Day: December 15, 2024

Margus Tsahkna, Estonia’s Foreign Minister, announced additional sanctions against 14 Georgian officials and judges, including Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, in response to the brutal and repressive regime targeting peaceful citizens. The decision comes ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council slated for December 16, which is scheduled to consider the Union-wide sanctions against the Georgian Dream officials.

“The violence the Georgian authorities are using against protesters, journalists, and opposition leaders is unacceptable, criminal, and against human rights,” Tsahkna said in a statement. “I call on all European Union countries to respond to what is happening in Georgia and impose specific measures against those who use undue force and brutal violence against the people of Georgia and undermine democracy.”

Estonia has sanctioned 25 Georgian officials by now. The latest measures come amid mounting international criticism over the Georgian government’s handling of protests sparked by Kobakhidze’s controversial announcement to suspend Georgia’s EU integration process until 2028.

The protests, which erupted after the ruling Georgian Dream party’s decision, were met with excessive force, including tear gas, water cannons, and physical assaults on peaceful demonstrators. Activists and opposition leaders reported widespread raids on their offices and homes, arbitrary detentions, and instances of alleged torture and mistreatment.

The international backlash has not been limited to Europe. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced new visa restrictions targeting individuals responsible for undermining democracy in Georgia. Meanwhile, senior U.S. senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Jim Risch (R-ID) have urged the Biden administration to take further action.

As Georgia’s political crisis deepens, international allies appear increasingly united in their condemnation, signaling growing pressure on Tbilisi to reverse its trajectory away from European integration.

Also Read:

• 12/12/2024 – MEPs in Tbilisi Meet President, Opposition, CSOs
• 09/12/2024 – U.S. Embassy: All Responsible for Violence Must be Held Accountable
• 07/12/2024 – Defending the Future: Understanding Georgia’s Fall Protests
• 02/12/2024 – Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia Sanction Ivanishvili, MIA Officials
• 28/11/2024 – GD Aborts EU Accession

On December 11, four Georgian opposition parties that crossed the 5% threshold in the October 26 parliamentary elections sent a joint letter to Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, as well as the EU foreign ministers. The letter, written ahead of the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council meeting, letter calls for immediate EU intervention to address escalating political violence in Georgia, citing widespread brutality against peaceful protesters, journalists, and opposition figures.

The letter posits three key requests to the EU officials:

• “Demand the immediate and unconditional release of all detained politicians, activists
  and peaceful demonstrators;”
• Impose targeted sanctions against Georgian Dream (GD) officials, including Bidzina Ivanishvili, the party’s honorary chair, and suspend visa-free travel privileges for officials linked to the government.
• The EU leaders to condemn strongly Strong public condemnations from EU leaders regarding violent crackdowns on peaceful protesters and journalists.

“The people of Georgia are courageously resisting Russian-backed authoritarianism, fighting for their democratic, European future,” the opposition leaders wrote. “Your clear and resolute voice, coupled with decisive actions, will play a pivotal role in de-escalating the alarming situation in Georgia and restoring the country’s constitutional framework.”

The leaders emphasized that their demands, shared by civil society organizations and protesters, are the rerun of elections under an improved electoral framework featuring “a politically balanced electoral administration and neutral state institutions.” They further asserted that suspending all contact with the current regime by EU leaders “until they agree to hold new, free, and fair elections” is the most effective course of action.

The crisis in Georgia has deepened since November 28, when Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that the country’s EU accession would be delayed until at least 2028. This sparked large-scale protests, which opposition leaders argue were met with excessive force by Georgian authorities, including the use of tear gas, water cannons, and physical violence against demonstrators, opposition leaders, and journalists, with reports of torture and inhumane treatment. Georgian Public Defender Levan Ioseliani described the brutality as “an understatement.”

The opposition also criticized the presidential election on December 14, which they noted is marred by the candidacy of Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former football player with no higher education and the initiator of Georgia’s controversial “foreign agents law.” The letter says that Kavelashvili’s candidacy lacks both independence and legitimacy.

---

International partners, including Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Ukraine, and the United States, have already responded to the escalating violence in Georgia. The opposition hopes the EU will follow suit with decisive measures, highlighting the importance of Georgia’s democratic and European future.

Also Read:

• 14/12/2024 – Kobakhidze: “We Have National Mission to End Liberal Fascism, Opposition Parties”
• 14/12/2024 –Mikheil Kavelashvili Elected as President by College of GD MPs and Local Councilors
• 13/12/2024 – IPI Condemns Violent Attacks on Journalists in Georgia
• 13/12/2024 – OSCE Troika Condemns Violent Crackdown on Protests in Georgia, Calls for Accountability

Anthony Blinken: “She returned knowing that she might be arrested on arrival.”

The U.S. Department of State awarded Sevinj Vagifgizi, the editor-in-chief of AbzasMedia, with the “Champions of Combating Corruption” award.

Sevinj is known for her work on corruption investigations, and she is currently imprisoned.

