Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 27-31 October, 2025

● The defence ministries of Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom have signed a bilateral cooperation plan for 2026–27. “Britain is proud of its close defence cooperation with Azerbaijan and its role in the strategic partnership,” the British Embassy in Baku said in a statement.

● “The lifting of the UK arms embargo on Azerbaijan opens new opportunities for defence and security cooperation between the two countries,” said Bob Blackman, head of the UK–Azerbaijan inter-parliamentary friendship group, in an interview with the pro-government outlet Report. He added: “Cooperation will develop cautiously and responsibly, focusing on training, cybersecurity, border management, and counter-terrorism. This is especially important given Azerbaijan’s geopolitical position bordering Iran, Russia, Armenia, and Georgia.”

Earlier in October, the UK lifted its arms embargo on Armenia and Azerbaijan, in place since 1992. The official statement said the decision aims to elevate bilateral relations with both Armenia and Azerbaijan to a strategic partnership and support them in countering “hybrid threats.” Read more here

● Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed confidence in Turkey’s prospects of joining the European Union, saying “significant progress can be achieved in a very short time if the bloc properly recognizes the firm position of Turkey’s leadership.”
Speaking at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Ankara, Erdoğan said: “Turkey is not merely a European or Asian country, but a democracy effectively implementing democratic processes across several continents. The Copenhagen criteria are not a negative process for Turkey.” Merz, in turn, stated that Germany supports Turkey’s EU membership.

● The editor-in-chief of the online TV channel Hurriyet TV and the newspaper of the same name, Vugar Mammadov, has been detained. Radio Liberty’s Azerbaijani service reported that searches were conducted at the newsroom and his home, and computers and documents were seized. Other staff members were also taken to the State Security Service but later released. The agency did not comment on the arrest.

Mammadov is the nephew of Sadig Jalaloghlu, chairman of the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan, and lawyer Gurban Mammadov, who lives abroad. In June 2023, he was jailed for one month for allegedly spreading prohibited information on Hurriyet TV. Since then he had been under investigation on charges of anti-government activity and inciting mass unrest. Several bloggers living abroad have been arrested in absentia on similar charges. They deny wrongdoing and say they are being targeted for criticism of the government. Read more here

● The State Security Service carried out a sudden operation at the administration of Balakan district in north-western Azerbaijan.
District head Islam Rzayev, who had led the region for 14 years, was detained on suspicion of corruption, along with his deputies, the chief architect, and several other officials. Shortly after, local media reported that the president signed a decree dismissing Rzayev.

● The trial of former leaders of the former unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) continued. They are charged with war crimes, terrorism, attempting to overthrow state power, and other serious offences. State agency AZERTAC reported that video and documents were presented, and victims testified about mass abductions, torture, and killings of ethnic Azerbaijani civilians by Armenian forces before, during, and after the first Karabakh war in the early 1990s. The trial will resume on October 31.

● A documentary film titled “Yaradan” (“The Creator”) was presented in Baku, dedicated to the revival of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. The film, produced by the Azerbaijan Journalists’ Network, marks the 5th anniversary of the victory in the 2020 Second Karabakh war. Filming took place in Aghdam, Khojaly, Shusha, Khankendi, Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Lachin, Kalbajar, and Zangilan.

● Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan responded to a question about whether signing a peace agreement with Azerbaijan could be the first step toward European integration for both countries. “I cannot speak for Azerbaijan — that would be incorrect. But Armenia has already adopted a law declaring its intention to join the European Union. This is solid proof of our aspirations and ambitions. This is partly connected to Georgia’s European prospects. The adoption of this law in Armenia became possible because Georgia received EU candidate status a year ago. I believe Georgia’s European prospects are very important for the entire region,” Pashinyan said during the “At the Crossroads of Leadership” discussion at the 8th Paris Peace Forum.

● A meeting between Nikol Pashinyan and French President Emmanuel Macron took place at the Élysée Palace. They discussed Armenia–France strategic relations and expressed readiness to continue strengthening them. The importance of further expanding cooperation under the new Armenia–EU partnership agenda was also emphasized.

● “Some forces are trying to portray the ‘Trump Route’ transit project as extraterritorial, but there are no grounds for that,” Pashinyan said at the forum. “The document has been published — all principles are listed. We are working on the legal framework. As I have said, there are no obstacles to advancing and implementing the project. This is now a purely technical matter, and it will be resolved soon. Everything will be implemented — I am confident nothing will stand in the way,” he added.

● 43 people are implicated in the case involving violence by protesters in Gyumri defending the local mayor accused of corruption. Two more individuals have been charged and placed in pre-trial detention, according to the Investigative Committee.

● “There are no political prisoners in Armenia, and never will be,” said Labor and Social Affairs Minister Arsen Torosyan.
“There are many cases related to current officials who were detained, arrested, and later released. Selective justice has long been eliminated in Armenia,” he stated.

● Opposition MPs met with the detained mayor of Masis, David Ambartsumyan, who was previously nominated by the opposition as their candidate for prime minister if their impeachment move against Pashinyan succeeds. “Even in custody, David shows firm will and determination,” MP Tigran Abrahamyan said after the meeting. The faction he represents is known for its pro-Russian stance.

● Azerbaijani media outlet Caliber.Az reports, citing a diplomatic source, that President Ilham Aliyev does not plan to attend the European Political Community summit in Armenia in May 2026.
Earlier, Armenia’s FM Ararat Mirzoyan stated that the presidents of Turkey and Azerbaijan had been invited to the summit.

● Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova again criticized Armenia’s stated intention to join the EU. “Joining the EU requires giving up part of sovereignty, including in foreign policy, applying EU sanctions, and ceding control over legal, monetary, migration and other areas. Yet no one in Armenia is prosecuted for openly advocating surrendering sovereignty — while similar statements by the (pro-Russian) opposition are punished,” she said.

● Fraudsters pretending to be Armenian and Azerbaijani security services are scamming citizens, cybersecurity expert Samvel Martirosyan warned. They contact victims from fake accounts of acquaintances, then claim a “security service officer” will call. The fake officer alleges millions were transferred to the victim’s account and demands money be “separated and moved” — after which it disappears.

● Armenia will appoint a military attaché to Cyprus. The justification states that the two defense ministries closely cooperate on democratic values, human rights, governance, rule of law, instructor training, and peacekeeping.

