A delegation from ADA University paid a working visit to the Polytechnic University of Turin from June 3-5, with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation within the framework of the Italy-Azerbaijan University initiative and expanding collaboration in education, research, and innovation, AzerNEWS reports.
Day: June 19, 2026
Tbilisi’s Ahli Beit Mosque shared on its Facebook page a message from Iran‘s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, addressed to Muslim pilgrims performing the Hajj. In the message, the United States is described as the “Great Satan”, while the slogans “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” are presented as messages that will gain wider prominence in the future.
In his message, Khamenei says the Middle East will no longer remain a safe environment for US military bases. He argues that the region’s peoples and territories will no longer support an American military presence and that the United States will no longer have a secure foothold in the region from which to pursue its objectives.
The Iranian leader also says opposition to the United States and Israel should not remain limited to symbolic rituals performed during the Hajj. According to his statement, the slogans “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” will, over time, become common rallying cries across the Islamic world and in various countries around the globe, particularly among young people.
Khamenei adds that “the future belongs to the Islamic Ummah and a new Islamic civilisation”. He also refers to a statement made in 2015 by his predecessor and father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, which predicted that Israel would “cease to exist within 25 years”. According to Khamenei, Israel is now approaching the final stage of its existence.
A significant part of the message focuses on what Khamenei calls the “Axis of Resistance”. He says the network includes Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan, parts of Africa and “all free peoples of the world”. In his view, this network has enabled Iran to defend itself against what he describes as “Zionist aggressors”.
Khamenei also refers positively to “Al-Aqsa Flood”, the name Hamas uses for its 7 October 2023 attack on Israel.
Ahli Beit Mosque in Tbilisi has previously attracted attention over statements and sermons containing pro-Iranian and anti-American messages. The mosque is linked to the World Assembly of Ahl al-Bayt, which operates in Georgia as a non-governmental organisation.
The mosque shared Khamenei’s message several months after the United States and Israel carried out a joint military operation against Iran.
According to reports, a series of air strikes that began in late February 2026 killed former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with dozens of military commanders and senior officials. Since then, Iranian authorities have adopted particularly harsh rhetoric towards the United States and Israel.
Message from Iran’s supreme leader
Below is the weekly digest of key developments and discourses in and around the occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia, as well as those concerning Tbilisi–Moscow relations.
Sokhumi
- Georgian Citizen Sentenced for “Espionage” in Occupied Abkhazia
The de facto “supreme court,” presided by Marat Avidzba, delivered a verdict in the case of Georgian citizen Shalva Khizanishvili. He was found guilty of “espionage” and “illegal acquisition, possession, and carrying of firearms, ammunition, and explosive devices.” Khizanishvili was sentenced to six years and nine months in a “maximum-security penal facility.”
Khizanishvili was detained on October 1, 2025, by “Abkhaz security services” in the village of Shashikvara, Gali district, on suspicion of espionage for Tbilisi.
According to investigation materials, a search of his house allegedly uncovered three firearms with ammunition, a military backpack containing supplies, a Georgian identity document, cash, and Georgian bank cards. Additionally, a package containing an explosive device was reportedly found in a doghouse on the property.
During questioning, Khizanishvili allegedly confirmed that he had been in contact with Georgian security services. According to his testimony, he filmed one of the Russian FSB border posts in Abkhazia in exchange for payment.
- De Facto Parliament Pulls Proposed Changes to Election Law
The so-called “parliament” of Abkhazia has withdrawn from consideration the proposed amendments to the “Constitutional Law On the Election of Deputies of the People’s Assembly.”
The draft legislation envisaged a number of changes to “parliamentary election” procedures and candidate eligibility requirements. Among the proposed changes was the introduction of a residency requirement, under which “parliamentary candidates” would have been required to reside in Abkhazia for at least five years before “election” day.
The document also proposed mandatory proficiency in both the Abkhaz state language and Russian. Abkhaz language skills were to be assessed by a linguistic commission under the so-called “central election commission.”
In addition, the draft contained provisions banning the publication of public opinion polls during the 30 days preceding “election” day, as well as restrictions on the involvement of foreign citizens, organizations, and international entities in pre-election processes.
It remains unclear whether the proposed amendments have been withdrawn altogether or merely postponed for further consideration.
