here’s an excerpt from what he said: “Today, the West stands at a crossroads — not only the political West, but the civilizational West, based on Christian and democratic values. We are gathered here to defend our identity and our God-given right to be who we are. We are not arguing with the West — because we are part of it. The real West — the West of freedom, faith, and family values, not the ‘deep state’ that seeks to strip the world of dignity and crown itself the master of all things. Our true West is still alive — alive in countries like Hungary, and in the hearts of millions across Europe and beyond, in the hearts of those tired of being told that loving your homeland is a crime.”

● The French Embassy has warned its citizens that participating in protests or expressing political views on social media may result in being denied entry to Georgia — even for holders of valid residence permits. A similar advisory was earlier issued by the Polish Embassy.

Photos by David Pipia / JAMnews taken during the Independence Day celebrations in Tbilisi on May 26, 2025:

● Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister met with U.S. Senator Steve Daines, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. They discussed prospects for U.S.–Azerbaijan relations, regional security, and the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

● Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated: “We are closely following the developments and steps toward peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Turkey is also contributing to this process and stands ready to continue doing so. A peaceful settlement will benefit Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey alike. We hope a peace agreement will be signed soon.”

● Erdoğan also commented on the proposed Zangezur Corridor — a potential overland route linking Azerbaijan to its exclave Nakhchivan through Armenian territory. Yerevan insists on controlling the portion that crosses its territory, while Baku demands it be fully extraterritorial. “This is not only a land link between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, but also a new line of integration with the Turkic world via Turkey. Opening the Zangezur Corridor would immediately strengthen the South Caucasus’s transport and energy infrastructure. We expect Iran to support these steps, which serve peace, security, and development in the region,” Erdoğan said.

● Jailed Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Farid Mehdi Meheralizade wrote a letter from prison recounting his arrest exactly one year ago, on May 30, 2024. He is charged with smuggling and other offenses in a broader case against AbzasMedia, a corruption-investigative outlet. Several staff members, including the director and editor-in-chief, face the same charges. They deny wrongdoing, claiming they are being persecuted for their critical reporting. The prosecutor has requested 12-year prison terms for Director Ulvi Hasanli, journalist Hafiz Babali, and Meheralizade, and 11-year terms for Editor-in-Chief Sevinc Vagifgizi, coordinator Mahammad Kekalov, and journalists Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova. The prosecution also seeks financial penalties and confiscation of Meheralizade’s car.

In his letter, Meheralizade describes how he was suddenly seized on the street, had a bag placed over his head, was handcuffed, and had his phone taken before being pushed into a vehicle. As they drove around the city, music played and one of the men warned him: “This will be the last song you hear in your life.”

Over the past 18 months, more than 30 journalists and activists have been arrested in Azerbaijan on smuggling charges. They all claim the charges are politically motivated. International organizations and Western leaders continue to call for their release.

● The European Court of Human Rights ruled in favor of Ayhan Israfli, a board member of the unregistered union group “Workers’ Table,” who was sentenced to three years in prison for drug possession and distribution — charges he denies as politically motivated. Four “Workers’ Table” members are currently jailed on various charges they say are fabricated. The court ordered Azerbaijan to pay Israfli €2,700 in moral damages and €450 in legal costs. In April, President Ilham Aliyev stated that ECHR rulings are no longer binding for Azerbaijan, after the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe rejected the credentials of the Azerbaijani delegation.

● The prosecutor is seeking seven-year prison terms for Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP) members Zaur Askerov and Gunduz Mirzayev. They are accused of making open calls against the state on social media. Both admitted to using offensive language and apologized but denied inciting the overthrow of the government. The verdict is expected on June 5.

● Criminal charges have been filed against Zaur Rzali, former driver for APFP chairman Ali Karimli. He was detained in early April, accused of illegal possession of a cold weapon. The charge is based on the discovery of a fruit knife in his car. The party noted that eight people who had volunteered as Karimli’s drivers or bodyguards have recently been arrested.

Currently, around 15 APFP members are serving long prison terms. Many other activists have received administrative detention. All claim their arrests are politically motivated. According to local human rights organizations, Azerbaijan now holds over 360 political prisoners.

● In the Gali district of the unrecognized Republic of Abkhazia, two Azerbaijani and two Turkish citizens were detained. Abkhazia’s state security service said they were trying to hide there to evade criminal prosecution in Georgia. They are now facing banditry charges. Authorities in Tbilisi have not yet commented on the arrests.

● “18-year-old Elgun Ibrahimov died from injuries sustained in a fall from height. No signs of violence were found,” stated Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General’s Office and State Security Service, reaffirming the official conclusion of suicide. The statement added that on the day of his death, Ibrahimov sold his mobile phone and used the money to repay debts. His mother had repeatedly dismissed the possibility of suicide in interviews with local media.