●  Armenia may face a decline in wine exports, Deputy Economy Minister Arman Khojoyan said. “Global wine consumption has dropped by around 7% annually, but wine tourism grew by 13% last year. I urge our winemakers to focus more on wine tourism,” he said.

● The Health Minister commented on a media report about low-quality cancer drugs imported from India. “Hetq cannot issue conclusions on drug effectiveness. India produces 60% of the world’s vaccines and has a reputation for high-quality pharmaceuticals. If there are issues with a drug, submit a written request, and we will run an expert review,” she said.

● Armenia’s Health Ministry will provide new dialysis machines to medical centers in 2026, even in places with low usage, so residents do not have to travel far.

● The Surb Nerses Mets Church in Karabakh has suffered damage over the past two years, with broken windows and traces of shelling, Monument Watch reports. The organization says the church and its surroundings were deliberately targeted by Azerbaijani forces during the 2020 war, when Martuni was heavily bombed.

● Former Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia Koba Gabunia (pictured below) has been arrested on charges of abuse of power. The case concerns the fraudulent appropriation of 9,365,801 lari (approx. $4 million). The Interior Ministry reported that searches were conducted in 20 different locations, including the homes of Gabunia and former minister Irakli Karseladze.

A day earlier, prosecutors charged the former head of the Municipal Development Fund, Davit Tabidze, with abuse of power in relation to the “Lagi Capital” case and the unjustified allocation of 9,365,801 lari (approx. $5 million) from the budget for the reconstruction of 30 kindergartens – work that was never carried out.

● Police detained several more participants of the ongoing pro-European protest, which has continued for over a year, on Rustaveli Avenue on Thursday evening. Among those detained reportedly are film director Tornike Tikaradze and activist Zaza Broladze. Charges have not yet been announced, but according to available information they may be accused of illegally blocking the road.

● The ruling Georgian Dream party has filed a claim with the Constitutional Court seeking to declare three opposition parties unconstitutional — the United National Movement, Lelo–Strong Georgia, and Coalition for Change. The court will decide within the next three days whether to register the case. The ruling majority had promised its supporters ahead of the 2024 elections that it would pursue a ban on these and other opposition parties. A parliamentary investigative commission was created to examine the activities of the former ruling United National Movement from 2003 to the present. Read more here

● Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of Georgian Dream stated that by returning to parliament, the Gakharia–For Georgia party “saved itself from legal responsibility.” “If this party gives up its parliamentary mandates, this will definitely become part of the lawsuit,” Kobakhidze said. Most opposition parties that won seats in last year’s parliamentary elections refused to take up their mandates, calling the October vote fraudulent.

● EU spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy Anita Hipper confirmed to Formula TV that the Georgian government did receive a letter from EU Special Representative David O’Sullivan regarding sanctions on Russia. “The letter concerns Georgia’s obligations to prevent sanctions evasion. We are working with all countries on this. We are still waiting for a response from the Georgian government and urge it to take additional steps to ensure Russia cannot circumvent our sanctions. Sanctions work, and that is why Russia is desperately trying to avoid them,” Hipper said.

A day earlier, Georgian Dream MP Maka Bochorishvili said the government had received a letter of gratitude from the EU, stating that Georgia is fulfilling its obligations well and taking all necessary measures to prevent sanctions evasion.

● The British think tank The Foreign Policy Centre has published an extensive analysis on sanctions against Russia, highlighting Georgia’s special role in the global network used to bypass Western restrictions. According to the article, sanctions designed to isolate Russia and weaken its war economy have instead created a “global sanctions bubble” — a system that “turns restrictions into profit.” Read more here

● According to Transparency International Georgia, 250 cases of elite corruption have been recorded over the past five years, involving 221 high-ranking officials — including 38 ministers or deputy ministers, 40 MPs, 17 judges, and 67 municipal officials.
TI estimates that 5 billion lari (around $3 billion) was obtained through corrupt public procurement schemes by officials associated with Georgian Dream over the past decade. The organization says 3.3 billion lari of that amount was in the regions, and more than 1.13 billion lari — one-third — was spent in 2024, after Irakli Kobakhidze became prime minister.

Transparency International states that “the causes of elite corruption have not changed — the state remains captured,” and notes that “investigative bodies, prosecutors, judges, State Security Service officers and the Anti-Corruption Bureau have for years been involved in concealing corruption.” Read more here

● At the Euronest session, European Parliament Vice-President Younous Omarjee spoke about Georgia’s authoritarian regime and called for the immediate release of political prisoners. “We oppose the persecution of peaceful protesters, civil-society activists, political figures and independent media. I demand the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and call on the Georgian authorities to do so,” Omarjee said.

● Prosecutors have opened a criminal case against a suspect accused of unlawfully obtaining and storing intimate photos and videos of a girl under 14, as well as engaging in lewd acts against her. According to prosecutors, the suspect communicated with a 13-year-old girl on Instagram and, through threats and coercion, obtained and stored intimate materials containing personal secrets, and threatened to distribute them to force continued contact. Investigators say the suspect also proposed sexual contact and discussed forms of sexual activity during the correspondence.

● “Armenia is committed to effective implementation of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement with the EU. I am convinced that the recently agreed ‘New Partnership Agenda’ will help strengthen new cooperation priorities,” said Speaker of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan at the 12th plenary session of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly in Yerevan.

● “To achieve real peace, Armenian prisoners of war and civilians must be released without preconditions,” said MP Anna Grigoryan (Armenia Alliance) at the Euronest session. “There are currently 23 Armenian POWs in Azerbaijan who face torture. This violates humanitarian law and undermines prospects for peace.”

● “Armenia has become a source of inspiration for many people, and we congratulate you on your chosen path toward European integration,” Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said in a video message to Euronest participants. “Despite pressure and difficulties, Armenia is moving step by step closer to Europe. My heart is also with Georgia — we hope it joins the Euro-integration process too. We Belarusians stand with Georgians.”

● On the sidelines of the Paris Peace Forum, Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan met with Moldovan President Maia Sandu. Pashinyan congratulated her on the recent parliamentary election victory and wished success in advancing Moldova’s democratic reforms. Sandu congratulated Pashinyan on the August 8 agreements reached in Washington and Armenia’s continued efforts for lasting peace in the region.

● “There are certain issues in the Declaration of Independence of Armenia,” said Araik Harutyunyan, Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of Armenia. When asked whether he shares Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s view that the essence of the Declaration is that the Republic of Armenia cannot exist, Harutyunyan answered in the affirmative.