- Man Assaults Russian National During Embankment Inspection in Sokhumi
A conflict occurred after a Russian citizen from Bashkortostan, who was supervising the rehabilitation of the Dioskuria Embankment in Sukhumi as part of a project partially funded by the Government of Bashkortostan, was approached by a local resident. According to the so-called “ministry of internal affairs,” the man used obscene language, physically assaulted the woman, and threw a stone at her after she commented on the quality of the stone-laying work.
The victim sought medical assistance and was diagnosed with a bruise and hematoma on the chin, as well as contusions and soft-tissue injuries. The man is currently undergoing social rehabilitation at a closed centre in the Krasnodar region.
Abkhaz leader Badra Gunba stated that unlawful actions by any citizen must be subject to legal assessment regardless of nationality, adding that relevant instructions had been issued to “law enforcement agencies.” Prime Minister of Bashkortostan Andrey Nazarov thanked the Abkhaz “leadership” for its response and noted that cooperation on the reconstruction project of the embankment would continue.
Tskhinvali
- Gagloev Appointed Kambolov as “Chairman of the Government,” Following “Parliament” Approval
After the de facto “parliament” of the occupied Tskhinvali region unanimously approved the candidacy of Marat Kambolov for the post of “chairman of the government,” the de facto leader of the occupied region, Alan Gagloev, signed a decree on his appointment. Presenting his program, Kambolov emphasized that “people must be at the center of all government decisions,” and identified demography as the main challenge, saying “South Ossetia has lost nearly half of its population.”
He outlined his priorities, including education, healthcare, and economic development. He also noted the importance of the allied relations with Russia and called for social cohesion: “We all need to unite.” Gagloev’s decree took effect from the date of signing.
- Znaur Gassiev on the Priority of Deepening Integration with Russia and a New Phase of Alliance
Znaur Gassiev, the so-called “ambassador” of the occupied Tskhinvali region to Russia, stated that the comprehensive deepening of the broadest possible integration with Moscow has been and will remain the region’s top priority, according to the Russian state-media outlet TASS. According to him, the signing of the so-called treaty on deepened allied cooperation was a logical continuation of the development of the regulatory framework. “This treaty provides the broadest opportunities for further deepening our relations,” Gassiev added.
He said the treaty envisages the coordination of foreign and defense policies, the strengthening of security, the development of infrastructure, and the improvement of socio-economic conditions. He also noted that it involves the harmonization of legal norms and the expansion of opportunities for citizens of both sides.
- An Ammunition Cache Discovered in the Java District
A cache of ammunition was discovered in the village of Kodibina in the Java District of the occupied Tskhinvali region, according to the local news agency RES, citing the region’s “Ministry of Emergency Situations.” An explosive ordnance disposal team that arrived at the scene seized 45 5.45-mm rounds, one 7.62-mm round, ammunition for a VOG-72 grenade launcher, and an RGD-5 grenade fuse, the agency noted.
All of the ammunition found is scheduled to be destroyed at a specialized testing range. The agency reminded the public to observe safety precautions and report such findings to emergency services.
- Top ‘Diplomats’ from Tskhinvali, Sokhumi, and Tiraspol held online consultations
The “foreign ministers” of the occupied Tskhinvali region, Abkhazia, and the self-proclaimed “Transnistrian Moldovan Republic” held trilateral online consultations with the heads of their “diplomatic missions,” according to RES. During the meeting, the parties discussed the implementation of “foreign policy” priorities, the current international situation, issues of socio-economic development, and prospects for cooperation, the media stated. A joint declaration was adopted following the talks.
- Kambolov Called on the “Cabinet” to Rely on Domestic Resources to Develop the Economy of the Occupied Tskhinvali Region
Marat Kambolov called on the “Cabinet of Ministers” to make more active use of domestic resources to develop the region’s economy, according to RES. Kambolov said, “We ourselves must develop our republic[…] using internal reserves,” highlighting the importance of attracting investment, supporting local production, and fostering civic initiatives.
According to him, the “government” should focus on concrete results and improving the lives of the population. Kambolov noted his readiness to tackle complex challenges without significant financial investment, relying instead on a competent approach. He also called on members of the “cabinet of ministers” to “serve the interests of our society exclusively” and to take responsibility for the decisions they make.
