Georgia tightens drug laws, introduces ‘mandatory treatment’ and penalties for avoiding drug tests
Published: April 18, 2025 21:53
The changes were criticised as ineffective and politically motivated.
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Open Caucasus Media
Site URL: oc-media.org/
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Georgian Dream moves to downplay importance of EU visa-free travel
https://oc-media.org/georgian-dream-moves-to-downplay-importance-of-eu-visa-free-travel/
Published: April 18, 2025 15:51
The comments come as the EU’s moves to update the mechanism for suspending visa-free travel to third countries.
Armenian MP under fire after claiming only 10 Armenians died in 2023 war
https://oc-media.org/armenian-mp-under-fire-after-claiming-only-10-armenians-died-in-2023-war/
Published: April 18, 2025 15:24
This marked yet another targeting of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians by ruling Civil Contract party members in recent days.
Daghestani businessperson arrested on suspicion of hospital embezzlement
https://oc-media.org/daghestani-businessperson-arrested-on-suspicion-of-hospital-embezzlement/
Published: April 18, 2025 14:23
According to investigators, she provided regular meals to a hospital instead of more beneficial ones.
Chechen Human Rights Commissioner urges compatriots to return from Europe
https://oc-media.org/chechen-human-rights-commissioner-urges-compatriots-to-return-from-europe/
Published: April 18, 2025 12:50
Mansur Soltaev cited the inadmissibility of raising children according to 'foreign traditions’ as the main reason for Chechens to return.
South Caucasus deputy foreign ministers stress ‘untapped cooperation’ during Tbilisi meeting
Published: April 18, 2025 12:01
It was the first meeting to take place in such a format.
Kadyrov takes part in talks between Putin and the Qatari Emir
https://oc-media.org/kadyrov-takes-part-in-talks-between-putin-and-the-qatari-emir/
Published: April 18, 2025 11:58
Kadyrov’s role in the negotiations was not mentioned in any official statements.
Kobakhidze says ‘Saakashvili regime’ started August 2008 War on ‘orders’ from abroad
Published: April 18, 2025 11:14
Kobakhidze said the blame for the war should not be put on Georgia as a whole, but rather the ‘regime’ of former President Mikheil Saakashvili.
‘The hunter chooses the most important people’, brother of kidnapped Talysh historian says
Published: April 18, 2025 11:03
Azerbaijani pro-government media outlets have not yet shared any information about detained Talysh historian Zahiraddin Ibrahimov.
Georgia’s Interior Ministry submits new amendments to migration law to parliament
Published: April 18, 2025 10:58
The amendments mainly address foreigners who commit crimes or overstay, as well as the procedure to receive asylum.
Poland issues travel bans against Georgian law enforcement representatives
https://oc-media.org/poland-issues-travel-bans-against-georgian-law-enforcement-representatives/
Published: April 18, 2025 10:07
This appears to be the first time Poland has issued sanctions against any Georgian officials since the country’s EU U-turn in November 2024.
Review | Flight from the USSR — a fictionalised take on a harrowing attempt to escape Soviet Georgia
Published: April 18, 2025 09:30
In a slightly uneasy blend of fact and fiction, Turashvili recounts the true and tragic story of a group of disaffected Soviet Georgian youth.
Friday, 18 April 2025
https://oc-media.org/friday-18-april-2025/
Published: April 18, 2025 08:58
Regional * On Thursday, the deputy foreign ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia met in Tbilisi. The joint statement said that the meeting ‘sought to advance trilateral cooperation across the areas of common interest, with the goal to foster…
Former Nagorno-Karabakh MPs make legislative amendments to preserve state institutions
Published: April 17, 2025 14:24
Pashinyan’s government has strongly opposed Nagorno-Karabakh state bodies operating in exile in Armenia.
Religious leaders in Ingushetia accuse security forces of torturing detained imam
Published: April 17, 2025 14:17
The Muslim community in Ingushetia has issued an open appeal to the authorities to respond to the claims of torture.