In November 2024, Pashinyan stated: “I have come to the conclusion that the essence of the Declaration of Independence is that the Republic of Armenia cannot exist. And this is our biggest problem and tragedy. And now the question of what the real Armenia is can be formulated as follows: a citizen of the real Armenia is someone who does not look for a homeland and a state outside this country.”

● A meeting of the European Platform of Regulatory Authorities (EPRA) was held in Yerevan, organized by Armenia’s Television and Radio Commission. The Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council also took part. Participants exchanged information on developments in audiovisual media and discussed cooperation.

● Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council Armen Grigoryan met representatives of leading international media and think tanks. He discussed the security situation, Armenia–Azerbaijan agreements reached on August 8, and the TRIPP transit project, stressing its importance for peace and stability in the region.

● “David Ambartsumyan will remain our candidate for the post of prime minister in the impeachment case against Nikol Pashinyan,” former president Serzh Sargsyan told journalists. He was responding to a question about whether the Republican Party (considered pro-Russian) would nominate a new candidate after Ambartsumyan was arrested the day before and sentenced to 6 years and 3 months in prison. David Ambartsumyan is the head of the Masis community and has been charged with disturbing public order and using violence against protesters in 2018, during the “Velvet” revolution when Nikol Pashinyan and his team came to power.

● A court sentenced Armenian citizen Torgom Asatryan to 5.5 years in prison for assaulting current Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on the night of November 9–10, 2020.

● “The scale of hate speech is alarming,” said Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan. “The situation is unacceptable. Cases are so widespread that lack of hate speech has become an exception.”

● Armenia supported a UN General Assembly resolution calling for an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba and the lifting of sanctions.

● Anti-cancer drugs imported to Armenia from India in 2023 were found to be ineffective or causing side effects, according to an investigation by Hetq. 400 units each of “Doxobyra” and “CTX-GLS” were imported by “Violeta Farm” with Health Ministry approval.

● People under movement restrictions (but not imprisoned) must pay for their own electronic monitoring bracelets, said Interior Minister Srbuhi Galyan. “Currently this is funded by the probation service, but we want individuals to cover the cost.”

● The number of road accidents involving mopeds and motorcycles in Armenia has risen. From January 1 to October 25, 2024, 175 such accidents were recorded — 4 dead, 202 injured, the Interior Ministry reported.

● Nino Datashvili, a schoolteacher accused of assaulting a court bailiff during a hearing for activists arrested at pro-European protests, has been released. She spent four months in Rustavi Women’s Prison No. 5. Due to her health condition, the court replaced her pre-trial detention with bail of 5,000 lari (about $1,800). The money was raised on social media within eight minutes after the court announced the decision. Detailed report here

● A march against corruption and government propaganda has been announced in Tbilisi for November 1. The rally will proceed from the Public Broadcaster headquarters to the pro-government TV channel Rustavi-2.

● Archimandrite Dorofei Kurashvili, who has publicly supported the ongoing pro-European protests for more than a year, has been dismissed from church leadership. The Patriarchate stated the decision followed his failure to appear before a church commission. Other sources report Kurashvili requested to attend the session accompanied by media representatives, which was denied. The commission claimed he committed disciplinary and moral violations, including defamatory statements and “other actions unworthy of a priest and monk.”

● MP Mikheil Kavelashvili from the ruling Georgian Dream party stated he supports the party’s initiative to appeal to the Constitutional Court to ban three opposition parties, including the United National Movement, founded by former president Mikheil Saakashvili. “When the opposition deliberately damages the political environment with foreign funding, conditions arise for such parties not to exist in our political space,” said Kavelashvili.

The intention to ban opposition parties has sparked widespread public protest, and many Western politicians have issued statements condemning the move. More details here.

● EU Special Envoy for Sanctions David O’Sullivan sent an official letter to the Georgian government expressing gratitude for its “high-level commitment and steps already taken to prevent circumvention of EU sanctions against Russia.” The letter, published on the Foreign Ministry website, says the European Commission is working closely with regional countries to prevent violations of export restrictions on goods critical to Russia’s military, and values Georgia’s efforts.

● Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili has departed for Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to participate in the 43rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference.

● Students and parents of Public School No. 10 held another protest on Tsotne Dadiani Street in Tbilisi. They demand the Ministry of Education provide a new building for the school or construct one. The current building is unsafe, classes have been suspended, and students were moved to remote learning — a decision parents oppose. Dozens of schools across Georgia, including in Tbilisi, have been closed for years due to unsafe conditions. Reconstruction is delayed, and students are mostly redistributed to neighboring schools, resulting in double-shift schedules.

●   The United Kingdom and Azerbaijan have agreed to elevate their relations to a strategic partnership, said Lord John Alderdice, the UK Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan and Central Asia, in an interview with the pro-government outlet Report. He highlighted three priority areas for the UK:

1. Supporting the transition to clean energy, including renewable and low-carbon technologies.
2. Developing the Middle Corridor and strengthening transport and logistics links between Europe and Asia, where Azerbaijan plays a strategic role.
3. Supporting Azerbaijan’s economic diversification, particularly in finance, technology, and healthcare.

●   President Ilham Aliyev met with the Chairman of the UAE Federal National Council, Saqr Ghobash, and his accompanying delegation. The sides discussed strengthening the strategic partnership, including Masdar’s investments in Azerbaijan’s renewable energy sector and cooperation between SOCAR and ADNOC.

●   The European Union supports the normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, according to a message from EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas to participants of the 12th plenary session of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly in Yerevan. “The historic step taken in Washington on August 8 has brought the region closer to stability and lasting peace […] The peace process promises unprecedented economic opportunities, open borders, and new cross-border connections. It will also deepen people-to-people contacts and trust,” the message reads.

Azerbaijan did not take part in Euronest. Baku explained that “documents and statements of the European Parliament, which make up half of Euronest’s work, contradict Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Statements by members of this group do not support peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia but instead serve forces interested in continued hostility.”

●   A new hearing was held in the criminal case against local and international NGOs. This time, social worker Zamin Zaki appeared before the court. His lawyer filed a motion to dismiss the case, stating there is no evidence to support charges of money laundering related to a grant of 57,000 manats (about $20,000). “Since when is a grant considered criminal income? Failure to register a grant is at most an administrative violation,” the lawyer argued. She also requested Zaki’s release until verdict and asked that he be allowed to sit next to his lawyer rather than in a glass cage. Only the latter request was granted. The next hearing is scheduled for November 12.