Moscow-Tbilisi
- Shvydkoy Praised Sturua’s The Knight in the Tiger’s Skin, Noting “Profound Humanistic Significance”
Mikhail Shvydkoy, the Russian President’s Special Representative for International Cultural Cooperation, who recently visited Georgia, shared his impressions with Rossiyskaya Gazeta of Robert Sturua’s new production of The Knight in the Panther’s Skin, with which the Rustaveli Theater concluded its season. In his view, the performance did not follow the original text, but preserved the “profound humanistic significance” of Shota Rustaveli’s epic poem. At the same time, the work remains “the very foundation of national worldview” for Georgia, which explains the attention paid to the director’s interpretation, Putin’s representative added.
Shvydkoy highlighted Sturua’s distinctive directorial style, which, in his words, “captivates with its instant transitions from overt passion to reflection.” He also drew attention to the acting, where the lead performers set the energy of the production, supported by younger artists. As a result, the production is perceived as a contemporary artistic statement that combines tradition with the director’s creative freedom in interpreting the classics, he said.
Also Read:
- 12/06/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – June 5-11, 2026
- 05/06/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – May 29-June 4, 2026
- 29/05/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali Digest – May 21-28, 2026
- 22/05/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – May 15-21, 2026
A significant new international cooperation agreement has been concluded for Rabitabank during the Private Sector Forum (PSF 2026), organized within the framework of the 51st Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, held in Baku from 16 to 19 June under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty has called on the Georgian authorities to ensure accountability for law enforcement officers over allegations of excessive force during protests and to repeal or substantially amend legislation that, in his view, restricts freedom of assembly, association and expression.
In a report published following his visit to Georgia in April, the commissioner said that recommendations issued by the European Union in March 2025 remain relevant and require implementation.
What the memorandum says
- O’Flaherty again stresses the need for effective investigations into allegations of ill-treatment and excessive use of force by law enforcement officers. He says the authorities must fully examine the responsibility of both direct perpetrators and senior officials, while also providing appropriate reparations to victims.
- The commissioner calls on the authorities to require all law enforcement officers to wear clearly visible and individually identifiable personal identification numbers. He also recommends expanding investigations to cover all credible allegations of ill-treatment recorded during protests in March 2023, spring 2024, and the period from November 2024 to early 2025.
- The memorandum pays particular attention to the use of water cannons containing chemical agents against protesters. The commissioner calls for independent, transparent and thorough investigations into these incidents in line with relevant UN international standards and urges the authorities to make the findings public.
- The document also emphasises the need for the full implementation of judgments by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), including rulings concerning ill-treatment by law enforcement officers and violations of freedom of assembly.
- Beyond the March recommendations, the commissioner expresses concern about legislative changes adopted during 2025. In his view, amendments to the Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations, the Code of Administrative Offences and the Criminal Code require review, repeal or substantial revision in order to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights.
- O’Flaherty argues that the right to spontaneous assemblies must be protected and that authorities should remove general restrictions on peaceful protest. He also says that deprivation of liberty in the context of public assemblies should remain a measure of last resort and follow an individual assessment in each case.
- The commissioner further calls on the authorities to promptly implement European Court of Human Rights judgments concerning violations of the right to peaceful assembly and cases of ill-treatment by law enforcement officers. He urges the government to strengthen safeguards against arbitrary detention and ensure effective accountability for unlawful policing practices.
- The memorandum also highlights investigations and criminal proceedings launched against civil society organisations. The commissioner calls on the authorities to halt such actions, restore organisations’ access to their bank accounts and repeal legislative amendments relating to grants, broadcasting and other relevant laws.
- In the concluding section of the document, the commissioner urges the authorities to refrain from taking any measures that arbitrarily restrict democratic freedoms, political pluralism or citizens’ participation in public life.
Response from the Georgian authorities
The Georgian authorities reject Michael O’Flaherty’s criticism and maintain that all legislative changes adopted in recent years fully comply with both Georgia’s Constitution and European human rights standards.
According to Archil Gorduladze, chairman of parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee, O’Flaherty’s assessments “lack a legal basis and are political in nature”. He argues that the commissioner’s report does not provide specific legal arguments demonstrating that Georgian legislation violates human rights standards.
Gorduladze also referred to O’Flaherty’s previous calls to repeal the Law on Family Values and the Protection of Minors. He said the commissioner supports policies opposed by Georgia’s ruling team. For that reason, he added, the authorities do not consider O’Flaherty’s current criticism credible.
“Michael O’Flaherty demanded that LGBT propaganda be allowed in schools and kindergartens and that the ban on incest be abolished. His criticism has no legal basis. Our laws comply with the European Convention on Human Rights,” Gorduladze said.
Council of Europe Commissioner’s report on Georgia