Court sentences opposition Coalition for Change member to 12 days in prison
https://oc-media.org/court-sentences-opposition-coalition-for-change-member-to-12-days-in-prison/
Published: April 17, 2025 14:14
Gela Khasaia was detained on charges of disobeying police.
Georgian police officer ‘loses vision in one eye’ after November protest violence
Published: April 17, 2025 13:36
Darakhvelidze said that in total 171 police officers have been injured during the demonstrations.
Slovenian Foreign Minister Fajon travels to Armenia and Azerbaijan for high level talks
Published: April 17, 2025 13:00
Tanja Fajon met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev during her trip.
Gyumri’s newly elected mayor says he supports a union state with Russia
https://oc-media.org/gyumris-newly-elected-mayor-says-he-supports-a-union-state-with-russia/
Published: April 17, 2025 12:16
Vardan Ghukasyan represents the Communist Party.
Georgian Dream imposes grant restrictions on civil society and media organisations
Published: April 17, 2025 11:58
In Georgia, many civil society and media organisations rely on foreign grants for their operations.
​Ingushetia ranks lowest in Russia in the availability of emergency medical services
Published: April 17, 2025 11:41
There are half as many medical workers per 10,000 residents as the Russian average.
Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov released from prison after being granted bail
Published: April 17, 2025 11:17
In the end of February, the ECHR banned Sadigov’s extradition ahead of a final ruling in the case, which could take years.
Chechnya reverts back to the Middle Ages
https://oc-media.org/chechnya-reverts-back-to-the-middle-ages/
Published: April 17, 2025 09:24
If you’ve been reading OC Media, you’ve probably noticed the horrifying events that have been unfolding in Chechnya over the past week. What’s happening there amounts to public executions — in a supposedly civilised country allegedly governed by the rule…
Thursday, 17 April 2025
https://oc-media.org/thursday-17-april-2025/
Published: April 17, 2025 08:23
Regional * As part of his first state visit abroad, Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku on Wednesday. Following their one-on-one meeting, Kavelashvili gave a speech centred on the threats to…
Pashinyan insists ‘there will be no war’
https://oc-media.org/pashinyan-insists-there-will-be-no-war/
Published: April 16, 2025 14:29
Pashinyan’s statement came as heightened tensions emerged despite earlier agreement on the terms of the peace treaty with Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijani Popular Front Party member sentenced to five years in prison
https://oc-media.org/azerbaijani-popular-front-party-member-sentenced-to-five-years-in-prison/
Published: April 16, 2025 14:11
Mehman Aliyev accused the police of planting drugs on him, and announced that he would begin a hunger strike.
Lithuania names 102 sanctioned Georgian citizens
https://oc-media.org/lithuania-names-102-sanctioned-georgian-citizens/
Published: April 16, 2025 13:27
Individuals on the list will be banned from entering Lithuania until 2029–2030.
Probe into police beating of North Ossetian man suspended after officer goes to fight in Ukraine
Published: April 16, 2025 12:33
Moscow Police officer Aleksandr Matyukhin allegedly insulted the man with ethnic slurs before breaking his jaw.
Georgian President Kavelashvili meets Aliyev in Baku during first foreign trip
https://oc-media.org/georgian-president-kavelashvili-meets-aliyev-in-baku-during-first-foreign-trip/
Published: April 16, 2025 12:23
Following the meeting, Kavelashvili gave a speech stating that Georgia and Azerbaijan were ‘united’ in fighting threats to ‘fundamental values’.
Imprisoned Azerbaijani peace activist Bahruz Samadov appeals to Pashinyan
https://oc-media.org/imprisoned-azerbaijani-peace-activist-bahruz-samadov-appeals-to-pashinyan/
Published: April 16, 2025 12:11
Samadov faces a possible life sentence in Azerbaijan on treason charges.
