Day: March 24, 2026

Sentence of Elene Khoshtaria

Tbilisi City Court has sentenced opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria to 18 months in prison for writing “Russian Dream” with a marker on an election poster of Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze.

Judge Giorgi Arevadze delivered the verdict, saying the charges were supported by video footage broadcast on television, as well as testimony from a security officer involved in the case.

Khoshtaria did not attend the court hearing and has denied any wrongdoing. She was arrested on 15 September 2025 after refusing to pay bail of 5,000 lari set by the court as a preventive measure.

‘Political prisoners, persecution, Russian and Iranian influence’ — European Parliament adopts resolution on Georgia

The resolution calls for the immediate release of all those detained for political reasons.

The case is linked to an incident on 14 September 2025, when Khoshtaria wrote the words “Russian Dream” with a marker on a banner near the campaign office of Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze. She later shared a video of the act on social media, saying it was a gesture of solidarity with activist Megi Diasamidze, who had been arrested for a similar action and later released on bail.

Prosecutors charged Khoshtaria under Part 1 of Article 187 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which concerns damage to property causing significant harm. The offence carries a sentence of between one and five years in prison.

It is also notable that on 12 March 2026, the European Parliament adopted a resolution titled “The case of Elene Khoshtaria and political prisoners under the Georgian Dream regime” by 438 votes to 37.

The resolution condemns what it describes as the “systematic persecution” of political opponents, journalists and activists by the Georgian Dream authorities, and calls for the immediate release of Elene Khoshtaria and others detained “on political grounds” in connection with recent protests in Georgia.

Sentence of Elene Khoshtaria

As Azerbaijan and Armenia expand trade, analysts see a strategic move to sunset Russia’s influence in the region. With the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict closed, Moscow has lost its primary security lever; now, trade and diplomacy are cementing a new path for the long-time rival, an analyst told RFE/RL.

Bypassing The Kremlin: Armenia And Azerbaijan Expand Trade, Testing Russia’s Grip  Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

In the complex tapestry of global logistics, the Caspian Sea has often been viewed as a formidable geographical hurdle. However, for those who understand the history of maritime trade, it is a bridge. The recent announcement of a “Memorandum of Intent” between AZCON Holding and a private investor to establish a joint venture for the construction of 10 new “Ro-Ro” (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessels at the Baku Shipyard is more than a corporate deal. It is a declaration of intent from a nation that has dominated these waters since the mid-19th century. To understand the significance of this expansion, one must look back to 1858…

Russia Struggles to Establish a Viable Military Base in Abkhazia  jamestown.org

Russia Struggles to Establish a Viable Military Base in Abkhazia  The Jamestown Foundation

India’s direct investment in Azerbaijan recorded robust growth in 2025, even as overall foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the country declined. As reported by AzerNEWS, citing the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, India’s FDI in Azerbaijan reached $56.047 million in 2025. This represents an increase of $12.9 million, or 29.8%, compared to 2024.

Despite this growth, India’s share in Azerbaijan’s total FDI inflows remained relatively modest at…