Day: December 5, 2024

Ukraine imposes sanctions on Georgian officials

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree imposing sanctions on the Georgian Dream government. In his video address, Zelensky explained that the sanctions target the part of the government that is “handing Georgia over to Putin.”

US Secretary of State Blinken on Georgia: ‘We are prepared to use available tools, including sanctions’

“The US strongly condemns the brutal and unjustified violence by the Georgian Dream party against citizens.”

“Ukraine has imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili and his 18 associates, specifically those who are selling out the interests of Georgia and its people. We call on Europe, America, and everyone around the world to do the same – to act decisively and consistently!” Zelensky declared.

In addition to Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chairman of the Georgian Dream party, the sanctions list includes Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, State Security Service head Grigol Liluashvili, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, Georgian Dream parliamentary majority leader Mamuka Mdinaradze, among others.

“It is simply disgraceful what actions they are now taking against their own people. And when Moscow praises this government in Georgia, it clearly shows who they are working for in Tbilisi and who they are dispersing protests for. Certainly not for Georgia,” Zelensky said.

Georgian Young Lawyers Association to appeal to ICC

The organization believes that the events unfolding in Georgia may reach the level of crimes against humanity.

On December 1, the three Baltic states—Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—imposed personal sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili and high-ranking officials of Georgia’s Interior Ministry.

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Azerbaijani Paralympic Champion Imameddin Khalilov has been recognized as the best male para-taekwondo athlete in 2024 by the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), Azernews reports.

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.

Testimonies of Police Brutality During Ongoing Rallies. via ⁦@CivilGe⁩ https://t.co/h8Bsm5Cxw1

— Notes from Georgia/South Caucasus (Hälbig, Ralph) (@SouthCaucasus) December 5, 2024

US Helsinki Commission condemns Georgian Dream

The chairman of the US Helsinki Commission, Joe Wilson, issued an urgent statement regarding the current political events in Georgia. He called on the State Department and European allies to impose personal sanctions on the Mayor of Tbilisi, the Minister of Internal Affairs, and “all those responsible for orchestrating repression.”

Georgian Young Lawyers Association to appeal to ICC

The organization believes that the events unfolding in Georgia may reach the level of crimes against humanity.

Wilson’s statement:

“The de-facto Georgian government has shed all pretense of democracy and has now started arresting innocent activists and peaceful members of the opposition in their homes and places of work. Make no mistake: Georgian Dream is using Kremlin-style dictatorial tactics.

The U.S. government must respond to punish those involved in perpetrating violence and brutality against innocent Georgians immediately. If we do not act now, Georgian Dream will continue escalating their campaign of violence and brutality to levels we have not seen in the country in decades.

The Department of State should begin by announcing personal sanctions against the mayor of Tbilisi, the Minister of the Interior, and all other officials responsible for orchestrating this crackdown. I call on our European allies to do the same.”

17 US diplomats urge sanctions on ruling Georgian Dream party

“This is clearly a critical moment in Georgia’s history with implications for the South Caucasus and beyond.”

The day before, 17 American diplomats and security experts issued a joint statement condemning Georgian Dream’s anti-Western stance and the police violence against peaceful protesters.

They urged the United States to declare the Georgian parliament, formed after the October 26 elections, illegitimate and to impose sanctions on those responsible for authoritarian policies in the country.

US senators: “Georgian Dream’s refusal to negotiate with EU betrays people”

They believe such actions are steering Georgia toward a Russian-style autocracy.

Meanwhile, it was reported that the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association plans to appeal to the International Criminal Court, as they believe the systematic and brutal repression of the civilian population in Georgia should be considered a crime against humanity.

US Helsinki Group condemns Georgian Dream

President Ilham Aliyev awards group of employees of communication and information technologies sphere – decree  Trend News Agency

On December 12, the Russian Export Center (REC) will host a webinar to guide entrepreneurs on the certification and registration process for exporting goods and intellectual property to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

US State Secretary condemns Georgian Dream

American journalist Alex Raufoglu published comments from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, stating that, in addition to the previously announced review of US-Georgia bilateral relations, the United States is prepared to use the tools at its disposal, including additional sanctions.

“The United States strongly condemns the Georgian Dream party’s brutal and unjustified violence against Georgian citizens, protesters, members of the media, and opposition figures. 

We call on Georgian Dream to cease its repressive tactics, including its use of arbitrary detention and physical violence, to attempt to silence its critics.”

Day 7: Massive protests in Georgia for a European future – live updates, photos, videos

Live reports from the scene, statements from politicians, expert insights, and voices from the public

According to him, those detained for exercising their right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression must be immediately released, and those responsible for the unlawful use of force must be held fully accountable.

“The United States stands in solidarity with the Georgian people and their democratic aspirations. Those who undermine democratic processes or institutions in Georgia – including those who suppress Georgian citizens’ right to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression – will be held to account.”

17 US diplomats urge sanctions on ruling Georgian Dream party

“This is clearly a critical moment in Georgia’s history with implications for the South Caucasus and beyond.”

Earlier, the chairman of the US Helsinki Commission, Joe Wilson, commented on the current political events in Georgia, calling on the State Department and European allies to impose personal sanctions on the Mayor of Tbilisi, the Georgian Minister of Internal Affairs, and “all those responsible for orchestrating the repression.”

President Ilham Aliyev addresses participants of VII Solidarity Forum of Azerbaijani Volunteers  Trend News Agency