Killer of Georgian trans model Kesaria Abramidze given life sentence
https://oc-media.org/killer-of-georgian-trans-model-kesaria-abramidze-given-life-sentence/
Published: April 16, 2025 12:08
According to prosecutors, Beka Jaiani stabbed Abramidze 28 times with a knife.
Former Shamil Basaev hostage arrested in Moscow after metro row with woman in niqab
Published: April 16, 2025 11:56
Natalya Medvedeva has been sentenced to seven days of administrative detention for hooliganism.
Gakharia doesn’t rule out running in upcoming local elections in Georgia
https://oc-media.org/gakharia-doesnt-rule-out-running-in-upcoming-local-elections-in-georgia/
Published: April 16, 2025 11:22
Municipal elections in Georgia are planned to be held on 4 October.
Review | Smiling Georgia — a tragicomic documentary on the wounds left behind by electoral theatre
Published: April 16, 2025 08:34
Luka Beradze’s first full-length film offers a deeply human and surprisingly funny portrait of broken promises and political manipulation in Georgia.
Wednesday, 16 April 2025
https://oc-media.org/wednesday-16-april-2025/
Published: April 16, 2025 08:09
Regional * Hulusi Akar, Chair of the Turkish Parlaiment’s National Defence Committee, has accused Armenia of ceasefire violations on the border with Azerbaijan. He also said that Armenia ‘must accept the peace hand extended by Azerbaijan as soon as…
Azerbaijan State Security Service kidnaps Russian citizen of Talysh origin
https://oc-media.org/azerbaijan-state-security-service-kidnaps-russian-citizen-of-talysh-origin/
Published: April 15, 2025 14:59
Zahiraddin Ibrahimov, a Talysh historian, disappeared in Russia and was found several days later in Azerbaijan.
Armenia’s ex-president Sargsyan reiterates his goal to topple Pashinyan
https://oc-media.org/armenias-ex-president-sargsyan-reiterates-his-goal-to-topple-pashinyan/
Published: April 15, 2025 14:13
Serzh Sargsyan stepped down in 2018, after being pressured by nationwide protests led by Nikol Pashinyan.
Gakharia appears before anti-UNM commission, grilled by ex-colleagues over his once-praised tenure
Published: April 15, 2025 14:09
It was unclear until the last moment whether Giorgi Gakharia would even attend the commission’s hearing.
Head of Ingushetian perinatal centre faces new charges following maternity deaths
Published: April 15, 2025 12:10
In addition to fraud charges, Madina Khutieva has now been accused of abuse of official authority.
Around 700 civil servants fired during Georgia’s political crisis, TI Georgia says
Published: April 15, 2025 11:45
The fired employees reportedly signed protest statements or otherwise openly expressed their critical position towards government policies.
Hungary reportedly blocking EU non-lethal military aid to Armenia, again
https://oc-media.org/hungary-reportedly-blocking-eu-non-lethal-military-aid-to-armenia-again/
Published: April 15, 2025 11:21
Hungary also initially blocked aid in 2024 before agreeing to withdraw its objection on the condition that aid also be sent to Azerbaijan.
Georgian Dream says opposition won’t be banned before October municipal elections, but soon after
Published: April 15, 2025 10:41
In March, Mdinaradze said that the opposition parties ‘will not be able to participate in the elections to local government bodies’.
Tuesday, 15 April 2025
https://oc-media.org/tuesday-15-april-2025/
Published: April 15, 2025 08:43
Regional * French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has said that he is ‘extremely worried about the growing border tension’ between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He expressed hope that the EU Mission in Armenia ‘can be strengthened to effectively monitor the…
Datablog | Most Georgians believe personal freedoms do not extend to choices around sex
Published: April 15, 2025 07:42
Only 51% of Georgians believed it was justifiable for men to have a sexual relationship before marriage, compared to 30% believing the same for women.
Aliyev invites interim Syrian President al-Sharaa to visit Azerbaijan
https://oc-media.org/aliyev-invites-interim-syrian-president-al-sharaa-to-visit-azerbaijan/
Published: April 14, 2025 14:52
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev also shared his hopes that both sides would develop relations, including in the economic sector.
