Die EU hat die euroskeptische Haltung Georgiens zuletzt wiederholt kritisiert. Nun kündigte die Regierung in Tbilissi einen Stopp weiterer Beitrittsgespräche an. via @zeitonline https://t.co/mLeBKUz6xa
— Notes from Georgia/South Caucasus (Hälbig, Ralph) (@SouthCaucasus) November 29, 2024
Day: November 28, 2024
Fazil Gasimov, an Azerbaijani doctoral student at Istanbul University who was detained in Turkey in August 2023 and later extradited to Azerbaijan, has reportedly been subjected to severe torture while in custody, according to Rufat Safarov, executive director of the “Defence Line” human rights organization.
Speaking to Meydan TV, Safarov detailed the allegations, highlighting escalating abuse at the Treatment Facility of Azerbaijan’s Penitentiary Service.
Safarov claims Gasimov was tortured on November 16 after attempting to communicate in English with his family during a monitored phone call. According to Safarov, Gasimov implored his family to raise awareness about his plight, leading authorities to cut the call short and subsequently retaliate against him. “They tore his clothes, dragged him away, and tortured him,” Safarov alleged, identifying Major Jalal Alizadeh as one of the perpetrators.
A day later, Gasimov was reportedly taken to a meeting room with lawyers, where his hands and feet were bound, and attempts were made to forcibly shave his head. Protesting loudly, Gasimov reportedly caused such a commotion that nearby prisoners and staff gathered. The incident allegedly ended with Gasimov bleeding heavily from the nose, prompting the intervention of a doctor before he was returned to his cell.
The rights defender also reported that other prisoners who showed solidarity with Gasimov have faced punitive measures, including the withdrawal of their medical treatment and their return to harsher detention conditions. Gasimov, who has been on a hunger strike for over five months, was eventually transferred back to the Kurdakhani Pre-Trial Detention Center in Baku. Safarov alleged that Gasimov was beaten and stripped of written petitions and personal notes during the transfer, leaving him in a weakened state.
Safarov has urged Azerbaijan’s Ombudsman, Sabina Aliyeva, to intervene, emphasizing the severity of Gasimov’s deteriorating health and the need to address ongoing instances of alleged torture. He also accused Azerbaijani authorities of systematically targeting Gasimov, describing his treatment as part of a broader campaign of inhumane practices. “This is a person who could have contributed greatly to society, yet his career, health, and dignity have been destroyed,” Safarov said, recounting earlier allegations of electric shocks, physical humiliation, and coercion into providing false testimony against economist Gubad Ibadoglu.
Gasimov and Ibadoglu were charged under Article 204.3.1 of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code, and accused of circulating counterfeit currency. Authorities allege that $40,000 in cash, some of it counterfeit, was discovered in Ibadoglu’s office, purportedly brought from Turkey. Both men have denied the charges, with Ibadoglu claiming the evidence was planted and his detention politically motivated. While Ibadoglu was released from prison in April 2024 and placed under house arrest, his party, the Azerbaijan Democracy and Welfare Party, was effectively suspended weeks later, allegedly due to bureaucratic hurdles in its registration.
The Penitentiary Service has denied the allegations of torture, maintaining that all detainees’ legal rights are upheld. Gasimov’s case has drawn international attention to the state of human rights in Azerbaijan, with advocacy groups warning of a pattern of abuse against political dissidents, academics, and activists.
The post Detained Azerbaijani PhD student Fazil Gasimov endures alleged torture and humiliation appeared first on MEYDAN.TV.
Fazil Gasimov, an Azerbaijani doctoral student at Istanbul University who was detained in Turkey in August 2023 and later extradited to Azerbaijan, has reportedly been subjected to severe torture while in custody, according to Rufat Safarov, executive director of the “Defence Line” human rights organization.
Speaking to Meydan TV, Safarov detailed the allegations, highlighting escalating abuse at the Treatment Facility of Azerbaijan’s Penitentiary Service.
Safarov claims Gasimov was tortured on November 16 after attempting to communicate in English with his family during a monitored phone call. According to Safarov, Gasimov implored his family to raise awareness about his plight, leading authorities to cut the call short and subsequently retaliate against him. “They tore his clothes, dragged him away, and tortured him,” Safarov alleged, identifying Major Jalal Alizadeh as one of the perpetrators.
