Azerbaijani political prisoner released from prison

Aziz Orujov, head of the Azerbaijani online television channel Kanal-13, was released after two years in prison on charges of illegal construction. Orujov, who denies his guilt, has been recognized by human rights activists as a political prisoner.

His health has seriously deteriorated during his time in prison, and he will require treatment and rehabilitation to return to work. Initially, in November 2023, Orujov was accused of currency smuggling (along with Kanal-13 employee Shamo Eminov), but this charge was subsequently dropped.

Reporters Without Borders has repeatedly drawn attention to the "widespread crackdown on the independent press" in Azerbaijan. Baku ranks 167th in RSF's latest press freedom index, having fallen three places in the past year. RSF noted that the inability to finance independent publications in Azerbaijan has led them to either close or go into exile. Journalists who criticize the country's authorities and expose high-level corruption are subject to criminal prosecution on trumped-up charges of foreign currency smuggling and other offenses.

Последние новости
The Georgian opposition accused the prime minister of working for Russia's interests amid a dispute with the EU
Politics
The Georgian opposition accused the prime minister of working for Russia's interests amid a dispute with the EU
23 April 2026

Grigol Gegelia, a member of the opposition party "Lelo – Strong Georgia," sharply criticized Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze following his statement about the possible "summoning" of the EU ambassador.

Former Georgian Defense Minister Sentenced to 10 Years
Politics
Former Georgian Defense Minister Sentenced to 10 Years
23 April 2026

The Tbilisi City Court found former Georgian Defense Minister Juansher Burchuladze guilty of abuse of office and money laundering and sentenced him to 10 years in prison. He was also ordered to forfeit his property—a plot of land and a house in Spain, as well as a house and parking space in the village of Tskneti. Upon his release, he will be banned from holding public office for two years.

Two Armenian opposition parties have submitted their applications for participation in the parliamentary elections
Politics
Two Armenian opposition parties have submitted their applications for participation in the parliamentary elections
23 April 2026

With the parliamentary elections in Armenia scheduled for June 7 approaching, opposition forces are deciding whether to participate. Two parties – Strong Armenia and Wings of Unity – have officially submitted their applications to the Central Election Commission.

The EU Ambassador to Georgia criticized the country's authorities for backsliding on European values
Politics
The EU Ambassador to Georgia criticized the country's authorities for backsliding on European values
23 April 2026

Speaking at the "Georgia in Focus" photography exhibition in Brussels, the EU Ambassador to Georgia, Pavel Gerchinsky, reiterated his concern about the country's European course. He stated that Georgia "stands at a crossroads," and decisions made in the coming weeks and months will determine its future: whether it will become part of the European family based on democracy and human rights or "return to its dark past."