In his speech, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted Sevinj’s devotion over the past decade in exposing government abuses.

“She is also the one awardee who is not with us this afternoon. In November 2023, Sevinj flew home from an overseas country amid a crackdown on Azerbaijani independent media. She returned knowing that she might be arrested on arrival. She was. Now, more than a year later, she remains in detention. Prior to her arrest Sevinj wrote and I quote, ‘I don’t feel fear anymore. I know what they can do. It does not stop me. It is more important to be useful to the people. People need us’”

-Antony Blinken

Blinken also expressed gratitude to the ten anti-corruption champions for their courage. He said it was an honor to partner with them in this fight. The Department of State created the “Champions of Combating Corruption” award in 2021 to recognize individuals who have made significant progress in fighting corruption and to show the U.S. government’s solidarity with them.

This year’s award recipients include journalists, human rights defenders, judges, and even government officials who have facilitated major institutional changes. Other awardees include Jorge Mora Cortes from Colombia, Matrika Daxal from Nepal, Altin Dumani from Albania, Srbukhy Galyan from Armenia, Carl Irani from Lebanon, Marr Nyang from Gambia, Javier Enrique Caraballo Salazar from Panama, Didar Smagulov from Kazakhstan, and Jimmy Spyre Ssentongo from Uganda. Blinken emphasized that each recipient made a difficult decision to help their own citizens and all the people around the world, and their dedication, along with those of others, we are in a better place now.

AbzasMedia, the organization behind Sevinj’s work, has also faced significant challenges. Six of its employees, including the general manager Ulvi Hasanlı, assistant Muhammad Kekalov, editor Sevinj Vagifgiz, reporters Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova, and investigative journalist Hafız Babali, have been arrested. These individuals are facing charges of smuggling, with some detained since November 2023.

On May 31, 2024, journalist and economist Farid Mehralizade from the “Azadlig” radio station was arrested, and a search was conducted at his home. He was accused under Article 206.3.2 of the Penal Code, which concerns smuggling by a group of individuals who had previously made secret agreements. The Khatai District Court decided to detain him for security reasons. On the same day, AbzasMedia issued a statement declaring that Mehralizade had no connection to the media organization.

Following this, each of the detainees in the AbzasMedia case was faced with additional serious charges related to financial matters. Since November 2023, nearly 20 journalists and social activists have been arrested in Azerbaijan on smuggling charges. None of these individuals have been charged based on their professional activities or political affiliations.

According to local human rights organizations, there are currently around 300 political prisoners in Azerbaijani prisons. Authorities typically assert that no one has been detained solely for political reasons related to their professional activities. However, both local and international human rights organizations believe these arrests are politically motivated, and they are calling for the release of the detainees and the withdrawal of the charges against them.

The post Sevinj Vagifgizi honored as anti-corruption champion appeared first on MEYDAN.TV.

Today, the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board (CMB), Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh, met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary of the Holy See for Relations with States and International Organizations, Azernews reports.

Anthony Blinken: “She returned knowing that she might be arrested on arrival.”

The U.S. Department of State awarded Sevinj Vagifgizi, the editor-in-chief of AbzasMedia, with the “Champions of Combating Corruption” award.

Sevinj is known for her work on corruption investigations, and she is currently imprisoned.

In his speech, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted Sevinj’s devotion over the past decade in exposing government abuses.

“She is also the one awardee who is not with us this afternoon. In November 2023, Sevinj flew home from an overseas country amid a crackdown on Azerbaijani independent media. She returned knowing that she might be arrested on arrival. She was. Now, more than a year later, she remains in detention. Prior to her arrest Sevinj wrote and I quote, ‘I don’t feel fear anymore. I know what they can do. It does not stop me. It is more important to be useful to the people. People need us’”

-Antony Blinken

Blinken also expressed gratitude to the ten anti-corruption champions for their courage. He said it was an honor to partner with them in this fight. The Department of State created the “Champions of Combating Corruption” award in 2021 to recognize individuals who have made significant progress in fighting corruption and to show the U.S. government’s solidarity with them.

This year’s award recipients include journalists, human rights defenders, judges, and even government officials who have facilitated major institutional changes. Other awardees include Jorge Mora Cortes from Colombia, Matrika Daxal from Nepal, Altin Dumani from Albania, Srbukhy Galyan from Armenia, Carl Irani from Lebanon, Marr Nyang from Gambia, Javier Enrique Caraballo Salazar from Panama, Didar Smagulov from Kazakhstan, and Jimmy Spyre Ssentongo from Uganda. Blinken emphasized that each recipient made a difficult decision to help their own citizens and all the people around the world, and their dedication, along with those of others, we are in a better place now.

AbzasMedia, the organization behind Sevinj’s work, has also faced significant challenges. Six of its employees, including the general manager Ulvi Hasanlı, assistant Muhammad Kekalov, editor Sevinj Vagifgiz, reporters Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova, and investigative journalist Hafız Babali, have been arrested. These individuals are facing charges of smuggling, with some detained since November 2023.