A day later, Gasimov was reportedly taken to a meeting room with lawyers, where his hands and feet were bound, and attempts were made to forcibly shave his head. Protesting loudly, Gasimov reportedly caused such a commotion that nearby prisoners and staff gathered. The incident allegedly ended with Gasimov bleeding heavily from the nose, prompting the intervention of a doctor before he was returned to his cell.
The rights defender also reported that other prisoners who showed solidarity with Gasimov have faced punitive measures, including the withdrawal of their medical treatment and their return to harsher detention conditions. Gasimov, who has been on a hunger strike for over five months, was eventually transferred back to the Kurdakhani Pre-Trial Detention Center in Baku. Safarov alleged that Gasimov was beaten and stripped of written petitions and personal notes during the transfer, leaving him in a weakened state.
Safarov has urged Azerbaijan’s Ombudsman, Sabina Aliyeva, to intervene, emphasizing the severity of Gasimov’s deteriorating health and the need to address ongoing instances of alleged torture. He also accused Azerbaijani authorities of systematically targeting Gasimov, describing his treatment as part of a broader campaign of inhumane practices. “This is a person who could have contributed greatly to society, yet his career, health, and dignity have been destroyed,” Safarov said, recounting earlier allegations of electric shocks, physical humiliation, and coercion into providing false testimony against economist Gubad Ibadoglu.
Gasimov and Ibadoglu were charged under Article 204.3.1 of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code, and accused of circulating counterfeit currency. Authorities allege that $40,000 in cash, some of it counterfeit, was discovered in Ibadoglu’s office, purportedly brought from Turkey. Both men have denied the charges, with Ibadoglu claiming the evidence was planted and his detention politically motivated. While Ibadoglu was released from prison in April 2024 and placed under house arrest, his party, the Azerbaijan Democracy and Welfare Party, was effectively suspended weeks later, allegedly due to bureaucratic hurdles in its registration.
The Penitentiary Service has denied the allegations of torture, maintaining that all detainees’ legal rights are upheld. Gasimov’s case has drawn international attention to the state of human rights in Azerbaijan, with advocacy groups warning of a pattern of abuse against political dissidents, academics, and activists.
The post Detained Azerbaijani PhD student Fazil Gasimov endures alleged torture and humiliation appeared first on MEYDAN.TV.
Categories
The Daily Beat: 28 November
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the ruling Georgian Dream party’s decision to abort the efforts to start the accession negotiations with the EU “until 2028.” He also said the cabinet would refuse all EU budget support. The prime minister took the official party line that while EU membership remained the priority for 2030, this would happen only in Georgia’s terms of maintaining “dignity.”
The Prime Minister’s announcement to halt the EU accession process sparked protests in various cities across Georgia, including Tbilisi. On Thursday evening, thousands of peaceful demonstrators gathered near the parliament building to protest the government’s plan to stop the EU integration process. At night, riot police brutally dispersed the protesters using tear gas, water cannons, and pepper spray. Media reports also suggest that dozens of demonstrators, including journalists were beaten and injured by police during a violent crackdown. For more updates on pro-EU protests in Tbilisi, visit our live blog: Aborted EU accession.
With the exclusive participation of the ruling Georgian Dream party members, the Georgian Parliament approved the government’s program entitled “Only with Peace, Dignity, Prosperity to Europe.” The government program states that Georgia will continue its Euro-Atlantic foreign policy, also aiming to reset relations with the U.S.
Following the approval of the government’s program, the rump Parliament, which currently seats only the Georgian Dream (GD) MPs, gave Irakli Kobakhidze’s proposed cabinet a vote of confidence with 84 votes in favor and none against. No questions were asked from the floor. “We have the real top brains in the government team,” Kobakhidze proclaimed. Kobakhidze’s newly approved cabinet includes three new ministers: the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Justice, and the Minister of Environment, while the others have served in the previous cabinet.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution “On Georgia’s worsening Democratic crisis following the recent parliamentary elections and alleged electoral fraud” which slams the ruling Georgian Dream for the authoritarian shift, condemns the democratic backsliding in Georgia, including as a result of the allegedly rigged elections. The resolution also calls on the Georgian government to hold new, free, and fair elections within one year.
