Latest News & Updates

Concerns rise in Azerbaijan as activist Haji Valiyev reportedly faces torture & solitary confinement, while 'Abzas Media' director Ulvi Hasanli goes missing after prison transfer. These cases highlight a crackdown on independent voices and investigative journalism, with human rights groups calling for immediate release of detained journalists.

Armenian Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan arrested on terrorism and coup plot charges amid anti-government protests. PM Nikol Pashinyan alleges a "sinister plan" by the cleric and his "Tavush for the Homeland" movement to seize power. Details on the allegations, defense's rebuttal, and escalating tensions between the government and the Armenian Apostolic Church. Stay updated on this critical political development.

Pacifist scholar Bahruz Samadov ends hunger strike due to worsening health after his controversial 15-year treason conviction. Learn about his fight against fabricated charges, his peace activism, and calls for justice from family and human rights advocates.

Ganja faces an alarming wave of youth deaths, including the recent reported suicide of 19-year-old Ibrahim Nazarov. This deep dive uncovers the tragic trend, detailing the cases of Elgun Ibrahimov, Umid Niftaliyev, and C. Abbasov. Explore the community's concerns and ongoing investigations into these unexplained fatalities in Azerbaijan.

Explore the controversial trial of Azer Gasimli, a political analyst accused of extortion. His defense claims a civil debt dispute and political targeting due to his government criticism. Gasimli remains in custody after house arrest was denied. Learn about the details, court proceedings, and the allegations of fabricated charges in this ongoing case.

Hacı Valiyev, former "Young Gazis" head & Azerbaijani Army veteran, reportedly tortured in custody with a head injury. His family urgently demands an investigation and medical aid amid deep concern for his health. Human rights defenders are monitoring. Learn more about the alleged abuse and calls for transparency. #HaciValiyev #Torture #VeteranRights #Azerbaijan #HumanRights

Russian photographer Grigory Skvortsov sentenced to 16 years for treason. Jailed for sharing "non-secret" Soviet bunker info with a U.S. journalist, his case highlights Russia's expanding "state secret" definitions. Learn about Skvortsov's work, his defense, and the fight for his release amidst a crackdown on dissent. Support for appeal and prisoner exchange.

Georgia's October 2024 parliamentary elections marred by fraud, violence & voter intimidation according to international observers. OSCE mission reports serious violations as democratic backsliding accelerates in former Soviet state.

Georgia pauses EU membership negotiations despite candidate status, sparking mass protests. Disputed elections & foreign agents law trigger democratic backsliding. European Parliament refuses to recognize government legitimacy amid crisis.

Armenia & Azerbaijan conclude peace agreement negotiations after decades of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Historic breakthrough could end South Caucasus tensions, boost regional development. EU urges Turkey to support peace process.

Armenia's parliament votes to begin EU accession process in historic decision. Citizens' initiative drives move toward European integration as country shifts from Russia. EU welcomes Armenia's commitment to democratic values & European path.

Georgia sentences 4 opposition leaders, bars them from office as democratic crisis deepens. EU condemns "blatant attack on democracy" by ruling Georgian Dream party. Violence against protesters rises ahead of municipal elections in former Soviet state.

European Parliament condemns Azerbaijan's harsh prison sentences for journalists, researchers & activists. Nearly 400 political prisoners as regime escalates crackdown on critics. EU calls for sanctions against officials responsible for human rights violations in authoritarian state.

Nazim Beydamirli, former MP & economist, has his 8-year prison sentence upheld by Azerbaijan's Supreme Court. Denying extortion charges, he calls himself an "ecology prisoner," linking his arrest to Soyudlu protests. His lawyer plans appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. Property seized, human rights defenders call him a political prisoner. Get full details on the case and its implications.

Read about Anar Mammadli's trial in Azerbaijan, where the human rights leader denies document authenticity and faces smuggling/financial crime charges. This piece covers his legal defense, the context of arrests against independent journalists, and the alarming rise in political prisoners, highlighting the ongoing crackdown on civil society.

Azerbaijani activist Elvin Mustafayev reportedly subjected to severe torture in prison, suffering serious injuries. Member of 'Workers' Table' union, he denies drug charges, claiming political persecution. His case highlights broader crackdown on human rights and workers' advocacy in Azerbaijan. Appeals for investigation and accountability remain unanswered. Learn more about the alleged abuse and ongoing detention.

Investigate Azerbaijan's prison hygiene crisis. Detainees, including journalists Ali Zeynal, Ulvi Hasanli, and Polad Aslanov, expose deplorable conditions with rats, insects, and unsanitary facilities in pre-trial and penitentiary centers. Learn how over 63 million manats in state funding haven't improved prisoner dignity or solved human rights violations. Tribunat's report, ECtHR rulings, and Ombudsman findings highlight government accountability failures.

Georgia's ruling party has jailed six opposition leaders in a month, intensifying its political crackdown. A controversial parliamentary commission is central to these arrests, drawing international condemnation. Explore the implications for Georgian democracy and the future of dissent. Learn about the sentences of prominent figures like Zurab Japaridze and Giorgi Vashadze.

Azerbaijani peace researcher Bahruz Samadov attempted suicide in prison after prosecutors demanded 16 years for treason charges. The PhD student from Charles University was saved by a cellmate and is now on hunger strike. His case highlights Azerbaijan's crackdown on dissent, with international rights groups calling the charges fabricated. Family fears further suicide attempts.

Imprisoned Charles University doctoral student and peace activist Bahruz Samadov began a hunger strike on June 21 to protest a 16-year prison sentence sought under treason charges. Accused of spying for Armenian intelligence, Samadov denies the allegations as fabricated. His final court hearing is set for June 23.