Day: February 5, 2026

On the evening of February 28, an exciting astronomical event known as the “Great Planet Parade” will take place, Azernews reports.

Azerbaijan hands long prison terms to former Karabakh officials  Reuters

Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli has chaired a meeting focused on the certification of teachers working in music and art schools and centers, Azernews reports citing the Culture Ministry.

Abkhazia is considering a ban on the operation of duty-free shops inside the territory of the republic. Lawmakers argue that such outlets undermine legitimate suppliers of excisable goods, primarily alcohol and cigarettes.

At present, around ten duty-free shops operate in Sukhum and other towns across Abkhazia. Officially, only diplomats and other foreign nationals with special status are entitled to shop there. In practice, however, the stores are used by the general public. Local observers say this is possible because the shops are linked to figures close to the authorities, who are able to ignore the rules with impunity.

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Since the Abkhaz authorities began issuing licences for duty-free shops five years ago, most local suppliers of alcohol and cigarettes have either gone bankrupt or sharply reduced their operations. This, in turn, has had a negative impact on the republic’s budget revenues.

Now, following heated debates in parliament, the presidential administration has pledged to submit draft legislation within ten days that would ban the operation of such shops.

If the law is adopted, duty-free outlets would remain only at exit points from Abkhazia, at border crossings.

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The Abkhazian Analytical Centre argues that Abkhazia should adopt a law on energy efficiency and energy saving.

Meanwhile, another law has already been adopted, raising the profit tax for duty-free shops from a preferential 15% to 25%. Lawmakers estimate that the measure will increase budget revenues by 100 million roubles (about $1.31m).

However, judging by reactions on social media, many people are sceptical that parliament will succeed in banning “internal” duty-free shops. Critics argue that deputies are likely to face strong resistance from influential owners of the outlets.

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Duty-free shops in Abkhazia