Day: December 26, 2025

Azerbaijani Senior Wrestling Championship will take place on January 7-11, Azernews reports. The names of the national champions in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling will be determined at the Baku Sports Palace.

Ex-Georgian interior minister Bacho Akhalaia arrested

Georgia’s State Security Service has detained former defence minister Bacho Akhalaia, who served under President Mikheil Saakashvili, in connection with the events of 4 October.

According to the State Security Service, Akhalaia was the “main organiser” of the 4 October rally. His wife, Ani Nadareishvili, was also detained but later released.

Failed ‘peaceful revolution’ and new repressions: where Georgia is heading after October 4

The government accuses the West of inciting a coup

At a briefing, the State Security Service explained that the investigation into the former defence minister relates to the illegal purchase and possession of weapons, ammunition, and explosives, alongside the events of 4 October. The agency suggested this could be linked to an attempt to overthrow the government.

The case also involves Beka Chulukhadze, Murtaz Zodelava, Paata Burchuladze, Paata Mandjgaladze, Lasha Beridze, and others.

According to the service, an analysis of internet traffic carried out during the investigation “down to the minute and second” established that Akhalaia and other suspects in organising the 4 October events maintained active communication via mobile internet applications.

The authorities said these connections were made using an IP address registered to Akhalaia’s wife, Ani Nadareishvili.

Data presented at the briefing indicated that between 28 September 2025 and Akhalaia’s arrest, a total of 343 internet sessions were recorded: 157 with Murtaz Zodelava, 110 with Paata Burchuladze, 29 with Paata Mandjgaladze, 26 with Lasha Beridze, and 21 with Irakli Nadiraidze. The service said that on 4 October, several of these connections preceded or coincided with the movements of protesters and violent incidents.

Elections and a failed revolution: Georgia’s new political crisis?

Around ten people have been detained, and several were injured. The government is announcing a new wave of repression

The authorities have paid particular attention to messages sent on the evening of 4 October, which, according to the State Security Service, coincided with the start of the protest march on Freedom Square, clashes near the presidential residence, and the chanting of political slogans. The agency claims that during this period, Lasha Beridze was near the presidential palace receiving instructions from Bacho Akhalaia.

The service said that after an audio recording allegedly capturing a conversation between Akhalaia and Paata Burchuladze about overthrowing the government was published, the method of communication changed. Active contact was then recorded between Murtaz Zodelava and Zviad Gagua. Investigators said this communication was effectively carried out by Akhalaia himself, as Gagua is a relative of his and lives with him.

The State Security Service maintains that the evidence “unequivocally confirms” the identity of the main organiser of the 4 October events in Georgia — Bacho Akhalaia — which led to his arrest. The case will be handed over to the Interior Ministry for further investigation.

Akhalaia’s wife, Ana Nadareishvili, described the briefing as “complete nonsense” in an interview with Pirveli TV. She said the agency had neither her husband’s phone number nor information about who lived in their home. Nadareishvili also recounted the arrest, claiming that around 30 armed, masked law enforcement officers stormed their house and forcibly took her phone.

Ex-Georgian interior minister Bacho Akhalaia arrested

Azerbaijan and the United Nations have discussed cooperation on green energy, a just energy transition, energy efficiency, and the development of Azerbaijan’s Roadmap for Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

Leyla Əliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, recently visited the “YAŞA” Center located in Baku’s historic Icherisheher district to meet with members of the senior community.

Armenia introduces temporary ban on export of key agricultural products to non-EAEU countries  Public Radio of Armenia

At an annual press conference, Azerbaijani FM Jeyhun Bayramov said Baku could consider expanding trade relations with Armenia if Yerevan makes a formal request, but stressed that trade in defense and dual-use goods is off the table. #SouthCaucasus #Azerbaijan #Armenia pic.x.com/fWGGe68l0f

— Zumrud Pashkin 💙💛 (@ZumrudPashkin) Dec 26, 2025

Starting January 1, 2026, all foreign nationals entering Georgia will be required to have valid health insurance for the entire duration of their stay in the country.

A concert presentation titled “MughaMix”, featuring the teacher of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, international competition laureate, young talent award recipient, and tar player Ibrahim Babayev as the author and soloist, has taken place at the grand hall of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, Azernews reports. The concert showcased a fusion of traditional and modern musical elements.