● The trial of former leaders of the now-defunct self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic continued. They are charged with war crimes, terrorism, attempts to overthrow the state, and other serious offenses. According to pro-government agency AZERTAC, victims of the 2016 “April War” testified, claiming Armenian forces used banned incendiary weapons and chemical agents during clashes. The 2016 conflict — often referred to as the “Four-Day War” — saw heavy fighting between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces along the line of contact. The trial will resume on May 30.

●  The Armenian government has approved a draft law introducing the concept of child bullying into national legislation. Legal mechanisms for protecting affected children are expected to follow. Municipalities may also appoint child welfare specialists to handle both bullying and domestic violence cases.

●  Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sharply criticized the Church, claiming that many churches have “turned into storage rooms.” He said these sacred spaces are being filled with bags, rusty metal rods, garbage, old shoes, and even beds — despite being places where people seek spiritual nourishment. “How long will this hypocrisy continue — speaking of the sacred while behaving in profane ways, trampling holy things?” he asked.

●  Pashinyan’s remarks stirred public controversy. Tavush-based journalist Voskan Sargsyan suggested the comparison was intentional, arguing the prime minister is using provocative topics to deflect attention from more pressing national issues and to stay in the public eye, “as his approval rating has dropped significantly.”

●  Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan, head of the Chancellery of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, called it unfortunate to hear such statements from a high-ranking official. He said that even in addressing delicate issues, the prime minister reveals “a now-fashionable lack of education, a crisis in socially acceptable communication, and an inability to grasp problems in depth.”

●  Defense Minister Suren Papikyan commented for the first time in a long while on the Armenia–Azerbaijan border situation, following the recent shelling of the village of Khoznavar in Syunik Province. “We demanded an explanation, but they refused to acknowledge the shooting… We have to keep working,” he told Zhoghovurd newspaper.

●  Footage surfaced online showing the grandmother of a 1.5-year-old boy, who died in a hospital, attacking a medical worker and dragging her by the hair. The family blames the hospital for the child’s death. He had been taken from the village of Vedi after his condition worsened. According to the mother, he received four injections at the hospital and then died. Medical staff said the boy arrived in critical condition with hypovolemic shock. The medical report noted that his heart stopped 23 minutes after admission but was temporarily revived. He was moved to intensive care but did not survive a second cardiac arrest.

●  Are Armenian authorities delaying the opening of a Russian consulate in Kapan? When asked why Russia has been waiting for three years, ruling party MP Armen Khachatryan said: “That’s Russia’s problem. France has also been waiting two or three years… The process is ongoing. And I’ll add — these discussions began after September 2022.” He emphasized that Armenia is not obstructing the process: “If it was agreed upon, then it should open.”

●   A presentation of Juventus football academies was held in Yerevan. Juventus legend and current FIFA ambassador David Trezeguet, along with the club’s global academy coordinator David Fornaca, visited Armenia for the launch. Armenian company Next Gen Sports, which received the Razdan Sports Complex and its field for free use over 25 years, has pledged to invest more than $2.5 million within five years.

● Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri has resigned — citing the country’s current “peaceful” state, he said he can now “afford to spend more time with his family.” He will be replaced by Gela Geladze — a former deputy minister of education, defense, and the State Security Service, who has served under various governments, including that of Saakashvili. The opposition called the resignation “a sign of internal crisis and power struggles within the ruling party.”

● The resignation of Zviad Kharazishvili — the notorious head of Georgia’s special forces, known by the nickname “Khareba” and associated with multiple violent crackdowns on peaceful protests — is also reportedly in the works. The news was announced on TV Pirveli by former senior law enforcement official Irakli Shaishmelashvili, who has been granted asylum in the U.S. According to him, Khareba is set to leave following Gomelauri — the only government official he respected and obeyed. Along with Kharazishvili, his deputies and many of his subordinates are also expected to resign. “Around 60–70 people have already submitted their resignation letters,” Shaishmelashvili said, citing unnamed sources in the security services. Both Gomelauri and Khareba are under U.S. and Baltic sanctions for their role in dispersing pro-Western protests in Tbilisi.

● Bidzina Ivanishvili has refused to meet with U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan, who had planned to deliver a personal message from the Trump administration and outline steps to reset U.S.-Georgia relations. This was reported by the U.S. Embassy. The oligarch and informal ruler of Georgia confirmed his refusal. In his words, a face-to-face meeting with the ambassador could be used “as a tool of blackmail,” referring to the sanctions imposed on him and his frozen assets. Nevertheless, Ivanishvili said in his statement that he supports “rebooting relations with the United States from a clean slate and with a clear roadmap.”

● Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the ruling Georgian Dream party is attending the annual CPAC conference in Budapest, which brings together conservative politicians from around the world. Kobakhidze also took part in the conference last year. At the time, his speech focused on criticism of the LGBT movement, the youth protests against the “foreign agents” law, as well as on defending traditional values and national-religious identity.