Man who threw apple towards Pashinyan in August 2024 acquitted of all charges
https://oc-media.org/man-who-threw-apple-towards-pashinyan-in-august-2024-acquitted-of-all-charges/
Published: April 14, 2025 14:25
The man was charged with hooliganism in August 2024, after throwing an apple in the direction of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
Russia ready to restore relations with Georgia, while still recognising Abkhazia and South Ossetia
Published: April 14, 2025 14:21
Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili had vowed to ‘apologise’ to South Ossetia over the former ruling UNM party’s role in the August 2008 War.
Two imams detained in Ingushetia over alleged links to attacks on security forces
Published: April 14, 2025 13:50
The imams have since been released, although criminal cases have reportedly been opened against them.
Review | May These Ashes Be Light: Georgian Literature from the Soviet Shadow
https://oc-media.org/review-may-these-ashes-be-light-georgian-literature-from-the-soviet-shadow/
Published: April 14, 2025 13:42
This anthology expertly introduces the work of Georgian writers and poets who operated during the Soviet Union to a new generation of English readers.
Baku holds controversial pseudo-historical conference in Rome about Christianity in Azerbaijan
Published: April 14, 2025 13:41
The conference has been accused of promoting a politically motivated misrepresentation of Armenian history.
Yerevan discusses normalisation with Ankara and Baku in the scope of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum
Published: April 14, 2025 12:57
During the forum, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met with his Turkish and Azerbaijani counterparts.
Relatives of NIYSO activists deported from Chechnya after public humiliation
https://oc-media.org/relatives-of-niyso-activists-deported-from-chechnya-after-public-humiliation/
Published: April 14, 2025 12:41
Chechen authorities have expelled them from Chechnya, seized their property, and organised public ‘cursing’ rituals in mosques.
TV Formula says Mdinaradze will replace Gomelauri as Georgia’s Interior Minister
Published: April 14, 2025 12:06
According to Formula, the information was confirmed by a source from the Interior Ministry.
Two journalists fired after criticising Georgian Public Broadcaster’s editorial policy
Published: April 14, 2025 11:15
Various organisations have questioned the independence of Public Broadcaster and accused it of being a carrier of the government’s narrative.
Armenia says Azerbaijani fire damaged building in border village
https://oc-media.org/armenia-says-azerbaijani-fire-damaged-building-in-border-village/
Published: April 14, 2025 10:50
This is the second time Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of violating the ceasefire since agreeing to a peace deal on 13 March.
Moscow student appeals to Kadyrov for help
https://oc-media.org/moscow-student-appeals-to-kadyrov-for-help/
Published: April 14, 2025 10:44
Anastasia Balter claims she is being threatened with expulsion for ‘supporting the Chechen people’.
Kobakhidze claims August 2008 war was ‘started by Saakashvili’s regime’
https://oc-media.org/kobakhidze-claims-august-2008-war-was-started-by-saakashvilis-regime/
Published: April 14, 2025 10:36
Kobakhidze was responding to a statement made by Tsulukiani, who called the death of soldier Antsukhelidze a ‘senseless victim of someone’s PR’.
Azerbaijan to host the first ever event with UFC
https://oc-media.org/azerbaijan-to-host-the-first-ever-event-with-ufc/
Published: April 14, 2025 10:31
It is the latest in Azerbaijan’s efforts to host high-profile international sporting events, such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
World Press Photo awards ceremony uninvites Russian photographer who won covering Georgian protests
Published: April 14, 2025 10:30
Mikhail Tereshchenko’s past work and comments justifying Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine were widely criticised.
Monday, 14 April 2025
https://oc-media.org/monday-14-april-2025/
Published: April 14, 2025 09:21
Regional * The Armenian Defence Ministry has reported that on Sunday evening, Azerbaijan opened fire in the direction of the Khnatsakh settlement in the Syunik, resulting in damage to the village’s cultural centre. The ministry noted that ‘no casualties…