●   Azerbaijan has partially fulfilled the Council of Europe Commission’s recommendations regarding the institution of the Ombudsman. However, the recommendation concerning racist and anti-LGBTQ+ speech has not been met, according to the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance.

The Commission called the election of a new ombudsman a positive step but noted the process remains insufficiently transparent, with candidates nominated by the President and the executive branch exerting significant influence.
It also criticized Azerbaijan for failing to create a database documenting anti-LGBTQ+ hate speech — a key 2023 recommendation.

Authorities in Baku have not yet responded to the October 29 report, though they previously claimed all fundamental freedoms, including LGBTQ+ rights, are protected.

●   “Belarus is interested in using Azerbaijan’s new logistics routes for joint projects and its own national economy,” said Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Natalya Petkevich during her visit. Trade between the two countries has grown by more than 40% in 2024.

●   Petkevich and Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Samir Sharifov visited an agricultural complex in the Aghdam district, where a joint poultry and dairy project is being developed. Belarus is handling most project design work, while Azerbaijan will finance production. “According to a special order from the President, Azerbaijan must fully supply its poultry needs through domestic production,” Sharifov said.

●   A joint Azerbaijani-Belarusian elevator production plant will also be launched in Aghdam, Sharifov announced.

●   President Ilham Aliyev met in Baku with Romanian Senate Chairman Mircea Abrudean. They discussed, among other issues, the importance of the Black Sea electricity cable project signed by Azerbaijan, Romania, Georgia, and Hungary, which will significantly boost green energy exports to European markets.

●   Azerbaijan has opened an embassy in Oman.

●   Bilal Erdoğan, son of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, arrived in Baku to attend an official reception at Gulistan Palace marking the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Turkey.

●   Former head of the National Academy of Sciences administrative office, Elton Mammadov, has reimbursed 3 million manats (around $1.7 million) in misused state funds, according to the Prosecutor General’s Office. At the same time, prosecutors denied his earlier claims that he was not summoned for questioning and that media reports were false.
The investigation into large-scale embezzlement and abuse of office continues. Mammadov has been summoned to provide explanations for “misleading public statements and actions that could undermine trust in the investigation.”

●   In Baku’s Surakhani district, three soldiers from the First Karabakh War who had been missing for 33 years were laid to rest after their remains were recently found. Azer Bayramov, Aliyar Aliyev, and Ilham Mehdiyev were buried in the Alley of Martyrs, with relatives and state representatives attending the ceremony.

Photo by Azar Kazzimli

●   The U.S. government plans to establish the first working groups with Azerbaijan and Armenia by the end of the year to “ensure the implementation of the historic joint declarations and memorandums of understanding signed on August 8 in Washington,” the U.S. State Department press service said in a statement to the pro-government media outlet Report. “We welcome recent substantive discussions on infrastructure development aimed at border delimitation, demining, and supporting the TRIPP project between representatives of Azerbaijan and Armenia. We also commend Azerbaijan’s recent decision to allow cargo transit through Armenia, as well as the meeting of civil society representatives from both countries in Yerevan. U.S.-led initiatives, along with these efforts, will attract private investment and mark the beginning of a new era of prosperity for Azerbaijan, Armenia, and beyond,” the statement said.

●  Regarding Azerbaijan, the State Department added: “The U.S.–Azerbaijan Strategic Working Group Charter will, for the first time, lay the foundation for a strategic partnership between the United States and Azerbaijan to expand cooperation in regional connectivity, economic investment, and security.”

●  Speaker of the UAE Parliament Saqr Ghobash arrived in Baku on an official visit.

●  A meeting of the Azerbaijan–Belarus Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was held in Baku.

●  More than 100 families — over 400 former internally displaced persons in total — are returning today to their permanent homes in the villages of Hasanriz (Agdara District) and Khydyrly (Agdam District). These territories were liberated from over 30 years of Armenian occupation as a result of the Second Karabakh War in 2020, according to an official press release. These families had been living in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings in various regions of the country. Currently, more than 50,000 people live in the liberated regions of Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur — not only former IDPs but also those working on state social and infrastructure projects there.

●  On Tuesday, President Ilham Aliyev personally handed over keys to new houses to former IDPs returning to their native villages of Mamedbeyli and Agaly in the Zangilan District. More than 200 private houses with gardens have reportedly been built there, equipped with solar panels, water, electricity, gas, and high-speed internet. The village roads have been asphalted, and multifunctional public buildings and parks have been established.

Aliyev also visited the city of Zangilan, where he inspected a new residential complex of 12 buildings comprising 104 apartments in total. In the city of Jabrayil, the president personally laid the foundation for a new mosque. Local officials reported that during the Armenian occupation of the Jabrayil District, five mosques, over 40 places of worship, and more than 20 historical and architectural monuments were completely destroyed.

●  Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons Fuad Huseynov delivered a lecture to foreign diplomats in Azerbaijan titled “Solving the Problem of Internally Displaced Persons in Azerbaijan — Long Separation and Long-Awaited Return.” He said, “As a result of Armenia’s occupation and deportation policy against Azerbaijan, more than one million people became refugees and IDPs and were forced to live for many years in harsh, unbearable conditions in unfinished buildings, basements, and dormitories. The reconstruction of the liberated territories makes a significant contribution not only to internal stability but also to regional security and peace.”

●  The trial continues for Ruben Vardanyan, former State Minister of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and a citizen of Armenia, who remains in pretrial detention. He is accused of torture, mercenarism, war crimes, terrorism, and other offenses. According to the state news agency AzerTac, at the previous hearing, Vardanyan stated he was dismissing his lawyer Avraham Berman, saying he was “dissatisfied with the course of the trial overall.” He added that he had no other lawyer and did not object if the state appointed one. The court assigned Emil Babishov, a member of the Bar Association, as his new defense attorney. Vardanyan did not object to the appointment. The trial was postponed to allow the lawyer to review the case materials and meet with the defendant. The next hearing is scheduled for November 4.

●  ANAMA (Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action) officer Vusal Allahverdiyev and his dog received the Mine Detection Dog Team of the Year award in Washington during the annual Clearing the Path Awards ceremony (pictured below). The award is presented by the Marshall Legacy Institute, one of the leading U.S. NGOs in humanitarian demining. Photos of mine-detection dogs donated to Azerbaijan by the institute and their handlers working in the liberated territories were displayed at the event. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the U.S. administration and Congress, diplomats, and international demining and donor organizations.