President Salome Zurabishvili made a statement after meeting with the Diplomatic Corps and opposition representatives, saying that the Georgian Dream’s decision to abort the EU accession process has finalized the “constitutional coup” after the rigged October 26 parliamentary elections. She called on the EU to take all necessary decisions and support the holding of new elections in Georgia. President also called on the opposition to unite and urged Georgian ambassadors, civil servants, police, and the army to stand by Georgian people today. After making a statement, the President joined the demonstrators gathered near the parliament.
Dozens of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs employees have issued a joint statement in connection with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement to stop EU accession. They express their commitment to Georgia’s EU aspirations, stressing that the enlargement window that is now open may never be reopened, and if Georgia stops on this path, it risks facing isolation.
The Tbilisi City Court ruled to extradite a critical Azerbaijani journalist Afghan Sadigov who had fled Azerbaijan to escape political persecution. The court, under the presiding judge Arsen Kalatozishvili, approved the prosecution’s request for Sadigov’s extradition. Sadygov has been on hunger strike in the Tbilisi detention center since 21 September. On the 17th day of the hunger strike, he was hospitalized due to deteriorating health.
Fazil Gasimov, an Azerbaijani doctoral student at Istanbul University who was detained in Turkey in August 2023 and later extradited to Azerbaijan, has reportedly been subjected to severe torture while in custody, according to Rufat Safarov, executive director of the “Defence Line” human rights organization.
Speaking to Meydan TV, Safarov detailed the allegations, highlighting escalating abuse at the Treatment Facility of Azerbaijan’s Penitentiary Service.
Safarov claims Gasimov was tortured on November 16 after attempting to communicate in English with his family during a monitored phone call. According to Safarov, Gasimov implored his family to raise awareness about his plight, leading authorities to cut the call short and subsequently retaliate against him. “They tore his clothes, dragged him away, and tortured him,” Safarov alleged, identifying Major Jalal Alizadeh as one of the perpetrators.
A day later, Gasimov was reportedly taken to a meeting room with lawyers, where his hands and feet were bound, and attempts were made to forcibly shave his head. Protesting loudly, Gasimov reportedly caused such a commotion that nearby prisoners and staff gathered. The incident allegedly ended with Gasimov bleeding heavily from the nose, prompting the intervention of a doctor before he was returned to his cell.
The rights defender also reported that other prisoners who showed solidarity with Gasimov have faced punitive measures, including the withdrawal of their medical treatment and their return to harsher detention conditions. Gasimov, who has been on a hunger strike for over five months, was eventually transferred back to the Kurdakhani Pre-Trial Detention Center in Baku. Safarov alleged that Gasimov was beaten and stripped of written petitions and personal notes during the transfer, leaving him in a weakened state.
Safarov has urged Azerbaijan’s Ombudsman, Sabina Aliyeva, to intervene, emphasizing the severity of Gasimov’s deteriorating health and the need to address ongoing instances of alleged torture. He also accused Azerbaijani authorities of systematically targeting Gasimov, describing his treatment as part of a broader campaign of inhumane practices. “This is a person who could have contributed greatly to society, yet his career, health, and dignity have been destroyed,” Safarov said, recounting earlier allegations of electric shocks, physical humiliation, and coercion into providing false testimony against economist Gubad Ibadoglu.
Gasimov and Ibadoglu were charged under Article 204.3.1 of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code, and accused of circulating counterfeit currency. Authorities allege that $40,000 in cash, some of it counterfeit, was discovered in Ibadoglu’s office, purportedly brought from Turkey. Both men have denied the charges, with Ibadoglu claiming the evidence was planted and his detention politically motivated. While Ibadoglu was released from prison in April 2024 and placed under house arrest, his party, the Azerbaijan Democracy and Welfare Party, was effectively suspended weeks later, allegedly due to bureaucratic hurdles in its registration.
