Day: September 20, 2024

On September 19, at the OSCE Permanent Council meeting, the EU issued a statement on the 16th anniversary of the Russian aggression against Georgia. The statement reaffirmed the EU’s “commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflicts in Georgia.

“We reiterate our condemnation of Russia’s continued military presence in the occupied breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in violation of both international law and Russia’s commitments under the 12 August 2008 six-point agreement.”

EU stresses that “The human rights of conflict-affected communities in Georgia continue to be violated, including through ‘borderization’ policies, closures of crossing points, and illegal detentions by the Russian military and de facto authorities.” The statement reads: “Restrictions on freedom of movement must end, human rights violations must be investigated, and justice must be ensured for all victims.”

The statement also underlines the EU’s commitment to “provide all relevant support to Georgia in addressing the challenges it faces also as a consequence of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and to strengthen its resilience in the face of destabilizing activities by Russia.”

The European Union stresses that it remains fully committed to the peaceful resolution of conflicts, as demonstrated by its role as co-chair of the Geneva International Discussions (GID), the efforts of the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, and the crisis in Georgia, and the continued presence of the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM Georgia) on the ground. “We call on all GID participants to engage constructively in the discussions to achieve the full implementation of the 12 August 2008 six-point agreement,” notes the statement.

Finally, the European Union reiterates its “unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.”

Also Read:

• 07/08/2024 – 16th Anniversary of Russia-Georgia 2008 War -International Reactions

Georgia elections: opinion poll

According to a new survey by Edison Research, 71% of Georgia’s population believes it’s time to give another party a chance in the upcoming parliamentary elections on October 26.

When asked whether the “Georgian Dream” has done enough to deserve reelection or if it’s time for another party, 71% of respondents said another party should be given a chance, while 29% believe “Georgian Dream” deserves reelection.

When asked, “If parliamentary elections were held tomorrow, which party would you vote for?” the results were as follows:

• “Georgian Dream – Democratic Movement”: 32.3%
• “Unity”: United National Movement, Strategy Agmashenebeli, European Georgia: 20%
• “Coalition for Change”: Nika Gvaramia, Nika Melia, Girchi, Akhali: 10.9%
• “Gakharia – For Georgia”: 10.5%
• “Strong Georgia”: Lelo, For the People, Freedom Square, Citizens: 9.3%
• Girchi (Iago Khvichia): 6%
• Labor Party: 5.1%
• Alliance of Patriots/Alt-Info: 3.6%
• “We are David Katsarava”: 1.5%
• Other parties: 0.8%.

Seventy-four percent of respondents stated they are confident in their choice, while 26% believe their choice could change.

As part of the opinion poll, a survey was conducted on the potential support for a coalition of opposition parties, considering both full unification and larger coalitions.

The results indicated that if the pro-European opposition were to unite, the support would be distributed as follows:

• “Georgian Dream” / “People’s Power”: 38%
• Coalition of pro-European opposition parties: “Unity,” “Coalition for Change,” “Strong Georgia,” “For Georgia” (Gakharia), Labor Party, “Girchi” (Iago Khvichia): 62%.

According to the Edison Research opinion poll, 64% of the population believes the country is heading in the wrong direction, while only 36% think it is moving in the right direction.

Ambassador of Türkiye to Azerbaijan, Cahit Bağçı, shared a heartfelt message in honor of Azerbaijan’s State Sovereignty Day, Azernews reports.

Ana Tsitlidze, leader of the Zugdidi branch of the United National Movement, at a briefing held on September 20 said that she and her party members and youth representatives were subjected to an organized attack by supporters of the ruling Georgian Dream party in Zugdidi on September 19. Video footage of the incident shows dozens of people physically attacking and abusing the UNM members as they distribute campaign leaflets.

Tsitlidze stated that the UNM representatives were attacked by people directly linked to the government and that all of them were under the influence of narcotics. She held up pictures of the attackers, whom she said had been identified as having ties to the GD, including, according to her, the following:

• A relative of Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri, Shota Bajaladze, whom Tsitlidze accuses of distributing drugs to the attackers. Bajaladze is an employee of the General Inspection Department of the MIA.
• Goga Mosia, Deputy Director of the Arts and Culture Development Center in Zugdidi;
• Dima Gogokhia, who Tsitlidze claims is government payed thug. Gogokhia has been charged with Pay Box theft and let out on conditional sentence according to Tsitlidze.
• Teona Kardava, an employee of the Representation of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia in Zugdidi. Tsitlidze claims that Kardava, who physically assaulted her, is directly accountable to brother-in-law of Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Davit Patsatsia.
• Tsitlidze also named Ramaz Bakhbaia and Data Sartania as SSSG agents.