Azerbaijan’s ambassador to the U.S., Khazar Ibrahim, said that more than 13% of the country’s territory is contaminated with mines, over 3,400 people have fallen victim to mine explosions over the past decades, and more than 400 have been injured or killed since 2020. Cooperation between the Marshall Legacy Institute and Azerbaijan has continued since 2005, during which the institute has donated about 100 mine-detection dogs to the country.

●  The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported a successful operation to identify individuals producing counterfeit medicines for treating foot-and-mouth disease in cattle and sheep. Two people were detained. The investigation revealed that they mixed construction paint with industrial alcohol to create the appearance of a veterinary drug, then packaged and sold the mixture as a treatment for foot-and-mouth disease. Expert analysis showed that the substances had no therapeutic effect. The investigation is ongoing.

●  In Yerevan, the head of the Masis community, David Ambartsumyan, was arrested overnight right as he stepped off a plane. He has been sentenced to 6 years and 3 months in prison on charges of disturbing public order and using violence against protesters during the 2018 change of government. According to the indictment, on April 22, 2018, Ambartsumyan, together with a group of individuals, deliberately disrupted public order in a busy area at the intersection of the villages of Ayanist and Ovtsashat in the Ararat region. This involved acts of violence and the destruction of property belonging to participants of a march heading to a rally planned the same day at Republic Square in Yerevan. It is reported that Ambartsumyan used a firearm and objects he had brought with him in advance.

●  Armenian–Turkish trade turnover could reach $700–800 million per year if the border with Turkey is opened, Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan said. “The government is assessing which goods can be imported and exported. Work is underway, but it’s also a process we need to learn from,” Papoyan noted.

●  Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met with a group of journalists and experts visiting Armenia within a joint program by the Public Education Center “For Equal Rights” and the Barcelona Centre for International Affairs (CIDOB). Mirzoyan outlined Armenia’s foreign policy priorities, noting that new regional realities have emerged following the agreements reached in Washington on August 8 — including the ratification of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan and an agreement on unblocking regional communications.

●  Armenia has reached its strategic target for total solar energy capacity four years ahead of schedule, said Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure David Khudatyan. “We have already achieved the strategic goal set for 2030 — more than 1,000 MW of capacity generated by solar power plants and installations,” the minister stated.

●  In 2026, 20.1 billion drams (about $52 million) are planned to be allocated for the extension of the operating life of the second unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant, Khudatyan announced.

●  Opposition MP Garnik Danielyan from the “Armenia” bloc called on the Armenian authorities, led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, to “stop their negative actions toward the Armenian Apostolic Church, as they are leading the nation toward another division.”

●  European Parliament member Nacho Sánchez Amor suggested that Armenian authorities should be cautious about the practice of “bringing people to court for expressing opinions on social media.” “This should not happen in democratic countries. If Armenia considers itself a candidate for EU membership, it must be attentive to such issues,” Amor said during the 12th plenary session of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly held in Yerevan.

●   “We will not allow Russia to dictate how to save Armenia — the people do not need saviors from outside the country,” said Sargis Khandanyan, head of the parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee and MP from the ruling Civil Contract party, during the Euronest session.

●  The government hosted another meeting of the Armenia–EU Interagency Commission, which coordinates measures to implement the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement and the Armenia–EU Partnership Priorities document.

●  The European Parliament published a report on Armenia–Azerbaijan relations, reviewing the Nagorno-Karabakh wars, the current state of relations between the two countries, and EU–Armenia and EU–Azerbaijan ties. The report notes that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s political vulnerability was reflected in his Civil Contract party’s poor results in the March local elections. “Despite declining public support for the government, political rivals remain behind. Any further concession to Baku — especially if adopted in the form of constitutional amendments — will be used by Armenia’s opposition parties as a political weapon ahead of the June 2026 parliamentary elections,” the overview states.

●  In Armenia, a brown bear named Boy was rescued after being kept for many years in poor conditions at a hotel complex in Ankavan. The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) reported that the fight for his rescue lasted eight years, starting in 2017. The rescue operation was carried out jointly by FPWC, International Animal Rescue, and government agencies. “The bear is now in quarantine at the Wildlife Rescue Center and will be transferred to a large enclosure once the quarantine period is over,” FPWC said.

●  The husband of detained teacher Nino Datashvili (pictured) issued a statement about her deteriorating health and poor conditions in prison. According to Godi Pruidze, for the past three days Nino has been experiencing pain in her right arm, leg, and neck. She cannot climb stairs and moves around in a wheelchair. Pruidze said that she needs several surgeries.

●  The Speaker of Parliament from Georgian Dream, Shalva Papuashvili, listed the parties that will be banned if the Constitutional Court supports the ruling party’s lawsuit. These are “Unity – National Movement,” “Coalition for Change,” and “Strong Georgia – Lelo.” More on the lawsuit to ban the opposition can be found here.

●  The Lelo Party issued a statement in response to Georgian Dream’s decision to file a lawsuit in the Constitutional Court seeking to ban three opposition parties, including Lelo. “With this move, Ivanishvili’s government wants to remake Georgia in the image of Russia and Belarus,” the party said, calling on the international community “to prevent the final collapse of democracy in Georgia.”

●  Member of the European Parliament Rasa Juknevičienė called Georgian Dream’s lawsuit to ban three main opposition parties “a project straight out of Putin’s playbook.” She added, “Georgian Dream is becoming Lukashenko’s twin,” writing this on social media.

●  The Prosecutor’s Office has charged former head of the Municipal Development Fund, David Tabidze, who was arrested the day before, with abuse of office. The charges are related to the allocation of 9,365,801 lari (about $5 million) from the budget for the renovation of 30 kindergartens, as well as to the case involving the company Lagi Capital. A shareholder in this company until September 2023 was the son-in-law of Georgian Dream MP Irakli Zarkua. According to the prosecutor’s statement, Tabidze was supposed to oversee projects implemented by Lagi Capital, but transferred over 1,200,000 lari (about $600,000) to the company in advance, even though in some cases not even draft project documents existed. The Prosecutor’s Office said that Lagi Capital ultimately failed to construct or renovate 22 out of the 30 kindergartens specified in the project.

