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A Formula TV journalist has been arrested in Georgia; NGOs are reporting pressure on media outlets
Human rights
A Formula TV journalist has been arrested in Georgia; NGOs are reporting pressure on media outlets
20 October 2025

Formula TV presenter Vakho Sanaia, one of 14 people detained for blocking a road and wearing masks during a rally on October 18, has been sentenced to six days in jail. The Tbilisi City Court found him guilty of an administrative offense.

Four Crimean Tatar women arrested for two months
Human rights
Four Crimean Tatar women arrested for two months
17 October 2025

The Kyiv District Court of Simferopol remanded four Crimean Tatar women: Esma Nimetulayeva, Elviza Aliyeva, Nasiba Saidova, and Fevziye Osmanova, in pretrial detention for two months. The hearing was held behind closed doors, with limited access for support.

A defendant in the case of his involvement in the attack on Pskov paratroopers in Chechnya received a lengthy prison sentence
Human rights
A defendant in the case of his involvement in the attack on Pskov paratroopers in Chechnya received a lengthy prison sentence
17 October 2025

The Southern District Military Court found Islam Batsiev, a native of Dagestan, guilty of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer (Article 317 of the Russian Criminal Code) for participating in the attack on Pskov paratroopers as part of Basayev and Khattab's field detachment. Batsiev was sentenced to 21 years in a maximum-security penal colony.

Kavelashvili Signs Law Tightening Penalties for Violations at Demonstrations
Human rights
Kavelashvili Signs Law Tightening Penalties for Violations at Demonstrations
17 October 2025

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili, whose legitimacy is disputed by the opposition and a significant portion of civil society, has signed a bill toughening penalties for violations related to assemblies and demonstrations. The document amends the Code of Administrative Offenses and the Criminal Code of Georgia.

For the first time, criminal cases have been opened against Crimean Tatar women for participating in an Islamic party
Human rights
For the first time, criminal cases have been opened against Crimean Tatar women for participating in an Islamic party
16 October 2025

In Crimea, Esma Nimetulayeva, Nasiba Saidova, Elviza Aliyev, and Fevziye Osmanova were detained following searches in the Bakhchisaray and Sevastopol districts. They are charged with organizing and participating in terrorist activity due to their alleged affiliation with the Islamic political party Hizb ut-Tahrir, which is banned in Russia.

Afgan Mukhtarli:
Human rights
Afgan Mukhtarli: "Ilham Arrested His Next Slave"
15 October 2025

Azerbaijani opposition journalist Afgan Mukhtarli commented on the house arrest and criminal prosecution of former head of the presidential administration Ramiz Mehdiyev, calling it logical and symbolic.

Russia does not intend to pay compensation to Georgian citizens affected by the conflict
Human rights
Russia does not intend to pay compensation to Georgian citizens affected by the conflict
15 October 2025

Russia does not intend to comply with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruling requiring Georgian citizens to pay over 250 million euros, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov stated. When asked about the possibility of improving Russian-Georgian relations if the payment were made, Peskov noted that the Kremlin views this issue as a separate matter.

After being released from prison due to illness, a Crimean Tatar political prisoner was re-arrested
Human rights
After being released from prison due to illness, a Crimean Tatar political prisoner was re-arrested
15 October 2025

Lenur Khalilov, former chairman of the independent Muslim community "Alushta," who was sentenced to 18 years in prison and released from prison in August due to health reasons, was re-arrested following requests from the prosecutor's office. This was reported by lawyer Emil Kurbedinov.

Georgian Dream Toughens Penalties for Violations at Rallies; Lawyers Warn of Risks to Democracy
Human rights
Georgian Dream Toughens Penalties for Violations at Rallies; Lawyers Warn of Risks to Democracy
14 October 2025

Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream, has prepared a package of amendments to the Administrative and Criminal Codes that will toughen penalties for illegal actions committed during assemblies and demonstrations. This was announced by the party's parliamentary leader, Irakli Kirtskhalia.

Zurabishvili welcomed Armenia's decision to release a Georgian soldier who fought for the Ukrainian Armed Forces
Human rights
Zurabishvili welcomed Armenia's decision to release a Georgian soldier who fought for the Ukrainian Armed Forces
13 October 2025

Georgia's fifth president, Salome Zurabishvili, commented on the release in Yerevan of Georgi Kinoyan, who was detained while crossing the Georgian-Armenian border.