● Members of the European Parliament delegation met with relatives of imprisoned Georgian citizens in Tbilisi, according to a post by MEP Rasa Juknevičienė on social media. “Students, actors, journalists, politicians, and many others are imprisoned by Bidzina Ivanishvili’s regime solely for taking part in demonstrations,” she stated. She said the delegation had also hoped to meet with journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli — who has been on trial for months after slapping a police officer who had insulted her during a protest — but the authorities refused to allow the meeting. “We are not surprised,” Juknevičienė said.

The photo is from one of the spring protests in Tbilisi. Participants are calling for the release of political prisoners and the scheduling of new elections. Photo by David Pipia / JAMnews

● Armenia marked its First Republic Day (pictured below). On May 28, 1918, Armenian regular troops and volunteers managed to halt the advance of Turkish forces into Eastern Armenia in the battles of Karakilisa, Bash-Aparan, and Sardarapat. On the same day, the Armenian National Council, based in Tbilisi, declared Armenia’s independence and proclaimed it a republic with Yerevan as its capital. A memorial commemorating the historic battle was later built in Sardarapat, where annual celebrations now take place.

● In his congratulatory message, Prime Minister Pashinyan criticized the Soviet Union. “Throughout nearly the entire existence of the Soviet Union, the First Republic was treated as something evil, ridiculed and scorned. This was how the empire tried to destroy the sprouts of an independent state that the First Republic had planted in our national consciousness,” he said. According to him, “the fear of being an independent and sovereign country has not been overcome to this day, because we still view the world and history through the lens of Soviet propaganda.”

● Armenia skipped another meeting of the CSTO Council of Defense Ministers. The gathering, held in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), included discussions on the “large-scale militarization processes underway in Europe,” which, according to Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin, “could, under certain conditions, lead to military conflict.” Yerevan announced it was freezing its participation in the CSTO in early 2024.

● Yerevan does not believe that the border delimitation process with Baku has stalled. Speaking to journalists, Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan said that the date of the next meeting of the commissions on border delimitation, demarcation, and security between Armenia and Azerbaijan has not yet been set.

● A scandal has erupted at Armenia’s Main Directorate for the Investigation of Economic Crimes and Smuggling — two employees have been caught stealing $590,000 from the agency’s own building. Both have been dismissed “at their own request.”

● A powerful tornado accompanied by hail hit Artik (Shirak Province). Roofs were damaged, orchards and farmland affected. Local authorities are currently assessing the damage.

● Azerbaijan received dozens of Independence Day congratulations from leaders of various ranks across the world, including from European states and the United States.

● A message from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was published on the State Department website. “We support the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. The U.S. continues to back efforts to strengthen peace and stability in the region. We recognize the agreement reached this year between Azerbaijan and Armenia on the text of a peace treaty. We also acknowledge Azerbaijan’s growing importance as an energy supplier and transport hub \[…] The U.S. remains committed to supporting fundamental freedoms in Azerbaijan, including press freedom, in line with the country’s constitution. We look forward to deepening our cooperation,” the statement said.

● A summit of the leaders of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Pakistan dedicated to Independence Day was held in Lachin, which returned to Azerbaijani control after over 30 years of Armenian occupation following the second Karabakh war.

● Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, speaking before the gala concert in Lachin: “Everyone must learn lessons from the past and take steps towards sustainable peace and good neighborliness in the region. We believe that victorious commander-in-chief Ilham Aliyev will also be remembered in history as the architect of peace in the region,” according to state agency AZERTAC.

● Erdoğan also stated that such trilateral summits will be held on a regular basis. Additionally, ministerial-level meetings are planned. He identified transport as one of the strategic areas of trilateral cooperation. “A joint vision will be developed in trade, investment, transportation, energy, the military-industrial complex, and counter-terrorism,” said the Turkish president.

● Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif: “Azerbaijan was once attacked by Armenia. Turkey and Pakistan provided full support to Azerbaijan. Pakistan was attacked by India, and Turkey and Azerbaijan immediately supported us. It was an unbreakable fortress of support \[…] Today the flags of the three countries fly in the charming location of Lachin. Our flags will always fly together, and we will confidently move forward towards a future of prosperity,” he said, as quoted by the pro-government agency Report from Lachin.

● The three leaders took part in the grand opening of the international airport in Lachin.

● Defense ministers of Azerbaijan and Turkey discussed prospects for cooperation during a meeting in Baku.

● The European Commission and the European External Action Service presented a new EU strategy for the Black Sea region, envisioning closer cooperation with regional countries — Azerbaijan, Turkey, Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Armenia. “The EU’s active role is crucial for advancing security and peace in the Black Sea region,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The strategy includes three main areas: enhancing security, stability, and resilience; promoting sustainable economic growth and prosperity; and supporting environmental protection, including civil defense.

