Day: January 3, 2025

#SouthCaucasus
Who is this Ramzan Kadyrov? A Portrait. https://t.co/1w5UyJXiaz via @YouTube

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) January 3, 2025

#SouthCaucasus
Кровная МЕСТЬ против ЛЮДЕЙ ПУТИНА! Как Кадыров бросил спичку на ПОРОХОВУ… https://t.co/knFgMf3Mq5 via @YouTube

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) January 3, 2025

Investigators meet in Brazil to extract data from black box of crashed Azerbaijani airliner  WKMG News 6 & ClickOrlando

Investigators meet in Brazil to extract data from black box of crashed Azerbaijani airliner  WPLG Local 10

A chain accident occurred on the Astana-Shchuchinsk highway in the Akmola region of Kazakhstan, Azernews reports citing Kazakh media.

In the heart of Tbilisi, Rustaveli Avenue was once again closed to traffic on January 2, 2025, as throngs of protesters gathered not only to continue their call for political change but also to celebrate “Bedoba,” a traditional Georgian holiday. Bedoba, which falls on January 2, holds significant cultural importance as it is believed that how one spends this day will set the tone for the entire year ahead.

The protests on Rustaveli Avenue have now entered their 36th day, with demonstrators demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of detained activists. These protests initially sparked by the Georgian Dream party’s decision to suspend EU accession talks have evolved into a broader movement for democratic reform and against perceived authoritarian tendencies.

Today, however, the mood was somewhat festive as protesters combined their political statements with the celebration of Bedoba. Many were seen singing traditional Georgian songs, waving both Georgian and EU flags, and engaging in communal activities that emphasize unity and cultural pride. This dual purpose of the gathering highlights the complex interplay between political activism and cultural expression in Georgian society.

President Salome Zourabichvili made an appearance at the rally, further endorsing the protesters’ demands and reinforcing the national unity theme of Bedoba. The presence of high-ranking officials at such events underscores the event’s significance both culturally and politically.

As the day concluded, the atmosphere on Rustaveli Avenue was a mix of celebration and resolve, with protesters vowing to continue their fight for democracy while embracing the cultural traditions of Bedoba. This convergence of celebration and protest illustrates the resilience and spirit of the Georgian people in the face of ongoing political challenges.

A large-scale operation was conducted across 17 provinces in Turkiye to detain individuals suspected of having links to the ISIS terrorist organization.

#SouthCaucasus
Чечня в шоке! Алиев требует устранить Кадырова! https://t.co/MMXTrVYT1S via @YouTube

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) January 3, 2025