●  Armenia has invited the presidents of Turkey and Azerbaijan to visit Yerevan next year for the European Political Community summit, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan announced.

●  Armenia and the European Union are preparing to sign an action plan that will pave the way for a visa-free regime, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said. According to him, preparations for the visa liberalization agreement are moving at an accelerated pace. “It is progressing even faster than in the case of many other countries. We are already at the final stage. We will soon sign the agreed action plan,” Mirzoyan stated.

●  Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made several important statements in parliament, including:

Armenia is ready to open transit routes through its territory for freight transport from Turkey to Azerbaijan and from Azerbaijan to Turkey. This is a reciprocal step following Baku’s decision to lift transit restrictions to Armenia.

The concept of a “combat-ready army” should be transformed into that of a “defense-capable army.” The Armenian army has no issues to resolve beyond the country’s internationally recognized borders.

The key issue in the 2026 parliamentary elections will be peace. The people of Armenia must make a choice in favor of peace; otherwise, the country will be pushed back into the logic of conflict.

●  “Armenia plans to discuss possible areas of cooperation with Russia within the framework of the ‘Trump Route’ transit project,” Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said in parliament. The project concerns a road linking Azerbaijan with its Nakhichevan exclave through Armenian territory. U.S. companies will participate in the management of the Armenian section. Mirzoyan noted that Armenia’s current railway infrastructure is under concession to the Russian company South Caucasus Railway. “However, the section discussed under TRIPP has not yet been built, so it is premature to talk about its operation conditions,” he said.

●  A session of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly is taking place in Yerevan. Azerbaijan and Georgia declined to participate, accusing members of the European Parliament of disrespect toward their countries and of violating domestic laws. “Two out of three countries in the region are not participating — this shows that something is wrong with the European Parliament’s behavior,” said Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili.

●  The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council will take part in the 13th meeting of CIS Security Council secretaries in Moscow.

●  Today marks 26 years since the October 27, 1999, Armenian parliament shooting, which killed the speaker of the National Assembly, the prime minister, deputy speakers, and several MPs. The perpetrators were arrested and convicted. Former military prosecutor Gagik Jhangiryan told reporters he hopes the current Armenian authorities will be able to identify those who organized the attack. “All branches of government are now interested in this case; there are no longer any obstructing institutions or individuals. Hopefully, the truth will come to light,” Jhangiryan said.

The Prosecutor General’s Office of Armenia stated that the case on the organizers of the parliamentary attack was reopened at the end of 2019. Read more here

●  The court has replaced the pre-trial detention of former commander of the Karabakh Defense Army, Mikael Arzumanyan, with house arrest. Arzumanyan was arrested on September 1, 2022, and is accused of abuse of power during the 44-day war in the autumn of 2020, which allegedly led to serious consequences. According to the indictment, he ordered a withdrawal from a strategic height without proper authority, resulting in the loss of that position to Azerbaijani forces.

●  A monthly public transport pass in Yerevan is more expensive than in Tbilisi or Baku, according to Numbeo data. The cost in Yerevan is $23.56, in Tbilisi $14.73, and in Baku $17.65.

●  The Food Safety Inspection Authority has confiscated and destroyed 810 kilograms of meat that lacked proper documentation.

●  U.S. Congressman James McGovern, Co-Chair of the Congressional Human Rights Commission, has sent a letter to President Ilham Aliyev, expressing concern over the criminal prosecution of human rights defender Nargiz Mukhtarova and the situation of her husband, Farid Mehralizade, a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist sentenced to nine years in prison in connection with the AbzasMedia case — an outlet known for its anti-corruption investigations.

“The charges against Nargiz are baseless and appear to be a continuation of the pressure on her husband for his independent journalistic work, which is funded by the U.S. Congress. I urge your government to drop the charges against Nargiz and release Farid so that he can reunite with his family. I am particularly concerned about the impact of this situation on their young daughter. She was born while her father was unjustly imprisoned, and now her mother is also facing the threat of incarceration. The prospect of a one-year-old child being left without parents is unacceptable,” McGovern wrote. More on the case here

●  On Monday, charges were brought against Nargiz Mukhtarova in a criminal case involving several local and international NGOs. She is accused of money laundering and other offenses. Also charged in the case is Shahla Ismail, head of the Women’s Society for Rational Development. Authorities claim that they received over 150,000 manats (around $70,000) in funding from international donor organizations for various projects and allegedly “legalized” these funds. Responding to the prosecutor’s accusations yesterday, Mukhtarova again stated that she categorically denies any wrongdoing. The investigation into Ismail’s case is reportedly still ongoing. Mukhtarova is expected to testify at the next court hearing on December 15.

Her husband, journalist Farid Mehralizade of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, along with other defendants in the AbzasMedia case, was convicted of smuggling and other economic crimes. All journalists deny the charges, saying they are being punished for their independent reporting.

●  On Monday, the court also held a hearing in the “Toplum TV” case, in which nine journalists and activists have been arrested. They are accused of smuggling and other serious crimes, which they strongly deny, claiming the arrests are politically motivated and aimed at silencing independent media.

During the hearing, journalists demanded that Hikmet Hajiyev, assistant to the president, be called as a witness, insisting that he either substantiate his public accusations against them or retract them. “International conventions to which Azerbaijan is a party require that relevant witnesses be summoned and questioned. It is obvious we are here on President Ilham Aliyev’s orders. Hikmet Hajiyev, one of his close aides, publicly calls us ‘criminals.’ Let him come and prove it,” said Akif Gurbanov, head of the Institute for Democratic Initiatives. He also demanded that the accusing officials disclose their income and sources. The panel of judges decided to leave the motion to summon Hajiyev and other officials unconsidered.

Witnesses were questioned during the hearing, including Mehriban Rahimli, Azerbaijan adviser to the German Marshall Fund of the United States, as well as journalists Gulyater Nadirgyzy, Gulzar Mammadli, and others. Some witnesses refused to testify during the investigation, saying their previous statements had been obtained under pressure. The Toplum TV trial will continue on November 3. More on the case here

●  Major General Mohammed Saeed Al-Salmi, Commander of the UAE Special Operations Forces, has arrived in Baku. Meetings will focus on expanding military cooperation between the special forces of the two countries, according to an official press release.

●  Azerbaijani citizens will soon be able to check in advance whether they are subject to travel restrictions. The national tax authority’s mobile app will introduce new features allowing users to access this information.