Three initiatives are proposed:

• Establishing a Black Sea Maritime Security Center to protect critical maritime infrastructure and the marine environment.
• Developing transport, energy, and digital networks to leverage the Black Sea region as a vital corridor linking Europe with Central Asia via the South Caucasus.
• Assisting regional countries in overcoming environmental damage caused by war and climate change.

A special meeting of EU member state ministers with partner countries has been proposed to advance cooperation within the framework of the new Black Sea strategy.

● State oil and gas companies from Azerbaijan (SOCAR), Kazakhstan (KMG), Russia (Tatneft), and Uzbekistan (Uzbekneftegaz) signed a cooperation agreement on decarbonization and sustainable initiatives.

● The second Azerbaijan-Iran business forum is scheduled for June 18, with around 50 Iranian companies expected to participate. The first forum was held on April 28 during the official visit to Baku by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Over 120 Iranian businessmen came to Azerbaijan with him to establish contacts. According to the pro-government agency Report, around 2,980 Iranian companies are currently registered in Azerbaijan, and Iranian investments in the country exceed \$5 billion.

● U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Van Hollen called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to “take immediate action to protect journalists affiliated with USAGM who have been arrested. At least 5 remain imprisoned in Vietnam, 2 in Russia, 1 in Belarus, 1 in Azerbaijan (Farid Mehralizadeh from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty), and 2 in Myanmar,” the letter states.

● Farid Mehralizadeh, a Radio Free Europe journalist under arrest, urged Azerbaijani citizens “to be cautious when traveling abroad or owning a car,” as these were the types of charges brought against him. “There is no document, correspondence, or any evidence that I brought foreign currency into the country upon return. It’s just about a trip abroad. I get the impression that the arrest order came from the tourism agency, which was upset I wasn’t covering local travel enough,” he wrote from prison.

Mehralizadeh is being prosecuted in the “Abzas Media” case, in which all accused journalists are charged with smuggling. They deny the charges and claim political persecution for critical publications targeting authorities. The prosecutor is demanding 12 years in prison for the publication’s director Ulvi Hasanli, journalist Hafiz Babali, and Farid Mehralizadeh, and 11 years for editor-in-chief Sevinj Vagifgizi, coordinator Mahammad Kekalov, and journalists Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova. Compensation claims have also been filed, and Mehralizadeh’s car is to be confiscated.

• Over the past year and a half, more than 30 journalists and activists in Azerbaijan have been arrested in groups on smuggling charges. They reject the allegations and claim political persecution. International organizations and many Western leaders are calling on the government to release them.

● The Georgian Dream government has created conditions that allow Russia to expand its influence — according to the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency’s newly published 2025 Worldwide Threat Assessment. “In Georgia, Russia almost certainly aims to return Georgia to its sphere of influence. Since the parliamentary elections in October, the Georgian Dream-led government has created an environment that enables Russia to increase its influence in the country,” an unclassified report says.

● Donald Trump congratulated Mikheil Kavelashvili — the Georgian president whose legitimacy is disputed by the opposition and segments of the public — on Independence Day. Kavelashvili’s press office shared a Georgian-language version of the message but did not release an original document. “Mr. President, today marks the 107th anniversary of Georgia’s independence — a historic date in the Georgian people’s ongoing struggle for sovereignty, security, and national identity, a struggle that has continued from generation to generation despite serious hardships and challenges. My administration is committed to strengthening peaceful and productive relations with the Georgian government. Looking ahead, I anticipate a deepening of economic ties between our countries through the support of fair trade and the expansion of areas of bilateral cooperation. I warmly congratulate the Georgian people on this significant date, which reflects the nation’s unique and diverse history,” the congratulatory letter reads.

● The Georgian Dream’s PM interpreted the letter as confirmation of his long-standing claim — that “the State Department is held captive by the deep state.” “Over the past few days, we’ve seen two different letters — one written by the State Department, and another by President Trump’s administration. They are radically different, and this shows the confrontation that’s unfolding between the new administration and the State Department. Otherwise, it’s impossible to explain how such drastically different messages could both be sent to Georgia,” said Irakli Kobakhidze. Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also sent Independence Day greetings and reaffirmed U.S.-Georgian partnership — though the message was addressed to the people of Georgia, not its government, which is obviously what displeased the latter.

● Meanwhile, the name of Kimberly Lowe has resurfaced in Georgian media. She’s described by pro-government outlets as a “trusted representative of Trump.” In the past, she appeared on Georgian TV supporting Georgian Dream, visited the country at the invitation of the pro-government “Anti-Maidan” movement (created to counter six months of anti-government protests), and promised to help restore ties between Georgia, the U.S., and the EU — ties she claimed were damaged by the Biden administration. Now she says she was directly involved in facilitating Trump’s congratulatory message. “I sent The Georgian Prime Minister’s letter to Washington DC to the appropriate channels to send to President Trump and he has responded. Yes, relations between the United States and Georgia will strengthen. The European Union also needs to improve its relations, beginning by refraining from interfering negatively in the affairs of a sovereign and secure nation,” Lowe wrote.

● Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty has urged Georgian authorities to comply with European Court of Human Rights rulings related to torture, police violence, and violations of the right to peaceful assembly. He focused on two major cases — Tsintsabadze v. Georgia and Makarashvili and Others v. Georgia — which concern police abuse, arbitrary arrests of protesters, and the lack of effective judicial oversight. O’Flaherty strongly recommended a reform of the Code of Administrative Offenses, fair trial guarantees, and a review of laws passed since November 2024, which he said “disproportionately restrict freedom of assembly.”

● Luka Natsvlishvili, a student and member of the youth group “Strong Georgia,” was sentenced to 12 days of administrative detention. He was arrested during an Independence Day protest in Batumi, charged with “disobeying police orders.”

● Today, Azerbaijan celebrates Independence Day. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, established in 1918, was the first democratic and parliamentary republic in the entire East. However, it lasted only 23 months. On April 28, 1920, the 11th Red Army of Soviet Russia occupied Baku, and the republic fell.

● Head of the European Union Delegation to Azerbaijan, Peter Michalko, published a congratulatory message on X. “In 2025, the partnership between the EU and Azerbaijan continues to strengthen. We support Azerbaijan’s efforts in the field of renewable energy. A partnership based on shared values and mutual respect is of great importance to us,” the message read. Leaders from many countries around the world, including across Europe, also sent their congratulations to President Ilham Aliyev.

● Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Baku on an official visit. “It was an honor to meet my esteemed brother, President Ilham Aliyev, in the beautiful and peaceful city of Lachin. I thanked him for Azerbaijan’s unwavering support for our country during the recent Pakistan-India conflict. Long live the Pakistan-Azerbaijan friendship!” Sharif wrote on X.

● Azerbaijani and Turkish media report that the presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkey, along with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, will jointly inaugurate an international airport in the liberated Lachin district today. Previously, the presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkey jointly opened two other international airports in this region — in Fuzuli (October 2021) and Zangilan (October 2022). Chairman of the Egyptian Senate Abdel Wahab Abdel Razek is on an official visit to Baku. He met with Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister Ali Asadov. Reports say that among other topics, the mutual visits of the two countries’ presidents were discussed as a key step in strengthening intergovernmental dialogue.

● EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas welcomed Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s decision to pardon French citizen Théo Clerc. Clerc was sentenced in September 2024 to three years in prison for entering a Baku metro tunnel and painting graffiti on trains. “His release demonstrates what can be achieved through restrained diplomacy and respectful dialogue,” Kallas wrote on X.

● The trial has begun for Imran Aliyev, the detained head of the website http://meclis.info. Like many other arrested journalists, he is accused of smuggling, money laundering, tax evasion, and other serious crimes. The charges under the criminal code carry a sentence of up to 12 years. Two activists, Elgiz Gahraman and Tamilla Musayeva, are also on trial in the same case. None of them admit guilt and claim the charges are punishment for their honest professional work. http://Meclis.info was founded in 2023 and focused on analyzing the work of parliament. The next hearing is scheduled for June 10.

●  The criminal trial continues against Ruben Vardanyan, a former state minister of the former unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and an Armenian citizen, who remains in pre-trial detention. He is charged with torture, mercenarism, war crimes, terrorism, and other offenses. Victims’ testimonies were heard at the session. The next court hearing is set for June 3.

● Giorgi Bachiashvili, the former CEO of the Georgian Co-Investment Fund and once part of the inner circle of oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili – widely seen as Georgia’s shadow ruler – has been detained after secretly fleeing the country. The state security service said the arrest was made possible by an anonymous tip. Bachiashvili is accused of embezzling a large sum of money and laundering illicit income. A court had earlier ordered him to pay Ivanishvili up to 9,000 bitcoins (approximately \$860 million). He denied the charges, claimed political persecution, and managed to secretly leave Georgia, alleging that Ivanishvili had ordered his assassination. In March, a court sentenced him in absentia to 11 years in prison, and he was placed on a wanted list. The court ruled that the value of the bitcoins would be recovered from Bachiashvili’s seized assets in Georgia. He now also faces charges of illegal border crossing, which carries a sentence of 3 to 5 years.

● Thousands marched across Georgia on Independence Day in support of the country’s European integration. A major rally in front of the parliament building in Tbilisi demanded new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners. For context, here’s a brief overview of Georgia’s modern history: 34 years since the restoration of independence — a timeline from 1991 to 2025 highlighting all key events.

● Georgian Dream parliamentary speaker Shalva Papuashvili called the joint statement by the leaders of France, Poland, and Germany “a shameful attack on the people of Georgia on their national holiday.” The European leaders had expressed support for the Georgian people’s democratic and European aspirations but “strongly condemned the actions of the Georgian authorities that undermine democratic norms, as well as attacks on civil society, the media, and government critics.” Their statement read: “Freedom of expression and assembly must be protected. Reports of excessive use of force require thorough investigation. Laws that contradict European standards must be reconsidered, and urgently needed reforms must resume. Georgian authorities should restore dialogue with the opposition and civil society. The people of Georgia must not be deprived of the opportunities the European path provides.”