The Penitentiary Service has denied the allegations of torture, maintaining that all detainees’ legal rights are upheld. Gasimov’s case has drawn international attention to the state of human rights in Azerbaijan, with advocacy groups warning of a pattern of abuse against political dissidents, academics, and activists.
The post Detained Azerbaijani PhD student Fazil Gasimov endures alleged torture and humiliation appeared first on MEYDAN.TV.
Protests in Abkhazia topple another president as locals resist controversial Russian-backed agreements. Civil society’s push for autonomy persists in the shadow of Moscow. #Abkhazia #SouthCaucasus https://t.co/u9oFCNJ4Jj
— Responsible Statecraft (@RStatecraft) November 28, 2024
Protests in Abkhazia topple another president as locals resist controversial Russian-backed agreements. Civil society’s push for autonomy persists in the shadow of Moscow. #Abkhazia #SouthCaucasus https://t.co/u9oFCNJ4Jj
— Responsible Statecraft (@RStatecraft) November 28, 2024
Irakli Kobakhidze announced on November 28 that the ruling Georgian Dream party decided to abort the efforts to start the accession negotiations with the EU “until 2028.” He also said the cabinet would refuse all EU budget support. According to him, Georgia will enter the EU in 2030, but on its own terms, “with dignity.” This statement contradicts the EU accession procedure.
The statement comes as the Georgian Dream claims victory in the October 26 elections despite concerns about massive vote-rigging. The President and opposition reject the results and consider the Parliament illegitimate, while the President’s appeal to the Constitutional Court remains, so far, unanswered. The European Parliament passed a resolution the same day, which gave credence to these claims and called for sanctions against GD leaders and a re-run of the parliamentary elections.
The dramatic decision effectively alters Georgia’s foreign policy, as enshrined in the constitution. Speaking alongside the opposition, the President pledged resistance while citizens gathered to protest.
Friday, November 29
02:40 – Coalition for Change Members Injured
Media reports indicate that members of the Coalition for Change have been injured – one of its leaders, Elene Khoshtaria, became ill after inhaling tear gas and standing under the water cannon (which reportedly has some gas mixed in), while Boris Chele Kurua suffered a head injury from a rubber bullet.
02:30 – The Dispersal on Rustaveli Avenue Started
The brutal dispersal started on Rustaveli avenue. Unidentified people in black overalls, helmets and gas masks are operating in front of the riot police line, chasing and beating peaceful protesters. Meanwhile the water cannons are blasting the water, mixed with unidentified substance. The new water canons, that Minister of Interior boasted about recently are much more powerful than the ones MIA had previously used. TV Pirveli cameraman was attacked and injured during the dispersal by the mentioned unidentified people without any insignia.
02:11 – MIA Uses Water Cannons Against Demonstrators
Riot police began using water cannons against demonstrators in an attempt to break up the rally. The water is reportedly mixed with pepper spray. The temperature in Tbilisi currently is close to zero degrees Celsius. The police is actively arresting demonstrators.
02:09 – Three Demonstrators Arrested in the Past Half an Hour
According to media reports, three demonstrators have been arrested in the last half hour. Riot police are actively using tear gas and pepper spray to break up the rally. Warnings to leave the area have been sounding for a while now.
02:01 – Riot Police Physically Assault an Elderly Demonstrator
While preparing to break up the rally, the riot police caught an elderly demonstrator, beat him up and dragged him to their car. They once again used tear gas and pepper spray against the demonstrators.
01:30 – MIA: Three Policemen Injured, Special Means Used
The MIA reports that the peaceful protest “exceeded the norms established by the Law on Assembly and Demonstration.” The Ministry claims that three policemen were injured, two of them hospitalized, by demonstrators throwing objects at the police. It also admits to having used special means – tear gas and pepper spray – “to defuse the situation”. It reiterates its call for respect for the law and warns against the continued use of special means.
01:20 – TV Pirveli Camera Man Injured by Pepper Spray
TV Pirveli reports that its cameraman Niko Kokaia was injured while performing his professional duties by a riot policeman who sprayed Kokaia in the eyes with pepper spray from close range.