●  Another 30 Ukrainian children have arrived in Azerbaijan for rehabilitation (pictured below). The 10-day, state-funded program includes excursions, recreational activities, and sessions in group therapy, meditation, yoga, and psychosocial training. In total, more than 260 Ukrainian children have participated in this rehabilitation program in Azerbaijan.

●  Abdulla Aliyev, accused of attempting to carry out a terrorist attack at a synagogue in Baku, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison. In his final statement, the 18-year-old resident of Sumgayit expressed remorse. Aliyev was detained in late December last year as he prepared to attack the synagogue using Molotov cocktails and cold weapons. Officers of the State Security Service intercepted him before the attack. During his arrest, they seized three Molotov cocktails, an axe, two knives, and other dangerous items. According to case materials, he had ties to the terrorist group ISIS-Khorasan.

●  The trial of former leaders of the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) continues. They are accused of war crimes, terrorism, attempted coup, and other serious offenses. The state news agency AZERTAC reported that the court heard victim testimonies about mass abductions, torture, and killings of Azerbaijani civilians by Armenian forces before, during, and after the first Karabakh war in the early 1990s.

The court also reviewed the defendants’ documents, including the birth certificate and Armenian passport of former “NKR president” Arayik Harutyunyan. He explained that residents of the former “NKR” were issued Armenian passports with the code “070.” These passports differed in that their holders could not vote in Armenian elections but could travel abroad like Armenian citizens. A discrepancy was found in Harutyunyan’s documents: his birth certificate listed his birthplace as Khankendi, Azerbaijani SSR, while his passport listed it as Armenian SSR. The prosecutor asked whether this meant that Armenia considered Karabakh its territory. Harutyunyan replied that this issue had never been discussed. The trial will continue on October 30.

●  The ruling Georgian Dream party, together with several satellite parties, has completed work on a lawsuit to the Constitutional Court demanding legislative amendments to ban 10 opposition parties. Under the proposed amendments, members of banned parties or persons affiliated with them would be permanently barred from participating in political processes. The lawsuit is based on the findings of a parliamentary investigative commission examining the activities of the former ruling United National Movement party. The commission was created by the parliament, which is largely boycotted by the opposition.

●  David Tabidze, former head of the Municipal Development Fund, has been arrested. The charges relate to the allocation of 9,365,801 lari (about $5 million) from the budget for the renovation of 30 kindergartens and to the case involving the company Lagi Capital. A shareholder of this company until September 2023 was the son-in-law of Georgian Dream MP Irakli Zarkua.

●  Over the past three days alone, 60 protesters have been detained in Tbilisi. They are typically placed under administrative arrest for blocking roads or wearing masks and can be held for up to 15 days. In total, more than 150 people have been detained.

●  The socio-political movement Freedom Square plans to present within 30 days a plan titled “Freedom Program for Georgia.” The program will outline reforms and steps necessary for the country’s transition from authoritarianism to restored democracy.

●  According to Galt & Taggart, Georgia will end the year with around $4.6 billion in tourism revenue. Data from the National Bank of Georgia shows that in January–September this year, the country earned $3.6 billion, which is 5.1% higher than in the same period last year.

●  Lasha Baslandze, a businessman close to the Georgian Dream party, has died at the age of 40. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed. Baslandze was vacationing in Italy with his family.

●  Meteorologists warn of a sharp deterioration in weather conditions in Georgia. On October 29, heavy rain, strong westerly winds, and thunderstorms are expected. A 4–5-point storm is forecast at sea.

●  Tens of thousands of people took part in a march under the slogan “To the end, to victory!” on Sunday evening. The participants walked along Rustaveli Avenue and continued their protest in front of the parliament. The continuous pro-European demonstration has been going on for 333 days. Protesters are demanding the same things: a return to the path of European integration, new parliamentary elections as a legitimate way to change power, and the release of all those detained during the protests.

●  The Interior Ministry reported that over the past three days alone, police have detained 60 protesters for “blocking roads” and “covering faces” — which now includes wearing a medical mask, banned under new rules effective since October 17. Artificially blocking a road or wearing a mask at a rally is now punishable by up to 15 days of administrative arrest. Since then, more than 150 people — including journalists, doctors, directors, and writers — have been detained. Repeat offenses can lead to up to one year in prison. Despite arrests, Rustaveli Avenue remains blocked every evening during the rallies.

●  “This criminal government must resign! The innocent must be freed! There must be free elections! We must all fight for one another,” said Levan Tsutskiridze, leader of the “Freedom Square” movement, addressing the crowd.

●  “Nothing can save this regime, which held elections under a Russian scenario and proved itself illegitimate,” said former president Salome Zurabishvili. “This year has gone from one Russian scenario to another. On October 4 (the day of municipal elections), the regime tried to deceive the people with an absurd script devised by Russian intelligence. But the people are wise. What has happened over the year? Unprecedented solidarity has emerged. Funds are being raised rapidly to pay protesters’ fines so that no one is left defenseless. When representatives of this regime appear in court, they stand alone — no one supports them. Journalists who fight to the end are now in prison. The name of Mzia Amaglobeli has crossed borders. This is the power of society. Patriotism is on the side of those standing here with these flags,” she said.

●  Dan Barna, vice-president of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), said sanctions are an “appropriate response” to the actions of Georgian Dream. “The situation in Georgia is critical. The government is distancing itself from the EU. The revocation of its candidate status is being discussed — but that would also mean depriving Georgian citizens of hope. Therefore, sanctions should target those directly responsible for decisions undermining democratic principles, as was done in Russia and Belarus,” Barna told Formula TV.

●  In Tbilisi, the heads of the Georgian and Azerbaijani state security services met to discuss strategic partnership and new initiatives to deepen cooperation in the field of security.

●  Giorgi Chikvaidze, Irakli Papiashvili, and Anzor Kvaratskhelia — convicted of large-scale embezzlement — have gone on hunger strike, according to Giorgi Chikvaidze’s mother, Eka Tsereteli. “A representative of the Public Defender’s Office told me they were subjected to actions amounting to torture: they were denied food and then forced to say they had refused it themselves. Prison staff also threatened them,” she wrote.

●  Another person has been arrested in the case of the murder of young teacher Gigi Avaliani, who was attacked on October 3 and died in hospital on October 25 from severe injuries. The Interior Ministry said a suspect identified as G.R., born in 2007, was detained. He was allegedly at the scene but failed to report the crime and fled with another suspect, A.G., born in 2008.