● Italian parties Italia Viva, Azione, Partito Democratico, Forza Italia, and individual senators have introduced a resolution in the Italian Senate calling on the government to condemn the repressive actions of Bidzina Ivanishvili’s regime and to impose sanctions on members and supporters of Georgian Dream.

● Fifth president Salome Zourabichvili on the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for October: “First, parliamentary elections must be held — only then the local ones. Or, at the very least, they should be held simultaneously. That requires new rules, which we proposed as part of our ‘Resistance Platform.’ No single party can achieve anything alone. Georgian Dream is trying to divide the opposition. We must not allow that.” Two commentaries present arguments for and against the opposition actively participating in the municipal elections.

● Salome Zourabichvili has been awarded Moldova’s highest honor — the Order of the Republic. Moldovan president Maia Sandu personally presented it “in recognition of the Georgian people’s firm commitment to Europe.”

● The Tbilisi Open Air 2025 music festival has concluded. It effectively became a manifestation of Georgia’s pro-European protest. Photos and videos here.

Photo: Giorgi Bachiashvili

● France plans to open a consular agency in Goris, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced at a press conference in Yerevan. He noted that the upcoming fifth “Decentralized Cooperation” conference in Goris highlights the importance of Armenian-French cooperation. Barrot also stressed that “signing a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan is extremely important, as this region is a communication hub for Europe.”

● Slovakia is offering Armenia cooperation in the field of nuclear energy. Since both countries use the same type of reactors, they could join efforts in dealing with spent nuclear fuel, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said at a press conference in Yerevan.

● The president of Iran will visit Armenia, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters in Yerevan.

●  “There will be no new war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, despite any provocations,” said Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

● Nikol Pashinyan congratulated Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Georgia’s Independence Day. “Developing relations with Georgia is one of Armenia’s foreign policy priorities. Yerevan values Tbilisi’s steps toward Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization,” the message said.

● A protest took place outside the French embassy in Yerevan, where citizens expressed dissatisfaction with EU involvement in South Caucasus affairs. “In 2022, when Artsakh was recognized as part of Azerbaijan in Prague, friendly France did nothing to at least keep the status issue of Nagorno-Karabakh open. What are the Europeans really after here, on the border with Iran, in Armenia — a military ally of Russia?” said Hayk Ayvazyan, head of the Luys Information and Education Center.

● Edgar Grigoryan, who took part in the November 2020 storming of government buildings, has been charged with stealing $590,000 from the Investigative Committee building. Grigoryan is involved in the criminal case over mass unrest in Yerevan on the night of November 10, 2020, following the signing of the trilateral statement (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia) that ended the Second Karabakh War. According to public television, Grigoryan accessed the premises using a pass provided by GOR Tadevosyan, head of the economic crimes and anti-smuggling department, along with keys to the office and safe where the money was stored.

● The oldest resident of Yerevan — 104-year-old Grigor A. — died in a traffic accident in the suburbs of the capital, according to the crime news website Shamshyan.com.

● “The position voiced by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on May 26 during the ‘Yerevan Dialogue’ not only shows Armenia’s unwillingness to amend its Constitution to eliminate territorial claims, but also raises questions about the country’s commitment to peace,” said Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizade. He also emphasized:

• “The claim that the dissolution of the Minsk Group, which Azerbaijan demands, allegedly aims to ‘shift the conflict onto Armenia’s sovereign territory’ is a clear manipulation. Yerevan is trying to create the impression that the conflict is unresolved and that the Minsk Group should be preserved.”

• “The prime minister’s statements about ‘Western Azerbaijan’ are a distortion of facts and an open denial of the rights of Azerbaijanis who once made up a significant part of Armenia’s population. References to the Western Azerbaijan community are not territorial claims. It is a matter of human rights — the intention to ensure the peaceful, safe, and dignified return of Azerbaijanis who were subjected to ethnic cleansing by Armenia.”

• “Opening transport routes in the region is fully in line with Azerbaijan’s goals of regional cooperation and economic integration and cannot be viewed as disrespecting Armenia’s sovereignty. However, Yerevan’s proposals for complex transit routes delay progress and contradict its own statements about the importance of regional cooperation.”

● No negotiations between representatives of Armenia and Azerbaijan are planned in Moscow, said Russian Security Council deputy secretary Alexey Shevtsov. However, both delegations are invited to attend a meeting of high-level security officials on May 27–29, as well as the regular working session of CIS countries scheduled for the same dates.

