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Two other defendants in the criminal case against journalist Abdulmumin Gadzhiev were recognized as political prisoners
Human rights
Two other defendants in the criminal case against journalist Abdulmumin Gadzhiev were recognized as political prisoners
17 May 2024

The Memorial human rights project recognized Abubakar Rizvanov, a native of Dagestan, and Kemal Tambiev from the Karachay-Cherkessia Republic as political prisoners. Their charitable activities in Dagestan were regarded as support for terrorism, and in September 2023 the men were sentenced to 18 and 17.5 years in a maximum security colony, respectively.

Reporters Without Borders is concerned about violence against Georgian journalists by security forces
Society
Reporters Without Borders is concerned about violence against Georgian journalists by security forces
17 May 2024

During long protests in Tbilisi against the government's adoption of a law on foreign agents, the police actively used violence not only against protesters, but also against journalists. This was stated by the international organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

In Azerbaijan, an oppositionist and a journalist continue their hunger strike in custody
Human rights
In Azerbaijan, an oppositionist and a journalist continue their hunger strike in custody
17 May 2024

Elkhan Aliyev, a member of the opposition Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, is holding a dry hunger strike in prison, demanding an end to his criminal prosecution. According to his wife, the man is receiving death threats on behalf of the prison management.

The Crimean Tatar community was fined for possessing prohibited literature
Society
The Crimean Tatar community was fined for possessing prohibited literature
17 May 2024

The Supreme Court of Crimea approved a fine of 100 thousand rubles to the independent Muslim community “Eski Kyrym” for storing literature in the Az-Zubeir mosque.

Armenia has denied claims by Russian authorities about a request to protect the border with other countries
Politics
Armenia has denied claims by Russian authorities about a request to protect the border with other countries
17 May 2024

Yerevan did not ask Moscow to leave Russian border guards on the border with Turkey and Iran, as Russian officials previously stated. This was announced by the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan.

A native of Chechnya again complained of threats and torture from security forces
Human rights
A native of Chechnya again complained of threats and torture from security forces
16 May 2024

The court in Grozny refused to consider Mehidi Timerbulatov’s complaint about the inaction of the prosecutor’s office regarding the use of unauthorized methods of inquiry and investigation by employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. After the appeal, the complaint was returned for reconsideration for the 80th time.

Azerbaijan calls on France to stop blaming protests in New Caledonia
Politics
Azerbaijan calls on France to stop blaming protests in New Caledonia
16 May 2024

The Azerbaijani government completely rejects another statement by French Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin about alleged ties between Baku and the New Caledonian independence movement. This was stated by the representative of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, Hajizade.

16 countries and 120 non-governmental organizations protested to the Georgian authorities against the establishment of “Putin’s rules”
Politics
16 countries and 120 non-governmental organizations protested to the Georgian authorities against the establishment of “Putin’s rules”
16 May 2024

The adoption by the ruling party of Georgia of the law on foreign agents is an attempt to establish Putin’s rules and a betrayal of ancestors and compatriots who fought and are fighting against the “Russification” of Georgia. This was stated in a joint statement of 120 non-governmental organizations in the country.

Crimean Tatar lawyer fined for post about calling students to military registration and enlistment offices
Human rights
Crimean Tatar lawyer fined for post about calling students to military registration and enlistment offices
16 May 2024

The magistrate's court in Simferopol fined lawyer Emil Kurbedinov 30 thousand rubles because of a post about mobilization. He is known for defending Crimean Tatar activists and political prisoners in courts.

Protesters are detained again in Armenia
Society
Protesters are detained again in Armenia
16 May 2024

Another protest action against the demarcation and delimitation of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is taking place in Yerevan. Three participants were detained on Republic Square.