News

Russian political strategist Ivan Revu has been charged with administrative violations of election campaigning rules and the deliberate destruction of competitors' posters, the Abkhazian Prosecutor's Office reported.

South Ossetian activist Tamara Mearakishvili has been unable to obtain a new passport for over a year, preventing her from traveling even within the republic or finding employment. She believes the authorities' actions are linked to her critical comments on social media.

According to amendments to the Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations adopted by the Georgian Parliament, restrictions previously imposed on holding rallies on roads now also apply to sidewalks and pedestrian streets. To hold a march, a notification must be submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and violations are punishable by arrest.

Kizlyar City Council deputies elected Ivan Lazurkov, who previously served in the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs for Stavropol, as mayor. The candidacy of Alexander Shuvalov, who led the city for 10 years, was not considered.

Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova called the criticism of Akhmat commander Apti Alaudinov undeserved.

The restrictions on spontaneous protests proposed by the ruling party contradict the Georgian Constitution and make public gatherings without police approval a crime.

A Baku court has begun hearing the case of France-based editor-in-chief of the Azadliq newspaper, Ganimat Zahid. The journalist denied the charge of inciting violence against the state, calling the criminal case persecution for his work.

A million rubles was awarded to the soldier who shot down a drone over Chechnya on December 9, according to the republic's head, Ramzan Kadyrov.

A video of destruction inside the Yerits Mankants Monastery has been published on Azerbaijani social media. Satellite images also show the destruction of the Holy Savior Monastery, both dating back to the 17th century. Historians have called on the international community to respond to the destruction of Armenian monuments in Karabakh.

Demonstrators gathered outside the Georgian parliament on the 377th day of continuous protests and marched through central Tbilisi, calling on citizens to join the protests. 

Two residents of Ingushetia have been accused of armed attacks on police officers, which resulted in the death of three security officers and the wounding of twelve.

The actions of armed special forces soldiers in tinted cars during roadside raids in Chechnya create constant tension and once again remind residents of the double standards in place in the republic, human rights activists noted. 

Lawyer, human rights activist, and former attorney Namizad Safarov, known for his civic activism, has been detained in Azerbaijan. Pro-government media have named Safarov as a fraud suspect.

Security forces shot down two drones in Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov reported, and published a video of the drone's destruction over the Grozny region.

Two downed drones were found in the Malgobek District; no injuries were reported. The number of airports closed today in the North Caucasus Federal District due to flight safety concerns has risen to four.

A Baku court remanded in custody Mammad Ibrahim, a member of the Popular Front Party's presidium, who, along with party leader Ali Karimli, is accused of attempting to overthrow the government. Police dispersed the crowd gathered outside the courthouse, and opposition members called for an end to the repression.

During a court hearing in Baku, the condition of arrested Toplum TV founder Alesker Mammadli worsened and he requires hospital treatment. A doctor was called to the courtroom.

Azerbaijani citizens recognized as victims in a war crimes case testified in court about the shelling of Lachin by Armenian units. Lachin came under Baku's control even before defendant Ruben Vardanyan became a Karabakh official.

The High Qualification Collegium of Judges has authorized the initiation of criminal cases against four more judges from Rostov-on-Don, who, according to investigators, were part of a criminal group led by former chairperson of the Sovetsky District Court, Elena Kobleva.

Amendments to the Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations, prepared by the Georgian Dream party, are aimed at banning spontaneous protests near government buildings.