01:19 – Former PM Kvirikashvili Raises Questions on GD’s Decision
Former Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili issued a statement saying that the “temporary halt” of the EU accession process is in contradiction with the electoral promise given to the voters of GD to move towards the EU “with dignity”, therefore is “complete ignorance of the will of the majority”. Kvirikashvili stated that with this step Georgian Dream is “damaging its own legitimacy, which is completely incomprehensible in an already fragile environment”.
“European integration is a two-way process, and its renewal and the setting of deadlines for accession negotiations are not the unilateral prerogative of a candidate country. Georgia’s suspension of the process sends an extremely negative signal about a qualitative change in the country’s strategy. It is unclear what political and pragmatic arguments are behind this action. I believe that the government should demonstrate its commitment to its main electoral promise as soon as possible, which is to resume the process of active integration with the European Union without compromising on the protection of traditional and family values,” reads the statement.
01:08 – Riot Police Sprays Tear Gas, Pepper Spray
The riot police stationed near the Parliament on Chichinadze Street began spraying tear gas and pepper spray. Several people were injured and required medical attention, as they were sprayed in the eyes, including UNM’s leader Sopo Japaridze. These measures to disperse the rally haven’t been used intensively yet, but the situation remains tense. The police took away the handmade banner that a demonstrator had made from the iron fence installed in front of the Parliament building, which read “Rise up!”.
00:51 – TI Georgia Calls on Police not to Use Violent Measures Against Demonstrators
Transparency International Georgia issued a statement calling on law enforcement officials not to obey “unlawful orders” and use violent methods to disperse the demonstration. The organization notes that people’s “legitimate protest” is taking place peacefully in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Gori, and Batumi, however, violent measures by law enforcers were still observed, including cases of use of special means – tear gas and pepper spray, in addition to physical abuse. “Citizens’ protest is legitimate,” the organization stressed.
00:10 – MIA: One Police Officer Injured by Demonstrators
The MIA issued a statement saying that despite calls by law enforcement for the demonstrators to protest peacefully, they “continue to confront law enforcement officers and verbally abuse them.” The MIA also claims that the protesters injured one police officer, who was taken to a hospital.
Thursday, November 28
23:55 – Diplomats’ Joint Statement: Stopping EU Accession Negotiations Contradicts Country’s Strategic Interests
Dozens of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs employees have issued a joint statement in connection with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement to stop EU accession. They express their commitment to Georgia’s EU aspirations, stressing that the enlargement window that is now open may never be reopened, and if Georgia stops on this path, it risks facing isolation.
23:30 – President Joins Protest, Talks to Special Forces
President Salome Zurabishvili joined the peaceful demonstrators in front of the Parliament, where special forces had already been mobilized along with water cannons. After joining the rally, the President went directly to the representatives of the special forces and tried to talk to them. She asked them, “Don’t you talk to your President?” and urged them to think about their country, their children and the future.
The special forces remain concentrated to begin dispersing the rally.
23:20 – MIA Warns Demonstrators of Legal Response in Case of ‘Illegal Actions’
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has issued a statement saying that law enforcement officers have been mobilized to various places in Georgia where people are protesting against Georgian Dream’s announcement of termination of EU accession. They claim that the right to assembly and demonstration, as well as expression, is protected in accordance with the law. “We call on the organizers of the rally, political leaders and participants to express their protest within the framework established by the law. Any illegal action will be met with an appropriate legal response from the police,” reads the statement.
20:54 – Police Arrests Peaceful Demonstrator in Kutaisi
Police arrested Misha Mumladze in Kutaisi. He was peacefully demonstrating with locals in Kutaisi when he called for people to cross the street and the police attacked him, dragged him, tore his clothes and despite calls to stop and that he was unwell, they took him to the police car and arrested him. The police said that Mumladze didn’t respect their order and verbally assulted them.
20:30 – Paraller Rallies Around Georgia
Locals are gathering in various regions of Georgia. At the moment it is known that there are rallies in Zugdidi, Kutaisi and Batumi. People in Tbilisi are gathering in three places: in front of the Parliament, Georgian Dream headquarters and the Presidential administration.