● “Ukraine is ready to become a key energy hub for Azerbaijan in Europe,” said Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, commenting on his visit to Baku. “Like the EU, we view Azerbaijan as a key contributor to Europe’s energy security. We are ready to support this through our expertise in transit and our gas storage facilities, the largest in Europe. Azerbaijan is a crucial partner for Ukraine’s sustainable development, primarily in the energy sector, but also for achieving a just and lasting peace. Now is the time to give this partnership new momentum, particularly at the highest political level,” he said.

● A two-day international conference titled “Islamophobia: Unmasking Bias and Breaking Stigmas” is taking place in Baku. Over 100 scholars, religious figures, and civil society representatives from around 40 countries are participating. The event marks the third anniversary of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

● The Turkish president’s office in Ankara hosted a reception in honor of Azerbaijan’s Independence Day, celebrated on May 28.

● On May 26, the trial began for Anar Mammadli, head of the Center for Election Monitoring and Democracy Studies, who has been in custody for over a year. He is being tried along with activist Anar Abdulla, arrested on May 20 after the investigation concluded. Mammadli is accused of smuggling, which he denies, claiming political persecution for monitoring elections and preparing independent reports. This is Mammadli’s second prosecution. He previously served a 5.5-year sentence starting in late 2013 for alleged tax evasion and was released by a pardon in March 2016. Several local and international organizations have recognized him as a political prisoner. The next hearing is scheduled for June 2. Since November 2023, more than 30 journalists and activists in Azerbaijan have been arrested on smuggling charges. All claim they are being persecuted for critical reporting on the authorities.

● President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree pardoning 220 individuals. Of those, 175 were released from serving the remainder of their sentences, while the others had their sentences halved. Among the pardoned was French citizen Théo Clerc Hugo, sentenced in September 2024 to three years in prison for entering a Baku metro tunnel and painting graffiti on trains. A total of 16 foreign nationals were pardoned. No political prisoners were included — as was the case with last year’s amnesty. According to local human rights organizations, over 350 political prisoners remain in Azerbaijani prisons.

● The trial continues for a group of former leaders of the former unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh republic. They are accused of war crimes, terrorism, attempted coup, and other serious offenses. According to the pro-government agency AZERTAC, a prosecutor presented protocols related to mass graves discovered in territories previously under Armenian control. “Preliminary findings indicate that at least some captives were deliberately killed through torture and inhumane treatment,” he said. It was also reported that many prisoners and hostages were freed through efforts by Azerbaijan and international bodies, and some were ransomed by relatives. Witnesses testified about killings, abuse, and torture they endured or witnessed during captivity. The trial will continue on May 29.

● The Central Election Commission announced the completion of voter list verification. Azerbaijan now has 6,302,093 registered voters, including 28,390 newly eligible to vote. However, analysts note discrepancies with previous figures released by the CEC: end of 2024 (before January’s municipal elections): 5,876,428 voters; February 2024 (ahead of the snap presidential election): 6,478,623 voters; May 2024: 6,326,764 voters. Opposition voices are calling for an independent and objective audit of the voter lists.

● Today, Georgia celebrates Independence Day. Festive events will take place on Freedom Square in Tbilisi, and military equipment and weapons exhibitions will be held in various cities. A demonstration flight by military aircraft has also been announced.

● Under the slogan “This is our day,” several marches will take place today in honor of Independence Day, organized by participants of the ongoing six-month-long pro-European protests. Their demands remain unchanged: to hold new parliamentary elections as a legal means to change power in the country, and to release political prisoners.

● The “Resistance Platform” founded by Georgia’s 5th president, Salome Zourabichvili, has denied claims made by authorities suggesting that the opposition is planning provocations on Independence Day. “The only force staging provocations is the illegitimate Russian regime of \[oligarch] Ivanishvili,” the statement said.

● The monarchs of the United Kingdom, Spain, and the Netherlands, as well as the leaders of China and Kazakhstan, have congratulated Georgian Dream’s president Mikheil Kavelashvili on Georgia’s Independence Day.

● In honor of Georgia’s Independence Day, the Georgian flag was ceremonially raised over San Francisco City Hall in California.

● The “Lelo – Strong Georgia” coalition has blamed Georgian Dream for Saturday’s attack in Tbilisi on Grigol Gegelia, the party’s secretary for foreign affairs. “Georgian Dream is a force that incites hatred toward political opponents and protects criminal elements,” the statement reads.

● Over the weekend, six foreign nationals—citizens of Nigeria, Bangladesh, Iran, Turkey, and Russia—were detained and will be deported for being in the country illegally, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

● Georgian musician Erekle Getsadze staged a provocative performance at the Tbilisi Open Air music festival over the weekend. Videos circulating on social media show Getsadze throwing a Russian flag onto the stage, stuffing it into a plastic bag, and pretending to urinate on it. The performance sparked outrage in Russian media, and Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova wrote on Telegram that Russian law enforcement would “give an appropriate assessment of the incident.” Video below from Instagram / Nino Dvali.

