Day: December 2, 2024

The Georgian Minister of Internal Affairs (MIA) said 224 people have been arrested in recent days of protest. The arrests were made on administrative charges of petty hooliganism (Article 166) and disobeying lawful police orders (Article 172). 21 police officers were injured on December 1-2, and a total of 113 since November 28.

MIA arrested two individuals: 17- year-old and 21-year-old on criminal charges of attacking police officer (Article 353) and destruction of property by setting fire (Article 187). The two arrested individuals face up to 7 years in prison. MIA says that one of them harmed police officers with pyrotechnics and another threw burned objects into the parliament building.

Zurab Japaridze, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, has been also arrested on the morning of December 2, after the rally on Rustaveli Avenue had been dispersed. The charges he is facing are not yet known.

According to the MIA, the “rally participants provoked the officers”, also damaged the infrastructure of Rustaveli Avenue, erected barricades and several facilities.

According to MIA: administrative cases of 98 persons were submitted to the Tbilisi City Court, of which 74 cases were completed; of the 74 completed cases, 36 people were fined; administrative detention was applied to 34 persons. Court proceedings are ongoing, and some of those detained have received fines, administrative detention, and warnings.

CSOs that assist in the detained report “more than 200 cases” of reported detentions, with over 50 people detained during the night of December 1-2. Thirty-nine of them were visited by lawyers. Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, a watchdog and legal aid CSO, says complaints about physical and psychological violence and confiscation of personal items, including mobile phones, are routinely reported. They also say the courts ignore or dismiss complaints about police violence.

The peaceful demonstrations began on 28 November, following the announcement by Irakli Kobakhidze that GD was halting the EU accession process, and have continued for the next four days.

As protests continue across Tbilisi and other cities in Georgia, the MIA has stated that police forces will remain on alert to ensure public safety and uphold the law. “We call upon the organizers of the rally to protest within the limits set by the law, any illegal action will be followed by appropriate legal response from the police,” MIA said.

Follow our live blog for more updates.

Also Read:

• 29/11/2024 – MIA: 43 Protesters Detained, 32 Officers Injured Overnight
• 30/11/2024 – MIA: 107 Protesters Detained, 10 Officers Injured Overnight on November 30
• 30/11/2024 – President Zurabishvili: Resistance Movement has Started
• 29/11/2024 – MIA: 43 Protesters Detained, 32 Officers Injured Overnight

Georgia is being rocked by growing protests. Here’s what you need to know  CNN

What’s happening in Georgia, and why are thousands protesting?  The Washington Post

Ganja State Philharmonic Hall and International Mugham Center have organized a concert “Song and Romance” within “From Ganja to Baku” project, Azernews reports.

This week saw journalists from “AbzasMedia” exposing poor conditions and violations at Baku Detention Facility, while Alasgar Mammadli requested house arrest due to health issues, and the date for Azerbaijan’s municipal elections was announced for January 29, 2025.

Conditions and Violations at the Baku Detention Facility Revealed in Open Letter by Journalists

Three journalists from “AbzasMedia” – Sevinc Vaqifqızı, Nargiz Absalamova, and Elnara Qasımova – currently detained in Baku Detention Facility No. 1, have written an open letter exposing the poor conditions there. They describe overcrowding, with women forced to sleep on the floor or share beds, leading to injuries. They also highlight the lack of basic necessities, including proper bedding, clothing, and hygiene products, which are supposed to be provided by the state but are either missing or substandard.

The journalists also point out that the second floor of the facility, which holds 170 women, has several cells being used for non-prison purposes, such as punishment cells or kitchens for guards. Despite regulations requiring detainees to receive appropriate bedding and personal items, the women are only given poor-quality goods. The food provided is also criticized for being insufficient and of low quality.

Finally, the journalists report that detainees are not receiving the clothing and hygiene items mandated by government regulations. Although a contract was signed with a supplier for these products, they are either never delivered or go missing in the facility, raising questions about resource mismanagement and the handling of funds allocated for detainee care.

Alasgar Mammadli Unsuccesfully Requests House Arrest

Alasgar Mammadli, a media expert from “Toplum TV,” has been in detention for nine months and has appealed for house arrest due to serious health issues, including a thyroid tumor requiring urgent surgery. In his court statement, he emphasized the negative impact his detention has on his family, particularly his two children’s education and well-being.

Mammadli argued that house arrest would not interfere with the investigation and that he had legal grounds for the request. He noted his public service record and denied any intention to obstruct the legal process. However, the Baku City Police Department opposed the request, citing the risk of Mammadli fleeing or hindering the investigation. Judge Akhundov rejected the appeal.

Mammadli believes his detention is politically motivated, part of an effort to silence independent media. The case involves accusations of smuggling, with the  detainees claiming the evidence against them was fabricated. His lawyers plan to appeal the court’s decision.

Azerbaijan goes to the polls again

Municipal elections in Azerbaijan have been scheduled for January 29, 2025, as announced by the Central Election Commission on November 27.

On October 18, 2024, the Milli Majlis (National Assembly) discussed a draft law to amend the “Law on Municipalities’ Territories and Lands,” reducing the number of municipalities from 1,400 to 685. This change was approved by the Milli Majlis and signed into law by President Ilham Aliyev on November 25.

Azerbaijan has held five municipal elections so far, in 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019, with the most recent one on December 23, 2019. According to the Election Code, municipal elections are held every five years, typically in December. Some experts view the postponement of the 2025 elections as contrary to the law.

The post Azerbaijan’s Friday Wrap-Up: Parliamentary Election Date Set appeared first on MEYDAN.TV.

Georgia is being rocked by days of violent protests. Here’s what you need to know  CNN

Georgia is being rocked by days of violent protests. Here’s what you need to know  CNN

1. Georgia is being rocked by days of violent protests. Here’s what you need to know  CNN
2. Georgia protests spread as prime minister dismisses call for new elections  Al Jazeera English
3. Police and Protesters Clash in Georgian Capital  The New York Times
4. Georgia sees 3rd night of protests against ruling party’s suspension of EU talks  PBS NewsHour
5. Georgia president calls for new elections as protests erupt again  BBC.com
6. Many thousands rally to oppose Georgian government after break with EU  Reuters
7. Georgia president calls parliament ‘illegitimate’, says will not step down  FRANCE 24 English
8. Georgia: Mass protests grow entering fourth night  DW (English)
9. Georgian PM praises country’s protest crackdown despite US condemnation  Fox News

1. Georgia is being rocked by days of violent protests. Here’s what you need to know  CNN
2. Georgia protests spread as prime minister dismisses call for new elections  Al Jazeera English
3. Police and Protesters Clash in Georgian Capital  The New York Times
4. Georgia sees 3rd night of protests against ruling party’s suspension of EU talks  PBS NewsHour
5. Georgia president calls for new elections as protests erupt again  BBC.com
6. Many thousands rally to oppose Georgian government after break with EU  Reuters
7. Georgia president calls parliament ‘illegitimate’, says will not step down  FRANCE 24 English
8. Georgia: Mass protests grow entering fourth night  DW (English)
9. Georgian PM praises country’s protest crackdown despite US condemnation  Fox News

Armenia and Iran concentrate on joint sales of goods to other countries – Kerobyan  Arka.am