On May 31, 2024, journalist and economist Farid Mehralizade from the “Azadlig” radio station was arrested, and a search was conducted at his home. He was accused under Article 206.3.2 of the Penal Code, which concerns smuggling by a group of individuals who had previously made secret agreements. The Khatai District Court decided to detain him for security reasons. On the same day, AbzasMedia issued a statement declaring that Mehralizade had no connection to the media organization.

Following this, each of the detainees in the AbzasMedia case was faced with additional serious charges related to financial matters. Since November 2023, nearly 20 journalists and social activists have been arrested in Azerbaijan on smuggling charges. None of these individuals have been charged based on their professional activities or political affiliations.

According to local human rights organizations, there are currently around 300 political prisoners in Azerbaijani prisons. Authorities typically assert that no one has been detained solely for political reasons related to their professional activities. However, both local and international human rights organizations believe these arrests are politically motivated, and they are calling for the release of the detainees and the withdrawal of the charges against them.

The post Sevinj Vagifgizi honored as anti-corruption champion appeared first on MEYDAN.TV.

The State Examination Center (SEC), jointly with the Judges’ Selection Committee, held a test exam for candidates seeking admission to the position of judge.

The opening ceremony of the Azerbaijan Championship among men and women boxers was held.

In recent days, the Biden administration, in addition to making serious political blunders, has also begun to take inadequate steps regarding Azerbaijan. The fact that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized Azerbaijan in his latest statement in a biased manner and went so far as to damage relations between the two states generally indicates the wrong policy of the Democrats.

Anthony Blinken: “She returned knowing that she might be arrested on arrival.”

The U.S. Department of State awarded Sevinj Vagifgizi, the editor-in-chief of AbzasMedia, with the “Champions of Combating Corruption” award.

Sevinj is known for her work on corruption investigations, and she is currently imprisoned.

In his speech, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted Sevinj’s devotion over the past decade in exposing government abuses.

“She is also the one awardee who is not with us this afternoon. In November 2023, Sevinj flew home from an overseas country amid a crackdown on Azerbaijani independent media. She returned knowing that she might be arrested on arrival. She was. Now, more than a year later, she remains in detention. Prior to her arrest Sevinj wrote and I quote, ‘I don’t feel fear anymore. I know what they can do. It does not stop me. It is more important to be useful to the people. People need us’”

-Antony Blinken

Blinken also expressed gratitude to the ten anti-corruption champions for their courage. He said it was an honor to partner with them in this fight. The Department of State created the “Champions of Combating Corruption” award in 2021 to recognize individuals who have made significant progress in fighting corruption and to show the U.S. government’s solidarity with them.

This year’s award recipients include journalists, human rights defenders, judges, and even government officials who have facilitated major institutional changes. Other awardees include Jorge Mora Cortes from Colombia, Matrika Daxal from Nepal, Altin Dumani from Albania, Srbukhy Galyan from Armenia, Carl Irani from Lebanon, Marr Nyang from Gambia, Javier Enrique Caraballo Salazar from Panama, Didar Smagulov from Kazakhstan, and Jimmy Spyre Ssentongo from Uganda. Blinken emphasized that each recipient made a difficult decision to help their own citizens and all the people around the world, and their dedication, along with those of others, we are in a better place now.

AbzasMedia, the organization behind Sevinj’s work, has also faced significant challenges. Six of its employees, including the general manager Ulvi Hasanlı, assistant Muhammad Kekalov, editor Sevinj Vagifgiz, reporters Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova, and investigative journalist Hafız Babali, have been arrested. These individuals are facing charges of smuggling, with some detained since November 2023.

On May 31, 2024, journalist and economist Farid Mehralizade from the “Azadlig” radio station was arrested, and a search was conducted at his home. He was accused under Article 206.3.2 of the Penal Code, which concerns smuggling by a group of individuals who had previously made secret agreements. The Khatai District Court decided to detain him for security reasons. On the same day, AbzasMedia issued a statement declaring that Mehralizade had no connection to the media organization.

Following this, each of the detainees in the AbzasMedia case was faced with additional serious charges related to financial matters. Since November 2023, nearly 20 journalists and social activists have been arrested in Azerbaijan on smuggling charges. None of these individuals have been charged based on their professional activities or political affiliations.

According to local human rights organizations, there are currently around 300 political prisoners in Azerbaijani prisons. Authorities typically assert that no one has been detained solely for political reasons related to their professional activities. However, both local and international human rights organizations believe these arrests are politically motivated, and they are calling for the release of the detainees and the withdrawal of the charges against them.

The post Sevinj Vagifgizi honored as anti-corruption champion appeared first on MEYDAN.TV.

The II conference of member countries of the International Volunteer Center was organized in Sheki with the support of the Youth Foundation and the organization of the Azerbaijan Union of Voluntary Organizations (AUVO) within the framework of the “Azerbaijan Volunteer Week” dedicated to the “Year of Solidarity for the Green World”.