Georgian singer sparks outrage in Russia with onstage flag performance

Georgian singer Erekle Getsadze sparked outrage in Russia after performing a provocative act involving the Russian flag during his set at the Tbilisi Open Air music festival.

Videos shared on social media… pic.twitter.com/0NH8DSf77L

— JAMnews (@JAMnewsCaucasus) May 25, 2025

● Ukrainian foreign minister Andriy Sybiha is on an official visit to Baku. At a joint press conference, Azerbaijani foreign minister Jeyhun Bayramov stated: “Relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine are of a strategic partnership nature. Azerbaijan has always recognized Ukraine’s territorial integrity. When Azerbaijani lands were under occupation, Ukraine also recognized our territorial integrity. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, now in its third year, has negatively affected economic ties between Baku and Kyiv. However, in 2024, there has been a 30% increase. So far, Azerbaijan has provided over \$40 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine.”

● A parliamentary delegation from Egypt, led by Senate speaker Abdel Wahab Abdel Razek, is currently in Baku on an official visit.

● Azadeh Rojhan, rapporteur of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on political prisoners, has urged Azerbaijani authorities to urgently review the charges against Igbal Abilov, a researcher of Talysh culture sentenced to 18 years in prison for treason. “The charges are based on his professional academic exchanges with Armenian scholars. Academic freedom is protected under the right to freedom of expression, and scholars must be shielded from political interference,” Rojhan stated. She also called for the release of human rights defenders and journalists imprisoned for exercising their right to free expression. More on Abilov’s case here

● The Talysh Public Council of Azerbaijan (ATİŞ) has protested the sentence handed down to Igbal Abilov. “His only ‘crime’ is studying the historical and cultural heritage of the Talysh people. On May 20, he was sentenced, and the very next day, on May 21, a Talysh folklore evening was organized in Baku, as if to portray a celebration of his unjust arrest. \[…] The folklore and heritage of the Talysh people must not be used to justify repression. We call on the public, international organizations, and human rights institutions not to remain indifferent to Igbal Abilov’s fate.”

● “For the second year in a row, I mark my birthday in a 4-square-meter prison cell, despite having committed no crime and without a court verdict against me. This is the ‘price’ of speaking out against attacks on media freedom, of my journalistic integrity, and my lifelong dedication—over 30 years—to human rights,” wrote jailed media law expert and ToplumTV founder Alesker Mammadli in a letter published by Meydan TV. “I am deeply disappointed that young journalists who uphold professional integrity and uncompromising principles are being ‘punished,’ held in prison, and threatened with 11–12-year sentences. I firmly believe in the innocence of the arrested journalists from AbzasMedia, Toplum TV, Meydan TV, and others. Thanks to the unity of the Azerbaijani people, the 30-year-long issue of Karabakh has been resolved. The occupiers have been expelled, and sovereignty has been restored. Now there is an urgent need for social peace and humanity. We must listen to the new challenges and turn a new page,” Mammadli wrote.

● Prominent activist Nidjat Amiraslanov has been sentenced to 15 days of administrative detention. He was charged with petty hooliganism after distributing flyers demanding a fair investigation into the death of teenager Elgun Ibrahimov in Ganja. Pro-government media claim it was a suicide, but the family insists he was beaten to death—possibly by police officers. Social media users accuse the prosecutor’s office of failing to conduct a serious investigation.

● Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei reportedly plans to reopen his office in Azerbaijan, according to the “Free Iran” Telegram channel, citing sources within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Photo: According to Azerbaijan’s state news agency AZERTAC, minister Sybiha visited the grave of Azerbaijani national hero of Ukrainian origin Viktor Seryogin at the Alley of Martyrs, laid flowers at the monument to Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko, and planted a tree in the park where the monument is located.

● Slovak prime minister Robert Fico has arrived in Yerevan for a two-day official visit.

● The international conference “Yerevan Dialogue 2025” is kicking off in the Armenian capital. This year’s theme is “A Journey Through the Unknown.” The event will focus on global geopolitical trends, prospects for peace and security, growing economic contradictions, and regional cooperation, including the expansion of trade. Discussions will also explore ways to “live in harmony with nature,” including priorities for upcoming UN-led environmental summits. Another key topic is the impact of artificial intelligence on various spheres of life.

● The son of Charles Aznavour, the French-Armenian chanson singer, has addressed a message to Ruben Vardanyan, former state minister of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. “Your courage continues to inspire many of us. Today you face one of the most difficult chapters of your life. Our thoughts are with you and your family more than ever,” wrote Nicolas Aznavour.

● The body of a two-year-old child has been found in the Marmarik River on the 20th day of a search operation. The boy went missing on the morning of May 4.

● A 16-year-old boy was fatally struck by a train in the southwest of Armenia near the village of Jrarrat. Reports say the teenager was walking with his back to the train. The driver immediately sounded the horn and applied emergency brakes, but was unable to prevent the accident.

Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 19-23 May, 2025