Month: December 2024

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.

1. Protests in Georgia spread as PM defies US condemnation  CNN
2. Why protests in the country of Georgia matter  Vox.com
3. Will the West betray or save anti-Putin protesters in Georgia?  The Economist
4. What’s Behind the Protests in the Country of Georgia?  The New York Times
5. What’s happening in Georgia, and why are thousands protesting?  The Washington Post
6. Georgia sees 3rd night of protests against ruling party’s suspension of EU talks  PBS NewsHour
7. Pro-Putin leader backs harsh crackdown as over 40 people hospitalized amid protests in Georgia  Fox News
8. Georgia protests: Fireworks fired at police and water cannon sprayed in Tbilisi  BBC.com
9. Police in Georgia move again to disperse protests over the suspension of EU talks  The Associated Press

1. Protests in Georgia spread as PM defies US condemnation  CNN
2. What’s Behind the Protests in Georgia?  The New York Times
3. Georgia’s moment of truth: Protesters demand Western path not Russian past  BBC
4. What’s happening in Georgia, and why are thousands protesting?  The Washington Post
5. Georgia sees 3rd night of protests against ruling party’s suspension of EU talks  PBS NewsHour
6. Georgia sees third night of mass protests after ruling party suspends EU talks  FRANCE 24 English
7. Georgia protests: Fireworks fired at police and water cannon sprayed in Tbilisi  BBC.com
8. Georgia is being rocked by days of violent protests. Here’s what you need to know  CNN
9. Georgian President Says Country In Revolt After Hundreds Arrested In Fourth Night Of Protests  Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty

1. Protests in Georgia spread as PM defies US condemnation  CNN
2. What’s Behind the Protests in Georgia?  The New York Times
3. Georgia’s moment of truth: Protesters demand Western path not Russian past  BBC.com
4. What’s happening in Georgia, and why are thousands protesting?  The Washington Post
5. Georgia sees 3rd night of protests against ruling party’s suspension of EU talks  PBS NewsHour
6. Georgia sees third night of mass protests after ruling party suspends EU talks  FRANCE 24 English
7. Georgia is being rocked by days of violent protests. Here’s what you need to know  CNN
8. Georgia at ‘tipping point’ as pro-West protesters clash with security forces  ABC News
9. Over 40 people hospitalized in Georgia during protests over suspension of EU talks  NPR

1. Protests in Georgia spread as PM defies US condemnation  CNN
2. What’s Behind the Protests in Georgia?  The New York Times
3. Huge anti-Russian protests in Tbilisi echo Ukraine’s Maidan  The Economist
4. What’s happening in Georgia, and why are thousands protesting?  The Washington Post
5. Georgia sees 3rd night of protests against ruling party’s suspension of EU talks  PBS NewsHour
6. Georgia protests: Fireworks fired at police and water cannon sprayed in Tbilisi  BBC.com
7. Georgia sees third night of mass protests after ruling party suspends EU talks  FRANCE 24 English
8. Georgia is being rocked by days of violent protests. Here’s what you need to know  CNN
9. Over 40 people hospitalized in Georgia during protests over suspension of EU talks  NPR

1. Protests in Georgia spread as PM defies US condemnation  CNN
2. Tens of thousands of pro-EU protesters rally in Georgia  Al Jazeera English
3. Protests explode in Georgia over paused bid for EU membership. President accuses Russia  USA TODAY
4. What’s happening in Georgia, and why are thousands protesting?  The Washington Post
5. Police and Protesters Clash in Georgian Capital  The New York Times
6. Georgia sees 3rd night of protests against ruling party’s suspension of EU talks  PBS NewsHour
7. Georgia protests: Fireworks fired at police and water cannon sprayed in Tbilisi  BBC.com
8. Georgia sees third night of mass protests after ruling party suspends EU talks  FRANCE 24 English
9. Georgia: Mass protests grow entering fourth night  DW (English)

1. Protests in Georgia spread as PM defies US condemnation  CNN
2. Tens of thousands of pro-EU protesters rally in Georgia  Al Jazeera English
3. Germany still open to Georgia’s EU membership  DW (English)
4. What’s happening in Georgia, and why are thousands protesting?  The Washington Post
5. Police and Protesters Clash in Georgian Capital  The New York Times
6. Georgia sees 3rd night of protests against ruling party’s suspension of EU talks  PBS NewsHour
7. Georgian president seeks West’s support in standoff with her own government  Reuters
8. Georgia protests: Fireworks fired at police and water cannon sprayed in Tbilisi  BBC.com
9. Georgia sees third night of mass protests after ruling party suspends EU talks  FRANCE 24 English

1. Protests in Georgia spread as PM defies US condemnation  CNN
2. Tens of thousands of pro-EU protesters rally in Georgia  Al Jazeera English
3. Protests explode in Georgia over paused bid for EU membership. President accuses Russia  USA TODAY
4. What’s happening in Georgia, and why are thousands protesting?  The Washington Post
5. Police and Protesters Clash in Georgian Capital  The New York Times
6. Georgia president calls for new elections as protests erupt again  BBC.com
7. Georgia sees 3rd night of protests against ruling party’s suspension of EU talks  PBS NewsHour
8. Georgian president seeks West’s support in standoff with her own government  Reuters
9. Georgia sees third night of mass protests after ruling party suspends EU talks  FRANCE 24 English

1. Protests in Georgia spread as PM defies US condemnation  CNN
2. Georgia protests spread as prime minister dismisses call for new elections  Al Jazeera English
3. Anti-Russian Protests in Georgia Turn Violent, Dozens Hospitalized  Newsweek
4. Police and Protesters Clash in Georgian Capital  The New York Times
5. Georgia president calls for new elections as protests erupt again  BBC.com
6. Georgia sees 3rd night of protests against ruling party’s suspension of EU talks  PBS NewsHour
7. What’s happening in Georgia, and why are thousands protesting?  The Washington Post
8. Georgia sees third night of mass protests after ruling party suspends EU talks  FRANCE 24 English
9. Georgia: Mass protests grow entering fourth night  DW (English)