Day: December 4, 2024

During the trial of Ali Karimli, the chairman of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (AXCP), 12 party members were detained. Four of them – Elchin Hacivelli, Rovshan Asparov, Bakhtiyar Huseynov, and Mikayil Ismailov – were brought before the Nasimi District Court.

According to a statement from the party, these individuals were subjected to physical abuse while in police custody, with one reporting injuries such as a torn nail. Ali Karimli’s bodyguard, Ruslan Amirov, was also reportedly beaten, though his current whereabouts are unknown. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has not yet commented on the situation.

In a separate case, Ali Karimli was found guilty of defamation under Article 147.1 of the Criminal Code by the Nasimi District Court, which imposed a fine of 1,500 AZN. This decision stemmed from a lawsuit filed by former AXCP member Aydin Aliyev, who had demanded a six-month prison sentence for Karimli.

Karimli has called the verdict politically motivated and has vowed to appeal. During the court proceedings, among those detained included prominent figures such as Vidadi Mirkamal and Ruslan Amirov. Some were released later, but details about the others remain unclear.

The conflict between Karimli and Aliyev dates back to 2019 when Aliyev was expelled from the party for his alleged opposition to its political course. Aliyev accused Karimli of defamation in media statements, which Karimli denied, asserting that his comments were truthful and consistent with his party’s stance.

The AXCP has described the entire legal process as a politically driven attempt to weaken the party and remove its leadership from political activity. The party’s statement claims that the government is using Aliyev, a former active member who later aligned himself with pro-government activities, as a tool to undermine Karimli and the AXCP.

The post AXCP Leader Ali Karimli Found Guilty of Defamation as Party Members Are Detained in Ongoing Political Struggle appeared first on MEYDAN.TV.

A standoff between pro-EU Georgian protesters and security forces continues in Tbilisi amid accusations of excessive use of force by police that have prompted international condemnation including from a group of influential U.S. lawmakers.

A standoff between pro-EU Georgian protesters and security forces continues in Tbilisi amid accusations of excessive use of force by police that have prompted international condemnation including from a group of influential U.S. lawmakers.

A standoff between pro-EU Georgian protesters and security forces continues in Tbilisi amid accusations of excessive use of force by police that have prompted international condemnation including from a group of influential U.S. lawmakers.

Svenja Schulze, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany, has announced that no new development cooperation projects with Georgia will be approved or commissioned, and no loan agreements will be signed. This decision follows the recent declaration by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to halt the country’s EU integration process “until 2028.”

The announcement comes amidst growing concerns over Georgia’s democratic backsliding, including the adoption of several anti-democratic laws, sings of state institutions capture, allegations of rigged elections on October 26, and Kobakhidze’s statement on suspending EU accession. These developments have heightened apprehension within the EU and Germany about Georgia’s commitment to democratic principles and European integration.

Earlier the German Ambassador to Georgia Peter Fischer warned that Georgia’s drift away from EU values deters foreign investment, citing examples like Heidelberg Cement’s exit from the Georgian market. He stressed that this trend undermines Georgia’s economic potential and risks further isolation.

Michael Roth, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag and a strong supporter of Georgia’s EU aspirations, called for decisive EU sanctions against those responsible for rigged elections and violations of peaceful protest rights. He underscored the importance of supporting those fighting for freedom and democracy in Georgia.

During the visit of Anton Hofreiter, Chairman of the European Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag to Tbilisi on November 19-20, he warned that Georgia’s turn away from democracy and EU integration would have “clear and negative consequences” for bilateral relations. Georgia receives the fifth-highest per capita bilateral aid from Germany.

Also Read:

• 03/12/2024 – OSCE PA Special Representative on Georgia Protests: Reports of Violence ‘Alarming’
• 02/12/2024 – Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia Sanction Ivanishvili, MIA Officials
• 02/12/2024 – Senators Shaheen, Risch Express Concern Over Violence in Georgia, Call on U.S. Sanctions Against GD Gov’t

Azerbaijan, OECD handle projects in ongoing partnership  Trend News Agency

The Culture Ministry’s Scientific-Methodical and Specialization Center for Culture is pleased to announce master classes on playing the tar and kamancha for young talents, Azernews reports.

U.S. lawmakers have condemned the Georgian government’s crackdown on peaceful protests and its decision to withdraw from European Union accession talks, calling it a betrayal of the democratic and European aspirations of the Georgian people and calling for accountability of Georgian authorities.

In a statement, published on December 3, U.S. Helsinki Commission representatives, Co-Chair Ben Cardin (MD), Ranking Member Roger Wicker (MS), and John Cornyn (TX) condemned the ruling Georgian Dream party for abandoning democratic reforms and using tear gas, rubber bullets, and mass arrests against demonstrators.

“These actions are dragging Georgia toward Russian-style autocracy,” the commission warned, adding: “Georgian authorities responsible for human rights abuses and the erosion of democratic principles must face accountability from their own people and the international community.”

The U.S. lawmakers reiterated their solidarity with Georgians who seek Euro-Atlantic integration and democratic values, stating that: “The Georgian people’s sacrifices for Euro-Atlantic integration demand our continued solidarity and action.”

Also Read:

27/10/2024 – Helsinki Commission Chair Calls on State Department to Investigate Allegations of Fraud in Georgian Elections

17/10/2024 – Helsinki Commission: Georgian Govt’ Must Honor Obligation to Hold Free and Fair Elections

News  NEWS.am

A meeting was held between Baba Rzayev, the head of “AzerEnergy” OJSC, and Gary Jones, BP’s President for Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye, Azernews reports.