20:00 – Culture Sphere, CSO Representatives Call for New Struggle Against Russian Regime
Representatives of cultural spheres and civil society announced protests against the “unconstitutional” decision of the Georgian Dream party to abort the EU accession. Rati Amaglobeli, one of the demonstrators, called the decision of Prime Minister Kobakhidze a betrayal and said that Georgian citizens should not come to terms with it, announcing a new struggle against the Russian regime in Georgia and calling on the EU to disregard the announcement of the illegitimate government. He said that today a new phase has begun for a free Georgian citizen.
Citizens gather in front of the Georgian Dream Headquarters in Tbilisi.
19:00 – President Scheduled Meeting with Representatives of Diplomatic Corps
According to the presidential administration, Salome Zurabishvili, the President of Georgia has scheduled an emergency meeting with representatives of the diplomatic corps. This comes after the Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, announced a decision to reject accession negotiations with the EU until 2028.
18:15 – GD breaks off the accession process with the EU
GD breaks off the accession process with the EU, which had already been frozen by Brussels due to Tbilisi’s refusal to meet the reform targets for eligibility. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the ruling Georgian Dream party’s decision to reject accession negotiations with the EU until 2028 and to refuse all EU budget support.
Fazil Gasimov, an Azerbaijani doctoral student at Istanbul University who was detained in Turkey in August 2023 and later extradited to Azerbaijan, has reportedly been subjected to severe torture while in custody, according to Rufat Safarov, executive director of the “Defence Line” human rights organization.
Speaking to Meydan TV, Safarov detailed the allegations, highlighting escalating abuse at the Treatment Facility of Azerbaijan’s Penitentiary Service.
Safarov claims Gasimov was tortured on November 16 after attempting to communicate in English with his family during a monitored phone call. According to Safarov, Gasimov implored his family to raise awareness about his plight, leading authorities to cut the call short and subsequently retaliate against him. “They tore his clothes, dragged him away, and tortured him,” Safarov alleged, identifying Major Jalal Alizadeh as one of the perpetrators.
A day later, Gasimov was reportedly taken to a meeting room with lawyers, where his hands and feet were bound, and attempts were made to forcibly shave his head. Protesting loudly, Gasimov reportedly caused such a commotion that nearby prisoners and staff gathered. The incident allegedly ended with Gasimov bleeding heavily from the nose, prompting the intervention of a doctor before he was returned to his cell.
The rights defender also reported that other prisoners who showed solidarity with Gasimov have faced punitive measures, including the withdrawal of their medical treatment and their return to harsher detention conditions. Gasimov, who has been on a hunger strike for over five months, was eventually transferred back to the Kurdakhani Pre-Trial Detention Center in Baku. Safarov alleged that Gasimov was beaten and stripped of written petitions and personal notes during the transfer, leaving him in a weakened state.
Safarov has urged Azerbaijan’s Ombudsman, Sabina Aliyeva, to intervene, emphasizing the severity of Gasimov’s deteriorating health and the need to address ongoing instances of alleged torture. He also accused Azerbaijani authorities of systematically targeting Gasimov, describing his treatment as part of a broader campaign of inhumane practices. “This is a person who could have contributed greatly to society, yet his career, health, and dignity have been destroyed,” Safarov said, recounting earlier allegations of electric shocks, physical humiliation, and coercion into providing false testimony against economist Gubad Ibadoglu.
Gasimov and Ibadoglu were charged under Article 204.3.1 of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code, and accused of circulating counterfeit currency. Authorities allege that $40,000 in cash, some of it counterfeit, was discovered in Ibadoglu’s office, purportedly brought from Turkey. Both men have denied the charges, with Ibadoglu claiming the evidence was planted and his detention politically motivated. While Ibadoglu was released from prison in April 2024 and placed under house arrest, his party, the Azerbaijan Democracy and Welfare Party, was effectively suspended weeks later, allegedly due to bureaucratic hurdles in its registration.
The Penitentiary Service has denied the allegations of torture, maintaining that all detainees’ legal rights are upheld. Gasimov’s case has drawn international attention to the state of human rights in Azerbaijan, with advocacy groups warning of a pattern of abuse against political dissidents, academics, and activists.
The post Detained Azerbaijani PhD student Fazil Gasimov endures alleged torture and humiliation appeared first on MEYDAN.TV.