Today marks 333 days of continuous pro-European protest in Tbilisi. From Republic Square, thousands of people are marching down Rustaveli Avenue toward Parliament, chanting: “Until the end, until victory!”

Their three demands remain the same: to return the country to the path of… pic.twitter.com/wHm8iGbE4y

— JAMnews (@JAMnewsCaucasus) October 26, 2025

●  Russia is preparing to organize the transit of Russian goods to Armenia through Azerbaijan, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk told reporters. This became possible after Baku lifted the more than 30-year-old restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia. “Azerbaijan has confirmed the possibility of using its railways for the transit of Russian goods to Armenia. Russian Railways is now working on how to organize these shipments. The Ministry of Agriculture has also been instructed accordingly,” Overchuk said.

More details on Azerbaijan’s decision to resume transit through its territory to Armenia and its significance read here.

●  The Court of Appeal has upheld the 18-year prison sentence for Ikbal Abilov, a researcher of Talysh culture and language, convicted of treason, public calls against the state, and incitement of national and religious hatred. He continues to insist on his innocence, saying the charges are politically motivated and punishment for promoting Talysh history and culture. His lawyers said they will appeal to the Supreme Court for a review of the sentence. Read more about Ikbal Abilov’s case here.

●  Akif Gurbanov, head of the Institute for Democratic Initiatives and a representative of the “Third Republic Platform,” who is under arrest in the “Toplum TV case,” appealed to witnesses expected to testify in court today, October 27. Gurbanov noted that there are 49 witnesses in the case. “We know the pressure you faced during the investigation, the threats you received. So I sincerely and firmly tell you: do not be afraid for us. Aliyev will decide the punishment for me and my friends anyway, and no statement or fact can change that,” he wrote on Facebook.

The criminal “Toplum TV case” began with arrests on March 6, 2023, involving nine people in total. All face charges of smuggling and other serious crimes, which they categorically deny, claiming the arrests are politically motivated to silence independent media. Read more here

●  Azerbaijani servicemen are taking part in the NATO international exercise “Nusret-2025” in Çanakkale and the Gulf of Saros, Turkey. Participants include troops from the U.S., UAE, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Indonesia, South Africa, the Netherlands, Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Egypt, Pakistan, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Oman. The goal is to improve mine warfare skills and strengthen cooperation and interoperability among the navies of participating countries.

●  In Tbilisi, the heads of Georgia’s and Azerbaijan’s state security services, Mamuka Mdinaradze and Ali Naghiyev, held a meeting. The press release said they discussed strategic partnership and new initiatives to deepen cooperation in the security sphere.

●  Statistics: From January to August, 58 people applied for asylum in Azerbaijan — a 3.6% increase compared to the same period last year. In addition, 263 people received refugee status under the Refugee Convention — up 19.5% year-on-year.

●  The activities of five criminal groups involved in buying and selling bank cards for use in online gambling and betting were stopped. Twelve people were detained, and more than 2,000 bank cards linked to the crimes were identified. Authorities noted that many card owners who lent them out for payment were unaware of their illegal use.

●  A scientific conference on organ transplantation from deceased donors was held in Sumgait, co-organized by government institutions, including the Ministry of Health, and Florence Healthcare International. It was reported that 1,061 people in Azerbaijan are awaiting organ transplants. This year, 31 transplant surgeries from deceased donors have been performed. Liver, kidney, and bone marrow transplants are covered by mandatory health insurance, and from 2026, heart and cornea transplants will also be financed.

●  The Baku State Circus has reopened after a two-year hiatus. The new program premiered to a full house, featuring performances by artists from Hungary, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Belarus, Ethiopia, and Argentina (pictured).

●  On Sunday, all of Armenia watched as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended a liturgy at Hovhannavank Monastery. It was conducted by former clergyman Father Aram Asatryan, who joined Pashinyan’s movement against the Catholicos. Asatryan had been defrocked and, under church canon, had no right to perform any rites. The ceremony saw minor incidents: a man shouting that Asatryan had no right to lead the liturgy was removed from the church, with someone covering his mouth. Later, another man grabbed the Bible from Asatryan’s hands, prompting confusion as deacons demanded he leave the church. The man replied they had no right to expel him. Read the full report and analysis on JAMnews.

●  Meanwhile, in the Echmiadzin Cathedral, a collective prayer was held in support of arrested clergymen and Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, accused of calling for the overthrow of the government. With the blessing of Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, an ordination and blessing ceremony took place. Media reported that deacon Anushavan Asatryan, brother of defrocked priest Stepan Asatryan (who led the liturgy in Hovhannavank), took part.

●  “Being politically illiterate, Nikol Pashinyan has unknowingly opened the ‘gates of hell,’ establishing a precedent of self-proclamation and legitimizing it,” wrote analyst Argishti Kiviryan on Facebook. “What would stop someone tomorrow from declaring themselves prime minister and, citing the Asatryan precedent, storming the gates of power? What would prevent Samvel Karapetyan, for example, from assembling an army larger than Armenia’s? The government itself has legitimized self-proclamation.”

●  A new criminal case has been opened against the arrested mayor of Gyumri, Vardan Ghukasyan, who was previously charged with corruption — this time for publicly calling for the renunciation of Armenia’s sovereignty. His legal team said the case was based on his statements outside the anti-corruption court, where he argued that Armenia should form alliances with other states to protect its independence. Earlier, Ghukasyan said Armenia should join a union with Russia and Belarus. Read more here 

●  The 12th plenary session of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, along with bureau and committee meetings, will be held in the National Assembly from October 28–30.

●   “Azerbaijan has confirmed the possibility of using its railways for the transit of Russian goods through its territory to Armenia,” said Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk. He added that Russian Railways is now preparing to organize such shipments.

●  Georgia’s State Security Service head Mamuka Mdinaradze held meetings with his Armenian and Azerbaijani counterparts during their official visits to Tbilisi. According to the press release, discussions with Andranik Simonyan focused on friendly relations between Georgia and Armenia, prospects for deeper cooperation in the security sphere, and regional challenges, with particular emphasis on coordination and information exchange.

●  In Yerevan, a protective net from a historical building under renovation collapsed onto the street, damaging parked cars. No injuries were reported.

Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 20-24 October, 2025