The video footage shows that the attackers were quite aggressive, physically assaulting not only the party representatives but also Zugdidi locals who had come to meet with the UNM members, and that the police seemed to have difficulty containing the situation for a while.

The MIA said it had started an investigation into the attack under Article 126 of the Criminal Code, which covers violence.

Also Read:

• 2024 | Chronicle of Repression

Azerbaijan’s Friday wrap-up the week of 16 September 2024.

Ali Karimli’s Defamation Trial Begins

The trial of Ali Karimli, the leader of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP), has commenced, with charges of defamation brought against him by former party member Aydin Aliyev. The case, which began on September 19 at the Nasimi District Court under Judge Babek Panahov, stems from Aliyev’s claims that Karimli slandered him in various online broadcasts. Aliyev, who has since been expelled from the party and taken up pro-government activities, is utilizing Article 147 (defamation) of the Criminal Code against Karimli.

During the proceedings, Karimli’s defense presented documents intended to demonstrate the baselessness of the accusations, asserting that Karimli’s statements did not contain defamatory content. However, the representative for the plaintiff, Elvin Aliyev, objected to the immediate consideration of these documents, requesting they be submitted through an electronic system for review.

The court has postponed further hearings until October 14, providing time for the plaintiff’s side to review the defense’s submissions. The APFP has denounced the trial as politically motivated, aimed at sidelining the party and its leader from political activity.

18 Groups Urge Europe to Address Azerbaijan Rights

In a significant international appeal, 18 human rights organizations have urged the new Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, to prioritize the alarming human rights situation in Azerbaijan. The organizations highlighted the mass arrests of journalists and activists, intensifying following Azerbaijan’s non-ratification by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29). They emphasized that the repression targets increasingly younger activists, with nearly no independent civil society entities left, and independent media heads being arrested.

The letter specifically pointed out the case of Anar Mammadli, a renowned election rights expert, who was detained under dubious charges of “smuggling” after publishing preliminary results of the February presidential elections and announcing the establishment of the COP29 – Justice Environment Initiative. Mammadli’s arrest is seen as indicative of escalating repressions expected in 2024.

The organizations also noted that Mammadli is not the only political prisoner, with over 300 political prisoners reported in Azerbaijan. They called on Berset to use all means to secure the release of Mammadli and others detained on political grounds and to urge Azerbaijani authorities to revise laws targeting human rights defenders and civil society, based on recommendations from the Venice Commission.

Azerbaijan: Outspoken Teacher Dismissed

Leyla Najafguliyeva, a primary school teacher in Aranli, Azerbaijan, was dismissed after protesting the delayed opening of a newly constructed school. Najafguliyeva, who had previously highlighted issues such as the lack of proper sanitation facilities at the school, claims her dismissal was orchestrated by the school director, Anar Alakbarov, and his wife, due to her outspoken nature and demands for high teaching standards. The Mil-Mughan Regional Education Department confirmed her dismissal, citing her alleged misconduct, including using students for personal gain during a live social media broadcast.

Najafguliyeva’s dismissal followed her public criticism of the school’s administration and the regional education department, which she accused of favoring subservient and corrupt staff. She also claimed that her family members faced repercussions due to her outspokenness. Despite her dismissal, Najafguliyeva conducted an outdoor class as a form of protest on the first day of the new academic year, which was interrupted by a local executive representative.

The Ministry of Education and Science has not responded to inquiries regarding the incident, and the school’s administration has remained silent.

The post Azerbaijan’s Friday Wrap-up: Karimli’s case, statement on human rights, teacher dismissed appeared first on MEYDAN.TV.

Azerbaijani diaspora organizations issued statements regarding the biased position of the Dutch government, Azernews reports citing the State Committee for Work with Diaspora.

The Eurasian Transport Route International Association will be established soon, as all official procedures are expected to be completed in the near future, Rovshan Rustamov, Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY), told journalists following a consult

Heydar Aliyev International Airport offers passengers the opportunity to travel to more than 80 destinations during the autumn months, Report inform, referring to the airport.

Trans model killed in Tbilisi after Georgia passes law imposing LGBTQ+ restrictions  The Times of India

Trans model killed in Tbilisi after Georgia passes law imposing LGBTQ+ restrictions  The Times of India